Mexico City Greatest Hits Jaunt
Our Jaunt-approved list of all the most epic spots you absolutely cannot miss.
The elevator pitch: vibrant, international, and friendly. It feels like literally everyone has a dog (who doesn’t love dogs?). And you will eat like an absolute king, guaranteed.
When to go: great to visit all year (average temp is 64°F /18°C). But we’d say try to go between September and May to skip the rainy season.
Where to stay: Airbnb has so many great options - filter for your preferences and find a place in Condesa or Roma Norte for walkable access to the best spots. If hotels are more your vibe, we love Condesa DF Hotel.
How to get around: there’s a comprehensive metro system that’s cheap and easy to navigate. We like to Uber because it’s quick, reliable and also cheap.
Other stuff: this is a high altitude city, so drink that water and take it easy out the gate. Also, most restaurants and businesses shut down on Sunday night (and some for the full day), so plan accordingly.
TRIP OVERVIEW: Greatest Hits
What this is: our Jaunt-approved list of all the most epic spots in Mexico City
What this isn’t: random recommendations from “Karen” in Minnesota
Day 1: Hit the Classics
Breakfast at Lalo in Roma Norte
Stroll and shop in Roma Norte
Lunch at Contramar in Condesa
Visit the Castle and museum at Chapultepec Park
Dinner at Pujol in Polanco
Drinks at Limantour and Gin Gin in Polanco
Day 2: Venture to the Center
Breakfast at Lardo in Condesa
Explore Plaza de Constitucion (the city center)
Lunch at Masala y Maiz in Juarez
Rooftop drinks at Condesa DF Hotel
Dinner at Rosetta in Roma Norte
Drinks at Balmori Rooftop in Roma Norte
Day 3: Head South
Breakfast at Panderia Rosetta in Roma Norte
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan
Lunch at Tostadas Coyoacan
Boat ride in Xochimilco
Tacos at Taqueria Orinoco in Condesa
Dessert at Churreria el Moro in Condesa
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Hit the Classics
Lalo
Breakfast in Roma Norte
map | site | @eatlalo
Bright and lively. This graffiti covered breakfast hotspot has the fluffiest pancakes you will ever find. Get there early to avoid a wait!
Roma Norte
Stroll the neighborhood
map | site | @eatlalo
Boutique and trendy. Take a relaxing stroll around this leafy neighborhood and people watch the young, international hipsters. Drop into a boutique shop or two and treat yo’self!
Contramar
Lunch in Condesa
map | reserve | site | @contramarmx
Bustling and legendary. Get the the tuna tostadas or the famous red-and-green fish. Watch the Netflix docu “A Tale of Two Kitchens” before you go for an insider look at the magic behind Chef Gabriela Carera. Oh and, book this one early!
Bosque de Chapultepec
Stroll in Chapultepec Park
map | wikipedia
Refreshing and lush. Roam around this green oasis - you’ll find a Castle and an Anthropology Museum. If you’re heading straight to dinner at Pujol after this, end at the Botanical Gardens to get close to Polanco.
Pujol
Dinner in Polanco
map | reserve | site | @pujolrestaurant
Epic and innovative. Choose between the traditional tasting menu and the taco omakase at the bar. And important: don’t forget to book this early (like - many months in advance).
(Couldn’t get a rez at Pujol? Try Quintonil in Polanco)
Limantour
Drinks in Polanco
map | reserve | site | @limantourmx
Trendy and fun. Go here for colorful, innovative cocktails and a buzzy scene. There are other locations in Roma Norte and Condesa, all are great.
Gin Gin
Drinks in Polanco
map | reserve | site | @ginginmex
Trendy and chic. Take a (very short) break from mezcal and try one of the many gin concoctions on the menu. There’s also the OG location in Roma if you just can’t get enough.
DAY 2 : Venture to the Center
Lardo
Breakfast in Condesa
map | reserve | site | @lardomexico
Bright and airy. We love this place for any meal - but if you go early for breakfast you can avoid the brunch rush. Plenty of egg dishes on this Mediterranean-leaning menu.
Plaza de la Constitucion
Vibrant and bustling. This main city square is also known as the Zocalo. Stroll around, admire the architecture, pop into a cathedral. A true insider tip- head to the top floor of this Sears building to grab a coffee at Finca Don Porfirio for an insane view of the Palacio de Belles Artes.
Masala y Maiz
Lunch in Juarez
map | reserve | site | @masalaymaiz
Innovative and unconventional. You can only eat so many tacos. This unique menu is a “mestizaje” (blend) of South Asian, East African and Mexican cuisine based on family recipes.
Condesa DF Hotel
Drinks on the Rooftop
map | site | @groupohabita
Bohemian and trendy. Pop up to the 4th floor rooftop for sunset drinks before dinner and enjoy the view of tree-lined Condesa, cocktail in hand.
Rosetta
Dinner in Roma Norte
map | reserve | site | @restauranterosetta
Grand but welcoming. The vibes are homey and inviting at this large townhouse restaurant. Italian with a Mexican twist, it’s some of the best food you’ll find in this city.
Craving more Italian? Try Sartoria in Roma Norte.
Balmori Rooftop
Drinks in Roma Norte
map | site | @balmorirooftop
Swanky and posh. Rooftop drinks, great snacks, people watching, and a late night DJ. What more could you possibly need?
Not tired yet? Head over to Paramo for late night drinks and snacks.
Day 3: Head South
Panderia Rosetta
Breakfast in Roma Norte
map | @panderiarosetta
Rustic and comforting. The move here is definitely to order one of every pastry and go wild. Ha, just kidding. Make sure you try the Rol de guayaba.
Museo Frida Kahlo
The Blue House in Coyoacan
map | tickets | site
Tranquil and striking. We love this activity because it’s super accessible even if museums aren’t your thing. Reserving tickets online can be glitchy, but you don’t have to buy in advance (just plan for a bit of a wait).
Tostadas Coyoacan
Bustling and chaotic. An institution in the Coyoacan Market, brave the chaos to find a huge variety of tostadas to scarf down. Or, take a few to-go to your next destination for a fun party snack.
Xochimilco Day Party
Boat ride in Xochimilco
map | wikipedia
Exuberant and authentic. You’ll find a fun mix of local families and tourists. Take the 45 minute Uber ride to Nuevo Nativitas where plenty of boat captains will offer you their services. Expect to pay ~500 pesos per hour (bring cash!). These boats can fit up to 20 people, so grab your buddies and live your best boat life.
Taqueria de Orinoco
Tacos in Condesa
map | site | @taqueriaorinoco
Casual and authentic. Northern style tacos from Monterrey, go here and crush as many as you can. The menu is short and sweet, and everything is amazing! It’s a chain with locations in Polanco and Roma Norte as well.
Craving more tacos? Grab some from the window at Taqueria los Cocuyos in El Centro.
Churreria el Morro
Dessert in Condesa
map | site | @churreriaelmoro
Relaxed and easygoing. Okay we may have saved the best for last. Not much needs to be said - go here and eat some churros. If you’re feeling extra flirty, get the churro ice cream sandwich.
What didn’t make the list?
Three days simply isn’t enough to do all the things. Here are our top runner ups if you have more time or want to make some swaps:
Book a car and take a day trip to hike the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Eat brunch at San Angel Inn and explore the nearby Plaza San Jacinto
Eat lunch or dinner at Quintonil
Get a mezcal cocktail at La Clandestina
Want the VIP Treatment?
Get a more personalized itinerary here.
If you love Mexico City, you’ll also love…
Ho Chi Min City. Jaunt coming soon.