This Mexico City one week itinerary highlights the best sights, activities, and food in one of the most populated cities in the world. Discover how we spent a week in Mexico City with family and start planning your own exciting trip.
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Mexico City had been on our bucket list for quite some time, and recently we made it to this unforgettable destination.
As budget travelers, we couldn’t resist an incredible flight deal with Viva Aerobus—just $272 USD roundtrip per person from New York to Mexico City.
At that price, we convinced the whole family to join us!
Four generations traveled together: my grandparents, my mom, my younger brother, and us.
Mexico City turned out to have something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for a multigenerational getaway.
Keep reading to see everything we did, including the prices we paid and some tips that you should know before going!
I’ve also linked the Google Maps locations of the different recommendations so you can get a better idea of where everything is.
Planning a trip to Mexico City? >> Download the Explore Mexico City Travel Guide
DAY 1: Travel Day & Tacos at El Califa
We arrived at the Mexico City airport and made our way to our Airbnb in Buenavista. Taking an Uber XL was convenient and cost us ~$22 USD.
The Airbnb had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen—all for just $72 USD per night.
While it was a great deal in a prime location, we overlooked one key detail: it was on the 4th floor with no elevator.
This was a bit challenging for my grandparents, so here’s our tip: always read the reviews thoroughly to ensure the place meets your group’s accessibility needs.
After settling in, we took a quick trip to a nearby supermarket and grabbed snacks and water for everyone for just ~$5 USD.
For dinner, we headed to El Califa Taqueria, known for its delicious tacos. My husband’s favorite was the el pastor with costras (a cheesy, savory taco with a special cheese crust), while I loved the quesadilla with mushrooms and cheese.
Dinner for all 6 of us came to ~$80 USD total.
With multiple locations to choose from, be sure to check the hours—some are sit-down spots while others are more grab-and-go.
RELATED ARTICLE: What to Know When Staying in an Airbnb
DAY 2: Roma Norte, Frida Kahlo & Xochimilco
We started off Day 2 with an Uber ride (~$6 USD) into the Roma Norte neighborhood.
This area is nothing short of charming.
Vegan CDMX
Our first stop was Mora Mora, a plant-based café that’s perfect for a light breakfast.
I had the El Azul smoothie, which had fruit, protein, and spirulina, while my mom enjoyed an oat latte.
Drinks and bowls are on the pricier side at ~$7 USD each, but the cozy vibes and health food options make it worth a visit.
Roma Norte is a peaceful neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets, old buildings, and a similar charm to wandering around Paris.
Best Churros in Mexico City
While wandering, we stopped at Churreria El Moro, a spot famous for its cinnamon-sugar churros and hot chocolate.
My husband and I devoured a plate of 4 churros and hot chocolate for ~$6 USD.
Street Food in Mexico City
We also grabbed lunch at Jenni’s Quesadillas, a street food stall known for its blue corn tortillas.
Tacos and quesadillas for all six of us cost just ~$13 USD total.
Whether you try the chicharrón, carne de res, or a simple cheese quesadilla like I did, you can’t go wrong for ~40 pesos each.
Parque Frida Kahlo
Next, we walked to Frida Kahlo Park, a peaceful spot dedicated to the famous artist.
The park is perfect for families, with gym equipment for adults and a play area for kids.
It’s also a nice place to enjoy the greenery and take in the art and sculptures scattered throughout.
Coyoacan Market
From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Coyoacan Market, a vibrant place to explore.
You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to street food like ceviche and fried fish.
They even sell lucha libre masks if you’re looking for a fun souvenir. It’s an easy spot to grab a bite and have a more local experience.
Frida Kahlo Museum
The highlight of this part of the day was the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul.
This was Frida’s home for most of her life, and the museum offers a colorful and insightful look into her personal and artistic journey.
Tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum are ~$16 USD for adults, but if you’re a student, it’s only ~$3 USD, and seniors can get in for ~$2 USD.
We highly recommend booking in advance since tickets often sell out.
Xochimilco Boats
While pre-booking a tour on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide can be convenient, we met Gabriel, a guide outside the museum, who offered us a better deal.
For ~$105 USD total, he provided transportation for six people to Xochimilco, plus the boat ride. He was extremely helpful, even negotiating prices for us while we were there.
If you’re planning a visit, Gabriel’s contact info is included in our Explore Mexico City Travel Guide.
At Xochimilco, we hopped on one of the colorful boats for a lively experience filled with food, drinks, and music.
Mariachi bands and other vendors float by, adding to the festive atmosphere.
It’s best enjoyed with a group—our party of six had a great time.
We noticed smaller groups didn’t seem as engaged, so if you’re traveling solo or as a pair, consider teaming up with others to share the cost and the fun.
We spent about ~$15 USD per person on food and drinks while on the boat.
This part of the day felt like a true celebration of Mexico City’s culture—art, history, food, and community all rolled into one.
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DAY 3: Hot Air Balloon, La Casa de Toño, Lucha Libre
The day started early—well before the sun was up—with a 45-minute drive to Teotihuacán.
We booked a private hot air balloon sunrise ride with Viaja Teotihuacán for ~$140 USD per person.
It was a breathtaking, bucket-list experience. Floating calmly in the sky as the sun rose over the pyramids, mountains, and valleys was unforgettable.
A new core memory unlocked.
The ride lasted about 50 minutes, and afterward, we celebrated with a champagne toast.
By 8 a.m., we were back on the ground and ready to keep exploring!
Teotihuacan Cave Restaurant
For breakfast, we headed to La Gruta, a unique cave restaurant just a ~$3 USD Uber ride away.
This place is a must-visit for its incredible ambiance—eating in a cave was a first for all of us!
Don’t worry, there are no bats (thankfully). The waiters explained the history of the cave and even invited us to light a candle with good intentions as part of a cleansing ritual.
The food was really good and cost ~$100 USD for all six of us.
My grandparents especially enjoyed this spot—it’s both atmospheric and family-friendly.
Teotihuacan Pyramids
After breakfast, we walked to the nearby Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
Entry costs ~$4 USD per person.
The heat can be intense, so bring water, a hat, and some extra pesos in case you want to buy one there.
These pyramids are incredible to see up close, and different than other pyramids we had seen in Mexico, like Chichen Itza.
The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest prehistoric pyramid in Mesoamerica, and it feels massive standing at its base compared to seeing it from above in the hot air balloon.
The Temple of the Moon, though smaller, is equally fascinating with its unique design.
We spent about an hour here, but crowds started building up quickly, so arriving early is key.
Getting back to the city was not the easiest. Our Uber (~$30 USD total) took over 30 minutes to arrive because Teotihuacán is about an hour outside of Mexico City, and many drivers cancel trips this far out.
Chew Tip: If you’re visiting the pyramids, arrange your return transportation ahead of time to avoid the hassle. Need trusted driver recommendations? Check out our Explore Mexico City Travel Guide.
La Casa de Toño
Back in Buenavista, we stopped at Forum Buenavista. This is a train station and a multi-level mall packed with shops, restaurants, and markets.
But we really came here for La Casa de Toño, a highly recommended food spot.
Even with a long line, we were seated in under 10 minutes thanks to their efficient service.
The food lived up to the hype!
I tried the vegetarian pozole (an incredible stew with mushrooms, corn, and all the flavor you can imagine), which ended up being my favorite dish in Mexico City.
My husband loved his meat pozole. My mom and younger brother also cleared their bowls of pozole and we all keep thinking about that meal to this day.
Dinner for four came out to just ~$33 USD total, making it affordable and delicious.
Lucha Libre Fight
To wrap up the day, we attended a Lucha Libre match for ~$12 USD per person. Depending on the night, matches take place at either Arena México or Arena Coliseo.
Ours was at Arena Coliseo, and even though it’s smaller, the energy was wild.
The acrobatics, and strength of the men and women were incredible to watch.
A heads-up: It’s best to buy your tickets in advance on Ticketmaster to secure a good seat.
DAY 4: Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Tacos La Chula, La Pitahaya, Chapultepec Park
We started the day with a short 10-minute walk from our Airbnb to Biblioteca Vasconcelos, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
The elevated bookshelves seem to stretch endlessly, creating a space that feels more like a museum than a library.
It’s a sight to see, but if you’re afraid of heights, the glass floors might give you pause. Regardless, it’s worth a visit.
We tried out the public transportation today, which was very budget-friendly at just ~$0.30 USD per person per ride on the train.
Tacos La Chula CDMX
Our first food stop was Tacos La Chula, a 24-hour taco restaurant with incredible options at affordable prices.
For ~$35 USD total for four people, we ate good! I had their grilled cheese which was a gooey mix of melted cheese and mushrooms served in a cup with tortillas on the side—perfect for assembling it on your own.
My husband enjoyed three different tacos: al pastor (straight off the grill), costilla (ribs), and bistec (steak).
He even tried a sope after spotting one at a nearby table. It had beans, a thick tortilla base, and sausage on top, and reminded us of Salvadoran pupusas.
Tacos La Chula is definitely worth a visit at any time during your trip!
Panaderia Rosetta CDMX
Next, we stopped by Panadería Rosetta, one of the most popular bakeries in Mexico City. I couldn’t resist their guava pastry (~$4 USD).
It was soft, flaky, and just the right balance of sweet and tart—an absolute treat.
Right across the street, we stumbled upon Resiliente Bazar, an indoor market filled with gorgeous clothes, jewelry, art, and even unique ice cream flavors.
If you’re thinking about souvenirs, this is the place to go.
Just make sure you’ve packed light to leave room in your bag for everything you’ll want to bring home!
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Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City
For lunch, we headed to La Pitahaya, my favorite vegan spot in Mexico City.
Famous for its pink tortillas, this restaurant delivered on both presentation and flavor.
I tried three different tacos, but the standout was La Ceta—a delicious combination of mushrooms, pineapple, and salsa.
The tacos were filling and incredibly flavorful, and at ~$10 USD per person, it was a very satisfying meal.
Chapultepec Park
After lunch, we hopped in an Uber (~$5 USD) to Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City’s version of Central Park.
The park had lots of vendors, dancers, and families enjoying the day. We admired Chapultepec Castle from the outside.
On Sundays it’s free for locals to enter the castle, so there were more crowds than there’d be if we visited during a weekday.
We decided to rent a pedal boat for ~$7 USD per hour. It’s harder than it looks, so make sure you’ve got a solid group of four willing to pedal! If you’ve skipped leg day, maybe sit this one out.
My family barely lasted an hour on our pedal boat. For the majority of the time we just floated along the lake, people-watching.
Museums in Mexico City
The Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) is also located in the park, and while we didn’t have time to visit, it’s worth planning ahead if you’re interested.
To wrap up the day, we took an Uber (~$4 USD) to Museo Soumaya, which is an art museum that stands out in the city with its futuristic, metallic facade.
DAY 5: Grutas Tolantango Day Trip vs Overnight
Grutas Tolantango is about 200 km outside of Mexico City. There’s more than one way to get there whether you go with a tour, a private driver, affordable bus routes, or drive.
For this adventure, we decided to rent a car for ~$40 USD per day.
A quick heads-up about car rentals in Mexico City: online rates might look as low as $1 USD per day, but in reality, you’ll likely need to add mandatory Mexico insurance, which increases the cost.
Some car rental companies include this mandatory Mexico insurance in their online prices, but the more budget companies may not and won’t tell you until you arrive in person to pay.
If you have a credit card with car insurance coverage, decline the rental company’s insurance, which is separate from the mandatory Mexico insurance.
Keep in mind that if you accept the rental company’s insurance (outside of the mandatory Mexico insurance) your credit card’s coverage won’t apply, leaving you with less protection if something goes wrong.
We hit the road early, driving ~3.5 hours to Grutas Tolantongo. The sunrise over the mountains was breathtaking, making the dark and quiet drive worthwhile.
Entry to the park was ~$10 USD per person, valid from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Grutas Tolantongo offers a variety of natural attractions: thermal pools, hanging bridges, thermal rivers, caves, and waterfalls. For an extra fee (~$13 USD per person), you can even zip line.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Everything is cash only—bring enough pesos to cover entry, food, parking, and activities.
- There’s limited cell phone service, so set a meeting point if your group separates.
- Operating hours vary for different areas:
- Caves, tunnels, waterfalls, and swimming pools: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
- Thermal pools and river: 8:00 am–9:00 pm
- Restaurants: 8:00 am–9:00 pm
- Grocery stores: 8:00 am–10:00 pm
- Zipline: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
- Camping zones: Open 24/7
Parking: $30 MXN (~$1.50 USD) per day per vehicle.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving back the same day (we left before sunset for safer visibility), consider spending the night.
Hotels are available on a first-come, first-served basis—you can’t book ahead. You’ll also need to purchase a new entry ticket for each day you stay.
Grutas Tolantongo has restaurants on-site for convenience, but packing some snacks and water is always a good idea.
DAY 6: Grutas Tolantongo + Car Trouble + Taqueria Orinoco
Overnight, we faced an unexpected issue: our rental car was broken into while parked on the street in Mexico City.
The window was shattered, but thankfully, we hadn’t left anything inside, so nothing was stolen. Unfortunately, the rental company (MexRentACar) handled the situation extremely poorly.
MexRentACar required us to drive the damaged car, glass and all, back to their office, refused to offer proper assistance, and charged us for the window repair—even though we’d purchased their full insurance plan.
To make matters worse, they didn’t have a replacement car ready, despite promising one. Needless to say, we do not recommend MexRentACar.
Alternative Recommendations:
- If you do rent a car in Mexico City, make sure you have secure parking, such as a garage.
- Consider using Uber or private drivers. Uber is affordable, and we had great experiences with private drivers who offered reliable service for less than tours on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide. We’ve included trusted driver contacts in our Explore Mexico City Travel Guide.
This day also served as a buffer in case you want to spend more time at Grutas Tolantongo. While we managed to fit it into a day trip, staying overnight would allow for a more relaxed pace.
After the long journey from Grutas Tolantongo, we ended the evening at Taqueria Orinoco back in Mexico City.
Open late, this spot offers a simple yet flavorful menu—though note that they don’t serve chicken. My husband tried the orinoco tacos, while I went for cheese quesadillas with tortilla chips inside.
Everything was delicious and budget-friendly at ~$6 USD per person.
DAY 7: Café Don Porfirio, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Tamales Madre, Hanky Panky
We started the day with breakfast at Kies Café, a cozy spot near our Airbnb.
Their burnt cheesecake was a heavenly mix of crème brûlée and cheesecake. If you order one thing, let it be that.
We also enjoyed an oatmeal cranberry cookie, tea, and almond milk lattes—all for ~$11 USD per person.
El Huequito
Next, we stopped at El Huequito, where my husband declared their al pastor tacos the best in Mexico City.
I ended up ordering another queso fundido (melted cheese with mushrooms). Total cost? Around $10 USD per person.
Cafe Don Porfirio
From there, we headed to Finca Don Porfirio, located on the top level of Sears.
For just ~$4 USD per drink, you can enjoy lattes and other beverages while soaking in the best views of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This spot is perfect for snapping a few last photos of the city.
Tamales in Mexico City
Afterward, we strolled around the area, including the Chinatown street, before dinner at Tamales Madre.
Their menu features both chicken tamales and vegetarian options like mole tamales, costing only ~$10 USD per person.
Hanky Panky CDMX
To cap off the trip, we headed to Hanky Panky cocktail bar, a renowned speakeasy you won’t want to miss.
Hidden behind the façade of an unassuming taqueria, this secret bar serves creative specialty cocktails (~$17 USD per drink) in a stylish, intimate setting.
Be sure to make a reservation in advance. It’s one of the first speakeasy bars in Mexico City and is ranked among the best bars in the world.
Finally, we made our way to the airport after an incredible week exploring Mexico City.
FAQS
How many days do you need for Mexico City?: For a well-rounded experience, we recommend at least 4-5 days. This allows you to explore the main attractions and neighborhoods without feeling rushed.
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?: Like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid risky areas, and use reliable transportation options.
Can I get by with English in Mexico City?: While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
What should I eat in Mexico City?: Don’t miss tacos al pastor, tamales, churros, and quesadillas. For a real taste of Mexico City, check out local markets and street food vendors.
What currency is used in Mexico City?: The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets.
Can I drink tap water in Mexico City?: It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Mexico City. Stick to bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
What is the best area to stay in Mexico City?: Popular areas include Condesa, Roma, Polanco, and Centro Histórico. These neighborhoods offer a mix of culture, nightlife, and easy access to attractions.
How do I get around Mexico City?: Mexico City has a great, inexpensive public transportation system, including the metro and buses, but can be crowded during rush hours. For convenience, Ubers are widely available, and we enjoyed having affordable private drivers.
Ready to Explore Mexico City?
Mexico City truly has it all—world-class food, breathtaking views, unique cultural experiences, and plenty of budget-friendly adventures.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect taco, relaxing in thermal pools, or sipping cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, this vibrant city won’t disappoint.
Want to make the most of your trip? Download our Explore Mexico City Travel Guide for insider tips, trusted driver recommendations, top-recommended accommodations, and must-try places to eat, all organized by budget to help you plan an unforgettable journey. ✈️
