Explore Mexico City: Top Highlights in Just 36 Hours
Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis, offers an opportunity to explore diverse attractions in just 36 hours. Here’s a guide to experiencing the best highlights of this dynamic city.
Day 1: Discover Mexico City’s Rich Culture
Morning: La Merced Market Adventure
Start your day at La Merced, a historic market that originated in the Aztec times when it served as a trading dock. Today, it features informal vendors and covered markets, creating a bustling atmosphere.
For an immersive experience, consider a guided tour with “Eat Like a Local.” Their four-hour tour, priced at $120 per person, includes a visit to the Mercado Jamaica flower market and provides insights into local culture while supporting educational programs for young women.
Afternoon: Art and History in the Historic Center
After visiting La Merced, stroll to the Zócalo, a renowned ceremonial plaza. Stop by Cerería de Jesús to buy handmade beeswax candles for just 24 pesos. Next, enjoy free admission to Ex-Teresa Arte Actual, an art museum located in a former convent.
Visit the Aztec Templo Mayor for 100 pesos to explore its sunken ruins. Then, check out the FONART flagship shop, showcasing Mexico’s crafts, before heading to the Colegio de San Ildefonso to admire José Clemente Orozco’s murals for a 50-peso fee.
Finish your afternoon at the Museo Vivo del Muralismo, featuring Diego Rivera’s remarkable paintings. Admission is free.
Evening: Cocktails with a View
At 4:30 p.m., enjoy drinks and dinner at Charco, located on the rooftop of the Museo del Cacao & Chocolate, which opened in April 2025. The restaurant offers an array of seafood dishes and innovative cocktails, with prices starting at 190 pesos. Dinner for two is approximately 1,500 pesos, excluding drinks.
The panoramic views of the Metropolitan Cathedral and, on rare clear days, the volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, enhance the experience. Alternatively, for a classic atmosphere, visit El Gallo de Oro, a cantina open since 1874, where beers start at 65 pesos.
Day 2: Taste and Savor Mexico City’s Flavors
Late Evening: Mezcal Tastings
By 7 p.m., dive into the world of mezcal at Ahuehuete, a tasting room established in 2022 by Natalia de la Rosa and Jason Thomas Fritz. The intimate setting accommodates six visitors, offering a tasting experience for $90. Guests can sample at least six high-quality mezcals sourced from varied regions.
Another option is Bósforo, known for its agave spirits and experimental music, where one-ounce pours start at 80 pesos.
Late Night: Late-Night Snacks
As night falls, explore late-night dining options that replace dinner for many locals. Café La Pagoda serves enchiladas for 149 pesos and chilaquiles for 94 pesos, open 24 hours. For warming chicken soup, visit Caldos de Gallina Luis, also known for its round-the-clock service.
- Tacos Tony in Narvarte offers tacos de suadero for 32 pesos.
- El Vilsito serves marbled pastor tacos for 27 pesos until 5 a.m.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights, Mexico City promises a memorable experience in just 36 hours.
