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Perfect Weekend in Mexico City

Ancient ruins, world-class museums, and incredible street food in Latin America's cultural capital

📍Mexico City, Mexico⏱️2 Days

Mexico City is a vibrant megalopolis where 3,000 years of history collide with cutting-edge contemporary culture. This weekend itinerary takes you from Aztec temples to colorful neighborhoods, world-renowned museums to bustling markets. Get ready for incredible tacos, warm hospitality, and a city that will completely change your perspective on Mexico.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

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7:30 AM - Teotihuacan Pyramids 🏛️ Book early tour to ancient city (45 min drive). Climb Pyramid of the Sun before heat and crowds.
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11:00 AM - Return to City 🚐 Head back and grab late breakfast/early lunch.
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12:00 PM - Lunch in Polanco 🌮 Upscale neighborhood - try Quintonil or Pujol for modern Mexican (book weeks ahead) or Tacos Hola for casual.

☀️Afternoon

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2:00 PM - Museo Nacional de Antropología 🗿 World's finest collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts (3+ hours recommended).
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5:00 PM - Chapultepec Park 🌳 Latin America's largest city park, beautiful lakes and monuments.
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6:00 PM - Walk Paseo de la Reforma 🏙️ Mexico's Champs-Élysées with Angel of Independence monument.

🌆Evening

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7:30 PM - Dinner in Roma Norte 🍽️ Hipster neighborhood with Contramar (seafood), Rosetta (Italian-Mexican fusion), or street tacos.
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9:30 PM - Mezcal Bar 🥃 Try artisanal mezcal at La Clandestina, Mano Santa, or Bosforo in Roma/Condesa.
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11:00 PM - Night Out 🎉 Party in Zona Rosa or keep it chill with live music in Condesa.

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

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8:00 AM - Xochimilco Floating Gardens 🚣 Rent colorful trajinera boat for ride through ancient canals (bring drinks and snacks!).
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11:00 AM - Coyoacán Neighborhood 🎨 Bohemian district with colonial architecture and weekend markets.
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12:00 PM - Frida Kahlo Museum 🏠 Casa Azul - book tickets online in advance ($13), see where Frida lived and worked.

☀️Afternoon

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2:00 PM - Lunch at Mercado de Coyoacán 🫔 Traditional market with tostadas, quesadillas, and fresh fruit.
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3:30 PM - Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) 🏛️ Historic center - massive plaza with Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
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5:00 PM - Templo Mayor 🗿 Aztec ruins in the heart of downtown with excellent museum (close 5 PM, visit earlier if preferred).

🌆Evening

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6:30 PM - Rooftop at Zócalo 🌆 Terrace at Downtown Hotel or Gran Hotel Ciudad de México for sunset views over plaza.
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7:30 PM - Farewell Dinner 🌮 Centro Historico - try El Cardenal for traditional Mexican or hit Tacos al Pastor stands.
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9:00 PM - Garibaldi Plaza 🎺 Hear mariachi bands perform (pay $5-10 per song), lively Mexican tradition.

💡Essential Tips

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Uber Everywhere - Very cheap ($3-8 most rides) and safest option. Avoid taxis unless from official stands.
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Altitude Adjustment - City at 7,350 ft. Take it easy first day, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol until acclimated.
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Drink Bottled Water - Skip tap water and ice at street stalls. Restaurants are usually fine.
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Spanish Basics - Learn basic phrases, English less common outside tourist areas.
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Safety Smart - CDMX is generally safe in tourist areas. Avoid flashing expensive items, stay in well-lit areas at night.
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Metro System - Incredibly cheap (25 cents) but crowded. Women-only cars during rush hour.
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Museum Sundays - Many museums free on Sundays but VERY crowded. Consider paying weekdays.
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Tipping Culture - 10-15% at restaurants, round up for small purchases.

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect $350-500 USD (6,000-9,000 MXN) per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: $60-120 USD/night ($1,000-2,100 MXN). Food: $30-50 USD/day ($500-900 MXN) - street tacos $1-2, nice dinner $20-40. Transport: $20 USD/day via Uber ($350 MXN). Attractions: $20-30 USD/day. CDMX is incredibly affordable compared to US/European cities!

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