Mexico City Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Day Trips

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Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis divided into three main touristic regions, each offering a unique experience:

• North: Home to the iconic Teotihuacán Pyramids and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, two of the most visited landmarks in the country.

• Center: Includes Downtown (Centro Histórico) with its historic buildings, Chapultepec Park, which houses some of the best museums, and the trendy neighborhoods of Polanco, Roma, and Condesa.

• South: Features Coyoacán, where the Frida Kahlo Museum is located, as well as San Ángel and Xochimilco, famous for its colorful trajineras (boats).

Beyond the city, there are numerous day trips to nearby destinations:

• Taxco (180 km, ~2.5-hour drive): A charming colonial town known for its high-quality silver jewelry. While here, visit the silver mines or the Spratling Museum to learn about the town's history and craftsmanship.

• Cuernavaca (90 km, ~1.5-hour drive): Called the "City of Eternal Spring," famous for its beautiful gardens like Jardín Borda (now an ethnobotanical museum) and Jardines de México.

• Puebla & Cholula (140 km, ~2-hour drive): A colonial city rich in artisanal traditions and world-renowned cuisine. Visit iconic historical sites such as the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Museo Amparo, and the stunning Capilla del Rosario, a true baroque masterpiece with intricate gold-leaf details that will leave you breathless. The trip can include Val'Quirico, a picturesque village in Tlaxcala.

• Querétaro & Wine Regions (220 km, ~2.5-hour drive): Explore San Miguel de Allende, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro, and Bernal, ideal for a 2-3 day getaway.

Mexico City Itinerary: A Perfect Week of Exploration

A symbol of faith, tradition, and history—La Virgen de Guadalupe, the heart of Mexico's spiritual heritage. A must-visit site for cultural and religious travelers in Mexico City.

Monday: Teotihuacán & Guadalupe Shrine

Since most museums are closed on Mondays, this is the perfect day to visit Teotihuacán. Enhance your experience with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and enjoy lunch in one of the cave restaurants in the area.

Tuesday: day Trip to Taxco

Take a day trip to Taxco, where you can admire colonial architecture, visit silver workshops, and explore its picturesque streets. Don't miss a visit to the silver mines or the Spratling Museum to dive deeper into the town’s rich history.

Wednesday: Chapultepec Park & Museums

Start with breakfast by the Chapultepec Lake, then visit Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology (MNA). For lunch, enjoy an extraordinary gastronomic experience at Sala Gastronómica, a top-tier restaurant inside the MNA. In the afternoon, head to Polanco to visit the Soumaya Museum, an architectural marvel housing an impressive art collection. End your day with dinner at Ling Ling, where you can enjoy an exceptional meal with breathtaking views of the city.

In Puebla, the Talavera pottery is a standout feature, known for its intricate patterns and bright colors. The town’s façades often showcase these beautiful tiles, adding a distinctive touch to its colonial architecture.

Thursday:Puebla & Cholula

Explore Puebla, visiting its historic centre, talavera workshops, and gastronomic gems. Be sure to stop at the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the oldest public library in the Americas, the Museo Amparo, which boasts a stunning rooftop terrace, and the Capilla del Rosario, a baroque jewel that glows with gold-leaf detailing. Stop by Cholula to see the largest pyramid base in the world

Frida Kahlo is depicted distributing weapons, symbolizing her role in the Mexican Revolution, in the Museo Vivo del Muralismo.

Friday:  Historic Downtown

Explore Centro Histórico, visiting landmarks like the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Have lunch at an iconic restaurant such as El Cardenal, La Terraza del Gran Hotel, Sanborns de los Azulejos, Azul Histórico, or Azulísimo. End your day at the Ciudadela Handicrafts Market, a must-visit for art lovers.

The houses in San Miguel de Allende have beautiful, colorful façades that perfectly capture the town’s charm. Walking through the streets, visitors are struck by the unique character each one adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Saturday: Querétaro & Wine Country

Enjoy a trip to Querétaro’s vineyards and magical towns like Tequisquiapan and Bernal, famous for their local cheese and wine production.

Sunday: Xochimilco, San Ángel & Coyoacán

Spend your last day enjoying a trajinera ride in Xochimilco, then visit San Ángel’s Diego Rivera Studio Museum. End in Coyoacán, exploring the Frida Kahlo Museum and the lively town square. Wrap up the evening with a family-friendly Lucha Libre match, a thrilling way to end your week!

Mexico City offers endless possibilities with over 400 museums, lush parks, and cultural attractions. Whether exploring within the city or taking day trips to nearby gems, there's always something new to discover!

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Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City offers a wide range of accommodation options, depending on your preferred location:

Centro Histórico (Ideal for history lovers)

• Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

• Boutique: Círculo Mexicano

• Mid-Range: Hotel Downtown México

• Budget: Casa Pepe, Selina Downtown

Polanco (Upscale shopping, fine dining & museums)

• Luxury: W Mexico City, Las Alcobas, JW Marriott Mexico City

• Boutique: The Alest , Pug Seal Anatole France, Casa Polanco

• Mid-Range: Camino Real Polanco

Roma & Condesa (Trendy & vibrant neighborhoods)

• Luxury: Mondrian, Andaz Mexico City Condesa, NIA Hotel

• Boutique: Brick Hotel, Hotel María Condesa

• Mid-Range: Hotel Carlota

  
  

Each neighbourhood has its charm, whether you prefer the historic elegance of Centro Histórico, the trendy vibe of Roma and Condesa, or the upscale experience of Polanco.