48 Hours in Mexico City

A Paradise of Culture and Cuisine

Designed to be a helpful guide for a long weekend in one of my favorite (non-beach) destinations, read below for all of my most helpful hotel, food, and activity recommendations throughout La Ciudad De Mexico.
Show Me
Itinerary
Tell Me
Packing List

Mexico City Key Spots: For the visually-inclined

Map Key: (1) Hyatt Regency CDMX; (2) Xochimilco; (3) El Bazar Sabado; (4) Museum of Anthropology; (5) Palacio de Bellas Artes; (6) Pujol; (7) Quintonil; (8) Rokai; (9) Traspatio; (10) Limantour Polanco

Itinerary:

  • Day 1:
    • Arrive in Mexico City and check in to the Hyatt Regency
  • Day 2:
    • El Bazar Sabado
    • Xochimilco for lunch
    • Dinner at Pujol
    • Drinks at Limantour Polanco
  • Day 3:
    • Centro Historico sightseeing
    • Sushi lunch at Rokai
    • Cocktails at Traspatio
    • Depart Mexico City

48 Hours in Mexico City (the wordy version)
This city has a special place in my heart. For those that don’t know it well, CDMX is a beautiful place rich in culture, history, and food. For those that do know it, why aren’t you there now?!
My favorite experiences in this city have all centered around three prominent neighborhoods: Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte. All of these three are incredibly safe places to wander in search of that delicious smell drifting down the block, and I could write for days about the hidden nooks and crannies of all three but alas we’re here to travel efficiently so I’ve boiled down my absolutely favorite recommendations for 48 hours in this heavenly city (at 7,000′ elevation)!

First and foremost, I always try to stay in Polanco at my favorite hotel the Hyatt Regency (I know what you’re thinking, but this hotel is hands down the nicest Hyatt I’ve ever slept in) for those with other preferences both the JW Marriott and Intercontinental are both a stone’s throw away. Mexico City is also home to a Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, and Four Seasons but for ease of accessing all of my recommended spots, Polanco is the place to be. Now let’s get to why you’re here:

Flying in: I would suggest flying into Benito Juarez airport in the evening (either Thursday or Friday) and heading straight to the hotel for check-in and some rest ahead of a few busy days.


Day 1: Early wake up and get ready for some shopping!

One of my absolute favorite places in Mexico City is El Bazar Sabado, located in San Angel roughly a 20-minute Uber from Polanco. Only open on Saturday mornings, this market spills out across Plaza San Jacinto as well as neighboring blocks and features local artists selling their wares including everything from hand-crafted sculptures to Luchador masks. There is a stand outside the main building along the plaza with fresh, delicious coffee and if you catch it at the right time some piping hot churros as well.

There is a stand outside the main building along the plaza with fresh, delicious coffee and if you catch it at the right time some piping hot churros as well.

Day 1 (afternoon): Head out to the Venice of Mexico City

After a morning spent at the local market, hop back in an Uber for a quick 30-minute ride East to Xochimilco, featuring beautiful bright boats drifting along Mexico City’s canals. Upon getting out of the car, you’re immediately met with a sea of vibrant, well-kept trajineras helmed by veteran captains ready to show you everything Xochimilco has to offer.

Once you pick your boat, be sure to take a few pictures, and before you know it you’re off! Throughout the journey, you’ll come across countless vendors with various food cooking on their grills, mariachi bands, and drinks to keep you cool. This is a fantastic place to spend a few hours in the afternoon, and have some lunch along with a few drinks while soaking in the canals of Mexico City.

Day 1 (dinner): Back to Polanco
Be sure to provide yourself enough time to freshen up before dinner, and I’d recommend a few restaurants in Polanco for your first night in the city. If doable, Pujol is my absolute favorite restaurant in the city; if you haven’t seen Chef’s Table I’d highly recommend watching Enrique Olvera’s episode before booking your trip!

If Pujol proves too challenging a reservation to snag, Quintonil just a few blocks away serves up comparable traditional dishes with impeccable service. For the full Mexico City experience, you can’t miss pulling up to Limantour Polanco for an after-dinner cocktail with one of the most creative menus the city has to offer.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Day 2 (morning): Centro Historico
It’s next to impossible to visit Mexico City without soaking in the unparalleled beauty of Centro Historico. Just a 15-minute car ride from Polanco, the two must-do stops here are Zocalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Zocalo, also known as Constitutional Square, served as the main ceremonial center in the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan (pre-colonialism) and often has food and goods vendors set up throughout the area. After wandering through Zocalo, head a few blocks east to see Palacio de Bellas Artes for its breathtaking golden roof.

Day 2 (lunch): Sushi and Cocktails before leaving town
After wrapping up at Palacio de Bellas Artes, plug in Rokai as your next destination for a delicious sushi lunch at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants worldwide. After some incredibly fresh fish at the sushi counter in Cuauhtemoc, it’s time for a farewell drink in Roma Norte at Traspatio. Don’t let the lack of curb appeal fool you, walk through the non-descript gray door of Cordoba 81 and step into a serene boho-inspired cocktail patio with delicious drinks and tasty food.

After you’ve gorged yourself on all the food and drinks you can handle, it’s time to head back to Polanco, pick up your bags, and head back home for work tomorrow!

Suggested Packing List

  • Luggage: 1 roller carry-on; 1 backpack or large purse
  • Shoes: comfortable walking shoes, stylish shoes for dinner
  • Clothing: jeans, etc. etc.
  • Accessories: sunglasses, hat
  • Apps to download: Uber and Didi (taxi services), Opentable and Resy (dinner and lunch reservations)