How to Spend a Weekend in Mexico City
Wondering how to spend a weekend in Mexico City? If you want to make the most out of your time in the city in a short time, here’s my ultimate local’s guide!
I was born in Mexico City, but for most of my life, I experienced it like a distant relative, someone I loved instinctively but didn’t fully know. I grew up elsewhere, traveled the world, and lived in cities that pride themselves on culture, cuisine, and character.
And yet, in 2020, when the world slowed down, and I found myself back here for more than just a visit, I fell in love with Mexico City in a way that felt inevitable. This isn’t a city that reveals itself all at once. It’s layered, chaotic, poetic, loud, intellectual, and sensual all at once.
It’s ancient and futuristic at the same time. So if you only have a weekend here, I don’t want to overwhelm you with a checklist of 50 attractions. Instead, I want to share how I would spend a weekend in Mexico City moving slowly, eating well, wandering intentionally, and leaving space for surprise.
Side Note! This post was written by Dani, a former local of Mexico City. This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate weekend guide! Learn more about Dani in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
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Table of Contents
Is a Weekend in Mexico City Enough?
I’ll be honest: one weekend in Mexico City will barely scratch the surface. You could spend weeks here and still not see it all (I’ve lived here 6 years already and still have so much on my bucket list!). But that’s exactly why I designed this itinerary the way I did.
It’s structured to help you experience as much as possible in a short amount of time without feeling rushed or spending half your trip stuck in traffic. By grouping neighborhoods strategically and balancing iconic landmarks with more personal, under-the-radar spots, you get a layered introduction to the city and its history, its food, and its contemporary art scene.
Think of this as a thoughtfully curated first taste. Enough to understand the city’s depth, and just enough to make you want to come back for more.
How to Make the Most Out of a Weekend in Mexico City
One important thing to understand about Mexico City is that it’s absolutely enormous.
This isn’t a compact, walk-everywhere capital. You’re dealing with one of the largest cities in the world. Distances that look short on a map can easily turn into long drives depending on traffic and time of day.
Luckily, since you’re visiting Mexico City for the weekend, traffic will be more mellow than it would be during the weekdays! Still, Saturdays do experience traffic at times, and while Sundays tend to be easy going, lots of big avenues (like Reforma) close for cars a big chunk of the day for cyclists and skaters to enjoy.
That’s exactly why I divided this guide by neighborhoods and grouped places that are close to one another. If you try to bounce from Coyoacán to Polanco to Roma to Centro all in a single afternoon, you’ll spend more time in a car than actually experiencing the city.
The key to making the most out of a weekend in Mexico City is to move intentionally and explore one area at a time, soak it in, and let each neighborhood reveal its own personality without rushing across town.
How to Spend a Weekend in Mexico City
Day 1: Centro Histórico & Condesa
Morning: Bellas Artes, MUNAL & Hidden Gems
There is no better way to begin your weekend than in Centro Histórico. It’s the beating heart of Mexico City and you’ll quickly see why that is! Centro can be pretty chaotic and crowded, but it’s best to embrace that and let yourself enjoy it for what it is.
Start your morning at Café Bellas Artes, tucked inside the Palacio de Bellas Artes. I can’t stress this enough: this is one of my biggest hidden gems. I even have a friend who has lived in Centro for years and had no idea this café existed. While tourists line up outside for photos, few realize you can walk in and have a peaceful breakfast inside one of the most iconic buildings in Latin America.
The food here is comforting and beautifully done. Think chilaquiles with perfectly balanced salsa, fluffy pan dulce, rich Mexican hot chocolate, fresh fruit, and proper café de olla. It’s not pretentious. It’s just good. And there’s something surreal about sipping coffee inside a marble palace before the crowds swell.
After breakfast, take time to properly explore Palacio de Bellas Artes. The murals inside (Diego Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco) are monumental not just in size, but in what they represent politically and artistically.
From there, walk to the Palacio Postal. Even if you don’t need to mail anything, go inside. It’s one of the most stunning buildings in the city- an opulent mix of Art Nouveau and Spanish Renaissance. Golden staircases, intricate ironwork, soaring ceilings. It feels like stepping into a European palace, except it’s very much ours.
Then head over to MUNAL (Museo Nacional de Arte), one of my favorite museums in the city. The building alone is reason enough to visit, but the exhibitions are consistently thoughtful and well-curated. Right now, there’s an exhibition I absolutely love called Bajo el Signo de Saturno, which delves into esotericism, astrology, tarot, and spiritualism.
It also features an original statueby Leonora Carrington. She’s one of the most underrated artists connected to Mexico: her surrealism, her mysticism, her rebellious spirit. It’s a great introduction to Mexican artists that aren’t as well known as Frida Kahlo!
Book a tour of MUNAL with a private guide HERE!
Lunch: Taco Tasting Room
By now, you’ll be hungry. And instead of sending you to the obvious taco spots (which *are* wonderful, by the way), I recommend heading to Taco Tasting Room (Avenida 5 de Mayo 47, Centro), one of the coolest fine dining spots in Mexico City.
This is not your typical taquería. Opened just last year by chef Pepe Salinas, Taco Tasting Room is an intimate, 14-seat, high-end omakase-style experience that completely redefines what a taco can be. Walking in here will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a contemporary interpretation of a traditional “choza” (hut). It’s minimalist and slightly laboratory-like, but still deeply rooted in Mexican identity.
It’s a journey through elevated recipes representing different states, cultures, and culinary traditions across Mexico. You might encounter ingredients like wagyu or lobster alongside traditional elements, all treated with precision and respect (plus, everything is cooked right in front of you at the bar, which makes it super interesting!)
Reservations are essential, as they operate on a seating schedule (1:30 pm, 4:30 pm, and 8:30 pm). Plan ahead. It’s absolutely worth it, and in my opinion, a must for anyone visiting Mexico City who wants to experience how far Mexican cuisine can stretch while still honoring its roots.
Late Afternoon & Evening: Condesa Comes Alive
In the late afternoon, head to La Condesa.
Specifically, walk along Avenida Amsterdam and through Parque México. Go around 5:30 or 6:00 pm, that magical hour when the light softens and the neighborhood shifts energy.
This is when Condesa truly comes alive.
You’ll see musicians playing jazz under trees. Dance lessons of all sorts taking place in the park. Dogs everywhere. Couples walking. Friends gathering. It feels cinematic, but in a grounded, everyday way.
Architecturally, this neighborhood is a feast. The Art Deco buildings, curved balconies, and geometric lines. I love it because it’s elegant without trying too hard. Even after years of living here, I still catch myself staring at façades like a tourist at times!
For dinner, you have two moods:
- Botanico (Alfonso Reyes 217, Condesa) if you’re in the mood for something refined and a bit fancy. Botanico made it to the Michelin Guide last year, and despite it being fine-dining, the atmosphere and dishes still feel relaxed. Plus, dining amid thousands of plants is a highlight for me every time!
- Baltra Bar (Iztaccihuatl 36D, Condesa) if you want cocktails and a lighter dinner. The drinks here are some of the best in the city. They’re creative, balanced, not overly sweet. Perfect if Taco Tasting Room left you pleasantly full.
Day 2: Roma Norte
Morning: Roma Norte & Breakfast Debates
Start your second day in Roma Norte.
This neighborhood has become one of the most talked-about in Mexico City, and for good reason. It’s charming, walkable, full of cafés, galleries, and beautiful old mansions.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Rosetta Bakery (Colima 167, Roma Norte). Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s often overrun by tourists. And yes, it’s still good. If it’s on your bucket list, go. Just expect a line.
That said, I personally prefer Cuina (Tabasco 46, Roma Norte) for breakfast. It feels more intimate, less chaotic. The food is seasonal, thoughtful, and rooted in Mexican flavors without being heavy. You might find dishes like soft scrambled eggs with fresh herbs and local cheese, homemade sourdough with seasonal jams, delicate pastries, or vibrant plates built around market vegetables. It’s the kind of place where you linger.
After breakfast, spend the rest of the morning walking without a strict plan.
Roma is best discovered by accident. You’ll stumble across flea markets, vintage boutiques, small concept stores, and random architectural details that stop you mid-step.
If you love contemporary art, do not miss Galería OMR (Córdoba 100, Roma Norte). It consistently showcases some of the most interesting exhibitions in town, and the majority of the artists are Mexican. It’s bold, conceptual, and often thought-provoking without being elitist.
If you’re into scent and design, step into Xinú (Córdoba 87, Roma Norte). It’s astonishing. The space itself feels like you’ve walked into a botanical wonderland. Their fragrances are made in Mexico using native botanicals, and the experience of smelling them feels almost ceremonial.
Midday Choice: Polanco or Coyoacán
At this point in the weekend, you have a choice. And honestly, it depends on your mood.
Option 1: Polanco & Chapultepec
If you’re craving grand museums and sweeping views, head toward Polanco and Bosque de Chapultepec.
If you’re hungry, stop by Cafebrería El Péndulo (Alejandro Dumas 81, Polanco), the beloved bookstore-café hybrid. Browse the shelves, grab a coffee, maybe a light bite. It’s one of those places where time slows down. Plants cascade from the ceiling, books line every wall, and conversations hum in the background. Even if you don’t buy anything, sitting there with a coffee and flipping through a book feels like participating in the city’s intellectual pulse.
Next, let’s head over to Castillo de Chapultepec. I’ve visited many castles in Europe and yet, this one always moves me in a different way. It sits atop Chapultepec Hill, offering panoramic views over Mexico City that feel almost surreal given the scale of this metropolis.
From there, you’re within reach of some of the city’s best museums.
The Museo Nacional de Antropología is, quite simply, one of the most important museums in the world. Even if you’re not a museum person, go. The Aztec Sun Stone alone is worth it. But beyond that, it provides real, grounded context for everything you’ve been seeing and feeling in the city.
If contemporary art is more your rhythm, visit Museo Jumex and Museo Soumaya. Jumex consistently curates sharp, globally relevant exhibitions. Soumaya, with its striking silver exterior, houses an eclectic collection ranging from European masters to Mexican modernists. The architecture itself is worth experiencing.
Option 2: Coyoacán
If instead you’re craving something more intimate and colorful, head south to Coyoacán.
Cobblestone streets, vibrant façades, tree-lined plazas. It feels almost like a small town within the city. You can wander the markets, sit in the main square with a coffee or a nieve (water-based ice cream), and do some people-watching.
Of course, there’s the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). It’s popular for a reason. If you go, book in advance. But even beyond Frida, Coyoacán’s charm is in its pace. It invites you to slow down.
Either option is a beautiful way to spend your afternoon. Mexico City contains multitudes; you just have to decide which version you want that day. Polanco is more modern, while Coyoacan feels like taking a step back in time.
Farewell Dinner: A Final Night in Centro
For your final evening, I suggest returning to Centro Histórico, there’s something poetic about ending where you began.
Stay (or at least visit) Zócalo Central Hotel. Even if you don’t sleep there, go up to the sixth floor for dinner at Balcón del Zócalo (Avenida 6 de Mayo 61, Centro).
This is where I always take friends who are visiting for the first time.
The view alone is unforgettable: it overlooks the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio Nacional. At sunset, as the sky shifts from pink to deep indigo and the giant Mexican flag moves with the wind, it feels cinematic in the best way.
But what truly makes this place special is the food.
I’ve tried the last six tasting menus, and they have never disappointed. They’re not just about flavor, they’re about ideas. The chefs tackle themes that are often political and controversial: women’s rights, censorship in Mexico, water scarcity, and social inequality. Each course becomes part of a narrative, and you’re guaranteed an interesting conversation with your friends.
Fun fact: I once had an orange dessert filled with hibiscus sauce called “Orange Trump.” (yes, the orange was supposed to be Donald Trump!). It was delicious, controversial, and fun all at the same time.
Where to Stay During a Weekend in Mexico City
If you want to be in the center of it all, I highly recommend Zócalo Central Hotel. The location is unbeatable because you can walk to Bellas Artes, MUNAL, the Cathedral, and countless hidden gems.
If you prefer something quieter, Polanco, Roma or Condesa offer beautiful boutique hotels too. Top recommendations are the JW Marriott, Sofitel, and The Mondrian Condesa if you want to stay in either of these neighborhoods. But for a first weekend? Centro places you directly in the story.
Practical Tips for Visiting Mexico City
Best Time to Visit
Mexico City has pretty nice weather year-round, but my favorite months for visiting are March to May. The jacarandas bloom, painting the city purple. The weather is warm but not overwhelmingly hot (sometimes we do get a couple of heatwaves, though!).
Avoid peak rainy season (June–September), though even then, the rain usually comes in dramatic, short bursts during the afternoons.
Another of my favorite seasons is October through November, the rainy season should be over (I say should because sometimes the wet season runs a little longer, but if there’s any rain left, it should be minimal) and Day of the Dead becomes the center of all cultural activities.
Getting Around
- Uber is affordable and reliable, it’s a great way to move around Mexico City for the weekend.
- Walking is one of the best ways to experience Roma, Condesa, and Centro.
- The Metro and metrobus (tram) are efficient but can be crowded during rush hour. For a weekend in Mexico City, though, it should be fine! Metro rides cost 7 pesos (40 cents in USD).
Tip: Traffic is real. Always, always allow extra time. I’m extremely punctual, and my rule of thumb is to add at least a buffer to whatever Google Maps estimates. For example, if it says it will take 15 minutes to get from A to B, I plan for at least 20. If it says 30 minutes, I give myself closer to 40. In this city, it’s always better to arrive early than to underestimate traffic.
Safety in Mexico City
I get asked a lot if Mexico City is safe, and my answer is always yes! Like any major city in the world, staying aware is key. Use common sense, keep an eye on your belongings, and stick to well‑trafficked areas at night. Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and the main areas of Centro Histórico are generally safe and lively well into the evening (Centro, especially the area around Bellas Artes, can be a pickpocketing hub, though, so just make sure you have eyes on your stuff all the time).
I’ve lived here for a long time now and, personally, I’ve never had any issues, even walking at night as a young woman.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should be careless, but it does mean that the narrative around safety is often more dramatic than the everyday reality. I’ve also met countless travelers—solo travelers included, who tell me the same thing: they felt comfortable, welcomed, and surprised by how normal and safe daily life feels here.
Mexico City is a global metropolis. Approach it the way you would New York, Paris, or London: aware, but not afraid.
Weekend in Mexico City Recap & Map
As you can see, this weekend guide to Mexico City goes beyond the guidebooks and is truly a local’s guide to experiencing the city intentionally. Here’s a map of the weekend’s stops to help in your planning.
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