Mexico City in 3 days

The most exciting capital in the Americas - and the food capital of the continent. Best time to visit: March-May and October-November. Average daily budget: $50 to $100 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Roma Norte, Art deco buildings, the city's best cafés and natural-wine bars.

Morning: Teotihuacán pyramids at sunrise. Hot-air balloon optional, but unbeatable.

Afternoon: Explore Roma Norte, Art deco buildings, the city's best cafés and natural-wine bars.

Evening: Lucha libre night at Arena México. Masked wrestling, total theatre. Buy tickets ahead for a Tuesday or Friday show, grab a mask and a michelada, and let the crowd carry you, it's the most fun you'll have for under €20.

Eat: Tacos al pastor at El Vilsito (a mechanic's shop by day)

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Condesa, Tree-lined streets, parks, dog-walkers, brunch culture.

Morning: Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul (book ahead). Tickets sell out - reserve a week out.

Afternoon: Explore Condesa, Tree-lined streets, parks, dog-walkers, brunch culture.

Evening: Sunday market in Coyoacán. Tostadas, esquites, live music.

Eat: Mole at Pujol or Azul Histórico

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Centro Histórico, Aztec ruins, the Zócalo, the cathedral, palacio.

Morning: Tacos al pastor at El Califa de León (Michelin star, $2 tacos). Yes, really.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Histórico, Aztec ruins, the Zócalo, the cathedral, palacio.

Evening: Sunday at Bosque de Chapultepec. The city's vast green lung, locals out in force. Pair it with the Museo Nacional de Antropología, one of the world's great museums, then a paddle boat on the lake.

Eat: Esquites from any street cart

Hidden gems

Mercado de Medellín - best food market most tourists miss.
San Ángel on Saturdays for the Bazar Sábado.
Bosque de Chapultepec at dawn.
Pulqueria Las Duelistas - old-school pulque dive.

Getting around

Uber is cheap, safe and ubiquitous. The metro is great for short hops but pickpocket-prone. Walking is excellent in Roma/Condesa/Centro.

Safety

CDMX is much safer than its reputation, but stay aware. Use Uber after dark, avoid flashing valuables, and don't venture into Tepito or Doctores. The main tourist areas are very safe.

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