By Liam México is an incredible country to travel in, as it offers something for everyone. México City, the capital, is one of the top destinations in the country and the biggest city in North America is a must-visit. Here, we’ll discuss how to spend one month in CDMX.
The Mexican capital seems to have an almost magnetic pull over many and it reeled me in after my first trip there, in 2022. I ended up spending all of 2023 living in CDMX. Even after moving away in March 2024, it only took 10 months away for me to move back.
A lifetime might not be enough to completely see México City but spending one month in the city is enough to see the highlights and eat plenty of incredible food.
Here are some excellent things to fit into a one month stay in CDMX. Please note that as of the time of writing the exchange rate was around 20.3 pesos to a US dollar.
One Month in CDMX: Museums
México City is a vibrant city which is full of culture. It is home to some world class museums. Plenty of which are worth a visit during one month in CDMX.
The Museo Nacional de Antropología (95 pesos) is the biggest museum in México. It has some astounding archaeological artifacts from México’s pre-Colonial era and is located near the famous Chapultepec Park.
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim opened up the Soumaya Museum in the Polanco neighborhood in 2011 and it is free to visit. It has a unique design and houses all types of works from different cultures. The Museo Jumex, which displays contemporary art, is nearby and also free.
Instead of visiting the Museo Frida Kahlo (320 pesos) in Coyoacán you could go to the Museo de Arte Moderno (90 pesos) to see “The Two Fridas”. It also has works by Diego Rivera and rotating exhibits.
Visitors interested in Kahlo and Rivera can also tour the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo (45 pesos) in San Angel.
In Centro, the city center, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is an architectural marvel both inside and out. It’s a must visit during one month in CDMX. There, you’ll be able to see murals by Mexican artists and an elaborate interior. It also has a accompanying museum, which is 90 pesos, but free on Sundays.
MUNAL (90 pesos) is also in the city center and is México’s national art museum. So too is the Museo de Arte Popular (60 pesos), which contains Mexican Folk Art. Many say it is one of the most underrated museums in the city.
Travelers should be aware that many museums and attractions are free for Mexican nationals on Sunday. That makes Sunday the busiest museum day, so I’d recommend going on a weekday for fewer crowds.
One Month in CDMX: Head to Centro
Along with Palacio de Bellas Artes, MUNAL and Museo de Arte Popular, Centro is home to some of México City’s biggest attractions. It’s a place you have to visit during one month in CDMX. Be sure to check out our Mexico City Centro guide for a more in depth look at the historical center.
The city center is easily accessible by metro and one ride is only five pesos. Tourists can get off at directly in the city center at the Zocalo/Tenochtitlan station on linea 2.
Once you exit the station, you’ll be in the main square, or Zocalo. In the Zocalo, the Catedral Metropolitana is adjacent to the Palacio Nacional. Both the cathedral and palace are free to enter but the latter requires advance reservations.
The cathedral was built on top of Templo Mayor, which was once a massive pyramid in the center of the pre-Hispanic Tenochtitlan. Behind the cathedral, visitors can see the remnants of the pyramid and there is a museum (95 pesos) but a lot is visible from the exterior viewing decks. For an excellent view of the Zocalo, visitors can eat at the Balcon del Zocalo restaurant.
Heading further west, I’d recommend heading into the free Palacio Postal. The architecture is striking and there is a small museum in the post office building.
To get the a great view of Bellas Artes, and the skyline, go up to the Mirador Torre Latino (215 pesos). Finca Don Porfirio, a coffeeshop located on the eighth floor of Sears across from Bellas Artes, has another beautiful, and cheap, view.
One Month in CDMX: Explore Coyoacán and Other Neighborhoods
While Centro is the tourist center of the city, CDMX has so much to offer elsewhere. For a quiet contrast to Centro, head down to Coyoacán during one month in CDMX.
Coyoacán is home to one of my favorite parks in the city, Viveros de Coyoacán, which is an excellent place to run or take a stroll.
People watching in the center of Coyoacán near the Fuente de los Coyotes is never boring. Plus, Coyoacán Market has excellent food stalls, along with the Mercado de Antojitos Mexicanos Juanita.
Coyoacán is also home to the Frida Kahlo House, which requires advance reservations. You can also visit the Trotsky Museum and Ciudad Universitaria.
CU is home to UNAM, México’s most important university. UNAM is also the largest university in Latin America. UNAM’s campus is worth a visit and is home to plenty of murals, intriguing architecture, green spaces, a botanical garden and a sculpture park.
San Angel is west of Coyoacán and has a vibrant Saturday market. It is also one of the safest areas in CDMX.
The quaint center of Tlalpan is south of Coyoacan. Further west in Tlalpan, you’ll find the tranquil Parque Nacional Bosque de Tlalpan.
Tlalpan is also close to some excellent hikes, including Ajusco, Parque Ejidal San Nicolás Totolapan and Xitle.
Other Neighborhoods to Visit
Roma Norte has quickly become the trendiest neighborhood in México City. It’s the tourist center of the city. There’s plenty to eat and drink, especially if you’re looking for non-Mexican food during one month in CDMX.
Juarez, which is north of Roma, has the best Asian restaurants in the city. The famous Angel de la Independencia is located along Paseo de Reforma. Its Zona Rosa is a center of nightlife in the city, especially for LGBT people.
Condesa is west of Roma. It is a more laidback option for tourists with plenty of greenery. Parque México is one of my favorites places in the city, especially on the weekends. There are plenty of excellent restaurant options in Condesa as well.
San Miguel de Chapultepec is the neighborhood directly east of Chapultepec Park and has notable architecture. It’s home to the Casa Estudio Luis Barragán.
Del Valle is home to a bunch of parks, like Hundido, Jardín del Arte, San Lorenzo and Arboledas and some solid restaurants.
Santa Maria La Ribera is home to the Moorish Kiosk and isn’t far from the Monument to the Revolution.
Polanco is the most upscale neighborhood in México City, which appeals to luxury travelers. Parque Lincoln also has a nice Saturday market.
Some other neighborhoods to consider during one month in CDMX include Nápoles, Narvarte and Cuauhtémoc.
Markets
From cheap produce and cheap street food to electronics and clothes, México City’s bustling markets have it all. However, many are located in areas that rarely get tourists. So, you should keep your wits about you at all times.
Floreria Mercado Jamaica is CDMX’s biggest flower market. Consider visiting around the time of Day of the Dead. You’ll be able to see loads of pink and orange marigolds.
La Nueva Viga Market is the second largest fish market in the world. That’s astounding, given CDMX is 200 miles from the ocean. It also handles 60 percent of the seafood in México and is close to Central de Abasto, the city’s main wholesale market.
Meanwhile, Mercado de la Merced is located on the eastern edge of Centro and is the biggest food market in the city. It’s definitely worth a visit during one month in CDMX.
The Mercado Sonora, which is close to Merced, is controversial. There, vendors sell food, nick-nacks and live animals, which are often kept in poor conditions. Still, there is a brujeria, or witchcraft, section which some find interesting.
Tianguis La Lagunilla is a flea market where you’ll find all types of clothes, furniture, souvenirs and food. Mercado de San Juan is another large food market west of the Zocalo.
For more local markets, I like Medellin Market in Roma along with Coyoacán Market. The Tuesday Tianguis in Condesa and Escandon are good options for street food and produce as well.
Visit Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is the largest and oldest city park in Latin America. It’s a key stop during one month in CDMX. This massive park has four sections but the first section is best for short-term visitors.
The first section has a bunch of museums, tons of green space for a picnic and a man-made lake.
Still, the biggest attraction is the Chapultepec Castle (95 pesos). It’s one of my favorite places to visit in the entire city. It has an incredible view of Paseo de Reforma and the Angel de la Independencia.
Emperor Maximilian, from Austria, and Empress Carlota, from Belgium, lived in the castle during the Second Mexican Empire. Mexican presidents also lived in in the Castle from 1882 to 1934. The traditional rooms are still on display.
Chapultepec is a great place to people watch, take a stroll or run in. The less busy second section of the park also has a running trail, with a separate 100 meter straightaway. Going to Chapultepec Park is an absolute must during one month in CDMX.
Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan was the largest city of the ancient Americas. Now, it’s a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. The famous Pyramid of the Sun, which was restored between 1905 and 1910, is one of the most iconic places in México.
I would recommend taking a day trip to the pyramids during one month in CDMX. However, get an early start because it gets blazing hot, with limited shade.
Those who want to watch the sunrise at the pyramids can consider taking a hot air balloon trip above the Teotihuacan Valley. It will likely cost over $100 per person.
Unfortunately, visitors are no longer allowed to climb up the Pyramid of the Sun. Still, there are other smaller pyramids to climb up. As of April 2025, it’s only 95 pesos to enter.
Teotihuacan is located 30 miles from México City and it is possible to get to there on public transportation. The first step to get there is to take the CDMX Metro to Autobuses del Norte, which is on subway line 5.
Once at the station, go to door 8 and ask for the next departure to Teotihuacan. The round trip price should be the equivalent of $10-15.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco, in the southeast part of the city, is México City’s version of Venice. It is another UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting.
The canals at Xochimilco are the last remnants of a manmade canal system that connected nearby settlements. It’s also one of the only natural habitats for México’s axolotls.
Now, Mexicans and tourists alike ride the “trajineras” to celebrate, especially on the weekends. Xochimilco can be an incredibly fun group experience during one month in CDMX. Even if you’re traveling solo, groups frequently organize trips through WhatsApp groups.
There are a few different piers but Cuemanco is the closest one to the city center. As far as I know, a boat costs 600 pesos to rent per hour. Tips for the captains are definitely appreciated.
Hike
México City is a sprawling metropolis. So, hiking isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the city. Regardless, it’s nice to get out of the city during one month in CDMX and breathe fresh air!
There are a handful of good hikes in the city and they’re relatively accessible. People without a car can go to the third section of Chapultepec Park, where there’s a secluded trail.
Los Dinamos National Park is about 45 minutes from the center of CDMX. It contains the city’s last living river, the Magdalena. At the Cuarto Dínamo, you’ll find the Coconetla Ravine. The hike to the peak is the best in the park, with stunning views.
Desierto de los Leones features a 17th century convent, plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls. The Mirador and Piedra trail is a highly rated 6.5 mile hike away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park is another national park within México City limits. It features the highest peak in the city, Cruz del Marqués. At Ajusco, consider hiking the challenging Circuito trail, which takes you to both the Cruz del Marques and Águila peaks.
One Month in CDMX: Condesa and Roma
Tourists flock to the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa when spending one month in CDMX. So, it’s only natural to highlight them.
Parque México, in Condesa, is a great park for a Sunday stroll. There’s plenty of green space and the amphitheater, Foro Lindbergh, is an excellent spot to meet up with friends. On the weekends, Parque México becomes a lively spot filled with people and dogs!
Between buskers playing music, street vendors selling fruit and snacks, kids playing sports, people suntanning, skaters trying new tricks and dogs everywhere, it’s an interesting atmosphere.
One block away from the park is the leafy Avenida Amsterdam. The Amsterdam loop is a popular walking and running spot because there is a pedestrian path in the middle of the street. There are plenty of coffeeshops, clothing stores, galleries and restaurants to stop at along the way. I also like walking on Avenida Mazatlan in Condesa.
From Parque Mexico, you can also pop over to Parque España. It is another nice park on the border of Condesa and Roma.
In Roma, I like strolling on Avenida Alvaro Obregon. Consider heading up and down Orizaba to Plaza Rio de Janeiro and Plaza Luis Cabrera. Mercado Medellin is a good local market for everything from prepared food and produce to clothes.
Comedor de los Milagros, which is across the street from Mercado Medellin is a food hall. It has South American dishes and good energy. That’s especially true when South American teams are playing in World Cup qualifiers.
One Month in CDMX: Take a Sunday Bike Ride
On Sunday, CDMX’s “main street” Paseo de la Reforma, which stretches from the historical center to Polanco, is closed to automobile traffic from 8 am to 2 pm. Thousands of cyclists take advantage of the lack of cars during this time.
Sunday bike rides are one of my favorite activities in México City and I take full advantage. Through the EcoBici bikeshare program, I am able to rent bikes for 45 minutes at a time. EcoBici is my main method of transportation in CDMX.
There are plenty of stations throughout the city, including along the Sunday bike route. EcoBici memberships are under $30 (545 pesos) for a whole year. That also makes it a great deal during one month in CDMX.
Free bikes are also available between 8 am and 2 pm at a booth on the Glorieta de la Palma, which is at the intersection of Paseo de la Reforma and Rio Rhin.
You’ll have to leave an ID to get a free bike. It sounds suspicious but it is completely legitimate and you’ll receive your ID back once you return the bike.
Sometimes, there are special Saturday night rides along Reforma called Paseos Nocturnos.
One Month in CDMX: Practice Spanish and Make New Friends
The ability to immerse myself in the Spanish language was a huge plus for me when I decided to move to CDMX. Still, there is a sizable English-speaking international community that’s only going to continue to grow, for better or worse.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet both Mexicans and foreigners alike in the city. WhatsApp groups are at the center of the city’s social life, especially for foreigners.
Going to a language exchange is a great way to practice your Spanish and meet new people during one month in CDMX.
English speakers come in wanting to speak Spanish and Spanish speakers want to practice their English. Ideally, you’ll speak in English half of the time and in Spanish half of the time. Check the MeetUp app to find them.
Chess is popular in México City and a good way to meet people. I helped create the Chess Condesa group and we still meet at Boicot Cafe in Condesa on Mondays at 6 pm. All levels are welcome!
Plenty of people also play chess right near the Museo Mural Diego Rivera in Centro each day.
Sport12 is an app I have a lot to play soccer in CDMX and it helped me settle down in the city. There are organized pickup soccer games throughout the week and they cost between 100 and 200 pesos. Make sure you have shoes that have traction on artificial turf fields.
There are plenty of other WhatsApp groups designed for people to make friends in México City. WhatsApp is also a good way to find medium-term to long term housing.
Eat and Drink
Speaking of street food, México City is one of the best places in the world for cheap, quick eats.
Street Food Heaven
As far as street food goes, the essentials include tacos al pastor, tacos de canasta (basket tacos), tlacoyos, gorditas, tortas, elotes, huaraches, tostadas, and tamales (corn and Oaxaqueños).
You’ll definitely hear street vendors biking around and playing a pre-recorded sound for tamales Oaxaqueños but may have to wander around to find the rest.
In a market or on the street alike, try to choose a stall where there is a line. That will reduce your chances of getting a foodborne illness, which is unfortunately a rite of passage during one month in CDMX.
An example would be La Esquina de Chilaquil on Tamaulipas and Alfonso Reyes in Condesa. These decadent chilaquiles sandwiches are typically served from 8 am to 1 pm, with a huge line to match.
Comida Corrida/Menú del día
Comida corrida, or food on the run, is CDMX’s best value option for lunch. Also known as menú del día, comida corrida is typically served from 1-5 p.m. at mom and pop restaurants called fondas, which are all over the city.
Menú del día is filling and features multiple courses. The first course is always soup and it’s usually a choice between consome de pollo and a soup of the day.
Second courses frequently give diners a choice between rice, pasta and vegetables. The third course is the “plato fuerte” and will likely be a choice between a few meat dishes and, sometimes, a vegetarian one.
Many fondas also offer dessert. The set menu price typically runs from 70 to 120 pesos depending on the neighborhood you’re in. I eat at fondas almost every day, as the food is typically delicious and provides incredible value.
Many fondas are also open for breakfast with a few classic choices like huevos rancheros, huevos a la mexicana, chilaquiles and enchiladas. They often serve breakfast packages, or desayunos en paquete, which include juice or fruit, coffee/tea and a main dish.
My Favorite Fondas:
Admittedly, my knowledge of fondas is contained to only a few areas and I eat at the same places time and time again.
When I lived in Condesa, I went to Los Golosos on Calle Cuernavaca nearly every day. It was consistently good with very friendly service. Las Delicias and La Especial are two other solid fondas in the area.
In Escandon, I’d recommend En Boca de Todos, El Sazoncito and Cocina Centli.
Las Cazuelas de Chabela is a high-quality fonda in San Miguel de Chapultepec.
In Roma, I like choosing one of the fondas within Mercado de Medellin. My top choice there is Cocina Juanita e Hijas. El Manjar is another solid pick.
Fonda Margarita in Del Valle is one of the most famous fondas in the city. It’s a frequent stop for people nursing hangovers. However, they’re only open for breakfast.
Meanwhile, Cafeteria Lilys is the top option in Narvarte.
If you happen to be east of Calzada de Tlalpan near Portales, check out El Gourmetito.
Taquerias
There are taquerias on virtually every corner in México City. I have a lot of corners left to explore but I have tried a fair few tacos while living in CDMX.
The ones I frequented the most when living in Condesa were Taqueria El Greco, Tacos Hola El Güero and El Kaliman. El Greco is known for “Doneraky”, which is döner kebab meat in a taco.
Hola El Güero has tacos guisados, which are tacos with stewed fillings. They have all types of tacos ranging from seafood to meat, vegetarian and vegan. They allow you to top off your taco with nopales, rice, beans and guacamole, which makes for an incredibly filling lunch.
El Kaliman is a traditional taqueria in Condesa with great tacos al pastor and alambres.
Also, Tortas al Fuego, on Avenida Sonora near Parque México, is known for their 24 hour sandwiches. They are certainly worth a try and are a great value but they also sell tacos.
In Roma, I like Tacos Frontera on Alvaro Obregon and Taqueria La Reyna and Tizne Tacomotora in Roma Sur. La Reyna is for the adventurous, with options like cow eye, heart and ear along with classic offerings like al pastor. Tizne has creative fusion options.
In Juarez, I like Taqueria Gabriel. Meanwhile, El Turix in Polanco is a go-to spot for cochinita pibil.
Narvarte’s Taqueria La Costilla is a popular spot, along with Tacos Don Frank.
El Pescadito is a seafood taco chain with 38 locations across México. Their tacos, while mostly fried and indulgent, are delicious and they have a self-service topping bar.
Some of the most popular authentic taquerias in the city include El Gran Abanico, Tacos El Papi and El Borrego Viudo.
Mexican Food, Restaurants
Admittedly, I haven’t eaten much at more upscale Mexican restaurants during my time in CDMX. I stick to fondas, taquerias and international food most of the time.
I also eat a lot of pozole, which is a delicious soup made with hominy and meat and garnished with vegetables. My favorite spots for pozole are Don Caldo in Escandon and Casa de Toño.
Casa de Toño is a fast casual CDMX chain which does everything from breakfast to late night food at reasonable prices.
After Sunday morning pickup basketball in Roma Sur, I’d head up to Caldos de Gallina Luis for delicious chicken soups and mole enchiladas.
For flautas, enchiladas and more, visit Antojitos Lety in Condesa.
Two more upscale choices I’d recommend are Azul in Condesa and La Unica in Polanco. People also rave about the seafood at Contramar.
International Restaurants
México City has plenty of international restaurants and many are absolutely outstanding.
One of my top picks in CDMX is Salwa’s in Del Valle. They serve excellent Syrian cuisine at reasonable prices. The chicken shawarma and plato mixto, with classics like hummus, falafel and kibis are my two top picks.
The owner, Elvis, is a great guy, who likes to practice his English with customers. They’ve gotten very popular recently, so expect a line.
Harimgak is an authentic Korean restaurant in Juarez, which has no shortage of Asian restaurants. Their food is good and the portion sizes are big.
C.O.M.E. is a Japanese fonda in Roma that serves a rotating menú del día. India Mandala (San Miguel Chapultepec) does something similar with vegetarian Indian food.
Meanwhile, La Bukhara (Insurgentes) was my go-to spot for Indian curries and meat dishes.
In Roma, La Ventanita de Taller has bagel sandwiches and other types of sandwiches as well.
El Mandarino in Condesa always hit the spot when I was craving Chinese food.
Habibi Man in Narvarte has exciting, and delicious, Caribbean and Arabic food.
Agapi Mu and Ouzeria are two options for gyros and other Greek foods.
Pizzica, Pizza Tonda and Pizza Felix are the three top pizza spots in the city as far as I’m concerned. While Pizzica sells Roman pinsa slices, Pizza Tonda and Pizza Felix have Neapolitan style pies.
Merkava is along Condesa’s scenic Avenida Amsterdam and is a good choice for middle eastern food.
Comedor de los Milagros is right across the street from Mercado Medellin in Roma. Here, you’ll find various stalls serving food from most South American countries.
I’m a big fan of the Honduran breakfast from El Trapiche.
KebabNation is a go to for Doner and Durum. Meanwhile, Bakers has quiche and sweet treats.
Bars/Clubs
Drunkendog is right near Parque España on the border of Condesa and Roma. It’s a good spot to meet friends or go on a date. They have plenty of craft beer from around the world, as well as their own.
Wallace Whisky Bar is another solid date spot on Avenida Tamaulipas in Condesa.
The Duke of Lisbon shows international soccer games and has surprisingly good British-Indian food.
Salon Malafama is my favorite place to shoot billiards. They also have a good playlist with plenty of 80s alternative music. Just know it gets incredibly crowded on weekends.
Traspatio is a laid back bar/restaurant in Roma Norte with an open roof and good energy.
Petanca Roma is a fun bar with full sized courts for Petanca, a bocce-like game.
Supra Rooftop, while pricy, has one of the best views in CDMX.
Falling Piano is a multi-floor brewery in Roma Sur. They have language exchanges on Saturday that are a good way to meet new people.
Casa Franca, open Tuesdays to Saturdays, is a jazz club in Roma. It has a 150 peso cover charge and reservations are recommended. Mama Rumba, a salsa club in Roma, has live bands
Foro Bizarro also has live music, which is typically more along the lines of new wave and gothic rock. The accompanying bar has a nice rooftop.
Malaidea is a bar with small, underground rock shows a five minute walk away from Foro Bizarro.
Pulqueria los Insurgentes is a multi-floor bar in Roma that primarily serves pulque. Pulque is an ancient alcoholic drink made from the sap of the maguey plant. It’s an acquired taste but I grew to like it. As far as alcoholic beverages go, it has to be one of the healthiest. There are more traditional pulquerias in the centro area.
One Month in CDMX: Suggestion
Wherever you go during one month in CDMX, I think you’ll have a great time. It is tempting to fit in everything but I would focus on really getting to know one, or a few, neighborhoods. CDMX is huge and traveling from place to place is time consuming. So, you can always come back another time and see a new part of the city.
You can also head to other places in the country from Mexico City quite easily. Within driving distance, Tepoztlan, Puebla, Cholula and Toluca (to hike the Nevado) are good choices.