The Ultimate 4 Day Guide to Mexico City!
Mexico City, or CDMX, is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and an incredible culinary scene. As the capital of Mexico, it’s home to world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, sprawling parks, and ancient landmarks like the Teotihuacan pyramids and Chapultepec Castle. The city is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from high-end dining to some of the best street tacos you’ll ever try. In four days, you can experience a mix of historic sites, local culture, trendy cafés, and lively nightlife, all while exploring diverse areas like Roma Norte, La Condesa, and the Centro Histórico. Whether you’re visiting for the food, history, or the buzzing energy of the city, this itinerary covers the best of Mexico City in just a few days!
Where We Stayed in Mexico City
We stayed at Kukun Casa Londres, a hotel located at the bottom of the Juarez neighborhood. We enjoyed our stay here and loved the rooftop deck which included a jacuzzi, common work area, bar area, and a small gym. Overall, I’d recommend this spot to fellow budget travelers.
Bordering the top of Roma Norte, this location was great and within walking distance to most restaurants and shopping in the popular Roma Norte and La Condesa neighborhoods. Staying just outside those two popular neighborhoods also allowed us to save money on the accommodation part of the budget but still ensure we were in a safe area.
Day 1: Elevated Dining and a Stunning Castle
Coffee and Brunch to Start the Day
After landing in Mexico City around 9am, we took an Uber to Kukun Casa Londres to drop off our luggage and get ready for an exciting first day. A much-needed coffee stop at Sunday Morning Coffee was the perfect way to shake off any travel fatigue before diving into the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
For brunch, we made our way to Maleza in the La Condesa neighborhood, where we enjoyed fresh orange juice and grapefruit juice alongside a few delicious plates. The breakfast sandwich was our favorite of the three dishes! This hip spot set the tone for a relaxed yet flavorful start to our trip.
A Neighborhood Stroll and Seeing the Stunning Chapultepec Castle
Next, we took a leisurely stroll through La Condesa, admiring its tree-lined streets, colorful architecture, and lively atmosphere. La Condesa is a popular neighborhood where you’ll probably spend a lot of time during your trip. There are cafes galore, boutique shopping, and street food vendors everywhere!
From there, we made our way to Chapultepec Castle, perched atop Chapultepec Park. With a student ID, admission is free, making it an excellent budget-friendly stop for young travelers. The park itself is a sight to behold, especially with its stunning purple-flowered trees and impressive monuments.
An Elevated Dining Experience Followed by Drinks at a Listening Bar and Latenight Tacos
After some more exploring, we took an afternoon nap at the hotel since we starting to feel the tiredness from catching a 7am flight after sleeping in the IAH Houston airport the night before (the things you’ll do as a budget-traveler!). As evening approached, we headed to Pargot in Roma Norte for dinner. This stylish restaurant served up an incredible meal in a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere.
To cap off the night, we grabbed drinks at Tokyo Music Bar, a hidden gem known for its curated vinyl collection. The best drink on the menu was the Lovesick, a subtle citrusy cocktail make with gin, sake, honey, and yuzu. After that, I’d recommend trying the Carajillo, a cocktail made with their own homemade coffee liquor.
On the way back to the hotel, we made a detour at Taqueria Orinoco, a small taco chain in Mexico. We ordered the trompo (al pastor) and res tacos. They were a great late-night snack for day 1 of our trip to Mexico City, but our favorite tacos of the trip come later!
Day 2: Pastries, Sightseeing, and Tacos Galore
Starting the Morning with a Sweet Treat and Sightseeing
We started our morning on a sweet note with pastries from Panaderia Brûlée, a cozy spot we walked upon in the Roma Norte neighborhood. The pastries were the perfect light breakfast (however I would suggest grabbing coffee at another spot) before diving into some of Mexico City’s most stunning historic sites.
Our first stop was Biblioteca Vasconcelos, an architectural masterpiece and a book lover’s dream. The towering shelves and suspended walkways made it feel like something out of a sci-fi movie. From there, we visited Palacio Postal, a breathtaking, golden-adorned post office that felt more like a palace than a place to mail letters. The small admission fee includes an envelope and a postal stamp, so we took the opportunity to send a postcard to a loved one—such a fun touch!
Indulging in Tacos for the Rest of the Day and a Disappointing Churro Experience
For lunch, we made our way to TaquerÃa Las Rejas, which ended up being one of the biggest food highlights of our trip. Their al pastor tacos were hands down the best we had in Mexico City—perfectly seasoned, juicy, and complemented by a great selection of salsas. We also tried the gringa, a taco made with a flour tortilla and melted cheese, and it did not disappoint.
Dinner took us to Marlindo, a charming seafood spot where we indulged in fresh ceviche and flavorful shrimp and fish tacos. The laid-back ambiance and delicious food made it a perfect way to wrap up the day. For dessert, we decided to give the famous ChurrerÃa El Moro a try, but unfortunately, we found the churros underwhelming. While it’s a well-known spot, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for us since the churros were undercooked and the chocolate sauce wasn’t that good.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloons, Pastries, and Fancy Cocktails
A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Pyramids
The day started with an early 4:30am wake-up call for an unforgettable experience—a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids. We booked our flight with Volare through Viator, and it was absolutely worth the early morning. Floating above the ancient ruins as the sun rose over the valley was a surreal and breathtaking moment.
After returning to Mexico City, we took some much-needed rest before heading out for a relaxed afternoon in La Condesa. We stopped at Odette for delicious pastries and coffee, then made our way to Frëims coffee shop, where we enjoyed fresh juice on their adorable covered patio—such a peaceful way to ease into the day.
An Afternoon of Shopping, Traditional Food, and Amazing Cocktails
Feeling refreshed, we explored some unique shopping spots, starting with La Laguna S.A. de C.V, a former textile warehouse turned stylish shopping center. It was filled with independent boutiques and beautifully curated spaces. From there, we wandered over to El Parián, a second covered shopping area that leans more toward food but was still a fun place to explore.
For dinner, we indulged in a fantastic Mexican meal at Fonda Fina, where the flavors and atmosphere made for a memorable dining experience.
To cap off the night, we grabbed drinks at LicorerÃa Limantour, one of the top 50 bars in America. The cocktails lived up to the hype, and the Mr. Pink—a refreshing mix of gin, grapefruit, and hibiscus—was hands down the best drink of the night.
Day 4: A Final Day of Pastries, Tacos, and A Grand Church
A Morning of Cafe Hopping
We kicked off our last day in Mexico City with coffee and matcha at Constela Cafe, this was the best matcha I had in Mexico City! Since we couldn’t resist, we made a second visit to Odette for more of their incredible pastries—even better than the first time! Wanting to try another bakery, we stopped at PanaderÃa Rosetta, a must-visit for their famous guava pastel and concha pastry. Both were rich, buttery, and full of flavor—definitely worth the hype.
Ending the Last Day with More Tacos, Sightseeing, and Tapas
Of course, no trip to Mexico City is complete without trying street tacos, so we grabbed a lengua (beef tongue) taco from a vendor. Unfortunately, this one didn’t sit well, and I think I got a mild case of food poisoning—a bit of a travel risk, but it happens! To make up for it, we tried more tacos at Tacos del Valle in El Parián, which turned out to be a solid choice.
In the afternoon, we switched things up and visited La BasÃlica de Guadalupe, one of the most important religious sites in Mexico. Walking around this area gave us a glimpse into a more traditional Mexico City neighborhood—very different from the polished streets of La Condesa or Roma Norte, but a worthwhile experience.
Needing a pick-me-up, we stopped for an afternoon matcha at Cucurucho Condesa, then wrapped up our trip with dinner at Bulla Condesa, a fantastic Spanish tapas spot. The croquetas and seafood risotto were the highlights—creamy, flavorful, and a perfect way to close out our time in Mexico City.
Top Tips for Traveling to Mexico City
- Uber! It’s super cheap and affordable
- Be cautious with street vendors, try to judge the sanitation standards before indulging
- Standard tipping at restaurants is 10%
- Pack comfortable sneakers as the sidewalks can be uneven
Mexico City is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat. From exploring charming neighborhoods like La Condesa and Roma Norte to visiting ancient pyramids and indulging in world-class tacos, this city has something for everyone. In just four days, we packed in incredible sights, unforgettable meals, and unique experiences that made us fall in love with CDMX. Whether you’re here for the food, history, or just to soak in the energy of the city, this itinerary covers the best of what Mexico City has to offer!
