By Expedia, on October 23, 2019

How to Spend a Weekend in Mexico City

Mexico City is an exciting area that boasts an array of fun-filled attractions and activities that range from history and culture to nightlife and foodie experiences. Even if you only have a weekend in Mexico City, you can still see the best the city has to offer. Here are itinerary ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Mexico City and how to be sure you make the most of the experience.

museo nacional de historia
Museo Nacional de Historia, Mexico City

Friday Evening

Friday starts your 72 hours in Mexico City. The best way to experience the essence of the city is with a taco crawl in Centro Historico. You can explore on your own or book a tour to try the city’s favorites like brisket and al pastor paired with local beverages.

When night falls, head into the city to enjoy some of the best nightlife in Mexico. If you enjoy live music and salsa dancing, Mama Rumba is the ideal spot. The club boasts a vibrant mix of locals and travelers partying until 3 a.m., so you’ll have more than enough time to learn the Latin dances.

If you prefer a more laid-back night, you can visit the rooftop of Condesa D.F. to enjoy cocktails with spectacular views of the cityscape. This is a great place to relax and enjoy some conversation or get your night started before visiting a club.

palacio nacional mexico city
Palacio Nacional, Mexico City

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours in Mexico City for sightseeing. Breakfast is an important meal in Mexico City, so you can find an array of breakfast and brunch options. For an authentic experience, visit Pasteleria Ideal in El Centro, which has delicious pastries for a quick, on-the-go breakfast. If you prefer something heartier, you can visit El Cardenal for gourmet egg dishes, beans, and pastries.

dining in mexico city
Dining in Mexico City

A great way to explore the city is with a free walking tour led by a local, which will take you through the most interesting and beautiful parts of the city. You can learn a little bit about the local history while exploring fascinating landmarks like the Cathedral, Alameda Central, and the ruins of Templo Mayor.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After sightseeing, stop into a restaurant to grab lunch before seeing more of the city. Taco Omakase is a wonderful restaurant with modernist cuisine and a multicourse menu composed entirely of tacos with a unique twist. You can get anything from cauliflower with almond sauce to barbacoa with squash blossoms.

The Museo Suomaya is a good starting point to explore the wonders of the city. The modern and opulent museum has a vast collection of art spanning centuries, including works from masters like Dali and Rodin.

Another highlight of Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo Museum. The museum is within the former home of the famous artist and holds a vast collection of her and her husband Diego Rivera’s artwork. The Museo Dolores Olmedo is also nearby, which has an extensive collection of the artists’ work in a hacienda with a verdant garden.

Saturday night in Mexico City offers a memorable experience in lively bars and clubs. Republica del Distrito in Poblanco is a wonderful, upscale club to listen to upbeat music and dress up for a night on the town. You could also visit Club Love in Poblanco, which features DJs and themed nights for cocktails and dancing.

university mexico city
National Autonomous University, Mexico City

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Mexico City, you’ll have 24 hours left to get in all the sights and attractions you may have missed. You can start with an indulgent breakfast of avocado toast, escamoles and eggs, and sticky buns at Lalo, one of the hippest restaurants in the city. If that’s too busy, you have the good fortune to be in the middle of a gastronomical paradise, with delicious food at practically every turn.

la colonia roma
La Colonia Roma, Mexico City

On weekends, the locals indulge in brunches that offer hangover remedies like seafood soup and barbacoa. Los Tes Reyres is another popular restaurant with a long history in the city. They specialize in barbacoa with additions like radish and tortillas, which is sure to give you the nourishment you need to power you through another day of sightseeing.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After breakfast, visit Chapultepec Park to work off your meal and take in the peaceful atmosphere. The sprawling parkland is filled with lakes, trees, and lush vegetation, as well as the National Museum of Anthropology and a botanical garden. You can also take a boat ride on one of the park’s lakes.

chapultepec park mexico city
Chapultepec Park, Mexico City

You should try churros along the way, a treat of fried bread covered in sugar and cinnamon, which are a staple in the city. One of the classic churro restaurants is El Moro, which has been in operation for nearly a century.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a great way to start your evening. The library stays open into the evening, so you can spend time admiring photography, perusing the bookshelves, or exploring the surrounding gardens.

museum of anthropology
Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City

Sunday night in Mexico City offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement. If you want a less conventional night out, the Palacio de Bellas Artes has after-hours ballets, galas, and night tours with a more intimate atmosphere, so you can take in the collections and beauty of the museum with fewer crowds.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

From ancient ruin sites to hopping nightlife, Mexico City has a little bit of everything for a fun weekend break. If you’re planning a short trip to Mexico City, take a look at the Mexico City vacation deals on Expedia to prepare for a memorable experience!