Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico, is an exciting destination for travelers who love history, culture, food, and nightlife. With so many things to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan 1 week trip to CDMX. But fear not, because we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to spend a week in Mexico City.
Getting to and Accommodation in Mexico City
Mexico City has two major airports: Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Toluca International Airport (TLC). Most international flights arrive at MEX, which is located about 13 km east of downtown Mexico City. Toluca Airport is located about 60 km west of the city, and mainly serves budget airlines.
There are many accommodation options in Mexico City, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. For solo travelers, we recommend Casa Pepe hostel, located in the trendy Condesa neighborhood. This hostel offers private rooms and dorms, a communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with great views of the city. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers during your 7 days in Mexico City
7-Day Mexico City Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Los Gueros, and Salsa
After checking in at your accommodation, head to Los Gueros, a small taqueria located on the way to the airport. This is a popular spot among locals and travelers alike, and is known for its delicious tacos al pastor.
Day 2: Food Tour and Lardo Brunch
Start your day with a food tour of Mexico City’s street food scene. This tour will take you to some of the best food stalls and markets in the city, where you can try suadero (slow-cooked beef), al pastor (marinated pork), and other local specialties. After the food tour, head to Lardo, a popular brunch spot in the Roma neighborhood. Try the chilaquiles, a classic Mexican breakfast dish.
Day 3: Historic Center, Mercado de San Juan, and National History Museum
Visit Mexico City’s historic center, which is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor.
Visit Mercado de San Juan, a bustling market in the city center that is known for its exotic food offerings, including iguana, escamoles (ant larvae), and other unusual ingredients. After visiting the market, head to the National History Museum, which is located in Chapultepec Park. This museum covers the history of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
Day 4: Teotihuacan and Coyoacan
Take a day trip to Teotihuacan, an ancient city located about 50 km northeast of Mexico City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the largest and most impressive pyramids in the world, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. You can climb to the top of these pyramids for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
After the trip, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Coyoacan, stopping at one of the many cafes or markets for a snack. If you have time, check out the Leon Trotsky Museum, which is also located in Coyoacan.
Day 5: Frida Museum and Condesa/Roma
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, which is located in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Mexican artist, and is housed in the same building where she was born and lived for much of her life.
After visiting the museum, explore the hip neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma, known for their trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Have an afternoon coffee and lunch at one of the many cafes in the area, such as Cafe La Selva or Chiquitito Cafe. Then, take a stroll through the tree-lined streets of Condesa and Roma, admiring the architecture and street art.
Be sure to stop by the Casa Lamm Cultural Center, a beautifully restored mansion that now houses art galleries, a bookstore, and a cafe. You can also check out the Mercado Roma, a gourmet food market with over 50 stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses to craft beers.
In the evening, head to Licoreria Limantour, a popular cocktail bar that serves up inventive drinks made with local ingredients. For dinner, try Contramar, a seafood restaurant that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Day 6: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
On your fifth day in Mexico City, immerse yourself in the country’s rich history and culture. Start your day at the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world dedicated to the indigenous cultures of Mexico. You could easily spend hours exploring the museum’s vast collection of artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone and the gigantic Olmec heads.
Day 7: Relax and Indulge
On your last day in Mexico City, take some time to relax and indulge before you head home. Start your day with a leisurely brunch at Lardo, a popular spot in the Roma neighborhood known for its delicious pastries and coffee.
In the afternoon, head to Lucia Libre, a spa and wellness center located in the heart of the city. Here, you can treat yourself to a massage, facial, or other indulgent treatment. Alternatively, you can head back to a traditional Mexican market, such as the Mercado de San Juan, to stock up on souvenirs and local specialties like mole, mezcal, and tequila.
For a final nice dinner in CDMX, head to Lorea Mexico City: The Best Restaurant in Mexico City for Fine Dining.
Nightlife
Are you a 20-something looking to experience the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City? Look no further! From trendy bars to pulsing nightclubs, this guide has everything you need to know to have an unforgettable night out in Mexico City.
Condesa and Roma
Condesa and Roma are two of the hippest neighborhoods in Mexico City, filled with trendy bars and clubs that attract a young, fashionable crowd. Start the night off with a craft cocktail at Licorería Limantour or Hanky Panky, two of the city’s best bars. From there, head to Casa Franca or La Clandestina, two popular spots for dancing the night away.
Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa is a lively neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ scene, but it also has plenty of bars and clubs that appeal to a younger crowd. Check out Kinky Bar or El Taller for a night of dancing, or grab a drink at La Botica or La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill.
La Condesa
La Condesa is another neighborhood that’s popular with young people, thanks to its cool bars and trendy clubs. Start the night off at Salón Pata Negra, a tapas bar with a great selection of wine and beer, before heading to Jules Basement, a speakeasy-style club with a DJ spinning tunes until the early hours of the morning.
Pulquerias
Pulque is a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented agave sap, and it’s a favorite among young people in Mexico City. Head to a pulqueria like La Risa, Los Insurgentes, or La Nuclear for a taste of this unique drink and a night of socializing with other 20-somethings.
La Colonia Roma
La Colonia Roma is another trendy neighborhood that’s home to some of the best bars and clubs in the city. Start the night off at Departamento, a chic bar with an extensive cocktail menu, before heading to Mono, a popular club with a dance floor that’s always packed.
Rooftop Bars
For a more laid-back night out, head to one of Mexico City’s many rooftop bars. From the trendy rooftop bar at the Condesa DF hotel to the more relaxed rooftop bar at La Lavandería, there are plenty of options to choose from. Grab a cocktail and take in the stunning views of the city skyline.
Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or a more laid-back evening sipping cocktails, Mexico City has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan the ultimate night out in the city that never sleeps.
Mexico City is known for its vibrant nightlife, and salsa dancing is a big part of it. Salsa is an essential part of Mexican culture, and there are plenty of salsa clubs and bars around the city where you can dance the night away.
Salsa Dancing in Mexico City
Mexico City is known for its vibrant nightlife, and salsa dancing is a big part of it. Salsa is an essential part of Mexican culture, and there are plenty of salsa clubs and bars around the city where you can dance the night away.
One of the most popular places to go salsa dancing is Mama Rumba, a lively club that has been around for over 20 years. The music is a mix of salsa, cumbia, and other Latin rhythms, and the atmosphere is always electric. Another great option is El Habanero, a salsa club in the Roma neighborhood that features live music and a fun, friendly atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, head to El Callejón de los Sapos, a cozy bar in the Coyoacan neighborhood that features live music on the weekends. They offer salsa classes early in the evening, so you can learn some moves before hitting the dance floor.
No matter where you choose to go salsa dancing in Mexico City, be prepared for a night full of energy, fun, and plenty of dancing.
Experience the Thrills of Lucha Libre
Lucha Libre, or Mexican wrestling, is a unique and exciting experience that you won’t want to miss during your week in Mexico City. The sport features masked wrestlers in colorful costumes performing acrobatic moves and high-flying stunts. Matches take place every Friday night at the Arena Mexico in the Doctores neighborhood.
The atmosphere at a Lucha Libre match is electric, with cheering crowds, lively music, and plenty of drama. You can purchase tickets online or at the arena, and it’s recommended to arrive early to get a good seat.
If you want to take your Lucha Libre experience to the next level, consider booking a tour that includes transportation, a guide, and reserved seating. Some tours even offer the opportunity to meet wrestlers and take photos in the ring.
Final Thoughts:
Mexico City is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, this city has it all. By following this one-week itinerary, you’ll be able to experience some of the best that Mexico City has to offer, while also leaving plenty of time for relaxation and exploration. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, you’re sure to fall in love with Mexico City and all that it has to offer.