3 Days in Mexico City
your quick guide to can’t‑miss spots around CDMX
Whether you're in Mexico City for 24 hours or a few days, this guide offers the must-see spots while you're there. From its colorful neighborhoods to the delicious street food, CDMX is ready for you.
Day 1: El Centro
1. Finca Don Porfirio
You've arrived to Mexico City, the excitement is pulsing and you're ready to hit the city. Make your way over to the Historic Center and get your trip started off right with drinks and a view. From frozen drinks to coffee and snacks, Finca Don Porfirio is the spot for the best view of Bellas Artes. Don’t be afraid of the line; it moves quick and is worth the wait! Head into the Sears building across from the museum and up the elevator to get to this cafe.
2. Barrio Chino
Barrio Chino is more of a walkthrough than a stop, though of course a stop is fun if you want to taste the different cuisines. Experience another side of Mexican culture as you walk through the colorful few streets that make up the Chinese neighborhood as you head over to the artisan market.
3. Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
From Finco Don Porfino, a walk through Barrio Chino, we round out the day at the artisan market: Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. Mexico City boasts of its markets, but if there’s one market you go to, make it this one. The market is a permanent structure with booths that carry all kinds of product; from glassware, tote bags, rugs, clothing and trinkets, you won't be able to leave empty-handed. Connect with the people who make the goods, and snag a souvenir you'll actually use at home.
Day 2: History and the Condesa Neighborhood
4. Castillo de Chapultepec
It's Day 2, and it's a full one! Let's start the morning at the Castle; the first-come, first-serve line can get long quickly. As you make your way up the path that wraps around castle, take in the 360 views of the city; you'll start to get an understanding of just how big CDMX really is. The museum is only $85.00 Mexican pesos, or less than $5USD, making it one of the cheapest places to learn Mexican history and snag that perfect shot for Instagram.
5. Enhorabuena Café
Time to pause for some food at my favorite coffee shop in the city. Enhorabuena Café is tucked into the cutie Condesa neighborhood for a peaceful meal with tasty coffee—big bonus: they have oat milk! For those who are learning Spanish, leche de avena is your key to unlocking oat milk at any cafe (but be sure to not just say avena, unless you want oatmeal instead of oat milk... I may have learned the hard way).
6. Parque México + Parque España
You've had a full day, time to relax. Right next to Enhorabuena Café are too incredible CDMX parks: Parque México + Parque España. Both have a space called the “audiorama” — open to the public, it’s a serene space with meditative music. The perfect spot for a breather, space for gratitude and a little recharge.
7. Cafebrería El Péndulo
The day's starting to wind down, the park was the perfect reset and now it's time to make your way a couple blocks away to Cafebrería El Péndulo: a book store, bar, coffee shop and restaurant all in one. Need I say more?
Day 3: The Unwind
8. Ramen & Bar | Madai Sushi
Ramen & Bar, connected to Madai Sushi, was hands down our favorite meal while in Mexico City. Located squarely in a lively place with live music, citypeople bustling all around, this restaurant provides a haven for people watching. Get the vegetarian ramen and the grapefruit cocktail— thank me later.
9. Cityzen Bar
Wrap up your trip with the best gift to give yourself: breathtaking views at sunset. I don’t know if we’ll ever recover 360 experience this bar offers. Make a res, sit back and revel in the beauty before you pack up and head home.
About the Creator
Molly Solorzano
i’m always lost, and that’s exactly how i want to be.
photographer + writer, living in denver
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