Mexico City For A First-Timer, By A Local

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Advisor - Andrea Waxman
Curated By

Andrea Waxman

  • Mexico City

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Mexico

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Food

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Mexico City For A First-Timer, By A Local
Curator’s statement

Mexico is a special place because of its people, culture, food and excellent service. There is nowhere else in the world like it. Come and see for yourself.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Mexico City

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Things to do in Mexico City

Day 1: Downtown exploration

Morning
Museo de Antropología (10 am - 12 pm)
Explore Mexico's rich history and diverse cultures.

Lunch (comida)
El Danubio (12:30 pm - 2 pm)
Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine.

Afternoon
Castillo de Chapultepec (2:30 pm - 4:30 pm)
Visit the historic castle with stunning views.

Evening
Drinks at Ritz Carlton's rooftop (5 pm - 7 pm)
Experience breathtaking views of the city.

Dinner
St. Regis or Four Seasons restaurant (7:30 pm - 9 pm)
Dine in style with excellent food and ambiance.

Day 2: El Centro and museums

Morning
Palacio de Bellas Artes (10 am - 12 pm)
Visit this iconic cultural center.

Lunch
Pujol (12 pm - 2 pm)
Indulge in fine dining (make reservations).

Afternoon
Visit el MUAC (Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo) (2:30 pm - 4:30 pm)
Discover contemporary art.

Evening
Dinner at Contramar (5 pm - 7 pm)
A trendy seafood spot (reservations recommended).

Day 3: Teotihuacan and local flavors

Early morning
Teotihuacan Pyramids (6 am - 11 am)
Explore the ancient ruins; consider hot air ballooning.

Lunch
La Grota (12 pm - 1:30 pm)
Highly recommended for the best margaritas. Make a reservation in advance!

Afternoon
Xochimilco (2 pm - 5 pm)
Enjoy a traditional boat ride & drink unlimited traditional Mexican drinks i.e. beer or micheladas!

Evening
Dinner at San Angel Inn (6 pm - 8 pm)
Experience the charm of this historic restaurant.

Day 4: Coyoacán and Polanco

Morning
Frida Kahlo Museum (10 am - 12 pm)
Visit the artist's vibrant former home.

Lunch
Coyoacán stroll & local bites (12:30 pm - 2 pm)
Sample street food and ice cream.

Afternoon
Shopping at Masarik (2:30 pm - 4:30 pm)
Explore boutiques and enjoy ice creams.

Evening
Stroll the beautiful streets of Polanco & have dinner in Polanco (5 pm - 7pm).
Choose from various high-end options like Quintonil or Pujol (if you didn’t visit earlier).

Day 5: Santa Fe and relaxation

Morning
Parque de El Reloj (10 am - 12 pm)
Relax in the park or visit nearby attractions.

Lunch
La Mexicana (12:30 pm - 2 pm)
A casual spot for a delicious meal.

Afternoon
Last-minute shopping or exploring (2:30 pm - 5:00 pm)
Enjoy any spots you might have missed.

Evening
Final dinner or drinks (5:30 pm onward)
Choose a favorite spot from your trip or discover a new one.

Tips:
Reservations: For popular restaurants like Pujol and Contramar, make reservations in advance.
Transport: Use rideshare apps for convenience when moving around the city (Uber works almost everywhere).
Attire: Mexican locals have an unspoken dress code for cities - no shorts.
Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded, tourist areas, it is pretty safe to walk around and enjoy!

Day trips

  • Teotihuacan

  • Xochimilco

  • Coyoacan

Places to eat & drink in Mexico City

  • Contramar

  • San Angel Inn

  • St. Regis

  • Four Seasons

  • El Danubio

Need to know

Be kind and be graceful, enjoy all the beauty that my city has to offer <3

Advisor - Andrea Waxman

Travel Advisor

Andrea Waxman

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico City page.

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