3 Days in Mexico City: Incredible Food, Museums & Adventures

National Museum of Anthropology: This museum is the ideal place to begin your trip. The exhibits bring Mexico’s ancient civilizations to life, including the fascinating culture of Teotihuacán. Spend some time here learning about the people who built the pyramids—then see those same structures from above the next morning. Note that you have to cross the outside courtyard to get between most of the exhibits, so if it’s rainy, be prepared with an umbrella.

Hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacán Pyramids: Watching the sun rise as you float above the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon is an experience you’ll never forget, especially after learning their history at the museum. Fun fact: I’m a licensed hot air balloon pilot with hundreds of hours in the air, and even I found sharing the skies with more than 75 colorful balloons to be absolutely magical. That’s also why my recommendation carries some weight—book with Magic Balloons, one of the most reputable operators in the area, for a safe and well-run flight.

Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo: This hidden gem in San Ángel offers a quieter, more intimate look at Diego and Frida’s lives. Their modernist homes, linked by a bridge, are fascinating to wander through, especially if you’re curious about how art, love, and architecture are intertwined in their story.

Bazar del Sábado: Every Saturday, San Ángel transforms into one of the city’s most charming open-air markets. It’s a feast for the senses: vibrant artisan stalls, colorful crafts, original artwork, and the hum of live music spilling through colonial courtyards. The market is located throughout the plaza, along the sidewalk, and on the side street. While you’re there, don’t miss the permanent vendors located inside the two-story building next door.

Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum): No visit to Mexico City is complete without stepping into Frida’s former home in Coyoacán. Her studio, personal belongings, and lush gardens paint an intimate picture of her world. Be sure to book tickets well in advance because it’s one of the city’s most popular museums. I can help you still get tickets if it appears they’re sold out on the website.

Stroll through Roma Norte and Condesa: Two of Mexico City’s most walkable neighborhoods. These leafy districts are packed with personality. Think tree-lined boulevards, Art Deco architecture, independent shops, and some of the city’s best cafés and restaurants. We spent an afternoon wandering these neighborhoods while stopping for churros and later for a cocktail.

Food tour through the city: Mexico City is one of the world’s great food capitals, and a guided food tour is the best way to dive in. From street tacos and tamales to mercados bustling with local flavors, you’ll taste dishes you might not find on your own. It’s also a fun way to learn the stories behind the food and neighborhoods.

Quintonil: While everyone talks about Pujol (#5 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list), I’d argue Quintonil is the place to book. Ranked even higher at #3, it feels more modern and approachable while still delivering one of the city’s finest dining experiences. Chef Jorge Vallejo highlights local, seasonal ingredients in creative ways that honor traditional Mexican flavors while pushing them into exciting, contemporary territory. Reservations should be made well in advance.

Expendio de Maíz: This was one of my favorite meals in Mexico City—the kind that lingers in your memory. The setting is casual and the format is unique: there is no food ordering, as everyone in the restaurant receives the same dish at the same time, alternating between a meat-based and then a vegetable-based course. Dishes keep arriving in rounds until you tell them to stop. You’ll likely have to wait for one of the limited tables, but it’s worth it. It’s cash-only, communal, surprising, and absolutely delicious. I was tempted to go back the very next day.

Taquería Orinoco: For something quick and casual, Taquería Orinoco is a go-to. Known for its flavorful al pastor, it’s a taco stand with a sit-down area and multiple locations around the city. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy taco cravings at any hour, and it’s pretty affordable too!

Café Nin (Juárez): This charming café, the sister spot to Panadería Rosetta, is beloved for its beautiful pastries—especially the famous guava roll. The difference here is the more expansive sit-down breakfast menu, all served in a leafy, sunlit space that’s perfect for a leisurely morning. We loved sitting on the patio on a beautiful fall morning. Be sure to arrive early so you won’t have to worry about grabbing a seat, as we noticed the space started to fill up fast. However, there is more seating inside than pictures led me to believe before visiting.

San Ángel Inn: If you’re visiting the nearby Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Studio Museum, plan to stop here afterward for lunch. The lush courtyard patio is a lovely setting, and their margaritas are legendary. It’s an ideal midday break before diving back into sightseeing.

Entremar: Sister restaurant to the famous Contramar, Entremar serves the same beloved menu, but with easier-to-get reservations and a prime location in Polanco. Be sure to order the tuna tostada and the signature pescado a la talla, which is a whole fish served split down the middle, with one side coated in a tangy, spicy red adobo-style sauce and the other brushed with a mild, garlicky green sauce. The contrast of flavors—smoky and bold on one side, fresh and herby on the other—makes it perfect for sharing at the table.

Mi Compa Chava: Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss this buzzing spot where the ceviches, tostadas, and seafood towers are as fresh as they are flavorful. It’s casual but lively, with a fun, coastal vibe in the middle of the city. We felt like a local when we were here, and it’s a great spot for lunch or a casual dinner when visiting the Casa Azul.

Masala y Maíz: As featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, this restaurant stands out for its bold mix of African, Indian, and Mexican influences. Every dish feels inventive yet soulful, with flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the kind of meal that sparks conversation long after you’ve left the table, and it was surprisingly affordable for a Michelin starred restaurant.

Churrería El Moro: No trip to Mexico City is complete without churros from El Moro. With multiple locations, it’s easy to fit in a visit, but I especially love the one in Coyoacán. Pair the warm, sugary churros with a cup of thick hot chocolate—simple, classic, and irresistible.

Handshake Speakeasy (Juárez): Tucked behind an unmarked door in Juárez, this speakeasy has earned the #1 spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. The cocktails are imaginative and impeccably executed, making it a perfect spot for a special night out. Reservations are essential.

Licorería Limantour (Polanco): One of the world’s top cocktail bars, Limantour is known for its creative yet balanced drinks. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegant and lively, making it an excellent choice for a celebratory post-dinner cocktail and a taste of Mexico City’s mixology scene. I prefer the Polanco location because it’s more loungy, as the Roma Norte location can get loud and clubby.