Mexico City 1-day itinerary

Start at the Zócalo, one of the world's largest public squares, flanked by the Palacio Nacional (free entry, Diego Rivera murals inside) and the Catedral Metropolitana. Walk to the Templo Mayor ruins (MXN 85), the excavated Aztec temple right in the heart of downtown. Grab chilaquiles and coffee at Café El Popular (MXN 80–120) on Calle 5 de Mayo, a classic since 1948.

Metro to Chapultepec for the Museo Nacional de Antropología (MXN 85), arguably the best museum in the Americas. The Aztec Sun Stone, Maya jade masks, and Olmec colossal heads are unforgettable. Allow 2–3 hours minimum. Walk through the Bosque de Chapultepec afterwards, a massive urban park with lakes, trails, and Chapultepec Castle (MXN 85) perched on a hilltop.

The Roma-Condesa corridor is where young CDMX goes out. Start with tacos al pastor at El Vilsito, a mechanic shop by day, taco stand by night (MXN 15–25 per taco). Walk tree-lined Avenida Amsterdam's circular park in Condesa, then bar-hop on Álvaro Obregón in Roma. Try Baltra Bar for mezcal cocktails (MXN 120–180) or Licorería Limantour, ranked among the world's best bars.