3 days in Mexico City

A lot of people use Mexico City as a layover location whilst travelling elsewhere. The city is the most populated in North America, and with only a short time scale, pulling together an itinerary for such a large location can be a big task. With only 3 days in Mexico city, I used the help of my local friends to pull together a list of my favourite sights.

Day 1

Museo Frida Kahlo

I had a few people tell me that Frida’s home wasn’t worth visiting. I disagree. The famous painter, known for her self portraits, lived in her blue house (La Casa Azul) for most of her life. Those looking to see a lot of her paintings are better off going to the Dolores Olmedo Museum, as her home is very much more focused on painting a picture (pardon the pun) of the artist’s life. Highlights include her wheelchair, collections of Mexican home ware, and her beautiful gardens. We were lucky enough to visit whilst an extra exhibit was running, displaying her many dresses and detailing the influence they had on designers. To avoid queues at the door, book online!!

Coyoacan neighbourhood Mexico City

With Kahlo’s home in the same neighbourhood, it’s definitely worth a little wander up to the main square of this neighbourhood, surrounded by charming little ice cream shops, street performers and an impressive two floor market that runs on Saturdays.

Vasconcelos Library

This isn’t a visit for books, this a visit to bask in the sheer brilliance of this building’s design. The huge library is built to look like something not too dissimilar to the matrix, with zigzagging clean cut stair cases and plush little seating areas dotted around for you to cruise the (rare) relaible public WiFi.

Mexico City’s Graffiti

Whilst I’m on the topic of the library, just outside, runs a street with some spectacularly large pieces of artwork by some super talented folk with cans of paint. Take a left when you come out of the main library exit. You can’t miss it.

Day 2

Teotihuacan Pyramids

The ancient pyramids are an obvious tourist spot, but I don’t think it makes it any less worth going to! The tallest spot, the Pyramid of the Sun, provides a 243 step climb to top, with outstanding views of the entire Mesoamerican city.

La Gruta cave restaurant

We’d have never have found this gem had it not been for our wonderful local friend taking us there. This special restaurant is nestled away inside a enormous open cave, dotted with spotlights and candles to set the mood. Mariachi bands play both on stage, and at tables, whilst you sample local dishes presented on slick stone ware. They had a reasonable veggie selection, with tacos, refried beans and tasty cocktails. The atmosphere is worth a visit alone.

Day 3

Xochimilco – Doll Island

Head South, hire yourself a boat, and spend your morning/afternoon floating along the canals. Boat hire doesn’t come cheap, so be sure to take a group and make a day of it (you are charged by boat, not be person). There a loads of boat vendors passing by, offering foodie treats from candy apples to tacos, and you can even hire your own Mariachi band to climb aboard and serenade you.

Salsa at Mama Rumba

I only went to one salsa bar in the time we were in Mexico City, so I’m obviously quite biased (and possibly not very educated in salsa locations). Nonetheless, we had a blast here! The two-floored bar hosts a stage where live bands play, so that you can dance the night away. The one rule, be open to dance with anyone that invites you. The location is relatively central, and an Uber got its there in no time.

Have a little extra time to explore the surrounding areas of Mexico City? Check out my post about the neighbouring city of Puebla, a trip that can be done in 24 hours from the capital.