I’m frequently asked, “what would you do with three days in Mexico City?” and my answer is always the same: “choose wisely, plan and go in knowing what you want to do”. When I’m pushed for specifics I recommend Coyoacan, a gorgeous and leafy suburb of Mexico City.

Coyoacan is home to numerous museums, parks, markets, and great restaurants and bars. The most famous landmark in Coyoacan is probably The Blue House, Frida Kahlo’s home, and now a museum dedicated to her life and work.

If you’re looking to get to know Mexico City then Coyoacan is a great place to start as it is joyfully walkable and if you decide to base yourself here you will absolutely not regret it for one second.

I am probably (absolutely) biased but I recently planned and executed a perfect three-day trip to Mexico City and I’m going to share the itinerary with you so you, too, can have the perfect Mexico City experience.

Top Tip for a Weekend Exploring Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico’s capital city, is one of those incredible places that leaps into your heart and mind and refuses to leave you alone until you’re totally smitten with it.

Mexico City has so many incredible museums, restaurants, and parks that it’s utterly impossible to be bored. The important thing though, is to never go unprepared or without a plan. If you do you may well find yourself overwhelmed or lost.

Don’t even consider trying to cram all of Mexico City into one weekend. The city is seriously huge and there is far too much to do there in one weekend. I’ve been to Mexico City multiple times over many years and still feel as if I have so much more to see and do. Pick where you stay based on what you want to do.

This article is written for a trip based in the famously beautiful area of Coyoacán. Coyoacán, of course, is best known for being where the famous artist, Frida Kahlo grew up. It’s also one of the first areas of Mexico City to have been developed by the Conquistadores. In fact it was a pre-Columbian settlement and was the first capital of ‘New Spain’.

If Coyoacan doesn’t float your boat then drop me a line and let’s see if we can create a perfect Mexico City itinerary just for you.

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Day 1 in Mexico City: Explore Coyoacan

Arriving, Exploring, Eating in Coyoacan

Once you’ve checked into your Coyoacán hotel, head straight out to explore.

Begin in the Coyoacán Market and if you’re feeling hungry, why not begin in the market with a tostada or three at Tostadas Coyocan?

This is my absolute favourite place to eat in Coyoacán (and it’s cheap too). The food is fresh, tasty and served quickly. It’s also a super fun place to sit and people-watch.

This market is clean and very organised. Do note though that some vendors don’t like visitors taking photos, which is understandable given that Coyoacán is pretty popular with tourists these days. This is market for locals rather than specifically aimed at tourists, remember this when you’re exploring.

Exploring Coyoacan

Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario: From the market, head down Calle Ignacio Allende (with the Jardín Allende on your right and the market on your left) towards Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario. There are plenty of shops to browse on this walk. These two squares are the beating heart of Coyoacán and a great place to stroll around, enjoying the atmosphere and people-watching. Be sure not to miss the iconic Coyote Fountain.

Mercado Artesanal Mexicano: at the far end of Plaza Hidalgo this is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to sample ALL the street food. Head to Churreria General de la Republica for fresh-made churros or Café El Jorocho for some of the best coffee in Mexico City. Find a bench and just sit and watch the world go by.

Parque Frida Kahlo: Stroll down Calle Higuera. There’s another market here to explore and some good-looking restaurants and cafes. If you keep walking you’ll come to Plaza de la Conchita, a small leafy square with a striking yellow church. Almost immediately next door is Parque Frida Kahlo, home to some great statues of Frida and Diego.

Evening Plans in Coyoacan

For an evening meal and some drinks, head to my favourite bar / restaurant in Coyoacán, Centenario 107, a fairly happening place with a good drinks menu, staff who definitely know their tequila and wines and it has a decent food menu too.

Day 2 in Mexico City: Coyoacan Culture

Breakfast

How about a traditional Mexican breakfast at Fonda El Morral? The breakfast packets are good value and very tasty. If you’re not sure about breakfasts in Mexico and need help deciphering breakfast menus, of course, I’ve got you covered!

Museums in Coyoacan

Museo Frida Kahlo – This famous museum is housed in Kahlo’s former home. Known as the “Blue House”, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Kahlo.

Note that it’s best to buy tickets online and in advance as this has become one of Mexico City’s most popular museums. The ticket for Frida’s house includes entrance to Museo Anahuacalli, home to Diego Rivera’s vast collection of prehispanic works. Both these museums are famous for their Día de los Muertos ofrendas so if you’re in town Oct – Dec do not miss checking them out.

If you aren’t sure about going alone, perhaps consider booking a tour. You could even combine the museum with some harder-to-reach activities such as exploring the canals of Xochimilco if you’re using a tour service.

Museo Anahuacalli What I found most fascinating was how this museum made me feel like I got a real glimpse into prehispanic Mexican cultures and family life. I felt I was seeing what made people laugh, what people were thinking about and how families lived. In addition to the prehispanic collection, the museum is also home to the most wonderful sketches from Rivera’s murals.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to head all the way up to check out the views from the outdoor terrace.

Leon Trotsky’s House: If you have energy enough for more, then consider visiting Trotsky’s House, on the edge of Coyoacán.

Evening Plans

If you enjoy tequila and mezcal then try Mezcalero Coyoacan, just behind the cathedral.
After eating, why not head back to the plazas to see what’s what and watch the world go by in the dark.

Day 3 in Mexico City: Centro Historico

Breakfast

Begin your day with breakfast at the popular El Beneficio (there are actually two branches, one on Gómez Farias and one on Calle Xicoténcatl, they’re right by each other and have slightly different menus).

Alameda Central and Museums

Grab an uber and head to Alameda Central in the centro historico for a day of culture, crowds and history. You can’t miss out on the historic centre of Mexico City and it’s so easily accessible from Coyoacan. Alameda Central is one of the oldest parks in the Americas and I promise you will just love this vibrant and eclectic park.

You won’t have time for all the museums mentioned below if you only have one day so just choose one or two that take your fancy.

Museo Mural Diego Rivera: a museum dedicated to the incredible and enormous work by Diego Rivera, “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park” (Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central).

I saw a replica in Guadalajara that I thought was pretty special but it has nothing on the huge original.

Top Tip: If you can, take a guide because you will learn so much about the mural, Rivera and Mexican history.

Museo Kaluz: this museum of 18th – 21st-century Mexican art will leave you spellbound. The collection is truly astounding.

Museo Memoria y Tolerancia: If you visit here (and you should), set aside a good few hours and take tissues as its contemporary take on worldwide genocides, including a hard look at Mexico’s actions, will have you sniffling.

Palacio de Bellas Artes: Even if you don’t go inside, take a moment to appreciate this gorgeous and truly iconic building. Inside you’ll find murals by some of Mexico’s finest muralists, Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros and more. It’s an utterly spectacular collection.

Torre Latino Americano: The views from up here over the city will blow your mind.

China Town: Be sure to talk a walk through Mexico City’s small China Town, which is just off the side of Alameda.

Walk to Zocalo

Next, walk down the pedestrianised and busy Av Francisco I. Madero to the zocalo. Be aware that this is an extremely busy road. I’ve never had anything stolen here but keep a hold of your bags and valuables as you would in any crowded capital city. Don’t forget to look up at the grand buildings.

Particular notes of interest:

Museo del Estanquillo – Not only is it an interesting museum but it also has a great rooftop terrace café.

Casa de los Azulejos – While the interior is ‘just’ a restaurant, the 18th-century blue and white tiled facade is gorgeous and has become a must for anyone who gives a damn about Instagram!

Palacio de Cultura, Palacio de Iturbide – there are regularly free art exhibitions in this gorgeous building.

Obviously, once you’re at Zocalo there is so much to see and do that you’ll need a whole other day just to make your way around the Cathedral, the Palacio Nacional (more murals!), the Templo Mayor museum and the many other museums within a stone’s throw of there.

Where to Stay in Coyoacan

Coyoacan is one of the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City and it has many great hotel options covering all price ranges.

If you’re thinking about short trips from Mexico City then why not consider Valle de Bravo, Las Grutas de Tolantongo, or the gorgeous Cholula/Puebla combo.