A Perfect Week in Condesa & Roma Norte
This guide will focus mostly on Condesa and Roma, as those are the best places to stay as a visitor (IMO). As you're walking around these lovely neighborhoods, you'll stumble upon markets, music, and cute little stores — that's why this is a loose itinerary with lots of room for spontaneity.
Monday: Ready for your first taco?
You've made it, yay! You're probably a little jetlagged, so let's ease into the day and start with a sunny walk and a hearty breakfast.
🚶♀️ Avenida de Amsterdam
My absolute favorite thing to do is to have a morning walk along Avenida de Amsterdam. There are trees, dogs, dreamy apartments, and many cute cafes along the way. Start wherever, the street is one big loop.
🍳 Gigi Delicatessen
For breakfast, let's go to Gigi. With its big window, it's great for people-watching. I love the scrambled eggs with asparagus and Gruyere. You get lots of cheese, which is a sure way to make a Dutchie happy. There are European and local options (chilaquiles, anyone?).
Alternative nearby options: Frëims or Volador Café.
👀 People-watch at Parque México
Let's continue with a short walk to my favorite park. Parque de Mexico is worth multiple visits, as there's always something going on. On weekends, there are puppies and kittens to admire and adopt. During the evenings, you've got free salsa classes and lots of live music. And in the mornings, you can join the upbeat dance classes by Ethnofit. They're super fun!
✨ https://instagram.com/ethnofit (donation-based)
✨ https://ismmexico.space/free-trial (100-150 pesos per class)
✨ https://kentaroyoneda.com/salsa-bachata (100-150 pesos per class)
🌮 Street tacos galore
Let's get some more food in your belly. Walk over to the street pinned below, and you'll find many different tacos and flautas stands. My favorite spot is the one that says "Ricos tacos", has the pastor meat roasting, and sells 5 tacos for 40 pesos. (which, isn't the place below but you'll see it)
🍰 Afternoon cake and wine
After tacos, you're right by Plaza Rio de Janeiro — which is beautiful. Shall we have a quick stroll? Around this fountain park, there are a ton of cute cafes and restaurants that you'll want to save on your Maps. One of my favorites is Cafe Trucha. They've got a great selection of cakes, wine, and lunch meals. Their olive oil cake is one you'll dream about months (no, years) later. It is often sold out, so fingers crossed. 🤞
If you're in the mood for something more local, head over to Calle de Durango to taste my favorite esquites. The corn is big and so tasty!
🎧 Choza Mondays
Let's get the night started and head over to Choza for their listening room on Mondays. They open at 7 PM and it fills up quickly, so it's best to get there at 7 on the dot to avoid waiting in line. If you've got sensitive ears, it's a good idea to bring earplugs. The music on the first level can get pretty loud. Enjoy food, drinks, great tunes, and a lively crowd!
✨ https://instagram.com/choza_cdmx
Tuesday: Frida and Martinis, baby!
After a good night's sleep, let's pack this day with some more action.
☕ Fresh pastries and coffee
We're kicking off with a walk to Saint Bakery. They have ALL the pastries, sell sandwiches, and offer homebaked bread for takeaway. I love their Danish con Fresa. Also, around the corner they sell fresh fruit juices (Google Loncheria Lima Limon).
👩🎨 Casa Azul
Grab your Uber app and type in Frida Kahlo museum. Buy tickets in advance and make sure to go early so you're not waiting in line. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
✨ https://www.boletosfridakahlo.org
🪅 Souvenir shopping
You can't leave Mexico without a little souvenir! Do explore Coyoacan before heading back, it's beautiful. From the Frida museum, you can walk over to the Mercado for food, flowers and shopping.
🍕 Pizza time
Once you're back in Condesa, I'll take you to my favorite pizza spot: Dr. Pizza. Their Condesa location is cute and romantic, perfect for a date night. Need help picking a pizza? My two favorites are Dr. Manhattan (with hot honey) and Dr. Zap with ricotta and flor de calabasa.
🍸 And finally, the BEST martinis!
Every Tuesday, Baltra Bar hosts Martini Tuesdays where all their classic dry martinis are 100 pesos. It's such a good deal and always busy. The martinis come with big, green, buttery olives on the side. Make a reservation via Opentable a few days before, it's too busy for walk-ins.
✨ https://www.opentable.com/r/baltra-bar-ciudad-de-mexico
Wednesday: Views from the top
Put your walking shoes on, we're going to spend the day outdoors!
🥞 A hipstery breakfast
Rise and shine! Today, we're about to get active. First, let's go to Lardo — a restaurant serving European-style brunch food. It's a tourist favorite, so go early or make a reservation upfront.
✨ https://www.opentable.com.mx/r/lardo-ciudad-de-mexico
🏰 A view from the castle
Time to get some steps in. Let's walk over to Chapultepec Park, we're going to visit the castle. Tickets may run out, that's why it's best to plan this in your AM. They're available at the castle entrance and there's no need to buy them ahead. The castle is beautiful from the inside, the gardens are well-kept, and the view over CDMX is awesome too!
🍣 More views, but even higher this time
So, this place is a bit of a splurge but worth it! I love reserving a table at Ling Ling for sunset and if you're lucky, you get seated on the balcony. This sushi restaurant offers a splendid view. Try their spicy salmon roll!
✨ https://www.opentable.com/r/ling-ling-mexico-ciudad-de-mexico
🥃 Cocktails that'll leave an impression
Since we're already in Reforma, let's take a 20-minute walk over to Handshake Speakeasy. It's best to reserve ahead. This beautifully decorated speakeasy offers great service, creative cocktails, and ALL the vibes. Take the Banana Split for a chocolate surprise and the Negroni (below) if you want to taste a truly excellent twist. Fun fact: The head bartender is Dutch, like me. And he's so fun!
✨ https://www.opentable.com/r/handshake-speakeasy-juarez
Thursday: Art and bites
Today is all about surprising your senses with art, tunes, and tastes.
☕ Libertario Coffee Roasters
There are a ton of cute cafés around this area of Roma Norte, but this place stood out to me because it's A) my fav place to work and B) the waiters are SO friendly. Like, exceptionally nice. And that matters, a lot!
🖼️ Museo Nacional de Antropología
Arguably the best museum in the… idk, but it's high up there. The anthropology museum is a must-see during your Mexico trip. Expect to spend a few hours to take everything in, so arrive in the AM. You can get tickets at the museum.
🌮 A surprise-tasting lunch
Two things are true about Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre: 1) it's always full and 2) it's always great. This street-facing, open-kitchen restaurant serves surprise plates until you say "Basta!" Arrive in the afternoon (they close around six), put your name on the list, and grab a drink next door until your table is ready.
🍨 I scream, you scream!
Idk about you, but there is ALWAYS room for ice cream. Especially Helado Bonito. Their flavors are so yummy, I truly believe any and all are great.
🎷 Live music at Jazzatlan
Go before 8 PM to catch the free session, or check their Instagram to see what's going on that night. Jazzatlan is always delivering with great artists. They serve food and drinks.
✨ https://www.instagram.com/jazzatlan
Friday: Let's get ready to rumble
Of course, a Mexican wrestling match cannot be missed on your trip.
☕ Coffee tasting with a national judge
Set your alarm because we're going coffee tasting. This Airbnb experience is ridiculously well-rated and for a reason. From 9 to 10:30 AM, you'll learn all about coffee and make new friends.
✨ https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/100349
🌮 Tacos for lunch
Taqueria Orinoco is a chain with various locations, and in the evening you'll always see a line. Their tacos are pretty awesome and what makes Orinoco special is their abundance of sauces. Order (at least) three tacos and you'll get a free side of baked/smashed potatoes.
💆♀️ Relax and recharge with a massage
Mexico isn't a place that's necessarily known for its massages, but this gem is definitely worth a visit. Contact them beforehand to reserve your spot and enjoy a 90-minute, private massage that'll bring you back to life!
🥊 The La Lucha Libre experience begins
Lights, camera, action! This theatrical, over-the-top show is such a joy to watch. Make sure to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster so you're not overpaying. They should run between 10-30 US dollars, depending on your seat. Make sure to watch the show at Arena México (Fridays), as it's walkable from Roma Norte. Grab a mask outside beforehand and compare prices with different vendors, they vary from 100 to 500 pesos.
✨ https://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/arena-mexico-tickets-mexico/venue/164115
🥃 Fri-yay drinks!
If you've still got energy after the wrestling match and want to continue being out and about, try my favorite bar: Tlecan! It's a mezcal cave that's always lively — a great spot to meet new people and drink excellent mezcal negronis.
Alternative bars: Café Nadie and Supra Roma Rooftop.
Saturday: Xochimilcoooo
It's a whole-day affair but truly fun, so let's add it to this guide.
🛶 Mariachi, boats and day-drinking
Grab an Uber there yourself and get a boat on the spot, or join a tour (the latter might be more fun if it's just you or the two of you). This is truly an experience! Expect mariachis, families, people playing their own playlists, bachelor(ette) parties day drinking, and everyone having a blast!
🍔 Dine in a lively spot
If you've still got energy from your eventful day, head over to Traspatio. This cozy indoor/outdoor spot is always lively and offers a variety of food. I love their tostadas de atun paired with a Cosaco Roja beer, which is a Belgian-inspired brew. They also do great cocktails.
🍹 Grab a cocktail at Meroma
Right around the corner from Traspatio, you'll find Meroma — which is one of the many hotspots in this gorgeous street (people love Blanco Colima and Rosetta too). Meroma is small, cute, and always a good time.
🕺 Dance the night away
A staple in CDMX. If you want to dance, try Departamento on weekends or Tuesdays. They have a rooftop that closes before midnight, and then the party continues on the level below. There's a cover fee of around 150 pesos on most nights.
Sunday: Bike rides and sightseeing
Sundays are my favorite days in CDMX, let's have some fun!
🥐 Start the day with a sunny breakfast
🚴♀️ Bike from Reforma to the historic center
Note: Make sure to swap your bike every 45 minutes so you're not charged for each additional minute. There's a 2-minute wait after you dock your bike.
✨ Have a Sunday Funday
In the mood for some more dancing? Check out Sunday Sunday, which is a rooftop party in the historic center, which starts in the afternoon and runs until midnight.
And that's a wrap
I've packed as many spots in this guide as possible, but I've got so much more to tell you about Mexico City! Feel free to reach out for more tips and if you liked this guide, there's a tip button at the bottom *wink wink*.
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