Explore Mexico City: Itinerary for an Unforgettable Girls’ Trip
Mexico City is a must-visit! From mouthwatering street tacos to Michelin-starred dining, the food scene is incredible. You can explore ancient pyramids, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning museums. The nightlife is buzzing with craft cocktail bars and lively clubs. Plus, the locals are super friendly. There’s something for everyone, making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Keep reading to get a guide on a weekend itinerary for an unforgettable girls trip in Mexico City.
Leaving my baby boy for the first time was bittersweet, but a girls’ trip to Mexico City was exactly what this mama needed. Thank you to my amazing husband, who took care of everything at home and allowed me to experience this much-needed vacation with my best friends.
Best Time to Visit Mexico City
Timing can make a world of difference! The best time to visit is during the spring, particularly from March to May. We visited in May, which was absolutely perfect. The weather was hot but not unbearable, and the city was vibrant with life. I recommend at least 3-4 days to see everything that Mexico City has to offer.
Tips
Mexico City, at an elevation of over 7,200 feet above sea level, can be a bit of a challenge for those not accustomed to high altitudes. We experienced some light headaches the first day. Staying hydrated and taking it easy helped us adjust quickly.
Where To Stay
Our stay was wonderful at the Amsterdam Luxury Plus by Viadora in Condesa. This Airbnb had a kitchen, spacious rooms with balconies, and two bathrooms, making it perfect for three girls to get ready (and be on time). The neighborhood was charming, with tree-lined streets and plenty of cafes and shops.
Other highly recommended neighborhoods to consider:
- Condesa: This area offers a chic and laid-back atmosphere with tree-lined streets, stylish restaurants, and cozy bars. It’s perfect for a relaxing day out and enjoying upscale, yet approachable, dining and nightlife.
- Roma: Known for its bohemian vibe, Roma is filled with eclectic cafes, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street art. It’s a great spot for leisurely strolls and discovering quirky, indie shops.
- Juárez: Juárez is a bustling area that’s rapidly evolving. It’s home to a mix of historic buildings and modern developments, along with an emerging arts scene and some great local dining spots.
- Polanco: For a taste of luxury, Polanco is the place to be. With high-end shopping, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful parks, it’s ideal for those looking to indulge in a more upscale experience.
Alternative Hotel Options
- Budget-Friendly: Selina Mexico City Downtown – A stylish and affordable option with a great location.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Catedral – Offers comfort and convenience at a reasonable price.
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City – For those looking to splurge, this hotel offers top-notch service and amenities.
Tip
Be mindful of the city’s traffic, which can be quite busy. Plan accordingly if you need to get anywhere on time. Always use Ubers instead of taxis for safety and reliability.
Discover Mexico City’s Food Scene
Mexico City is a food lover’s paradise. On our first day, we opted to plan our own mini walking food tour including stops at some of the best local eateries. If you want to mimic this walking food tour, use the google map below for the exact route we took!
- Tortas al Fuego: Famous for their mouthwatering grilled tortas, these sandwiches are packed with flavor and fresh ingredients.
- Jennis Quesadilla: These quesadillas, made with fresh masa and a variety of fillings. We stood in a pretty long line but not sure if it was entirely worth it.
- Panadería Rosetta: This bakery’s pastries are legendary. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries is irresistible.
- Taquería Orinoco: The place for the best al pastor tacos in Mexico City. Juicy, marinated pork served with fresh pineapple makes for an unforgettable meal.
- Mercado Roma: A vibrant food market offering a wide variety of dishes, from traditional tacos to modern sushi, in a lively atmosphere.
- Churrería El Moro: No visit to Mexico City is complete without churros from El Moro. Crispy, soft, and perfectly sweet. They even have stuffed churros on the menu!
Dining at Michelin-Star Restaurants
We also indulged in some of the best culinary experiences at Michelin-star restaurants. I recommend booking these restaurants a few months prior to your trip due to its popularity. These dining experiences can last between 2-4 hours and can be a bit pricey, so be sure to keep that in mind, especially if you make a late reservation!
- Rosetta: With its cozy ambiance and expertly crafted dishes showcasing fresh, local ingredients, dining here was a delight.
- Pujol: The tasting menu at Pujol took us on a culinary journey, with each course more impressive than the last. We opted for the Omakase Taco Bar Experience which is only available at the bar, and seats about 12-15 people.
- Quintonil: The innovative dishes at Quintonil left us speechless. The chefs here truly know how to create unique and delicious flavors. They even gave us portable cellphone chargers as soon as we sat down.
Although we didn’t have time to visit all the restaurants on our list, here are a few that I want to visit next time I visit Mexico City: Masala y Maíz, Contramar, & Ling Ling.
Top Cocktail Bars in Mexico City
For those who love a good cocktail, Mexico City has some fantastic bars:
- Hanky Panky: A speakeasy-style bar with creative cocktails and a cozy ambiance.
- Licorería Limantour: Rated top 50 bars in the world for its innovative drinks and stylish setting.
- Handshake: Offers a sophisticated cocktail experience with expertly crafted drinks.
- Rayo: Another bar that made the top 50 list where they give you a blind tasting of their entire drink menu – a must try!
- Parole: An Italian venue giving Tulum vibes featuring a lively party scene and dancing on tables.
Our night out at Parole was unforgettable. With live music and dancing on tables every 40 minutes, the energy was electric. The DJ and saxophone player kept the party going all night. While the food wasn’t our favorite, the lively atmosphere more than made up for it.
Top Things To Do
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Teotihuacan Valley
One of the highlights of our trip was the hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan Valley with Tiatoani Tours. Our tour company provided the transportation and we needed to be ready for a 4:00am pickup for an hour-long drive to the balloon site. #TeamNoSleep. As the sun began to rise, we climbed aboard and floated silently over the ancient pyramids, soaking in the breathtaking views. The ride offered a serene and magical perspective of the Teotihuacan ruins. After our flight, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast inside a cave, completing our unforgettable morning adventure. Here’s a breakdown of the most important information:
- Early Wake-Up Call: Tour company provided transportation from our hotel at 4:00am to the balloon site, about an hour outside the city.
- Safety Briefing: Upon arrival, we received a thorough safety briefing. Seeing the massive hot air balloons being prepared was an experience in itself.
- Attire: It can get quite chilly that early in the morning, so dressing in layers is advisable.
- Historical Significance: Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city, known for its impressive pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. It was one of the largest cities in the world during its peak.
- Unique Breakfast Experience: After the ride, we enjoyed breakfast inside a cave, adding a unique and memorable touch to the adventure.
- Pyramid Exploring: We had the option of visiting the pyramid grounds for an additional fee but we skipped this part.
Relaxing Stroll Through Parque España
Parque España is a charming oasis in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood. With its lush green spaces, serene walking paths, and modern sculptures, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet moment or people-watch (which is one of my favorite things to do), Parque España is a must-visit gem in the heart of the city.
Vibrant Xochimilco Boat Tour
Floating through the Xochimilco canals on a trajinera boat tour was another highlight of our girls trip! The vibrant colors of the boats and the lively mariachi music set the perfect backdrop for a fun-filled day. We munched on tasty local bites while soaking up the festive vibe. It was such a blast and gave us a true taste of Mexican culture!
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Located inside the Sears on the 8th floor, Café Finca Don Porfirio offers stunning views of Palacio de Bellas Artes. Sipping coffee with this iconic view was the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of Mexico City.
Although we couldn’t fit everything in from our weekend, here are a few more sights for next time: Frida Kahlo Museum, the pink wall at Hotel Camino, and Chapultepec Castle.
Leaving my baby for the first time was definitely tough but this trip reminded me of the importance of taking time for myself. Mexico City offered the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and delicious food for our girls trip. I returned home refreshed and ready to dive back into mom life with new memories and a happy heart. If you’re considering a trip to Mexico City, I hope these tips help you have an incredible experience!
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