Mexico City (CDMX) rises from the ancient lakebed of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital conquered in 1521. Today it’s a metropolis of art, food, and history layered together—cathedrals over temples, skyscrapers beside belle époque palaces, and murals that still argue in color. With more than 150 museums, boulevards shaded by jacarandas, and cuisine that spans markets to Michelin-level dining, CDMX rewards curiosity.

Highlights cluster across distinct neighborhoods: the grand Zócalo and Templo Mayor ruins in the Centro Histórico; leafy Roma and Condesa with cafes and cocktail bars; Coyoacán with the Frida Kahlo Museum; and Chapultepec’s castle and the acclaimed National Museum of Anthropology. From tacos al pastor to fine-dining icons, from lucha libre to rooftop sunsets, the city is both playful and profound.

Practical notes: CDMX sits at ~2,240 m/7,350 ft—hydrate and take it easy on day one. Tap water isn’t potable; use bottled or filtered. Uber/DiDi are reliable; the Metro is fast and inexpensive (about 6–7 MXN per ride). Many museums close on Mondays. Nov–Apr is the driest season; May–Oct brings afternoon showers. Keep phones and bags secure in crowds and use official taxis or rideshares from airports.

Mexico City (CDMX)

Once the heart of the Aztec world, the Centro Histórico is now a UNESCO-listed grid of colonial facades, art nouveau gems, and modernist landmarks. A short ride away, the bohemian streets of Roma–Condesa are made for cafe-hopping and late dinners. South, Coyoacán moves at a village pace, where Casa Azul preserves Frida’s colors and contradictions.

Top sights include the Zócalo, Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Torre Latinoamericana’s panoramic deck, Chapultepec Castle, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Food lovers should prioritize tacos al pastor, seafood at Contramar, pastries from Panadería Rosetta, and classic breakfasts at El Cardenal.

• Fun fact: In 1978, electrical workers accidentally struck the Aztec monolith of Coyolxauhqui—kickstarting the excavation of Templo Mayor beneath the colonial city.
• Signature experiences: Lucha libre at Arena México (select nights), churros at El Moro (since 1935), and mural-hunting Diego Rivera pieces across the historic center.

Where to Stay (book with these partners and choose neighborhoods that fit your style):

• Polanco: Upmarket, near museums and parks. Consider Hyatt Regency Polanco or W Mexico City for amenities, or boutique stays on tree-lined streets.
• Roma & Condesa: Leafy, walkable, cafe-rich. Options include Andaz Condesa, Brick Hotel Roma, Casa Decu, and Nima Local House for intimate charm.
• Centro Histórico & Reforma: Historic grandeur and easy sightseeing. Look at Gran Hotel Ciudad de México (stained-glass lobby), Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, Hilton Mexico City Reforma, or Umbral (Curio Collection).
• Apartments: For space and local feel, browse well-reviewed flats in Roma/Condesa/Polanco.

Search stays: VRBO Mexico City | Hotels.com Mexico City

Getting There & Around:

• Flights: Most international arrivals land at MEX (20–45 min to Roma/Condesa off-peak; 45–90+ in traffic). AIFA (NLU) serves some carriers (60–90+ min to center). Typical nonstop times: NYC ~5h, LAX ~3h40, Chicago ~4h; roundtrips often $200–$550 depending on season. Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com (flights).
• Airport to city: Authorized taxis and rideshare pick-ups are well marked; expect ~160–350 MXN to Roma/Condesa from MEX depending on traffic and time of day.
• Local transport: Metro and Metrobús are cheap and efficient; Uber/DiDi are convenient at night. Budget 80–200 MXN for typical cross-town rides.

Day 1: Centro Histórico Icons, Art Deco Glitz, and Tacos After Dark

Morning: Travel day. Aim for an early flight so you reach CDMX by early afternoon. On touchdown, grab a light bite—try a concha pastry or tamal from an airport stand—and check in to your hotel (Roma/Condesa for walkability, Centro for immediate history).

Afternoon: Start in the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest squares, framed by the Catedral Metropolitana—built with stones from Aztec temples. Step into Templo Mayor (about 95 MXN; 60–90 min) to see offerings, skull racks, and the Coyolxauhqui stone unearthed in 1978. Continue to the tiled Casa de los Azulejos for a quick peek at its Talavera facade, then stroll Alameda Central to the Palacio de Bellas Artes to admire Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco murals in the grand lobby.

For a sweet pause, order churros and thick hot chocolate at El Moro (since 1935; ~50–80 MXN). If skies are clear, ride up the Torre Latinoamericana (~200 MXN) for sweeping views—the glass-walled deck is especially photogenic at golden hour.

Evening: Make it a taco crawl. In the Centro, Tacos Los Cocuyos sizzles suadero and campechano on a tiny comal (expect lines; tacos ~25–40 MXN). In Roma/Condesa, try El Tizoncito (claims the origin of al pastor; carve-off trompo, tangy salsas) or pop to Taquería Orinoco for norteño flavors (flour tortillas, charred salsas). If you’ll venture further, El Vilsito is a nighttime auto-shop-turned-taquería that serves cult-favorite pastor.

Cap the night with a crafted cocktail: Licorería Limantour (award-winning; try the Margarita Al Pastor), Baltra (Galápagos-inspired, intimate), or reservation-only Hanky Panky (speakeasy classics). On Fridays or select Tuesdays/Sundays, consider Lucha Libre at Arena México (typically 150–800 MXN; loud, good-natured fun). Alternatively, sample pre-Hispanic pulque at Pulquería Las Duelistas—a tangy, lightly fermented tradition.

Dinner reservations (sit-down options): Contramar (afternoon seafood; tuna tostadas, pescado a la talla), Rosetta (Italian-Mexican with seasonal herbs; guava roll at sister Panadería Rosetta), or Máximo (market-driven bistro). Book ahead for prime times.

Day 2: Coyoacán & Frida, Then Roma–Condesa Strolls (Departure Day)

Morning: Early breakfast at El Cardenal (house-made conchas with clotted cream, hot chocolate; classic chilaquiles) or Lalo! (buzzy communal tables; huevos al gusto, fluffy pancakes). Ride 25–45 minutes south to Coyoacán (~120–220 MXN by Uber).

Tour the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)—book timed tickets in advance (foreign adult typically ~270–320 MXN; allow 60–90 min). Wander the cobalt courtyard, see easels, corsets, and photographs that illuminate Frida’s world with Diego Rivera. Then explore Jardín Centenario and Parroquia San Juan Bautista, pausing for excellent espresso at Café Avellaneda (tiny, serious about beans).

Afternoon: Grab lunch at Mercado de Coyoacán—the tostadas counter is a classic (try cochinita, tinga, or seafood), or sit down at Los Danzantes for Oaxacan-inspired moles and mezcal. If you prefer museums, head to Chapultepec Park (30–50 min from Coyoacán): pick the National Museum of Anthropology (allow 90–120 min; famous for the Aztec Sun Stone and Maya Room; ~95 MXN) or a swift climb to Chapultepec Castle for views over Reforma (~95 MXN; last entry mid–late afternoon). Aim to depart for the airport about 3–3.5 hours before an international flight to cushion traffic.

Evening: For late flights or an extra night, settle into Roma–Condesa. Sip a final coffee at Quentin or Buna, browse Mercado de Medellín for Latin American ingredients, and toast sunset at Cityzen (Sofitel Reforma rooftop; skyline vistas). Dine at Quintonil (produce-driven modern Mexican), Pujol (mole madre, tasting menu), or keep it casual with a cantina spread at La Polar (birria) or El Parnita (lively tacos and mezcal).

Snackables to squeeze in: Pan dulce from Panadería Rosetta (the guava roll is famous), a scoop from Helados Cometa, or a late-night churro encore at El Moro.

Notes on timing & costs: Uber cross-town rides are commonly 80–250 MXN; Metro single rides ~6–7 MXN. Typical museum entries range ~90–200 MXN, except special exhibits. Tacos run ~25–50 MXN each; cocktails at top bars ~150–280 MXN. Mondays: many museums closed. Bring a photo ID for some government buildings and to purchase certain tickets on-site.

Optional add-ons (if you extend): Float the canals on a Xochimilco trajinera (2–3 hours; hire at Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas), or take a half-day to the pyramids of Teotihuacan (45–70 min by car; allow 4–6 hours total).

Book your flights to CDMX here: Trip.com (flights) | Kiwi.com (flights). For stays, compare neighborhoods and deals: VRBO Mexico City and Hotels.com Mexico City.

Two days in CDMX is a tantalizing sampler—temples and towers, markets and mezcal, murals and modern cooking. With smart planning and a few reservations, you’ll taste the city’s creative pulse and still leave room to return for deeper dives.