Four Days in Mexico City: Review and Recap from a Travel Agent
Anyone who tells you that four days is plenty of time for Mexico City hasn’t actually experienced it. We just wrapped up a whirlwind long weekend in the Mexican capital, and if our trip proved anything, it’s that a week wouldn’t even begin to cover the depth of this city’s culinary, cultural, and historic treasures. If CDMX has been lingering on your must-visit list, consider this your sign to stop waiting and book the flight.
The city is magical!
Arrival Day in Mexico City
We flew nonstop from DFW and arrived about noon. It’s fairly easy from landing to find the luggage carousels, but it did take an hour to get bags. We arrived on a Saturday so that could just be a busy day. We found our transfer pretty quick and then sat in traffic for another hour.
Mexico City is very busy and Saturday traffic is no joke!
Overall, the airport was a little confusing to us for departures. It’s also very crowded, get there early and don’t forget your patience.
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepac
We stayed across the street from the Chapultepac Park at the Grand Fiesta Americana. It was a great location for visiting the Chapultepac Castle, the Museum of Modern Art and Anthropology Museum. There are a lot of neighborhoods in Mexico City, each with a different vibe and different reasons to stay there.
The hotel was a great location for our first stay, but next time we will choose a different neighborhood to explore. We were able to walk to some places but had to utilize Uber for a lot during this trip.
The hotel had a bar and restaurant. The bar was small and got crowded quick, but the drinks were good!
After we checked in, we headed over to the Museum of Modern Art and walked around the park before heading to dinner.
The Museum of Modern Art has 2 buildings plus a big courtyard with installations outside. They also have a strict bag policy, but they have bag check.
Xochimilco and Frida Kahlo tour with Living Dreams
This was probably my favorite day! I planned a private tour for us with Living Dreams. They are exceptional and we have booked with them several times. I also plan client excursions with them. (Tell them Sarah at Lake Pointe Travel sent you. They will take great care of you!)
Scarlett and Carmen were our guide and driver. We were picked up at 9AM and headed toward Xochimilco first, but drove through a flower market on the way. The Marigolds are absolutely stunning!
We had a private boat and the ride lasted about an hour. I’d like to return and take a longer tour. It’s very crowded on Sunday, so keep that in mind. Take pesos to tip your boat driver, to shop the market and use the bathroom!
We had a timed entry to Frida Kahlo’s house and museum. Those tickets book up quick so make sure you have it on your calendar to buy them as soon as they open. They can be purchased online about 2 months in advance.
Once we left Frida Kahlo, we headed to Coyoacan neighborhood and walked around a bit. Went into the San Juan Batista Church and Monastery, it’s one of the oldest churches in Mexico City.
We did a little shopping in the market. I brought home three Christmas ornaments and mole mix. I’m excited for John to cook with it!
We walked a little and got churros and coffee (I got tea).
What we ate and drank in Mexico City
Mexico City is a food capital so eat whatever you like! We went to a pizza/pasta place the first night. There were so many pizza places I wanted to try.
We went to Coppola Pizza Vinyl Bar, we had to sit outside. They do take reservations but I waited too long. The weather was perfect though.
Night number 2 we went to Choza. It’s not on Google Maps, you only find it on Instagram. The address is Monterrey 194. Choza is a Thai-Mexican Fusion restaurant.
You wait outside until they let you in. We sat in the bar for about an hour waiting on our table. The restaurant is upstairs on the roof.
We ordered several things and just shared it. I forgot to take a picture of the sandwich, but everything was so good!
Night number 3 we had reservations at La Clandestina. It was easy enough to get seated without a reservation on a Monday though. This is a bar that has food. It’s very dark, we could not stop laughing at how dark it is in there. Food was good, fresh tortillas and guacamole, tacos and Fundidos.
Our last night we had reservations at Azul Historico. I recommend getting reservations here for sure. The sangria was very good and my favorite was the tortilla soup. Presentation was a hit! They have a lot of mole dishes here so make sure you look over the menu if you aren’t sure you like mole.
I had enchiladas and they were good but the mole I got was a little too sweet for me, but it was still good.
There was a little cafe/coffee shop by our hotel called Chispa. This breakfast was my favorite!
We went to Jazzatlan jazz bar one night after dinner, great drinks and empanadas. I needed a snack!
Ally found us a Mezcal bar, called Tlecan. The bouncer takes you to a place you can stand and the bartender comes to you. There are some seats at the bar if you are lucky and really early I suppose.
Mexico City is Magical!
I love doors and I love to photograph them. I’m no professional, it’s just something I love to do! Here are a few of my favorites from Mexico City. I really needed someone to drive me around just to take pictures of the doors.
They were setting up for Dia de Muertos celebrations. There was a parade the day we arrived so we got to see some of the floats. There are so many parks in Mexico City, all with gardens and fountains, most are dog friendly too.
One morning we got pastries at Panaderia Rosetta bakery and headed to a nearby park to eat. If you want a table there, be early and plan on waiting. Our to-go order didn’t take too long.
Shopping in Mexico City
There is some great shopping in Mexico City! We got several items from this little boutique near Parque Mexico. They have vintage shops and plenty of coffee shops and tea cafes as well.
I loved the markets too, but there was one place on our list that Ally and I didn’t want to miss – Cyan.
They have hand cut, leather journals, purses, small wallets, and planners. You pick your size and color and add inserts and extras to the outside.
They engrave it as well. It was so fun! You definitely want to get there when they open, they start a waitlist once it gets busy. It’s on the 3rd floor of a building, but there is a sign on the sidewalk to help you find them.
Things to know
- A lot of the museums are closed on Monday. Plan your trip so that a Monday is your arrival or departure day. Or plan a day tour that doesn’t include a museum.
- Museums have a bag policy and most require you check your bag, depending on the size. You cannot carry water through the museum.
- Take pesos in small denominations for tipping, street vendors and public bathrooms.
- Most restaurants and even some vendors take credit cards.
- Uber was easy to use, taxis are also available but you’ll likely need pesos.
Mexico City isn’t a destination you simply cross off a list; it’s a place that pulls you back the moment your flight takes off. Whether you have four days to spare or a full two weeks, getting the rhythm, neighborhoods, and reservations right makes all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and falling completely in love with the city.
Ready to experience the magic of CDMX without the stress of navigating reservations, neighborhoods, and logistics? Let’s design your custom Mexico City getaway. Reach out to start planning!
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Happy travels!
Sarah McCutcheon, Travel Agent
