Once the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City (CDMX) grew atop a lake into the largest metropolis in North America. You can still see the city’s layers—pre‑Hispanic ruins at Templo Mayor, colonial splendor around the Zócalo, and modern art and architecture from Polanco to Reforma.

CDMX is a city of neighborhoods. Spend mornings in museum halls, afternoons tasting markets, and evenings chasing tacos al pastor before a nightcap at one of the world’s best cocktail bars. Xochimilco’s UNESCO canals, Chapultepec Castle, and the Frida Kahlo Museum anchor a trip that balances history with everyday life.

Practical notes: the altitude is 2,240 m (7,350 ft), so hydrate and take it easy on day one. Museums often close Mondays. Use Uber/DiDi or the Metro/Metrobús; avoid drinking tap water; and book popular restaurants and the Frida Kahlo Museum weeks ahead.

Mexico City (CDMX)

CDMX is an art and food capital: Rivera murals, the National Museum of Anthropology’s Aztec Sun Stone, and a dining scene ranging from corner taquerías to tasting‑menu temples. Roma and Condesa are leafy and walkable; Centro Histórico brims with landmarks; Polanco hosts top restaurants and high‑end shops; Coyoacán charms with cobblestones and Casa Azul.

Where to stay: Choose Roma Norte or Condesa for café culture and nightlife; Polanco for luxury and museums; Centro for history; Coyoacán for a quieter, artistic base. Browse stays on VRBO Mexico City or Hotels.com Mexico City.

Getting there: Fly into MEX (Benito Juárez). Nonstops from many U.S. hubs take ~3–5 hours; from South America ~5–9 hours. Typical round‑trips range ~$220–$650 depending on season. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Getting around: Uber/DiDi are plentiful (airport to Roma/Condesa ~25–50 minutes, ~$12–$20 USD). The Metro and Metrobús are fast and cheap (under $0.50 USD per ride; buy a rechargeable card at stations). On Sundays, major avenues like Paseo de la Reforma become bike‑friendly for the Muévete en Bici program.

Day 1: Centro Histórico Icons, First Tacos, and Cocktails

Morning: Travel day. Aim to land by early afternoon. If you arrive early, grab a pick‑me‑up at the original Churrería El Moro (since 1935) for crisp churros and thick hot chocolate, or a light brunch at Café Nin (by chef Elena Reygadas) for pastries and seasonal tartines.

Afternoon: Check in, then start at the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest squares. Step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral and visit the adjacent Templo Mayor archaeological site to see the Aztec capital’s unearthed temples. Stroll to Palacio de Bellas Artes for its Tiffany glass curtain and Rivera/Siqueiros murals; view the art‑deco dome from the Sears rooftop café across the street.

Lunch nearby: El Cardenal (Centro) for warm pan dulce, natas, and chilaquiles verde/rojo; or Café de Tacuba (1912 institution) for enchiladas suizas among tiled walls and serenading musicians. Craving street food? Try Los Cocuyos (tiny night‑owl taquería) for suadero or campechano tacos—simple, smoky, unforgettable.

Evening: Head to Roma. Book dinner at Rosetta (Italian‑Mexican, set in a romantic townhouse—don’t miss the hoja santa tamales or the guava roll if they’re offering it), or choose Máximo Bistrot for seasonal tasting menus inspired by Mexico’s markets. For a seafood‑centric, casual vibe, Mi Compa Chava does Sinaloa‑style tostadas and aguachiles with serious heat.

Nightcap options: Licorería Limantour (World’s 50 Best Bars—order the al pastor‑inspired cocktail), Baltra (small, moody Darwin‑themed), or Xaman (herbal, pre‑Hispanic flavors). If it’s Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday, consider Lucha Libre at Arena México (tickets ~$7–$30 USD; families welcome). Return to your stay via ride‑hail.

Day 2: Chapultepec, Anthropology, Polanco Bites, and Roma Nights

Morning: Coffee at Quentin Café (Roma) or Almanegra (multiple outposts) for excellent pour‑overs and espresso. Breakfast at Lalo! (lively communal tables; French toast and chilaquiles are hits) or Panadería Rosetta (for that famed guava roll and cardamom bun).

Walk into Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the Americas. Tour the National Museum of Anthropology (plan 2–3 hours; highlights include the Aztec Sun Stone and the colossal Olmec heads; entry ~95 MXN). Then hike up to Chapultepec Castle (Habsburg and Porfirian opulence; city views; entry ~95 MXN). Note: many museums close Mondays—swap days if needed.

Afternoon: Lunch in nearby Roma/Condesa or Polanco. Reserve Contramar (lunch‑only hotspot) for tuna tostadas and the red‑and‑green grilled snapper. In Polanco, try El Turix for Mayan‑style cochinita pibil tacos (ask for cebolla morada and habanero). Sweet stop: Nevería Roxy (since 1946) for mamey or coconut ice cream.

Art add‑ons: In Nuevo Polanco, the shiny Soumaya Museum (free; vast private collection) and across the plaza Museo Jumex (cutting‑edge contemporary). Or stroll Paseo de la Reforma to the Angel of Independence.

Evening: Splurge dinner at Pujol (book far in advance; mole madre and corn husk meringue are signatures) or Quintonil (an herb‑forward exploration of modern Mexican cuisine). Great alternates: Campobaja (Baja seafood, wood fire) or Taquería El Califa de León (the tiny Michelin‑starred counter—order gaonera steak tacos; expect a line).

Drinks: Hanky Panky (reservation‑only speakeasy), Bósforo (mezcal den focused on small producers), or a skyline view at Cityzen Rooftop (Sofitel Reforma). Return through leafy Parque España and Parque México if you’re staying in Condesa.

Day 3: Coyoacán, Frida’s Blue House, Markets, and Departure

Morning: Beat the crowds in Coyoacán. Start with coffee at Café Avellaneda (tiny, meticulous) or old‑school Café El Jarocho. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)—timed entry sells out; book ahead (tickets ~250–300 MXN). If time allows, the Leon Trotsky Museum offers a poignant historical counterpoint.

Snack and shop at Mercado de Coyoacán: try Tostadas Coyoacán (tinga, pata, camarón), fresh fruit juices, and esquites. For a sit‑down early lunch, Los Danzantes serves Oaxacan‑leaning plates and mezcales on a pleasant courtyard.

Afternoon: If your flight is later, detour to the La Ciudadela crafts market near Centro for Talavera, textiles, and alebrijes—efficient one‑stop souvenir shopping. Alternatively, book a short Xochimilco trajinera (2 hours is perfect; official rates often ~600–700 MXN per boat per hour; bring snacks and tip musicians).

Plan 60–90 minutes to reach MEX with buffer for traffic and security (aim to leave your hotel ~3 hours before an international flight). Grab a final taco at Taquería Orinoco (pastor, chicharrón, and trompo‑kissed salsas) if you’re near a branch, or pick up pastries for the road.

• Local tips: Carry small bills/coins for markets and tips. Altitude can amplify alcohol—pace yourself. For Metro/Metrobús, keep valuables front‑facing and zipped; avoid rush‑hour crush if possible.
• Market lovers: Food adventurers can sample game and seafood counters at Mercado de San Juan. For flowers and photo ops, Mercado Jamaica is a sensory overload.
• If you have an extra morning: Sunrise balloon and pyramid tour at Teotihuacán (1–1.5 hours by car; site entry ~95 MXN; balloon rides ~$150–$220 USD). Go early and be back in the city for a late lunch.
• Booking essentials: Reserve Pujol/Quintonil/Rosetta and Frida Kahlo Museum weeks ahead. Search flights with Trip.com or Kiwi.com, and compare stays via VRBO Mexico City or Hotels.com Mexico City.

Three days in Mexico City lets you trace Aztec foundations, roam palaces and parks, and taste your way from mercados to Michelin‑lauded taquerías. You’ll leave with salsa on your sleeve, murals in your mind, and a shortlist of reasons to return.