Perfect Weekend in Mexico City

If you plan it well, a weekend in Mexico City is enough time to sample some of the city’s famous street food, explore the ancient Aztec ruins, and convince yourself that you need to return for a longer stay.

Once home to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, Mexico City is now a booming metropolis with over 20 million residents. There are restaurants to suit every budget, with tacos costing less than a dollar in the same neighborhoods as some of the world’s top 50 restaurants. A weekend in Mexico City should center around food, with plenty of sites to explore in between meals. Here’s your guide to an ideal weekend in Mexico City.

Friday Evening – El Centro Histórico

Mexico City airport is a short taxi ride from the city center. If it’s your first trip to the city, a stay in the Centro Histórico is a must – it’s the neighborhood you absolutely can’t miss. Consider accommodations at centrally located venues for convenience.

For drinks and a quick bite, walk from your hotel to Comedor MATA Cantina. They have a nice selection of classic Mexican dishes like ceviche tostadas, aguachile, and flautas, all paired well with their selection of mezcals, tequilas, and Mexican craft beers. Moreover, there’s live music on most Friday nights.

Don’t stay out too late – you’ve got a full weekend ahead!

Saturday

Morning – Breakfast at El Cardenal

Rise early to make the most of your short break in the city. A breakfast at El Cardenal is a must. The pan dulces are made fresh each morning; the sweet breads pair perfectly with hot chocolate and strong coffee. On a more savory note, the chilaquiles are a heavy start to the day, but they’ll keep you full well into the afternoon.

After breakfast, hop in an Uber to the quaint suburb of San Ángel and visit the city’s best craft market, Bazaar Sábado (Saturday Bazaar). This market only opens on Saturdays and offers exquisite pieces from local artisans. Additionally, outside the market itself, stalls selling various souvenirs have emerged.

Afternoon – Coyoacán

Once you’ve finished shopping, take a taxi to nearby Coyoacán. This colonial village was once a separate city, but is now fully integrated into Mexico City life.

If you’re feeling hungry, head to Mercado Coyoacán. Look for all the yellow: yellow tables, yellow signs, yellow stools, and staff in yellow shirts. This is Tostadas Coyoacán. There are over a dozen tostado (deep-fried tortilla) toppings to choose from, such as ceviche, chicken mole, pork, and plenty of vegetarian options as well.

The Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as the Blue House) is just a five-minute walk from the market. Be sure to acquire tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Here, you can learn about the life and work of this iconic artist, whose influence is felt throughout Coyoacán.

Evening

After visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, return to the city center to drop off your newly purchased souvenirs. If you want to indulge in an exquisite meal while in Mexico City, Saturday night is the perfect time. Please note that many popular fine dining restaurants require reservations at least four weeks in advance. Standout options include Quintonil, Pujol, Lorea, and Sud 777.

Pre-dinner drinks at Limantour are also an excellent way to start your evening. This cocktail bar consistently ranks as one of the best bars in Latin America and features remarkable cocktails both in flavor and creativity.

If you prefer something delicious yet budget-friendly, consider dining at Merotoro, Pasillo de Humo, or Fonda Fina, which offer exceptional cuisine with reasonable wait times and prices.

Sunday

Morning

For a low-key breakfast, visit one of Centro Histórico’s classic diners like Café el Popular or La Pagoda cafetería. They serve classic Mexican breakfast dishes like enchiladas, molletes, and huevos rancheros, accompanied by pan dulces and strong coffee.

From there, it’s a short walk into the Zócalo, or main square. This lively square is home to the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the Supreme Court Building, the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor, and the National Palace, which has functioned as the seat of government since ancient times.

Most buildings are free to enter, apart from Templo Mayor, which has an entrance fee of 75 Pesos.

Afternoon

For lunch, embark on a self-guided taco tour of the Centro Histórico’s most famous stands. Don’t miss the pastor tacos from El Huequito. This taquería is one of many around the city claiming to be the first to create these marinated pork tacos. Next, Los Cocuyos is where to find suadero, a slow-roasted beef taco that melts in your mouth. Finally, grab some tacos de canasta from El Flaco; these pre-made, steamed basket tacos are incredibly soft.

Evening

On your last evening in Mexico City, enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Bar La Ópera, a renowned cantina in an old opera house with exquisite mezcal selections. Then, head for an early dinner at El Lugar Sin Nombre, acclaimed for serving the best Oaxacan-style food in the city. The restaurant’s dishes are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Conclude your weekend with a magical experience at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where the Folkloric Ballet is performed every Sunday evening at 8:30. This performance showcases vibrant dances from all over Mexico, accompanied by live music, and will leave you buzzing with memories of the city that captured your heart in just 48 hours.