This post is also available in:
Nederlands (Dutch)
Table of Contents
Mexico had been on my wishlist for years, and recently I finally got to spend a fantastic week in Mexico City. In this post, I’m sharing how I spent my days, so you can use this Mexico City itinerary as inspiration for your own trip.
Of course, there’s no one right way to experience Mexico City. And maybe you’ll have less time than I did to explore the city’s highlights. That’s why I’ll tell you what I think you absolutely shouldn’t miss, and what I’d do differently now that I’ve been. That way, you can use this 7-day Mexico City itinerary to plan a trip of 3, 4 or 5 days too.
Looking for more tips on my favourite sights, restaurants or coffee spots? Make sure to check out the other Mexico City posts I’ve written.
Where to stay in Mexico City
One of the first things I always do when planning a new trip is to book my hotel. In Mexico City, there are two neighbourhoods I’d recommend looking at: Roma Norte and Condesa. You won’t find many tourist sights here, but these are the areas with the best restaurants and coffee spots. The atmosphere is great, the streets are pretty, and I felt completely safe walking around. I also loved that staying in these areas meant I always had breakfast places nearby in the mornings, and plenty of dinner options in the evening.
Since it was my first time in Mexico City and I couldn’t decide between Roma Norte and Condesa, I ended up switching hotels halfway through the week so I could experience both. In the end, I preferred the hotel I stayed at in Roma Norte. It was new, spacious, luxurious, and perfectly located for walking everywhere. That said, Condesa did turn out to be my favourite neighbourhood. So green and charming, with a beautiful, big park that I fell in love with right away. The fact that my hotel was right next to that park was definitely a bonus.
Day 1: Exploring Roma Norte
If you’re spending a week in Mexico City and dealing with a serious case of jet lag, it’s nice to take it easy on your first day. I used this day to explore the neighbourhood around my hotel: Roma Norte.
Breakfast: Panadería Rosetta (must-visit!)
If you’ve already done some research on Instagram for where to eat in Mexico City, you’ve probably come across this popular bakery ‘Pandería Rosetta’. On weekends, people queue up to get one of their amazing croissants or the now-legendary guava roll.
During the week, it’s much quieter. And if you’re up early because of your jet lag, it’s easy to get a seat at the bar next to the shop or on the terrace outside.
Order a coffee and something from the menu (if you’re eating in), but make sure you don’t skip the guava roll!
Coffee / Tea: Cafe Nin
With my jet lag in full swing, I needed a bit of extra coffee and tea today. Cafe Nin is another great spot in Roma Norte. Lots of tempting pastries too (in case you’re still hungry after breakfast). Definitely a good place for breakfast or lunch as well.
Lunch: Rosetta (must-visit!)
Yes, we’re sticking with Rosetta for lunch too. This is the big sister of the bakery where we had breakfast. Rosetta now has a Michelin star and is considered one of the 50 best restaurants in the world.
It’s a beautiful place, with daylight pouring in through the glass ceiling during the day. Great for both lunch and dinner. And definitely save room for dessert.
Visit: La Laguna
In La Laguna, a former textile factory, you’ll now find shops by local designers and artists. From furniture and home decor to clothes and books, this is a lovely place to browse or find something unique. There’s also a Buna coffee bar where you can take a break.
Dinner: Campobaja (must-visit!)
If you like seafood, you can’t skip Campobaja. It’s a trendy restaurant that’s easy to miss from the street, since it’s located upstairs. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is great.
Day 2: Highlights of the Historic Centre
As I mentioned earlier, the trendier neighbourhoods don’t have many tourist sights. For that, you’ll need to head to the historic centre of Mexico City.
Breakfast: Cafe Milou
I’m still in Roma Norte for breakfast. Cafe Milou is a tiny spot with a great breakfast menu. I didn’t think it was possible to be surprised by avocado toast (as good as it is), but this one really impressed me. The best I’ve ever had.
Visit: Biblioteca Vasconcelos
Take an Uber and head to Biblioteca Vasconcelos. This stunning library is well worth the short detour, especially if you love books or architecture.
Visit: Casa de los Azulejos
From there, head towards the old centre. You can now visit a few sights that are all close together. Casa de los Azulejos (‘House of Tiles’) is an 18th century palace now used as a restaurant, but covered in blue and white tiles it is mainly worth seeing from the outside.
Visit: Palacio de Correos de México
Right across from Casa de los Azulejos, you’ll find the Palacio de Correos de México. A gorgeous post office that’s still in use today. You can send a postcard here, but the real reason to visit is the beautiful staircase and the interior architecture. Each room features an exhibition (in Spanish) about the history of the Mexican postal service.
Coffee: Cafe Finca Don Porfirio
In need of a coffee or tea break? Head into the Sears department store and take the elevator to Cafe Finca Don Porfirio on the top floor. Here, you’ll enjoy your coffee with an amazing view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Visit: Museo del Templo Mayor
Next to the cathedral, on the city’s main square, you’ll find the remains of an Aztec temple. This archaeological site, together with the museum, offers a fascinating look into Mexico City’s ancient past.
Lunch: Masala y Maíz
With a Michelin star, a feature on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, and limited opening hours (12–6 pm), getting a reservation at Masala y Maíz can be a challenge. But it’s so worth it! Even if your only option is a late lunch like mine at 2:30 pm, go for it. Just plan the rest of your day around it.
Dinner: Taquería Orinoco
After such a big (and late) lunch, I wasn’t in the mood for a full dinner. Taquería Orinoco is a popular local chain with several locations in the city, including one close to my hotel. I wasn’t blown away, but it’s a solid option if you want something quick and affordable.
Day 3: Frida Kahlo museum & charming Coyoacán
One thing you really shouldn’t miss in Mexico City is a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum. The museum is located about an hour outside the centre in the Coyoacán neighbourhood, so plan to spend at least half a day here.
Breakfast: Mendl Delicatessen
Since I was switching hotels today, I had breakfast at a lovely restaurant within walking distance from my hotel in Condesa. I can never say no to a good bagel, but everything on the menu looked delicious.
Visit: Frida Kahlo Museum (must-visit!)
After breakfast, take an Uber to Coyoacán to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. This is the house where she was born, lived most of her life, and eventually died. It was one of the highlights of my trip to Mexico City. Don’t forget to book your tickets online well in advance. They usually go on sale about 6 weeks ahead and sell out quickly.
Coffee: Cafe El Jarocho
Before or after the museum, take some time to explore more of the lovely Coyoacán neighbourhood. I followed a route from the Lonely Planet guide that took me past Cafe El Jarocho. They’ve been serving coffee here since 1953. I really enjoyed sitting on a bench with my coffee, just watching the locals coming and going.
Lunch: Felix
I’m back in Condesa. Around Parque México, the main park in Condesa, you’ll find plenty of restaurants. In the mood for pizza? Felix is a great option.
Coffee: Odette
There’s no shortage of bakeries and cafés in Condesa. Odette is one of the best with so many delicious things to choose from and a nice terrace where you can enjoy it all right away.
Dinner: Comal Oculto
In a global city like Mexico City, you’ll find culinary influences from all over the world. But at Comal Oculto (Bib Gourmand), you’ll eat dishes that are truly rooted in this region. The restaurant is long and narrow, with shared tables. I enjoyed the food, but I’d recommend going for lunch instead. The lunch menu is different and many of the most popular dishes are only served then.
Day 4: Castles & Culture
Breakfast: Malcriado
This morning I walked from my hotel to Malcriado. They have locations in both Condesa and Polanco. The breakfast was fine, but not quite the standout I expected. Maybe the Polanco branch is better.
Coffee: Borel
Just a few minutes’ walk away, Borel turned out to be a real gem. I stumbled upon it by accident, but the cute terrace looked so inviting that I decided to stop for another coffee. And I’m glad I did.
Visit: Chapultepec Castle
When planning my trip, I didn’t expect to visit a castle in Mexico City. But Chapultepec Castle is definitely worth it. It houses the National Museum of History, so in addition to admiring the beautiful interiors (Mexico City is the only city in North America with a royal palace), you’ll also learn more about the country’s history. Afterwards, you can wander around the huge Chapultepec Park.
Visit: Soumaya Museum
From Chapultepec, I walked through the upscale Polanco neighbourhood to the Soumaya Museum. I didn’t find Polanco itself very interesting, with too many luxury shops and not much atmosphere. But the (free) Soumaya Museum, located on the edge of the area, is well worth a visit. The silver building is spectacular on its own, and inside you’ll find a large art collection from different periods.
Dinner: Taverna (must-visit!)
For a romantic, candlelit dinner, Taverna in the Juárez neighbourhood is the place to be. The interior is stunning and the food was delicious.
Day 5: Mexican street food
Breakfast: Saint
Saint is a bakery and café in Condesa that’s also perfect for breakfast. Especially popular on weekends. My flat white here was one of the best of the week.
Lunch: Fugaz
For a light, quick lunch I went to Fugaz. A small restaurant in Roma Norte with a weekly changing menu. The dishes are simple but fresh, and clearly made with care. Since I had a food tour coming up, I didn’t eat too much.
Activity/Dinner: Street Food Tour by Night (must-do!)
Food tours are one of my favourite ways to discover local cuisine when I travel. There are lots to choose from, but this evening tour (5–8 pm) by Eat Like a Local was such a great experience. You visit neighbourhoods you might not go to otherwise (like San Rafael and Santa Maria), and you get to try so many amazing bites. Even at the end of my trip, I found it really interesting and fun, but I’d actually recommend doing a food tour earlier in your stay.
Day 6: Teotihuacán – Day Trip from Mexico City
Monday is when many places in Mexico City are closed, which makes it the perfect day to plan a day trip outside the city.
Visit: Teotihuacán Pyramids (must-visit!)
About an hour’s drive from the city, you’ll find the impressive pyramids of Teotihuacán. This was one of the highlights of my week. I highly recommend booking a guided tour so you can learn more about the history and symbolism of the site. I joined this tour which was excellent.
Lunch: Maizajo (must-visit!)
Back in the city, I had lunch at Maizajo, a modern taqueria where you stand at a pink-tiled bar and enjoy some of the best tacos around. Ask for the off-menu special: the quesabirria. So good!
Dinner: Pizza at Anónimo
I wasn’t super hungry after all those tacos, so I kept it simple with pizza at Anónimo. A relaxed, casual place with great pizza.
Day 7: Last day in Mexico City
Today I’m flying back home, but since my flight wasn’t until the evening, I still had most of the day to enjoy the city.
Breakfast: Lardo
If there’s one place that’s recommended in almost every Mexico City itinerary, it’s Lardo. So I couldn’t leave without trying it. Alongside your breakfast dish, make sure to order one of the pastries. The guava roll here is almost as good as the one at Pandería Rosetta (see Day 1).
Visit: National Museum of Anthropology
This is Mexico City’s most famous museum, and for good reason. Museums like this can sometimes feel overwhelming, with so many historical artifacts, but the layout here is excellent and I found it all super interesting. It might even be more fun to visit this museum before going to Teotihuacán.
Lunch: Contramar (must-visit!)
Another spot that shows up on every list: seafood restaurant Contramar. I was a bit worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it absolutely did. The staff were incredibly friendly, and I ended up eating twice as much as I’d planned because they kept convincing me to try one more thing. But everything was worth it. So good!
A week is never enough to fully experience a city like Mexico City. But this itinerary gave me the perfect mix of culture, architecture, history, amazing food, and relaxed walks through my favourite neighbourhoods. I already know I’ll be coming back again. Even if it’s just to eat that guava roll one more time.
Looking for more Mexico City travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Mexico City city guide.
This article contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission – at no additional cost to you – if you decide to make a purchase through these links. More information about how I use affiliate marketing can be found in the Disclaimer.
