Mexico City (CDMX) is layered atop the remnants of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital built on a lake. Today, its Centro Histórico still frames the vast Zócalo, while nearby ruins at Templo Mayor whisper of empire. A short drive north, Teotihuacan’s Avenue of the Dead and sky‑piercing pyramids reveal an even older civilization.

The city dazzles with more than 150 museums—anchored by the National Museum of Anthropology—plus leafy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa where café culture hums. Food runs the gamut from sidewalk trompos carving al pastor to acclaimed kitchens like Quintonil and Pujol. Nightlife ranges from speakeasies to the roar of Lucha Libre at Arena México.

Practical notes: CDMX sits at ~2,240 m (7,350 ft)—hydrate, ease into activity, and use sunscreen. Many museums close Mondays; reservations are essential for top restaurants and the Frida Kahlo Museum. Use licensed rideshare/taxis, avoid tap water, and expect afternoon rains in summer.

Mexico City

Big, bold, and delicious, CDMX rewards curiosity. Spend mornings with art and pyramids, long lunches with mezcal or agua fresca, and golden hours in parks and plazas. Even a quick stroll unveils street murals, churro stands, and baroque facades.

• Top sights: Teotihuacan, Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco trajineras, Chapultepec Castle, Anthropology Museum, Centro Histórico, Bellas Artes.
• Food highlights: tacos al pastor, cochinita pibil, quesadillas de huitlacoche, churros con chocolate, specialty coffee, craft cocktails.
• Good to know: Weeknights are great for reservations; Sundays many museums are busier (free for residents). Traffic is real—pad your transfers.

Where to stay (by vibe): Polanco for fine dining and luxury; Roma/Condesa for leafy sidewalks, cafes, and nightlife; Centro for landmark views. Consider well‑reviewed spots like Gran Hotel Ciudad de México (history and views), Four Seasons Mexico City (Reforma oasis), Casa Decu (Condesa boutique), or Casa Goliana (Roma Norte). Browse stays: VRBO Mexico City | Hotels.com Mexico City

Getting there & around: CDMX’s Benito Juárez International (MEX) is the main gateway. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com (from Europe, you can also compare on Omio: flights). Typical nonstop times: 3–5 hours from many US hubs; 9–12 hours from major European cities (often 1 stop). Airport to Roma/Condesa is 30–60 minutes by rideshare depending on traffic, ~$12–$25 USD.

Day 1: Centro Histórico icons and a Roma night

Morning: Travel day. Hydrate on arrival—altitude is real. Drop bags, change shoes, and head out light.

Afternoon: Walk the Zócalo, peek into the Metropolitan Cathedral, and step into the Templo Mayor archaeological site to see the heart of ancient Tenochtitlán. For a late lunch, try El Cardenal (classic chilaquiles and guacamole molcajete), Sanborns Casa de los Azulejos (for the tiled mansion and a quick sopa de tortilla), or Mercado de San Juan for gourmet bites (ask for seasonal mushrooms or escamoles if adventurous). Sweet stop: Pastelería Ideal for towering cakes and conchas.

Evening: Ride to Roma Norte for dinner: Rosetta (Italian‑Mex produce‑driven; bakery arm famed for the guava pastry), Máximo Bistrot (market‑led seasonal menu), or Meroma (wood‑fire and seafood). Cocktails at Licorería Limantour (citrus‑bright classics), Baltra Bar (Darwin‑inspired negronis), or cozy Xaman (herbal, smoky profiles). Night stroll along Plaza Río de Janeiro’s leafy blocks.

Day 2: Sunrise over Teotihuacan + Lucha Libre night

Morning: Pre‑dawn pickup for a bucket‑list flight over the pyramids.

Book: Balloon flight + Breakfast in cave + Pyramids + Pick up CDMX. Expect a 45–60 minute flight at dawn, panoramic views of the Avenue of the Dead, then a celebratory toast and breakfast in a volcanic‑stone cave. Afterward, explore the archaeological zone with time for photos; climbing may be restricted—follow on‑site guidance.

Afternoon: Return to the city for a power nap. Light lunch: La Güera Tortas de Chilaquil (crunchy chilaquiles stuffed into a telera roll—messy perfection), or a trio of tacos al pastor at El Tizoncito or El Califa. Coffee at Quentin Café or Almanegra to reboot.

Evening: Cue the masks and mariachi brass—Lucha Libre night! This guided experience includes tacos, beer, mezcal, and ring‑side lore at Arena México (usually Tues/Fri/Sun).

Book: Lucha Libre Tickets & Tacos & Beer & Mezcal = BEST NIGHT EVER! Pre‑game with Taquería Orinoco’s chicharrón and flour tortillas; post‑match churros at El Moro (classic since 1935).

Day 3: Frida’s Coyoacán + Xochimilco floating fiesta

Morning: Head to colorful Coyoacán for colonial plazas, hummingbird‑friendly gardens, and Frida’s blue house. This small‑group tour combines neighborhood history, markets, and timed museum entry (tickets included).

Book: Frida Kahlo VIP [Museum Tickets Included] Walk, Markets & Churros. Coffee idea: Café Avellaneda (tiny, serious about pour‑overs). Snack on tostadas at Mercado de Coyoacán—try tinga de pollo or ceviche.

Afternoon: Make your way to Xochimilco (25–45 min by rideshare from Coyoacán) for a trajinera cruise with music, food, and color everywhere. This award‑winning experience includes priority boarding, unlimited drinks, and local snacks.

Book: Mexico City Boat Tour Food and Unlimited Drinks Priority Boarding. Tip: Bring small bills for floating mariachi requests and canal vendors (elotes, flower crowns).

Evening: Clean up for Polanco. If you snagged reservations, Pujol (tasting menu with famed mole madre) or Quintonil (fresh herbs, coastal flavors) are benchmarks of modern Mexican cuisine. Casual alternatives: El Turix for cochinita pibil tacos, or Comedor Jacinta for hearty classics. Nightcap at Fifty Mils (collins and highballs in a leafy courtyard).

Day 4: Chapultepec treasures, last bites, and departure

Morning: Breakfast run: Panadería Rosetta (guava roll, cardamom bun) or Café Nin (eggs in salsa verde). Stroll through Chapultepec Park to the hilltop Chapultepec Castle (portrayals of empire and independence; stellar city views). Then the National Museum of Anthropology—allow 1.5–2 hours for highlights like the Aztec Sun Stone and colossal Olmec heads. Note: most museums close Mondays.

Afternoon: Quick lunch before you head out: Contramar (iconic tuna tostadas and whole grilled fish a la talla; lunch‑only and very popular), El Parnita (homey salsas and tacos), or El Vilsito (mechanic shop by day, taquería by night—suadero and pastor). Souvenirs at La Ciudadela (textiles, alebrijes) or books at the sculptural Biblioteca Vasconcelos if time permits. Transfer to the airport with a traffic buffer of 60–90 minutes.

Evening: Departure day—if you have a late flight, wind down with a walk on Reforma or a paleta from La Michoacana, then head to MEX.

Alternative/extra ideas if you extend: UNAM campus murals by Rivera and O’Gorman; San Ángel’s Saturday art market; Tolantongo hot springs day trip for turquoise pools in a box‑canyon (consider a guided early express option).

Book and bundle smart: For stays: VRBO Mexico City and Hotels.com Mexico City. For flights: Trip.com, Kiwi.com (and Omio if departing/arriving in Europe). Viator experiences above include tickets and logistics—ideal for first‑timers.

Local logistics tips: Use rideshare for cross‑town moves; ride Metro outside of crush hours; carry a light sweater for cool nights; and book major restaurants 2–3 weeks ahead. Keep a small stash of pesos for markets and tips; contactless cards are widely accepted elsewhere.

One more epic option: If balloons aren’t your thing but you still want the ruins, consider an early, crowd‑beating express visit:

Book: Early & Express Tour Teotihuacan Pyramids.

Summary: In four days you’ll taste street‑corner tacos and white‑tablecloth artistry, float past flower‑decked gondolas, and greet the sun over ancient Teotihuacan. With smart timing and a few pre‑booked experiences, CDMX reveals its history, art, and flavor in vivid color.