Your One-Stop Travel Guide to Mexico City

Mexico City is colorful and exciting. There’s always something going on. The streets are always packed, the markets are always full. There are so many places to get great Mexican food, including street food stalls, top restaurants, and food markets. It’s just never dull.

With so many great things to check out while you’re there, you’re going to need our essential travel guide to Mexico City, which includes what to see, do, eat and drink in the city.

» Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines, and there are plenty of unique foods to try in Mexico City.

Transportation options are plentiful in the city, allowing you to get out and explore every corner with ease. We even took Uber rides from one side of the huge city to the other for only a couple of dollars.

And believe me when I say there are a ton of things to do. While I don’t always recommend it, the Hop On Hop Off bus is a great way to see Mexico City, because it goes to so many of the top attractions and makes getting around so easy.

I think it’s best to spend at least 3 days in Mexico City to get a true feel for it. You need time to try the food, eat in the many restaurants, and go on long walks through the neighborhoods, as well as seeing the top sights.

Spending more time in Mexico? Check out our list of 8 beautiful places to visit in Mexico and check out all the delicious food you must try in Mexico. See our guides for Cancun, Mexico City, and Cabo San Lucas.

When to Visit Mexico City

Visiting Mexico City in 2025 offers a lot of flexibility — thanks to its elevation (~2,250 m) the climate stays comfortable most of the year.

• Best months (dry season): October through April is the most recommended window. You’ll encounter fewer downpours, clearer skies, and mild evenings — though nights can dip to around 7 °C in winter.
• Rainy season watch: May to September has its perks (lush greenery, fewer tourists) but comes with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and potential travel disruptions. Notably, there were heavy rains and flight delays into August 2025.
• Special event timing: If you’re interested in cultural festivals, plan around early November for Día de los Muertos celebrations or late July for the 700‑year founding anniversary events.
• Crowds & pricing: Holiday periods (Christmas‑New Year, Easter) tend to draw more visitors and higher hotel rates — booking ahead is wise.

Tip: Pack layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons), an umbrella for rainy‑season visits, and book accommodations early if you’re visiting during festival times.

What to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is packed with history, culture, art, and green spaces. Here are key experiences for 2025:

• Teotihuacán (day‑trip): Just outside the city, these ancient pyramids provide a powerful contrast to the urban pace of CDMX. A must‑see for history lovers.
• Chapultepec Park & museums: This large urban park gives you space to breathe. Within it, you’ll find museums, the castle, lakes, and lots of shade.
• Historic Centre & Zócalo: The beating heart of the city. Explore colonial architecture, the cathedral, ancient temple remnants and vibrant plazas.
• Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán: Dive into art and local neighborhood life — colourful streets, cafés and the iconic “Casa Azul”.
• Xochimilco canals: A colourful escape where you float on trajineras, listen to mariachi, and experience a different side of the city.
• Trendy neighbourhoods (Roma, Condesa): Great for brunches, street art, nightlife, and seeing the more contemporary side of Mexico City.

Insider tips:

• Use the metro, metro‑bus or ride‑share to move around efficiently — traffic can be heavy.
• Start early for popular sights (museum, day‑trip) to avoid crowds.
• Fit in hidden gems: local markets, artisan neighbourhoods, rooftop views.
• Stay aware of your belongings in busy areas — general city‑savvy travel caution applies.

What & Where to Eat in Mexico City

Food in Mexico City in 2025 is an explosion of flavour — from hole‑in‑the‑wall tacos to Michelin‑level dining and modern fusion.

• Street eats & tacos: Don’t miss the taco stands — al pastor, carnitas, and local classics. Great for budget‑friendly and authentic flavour.
• Modern dining scene: The city’s high‑end restaurants are flourishing. For example, the zero‑waste restaurant Baldío in Condesa opened recently and earned a Green Star from the Michelin Guide for its sustainable approach.
• Unique combos & fusion: Restaurants like Masala y Maíz mix Mexican, Indian and African influences. In 2025 it’s earned one Michelin star.
• Where locals go: Try brunch in Roma Norte, or visit markets for fresh juice, chilaquiles, tamales — these spots provide flavour and character.

Where to pick based on mood:

• Budget & casual: Street stalls, taquerías in Condesa or Centro Histórico.
• Mid‑range: Trendy eateries in Roma or Juárez neighbourhood.
• Special‑occasion dining: Fine‑dining establishments in Polanco or upscale zones.
• Foodie tip: Book ahead for top restaurants; some have waiting lists or limited seats.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Historic Centre & the Soul of the City

Start in the heart of the city: visit the Zócalo (the capital’s main square) and take in the scale of the historic area.

• Walk to the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the nearby ruins of the Aztec temple underneath – it’s a layered history moment.
• Head to the Palacio de Bellas Artes for its architecture and art.
• Lunch in the historic centre: pick a local taquería or a mid‑range restaurant for traditional cuisine.
• In the afternoon, stroll the nearby streets, perhaps visit the Templo Mayor museum to deepen your understanding of pre‑Hispanic and colonial layers.
• Evening: choose a rooftop bar for views of the city at night, and have dinner in the Centro Histórico.

Day 2 – Parks, Museums & Neighbourhood Breeze (Roma/Condesa)

• Morning: Visit Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park) — explore the green space, maybe the lake and the castle.
• Head into the neighbouring neighbourhoods of Roma Norte and La Condesa for lunch, coffee and strolling. They’re leafy, trendy and relaxed.
• In Roma/Condesa spend time wandering tree‑lined streets, browsing boutique shops and enjoying café culture.
• Afternoon: Pick a museum (for example the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Chapultepec) or simply slow down with a relaxed walk in the barrios.
• Evening: Dine in Condesa or Roma — these areas have serious food game. Then maybe a cocktail bar or casual night out.

Day 3 – Day Trip & Local Flavour

• Choose one of the great nearby escape options:
  • Option A: Teotihuacán — climb ancient pyramids just outside the city.
  • Option B: Visit Xochimilco — colourful canals, boat rides and a totally different vibe.
• Leave early so you can get there, explore and return with daylight.
• Lunch near your day‑trip site: local food in the town or on the way back.
• Return to Mexico City in the afternoon, and use the evening to explore a neighbourhood you haven’t spent much time in yet (maybe the artsy south or another zone).
• Dinner: Try something a bit different — maybe local staples outside of the tourist flow.

Day 4 – Food, Markets & A Bit of Shopping or Art

• Breakfast & brunch: head to a food hall or market (for example Mercado Roma) and sample fresh dishes, juices and local coffee.
• Spend the late morning exploring a neighbourhood known for its art, design or food scene. You could revisit Roma/Condesa or explore Polanco for a luxury twist.
• Lunch: Opt for street food tacos or a mid‑tier restaurant depending on your budget.
• Afternoon: Choose between shopping (local boutiques, artisan goods), visiting a lesser‑known museum or simply relaxing in a park.
• Evening: For your final night, treat yourself — go to a higher‑end restaurant for a special meal. After dinner, take a night‑walk in a safe, lively area, perhaps return to the Zócalo to see the city lights.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

In such a large city, there are many different areas to stay in. I love it when there’s one stand out neighborhood where tourists should stay in a city, but that’s not really the case in Mexico City.

Where you stay should depend on what you like most. History lovers should stay in Centro Historico or Reforma, food lovers should stay in Zona Roma, and shopping fanatics should stay in Polanco.

Here are our top recommendations. I cannot recommend any of these enough. All three are great hotels with a high standard of service and professionalism:

• IN REFORMA: Hilton Reforma ⇒ Read reviews  |  Book a stay
• IN REFORMA: Marriott Reforma ⇒ Read reviews  |  Book a stay
• IN POLANCO: Hyatt Regency Mexico City ⇒ Read reviews  |  Book a stay

>>Ready to explore more of Mexico? Check out these 8 beautiful place to visit in Mexico.

Tours to Book:

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Laura Lynch

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.