Why Go?
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis full of colour and culture. You could easily spend a month there and still not get to see and experience everything the city has to offer. If you only have a weekend, you can still get a taste of Mexico City’s delights, but be warned – you will probably be booking your next trip as soon as you arrive home.
With more museums than any other city in the world, amazing architecture, delicious street food and many other attractions, Mexico City is one of the most exciting cities on the planet.
Getting There
Juarez International Airport is located eight miles from Mexico City. If you arrive late at night, it is advisable to take an official taxi to the downtown area. During the day, the metro is a good alternative.
Getting Around
Mexico City’s metro system is extensive and one of the cheapest underground systems in the world. Having said that it isn’t the most comfortable of transport options during rush hour. Taxis are cheap, but make sure you take one from the official sitio taxi stands or use Uber.
Day One
A Mexican Breakfast
Start the day with Huevos Rancheros, a classic Mexican breakfast – tortillas, fried eggs, salsa and refried beans. Try Café El Popular (5 de Mayo esq Palmas, just off the Zocalo). It’s a popular spot with both locals and tourists.
The Blue House
After a hearty breakfast, head to the charming neighbourhood of Coyoacan. The number one attraction here is La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s house, which has now been turned into a museum. It provides a fascinating insight into the lives of artist Frida and her husband Diego Rivera. Make sure you arrive early and if possible, pre-book your tickets on the website as it gets very crowded.
The Leon Trotsky Museum
Afterwards, head around the corner to the House of Leon Trotsky. The Communist revolutionary lived the last couple of years of his life at this house. It was there that he was murdered by an assassin in his study. In contrast to Frida’s colorful abode, it is an austere house which has been changed little since Trotsky lived there, but is an intriguing slice of political history.
Tasty Street food in Coyoacan Plaza
Coyoacan Plaza is a great place to sample some tasty street food. At weekends, it is particularly lively with food and handicraft stalls aplenty. There is a festive atmosphere and it feels like small town Mexico in the heart of the big city.
El Zocalo
Back in Centro Historico, take a stroll around the huge main plaza, the Zocalo, the second largest public square in the world after Russia’s Red Square. There are plenty of museums, shops and cool street art to explore in the surrounding areas.
Dinner with a View
El Balcon del Zocalo is a perfect place for dinner. The restaurant has a rooftop terrace providing spectacular views of the cathedral and Zocalo. It has an international, Mexican and veggie friendly menu.
Day Two
Breakfast in the Park
Pasteleria Ideal (Calle 16 de septiembre 18, Col. Centro) could be the largest bakery you have ever seen, and is an ideal place to pick up some pastries for breakfast. The choice of baked goods, both sweet and savoury, is a feast for the eyes. With breakfast and coffee in hand, make tracks to Alameda Park and find a bench to sit to enjoy your first meal of the day and a spot of people-watching. You can’t miss the opulent architecture of Palacio de Bellas Artes, the grandest building in Mexico City.
Museum of Mexican Folk Art
Just across the road (Calle Revillagigedo 11, Cuauhtemoc), check out the Museo de Arte Popular. Housed in an ex-fire station, this contemporary museum is full of colorful Mexican folk art. It’s fun and quirky and the exhibits range from Day of the Dead skulls and skeletons to vibrant piñatas.
La Ciudadela is an artisan market (Calle de Balderas, s/m Centro, 06040 Cuauhtemoc). It specializes in handicrafts from all over the country. Prices are reasonable and you are bound to find something that catches your eye.
Luche Libre
Even if you have never considered attending a wrestling match before, Lucha Libre is a unique Mexican experience and not-to-be-missed. (Arena Mexico,189 Calle Dr. Lavista, Colonia Doctores). Regular sessions are held on Tuesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons). The atmosphere is electric and whole families attend, shouting abuse at the bad guys and cheering for their heroes.
Tequila and Mariachi
Round off your time in Mexico City with some tequila and mariachi music at the Tequila Museum on Plaza Garibaldi. Afterwards, carry on the party at one of the many bars in the plaza. The haunting sound of roving mariachi bands echo around the square as you reflect on two action-packed days in this amazing city.
Oh I didn’t know about the Tequila museum!
I must visit Mexico City and check out that Tequila museum!
Very good post, I agree that there are so many things in Mexico City that it is difficult to see everything and that everyone will find something interesting. For Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, if possible it’s best to avoid the weekend and be careful when buying the ticket, there is an extra charge for taking pictures inside (it’s worth it, at least for one person if there are several of you).
Thanks! We agree about Casa Azul – we went for opening time during the week and it still packed, so weekends must be even worse. Thanks for mentioning about the camera charge – it seems to be the norm in many places in Mexico.
I can’t wait to get to Mexico city one day!
I go often to Mexico and with family there more so. Tequila we make home made lol!! Yes two days is just barely see a couple things, the distances and time are requirement there. cheers
Yes – two days in Mexico City is just a taster! Home-made tequila – wow!
Sounds awesome! Love the vibrancy of the place. 🙂
We love Mexico City – it’s an amazing place to visit!
I have visited many museums, but never been to a Tequila museum … for that, I will definitely have to visit Mexico 😀
Great read. I love visiting Mexico and thanks to you I now gave some interesting new places yo explore.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the article. Happy Mexican Travels!
Hi girls,
I have tried to like many of your posts but there’s no visible like button. I also tried to find you on Facebook, but no luck there either.
I wanted to say thank you for liking a couple of my previous posts and I love what you are both doing.
I also adore your avatar of the little brightly coloured van – it’s a stunning motif.
Keep on travelling,
and thank you again,
Genevieve
Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s great to hear you like to avatar too! Thanks also for letting us know about the ‘Like’ button issue – we are going to look into it. We aren’t very active on Facebook, but are planning to start using it more soon. We have enjoyed reading your blog too – we have often thought about applying for a TV quiz show ourselves! Happy travels for 2021 and beyond!