6 Days in Mexico City

Arrive at Benito Juárez Airport (MEX). Uber to Roma Norte ($10, 25 min). Check into Hotel Carlota (4★, $130/night) — a design-forward boutique hotel with pool.

Zócalo — one of the world's largest public squares. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral (free), the largest in Latin America, and see the Templo Mayor ruins ($5/person).

Palacio de Bellas Artes ($7/person) — the stunning Art Nouveau/Art Deco palace. See Diego Rivera's "Man at the Crossroads" mural. Then walk the pedestrian Madero Street.

Torre Latinoamericana observation deck ($8/person) — 44th-floor panoramic views of the city at sunset. The 360° bar has great cocktails.

Dinner at Azul Histórico ($30/person) — traditional Mexican cuisine in a magical courtyard in the Historic Center. The mole negro and chapulines (grasshoppers) are authentic.

Early Uber to Teotihuacán (1 hr, $25). Arrive at opening (8 AM) to beat the crowds and the heat. Entry: $5/person.

Climb the Pyramid of the Sun (248 steps, 65m high) — the third largest pyramid in the world. Views of the entire archaeological complex and the Avenue of the Dead.

Walk the Avenue of the Dead to the Pyramid of the Moon. Visit the Palace of the Quetzalpapálotl with its well-preserved murals.

Lunch at La Gruta ($25/person) — a restaurant inside a volcanic cave near the ruins. Magical atmosphere with candles and live music. The barbacoa is excellent.

Optional: balloon ride over Teotihuacán ($150/person, must book sunrise slots weeks ahead) for the most spectacular view.

Return to CDMX. Rest at hotel.

Dinner at Contramar ($35/person) in Roma — the city's most beloved seafood restaurant. The tuna tostada and pescado a la talla (split grilled fish) are legendary.

Frida Kahlo Museum — Casa Azul ($14/person, pre-booked). The iconic blue house where Frida lived and died. Her corsets, paints, and Diego Rivera's collections.

Coyoacán Market — authentic local market. Try tostadas at the famous Tostadas de Coyoacán stand ($4/each). Pulque (fermented agave drink) if you're adventurous.

Explore Coyoacán: Plaza Hidalgo, the coyote fountain, and the leafy streets. Ice cream at Nevería Roxy, a Coyoacán institution since 1946.

Uber to San Ángel. Browse the Saturday Bazaar (if it's Saturday) for artisan crafts, or visit the Diego Rivera Studio Museum ($2/person).

Coffee at Café Avellaneda ($3) in Coyoacán — serious specialty coffee in a quiet courtyard.

Dinner at Maximo Bistrot ($50/person) in Roma — farm-to-table Mexican-French fusion. Regularly ranked one of Latin America's best restaurants.

Chapultepec Castle ($5/person) — the only royal castle in the Americas, perched on a hill with sweeping city views. Murals by O'Gorman and Siqueiros inside.

Museo Nacional de Antropología ($5/person) — one of the world's greatest museums. The Aztec Sun Stone (Aztec Calendar), Maya Hall, and the giant Olmec heads. Plan 3 hours minimum.

Lunch at El Bajío ($20/person) in Polanco — traditional Mexican in a colorful, festive setting. Carnitas and mole are exceptional.

Explore Polanco: Avenida Presidente Masaryk (Mexico's Rodeo Drive), designer boutiques, and the Soumaya Museum (free) — Carlos Slim's private collection in a striking Frank Gehry-inspired building.

Dinner at Pujol ($120/tasting menu) — consistently ranked among the world's top restaurants. Enrique Olvera's modern Mexican cuisine. The mole madre aging 1,500+ days is transcendent.

Uber to Xochimilco (45 min, $15). Rent a colorful trajinera (gondola, $25/hour for the boat). Float the ancient Aztec canals with mariachi bands, food vendors, and floating gardens.

Visit the Doll Island (Isla de las Muñecas) — a creepy collection of hundreds of hanging dolls. Optional add-on to your trajinera route.

Lunch at Arroyo ($20/person) near Xochimilco — famous for barbacoa de borrego (lamb barbecue) since 1940. Watch tortillas being made by hand.

Mercado de La Merced (free) — Mexico City's largest traditional market. An assault on the senses: pyramids of dried chiles, exotic fruit, live birds, and every kind of mole paste. Go with a guide for the full experience.

Lucha Libre at Arena México ($15-50/person depending on seats) — Mexican wrestling at its finest. The Friday night shows are the best atmosphere.

Late street tacos at El Vilsito ($8/person) — an auto repair shop by day, legendary taquería by night. The al pastor from the trompo is perfection.

Explore Roma Norte and Condesa: tree-lined Avenida Ámsterdam, Art Deco buildings, and the leafy Parque México. Coffee at Quentin Café, the best flat white in CDMX.

Mercado Roma ($10-15/person for grazing) — gourmet food hall with the best of Mexico City's culinary scene under one roof.

Last-minute shopping: Fonart (government-certified artisan crafts), Masala y Maíz for Mexican-Indian fusion pantry items, and Xinu Perfumes (Mexican botanical fragrances).

Depart for MEX Airport. Uber ($10, 30-40 min depending on traffic). Arrive 2.5 hours before international flights. Pick up mezcal and Mexican vanilla at duty-free.