Flying to Mexico City was the best way I ever spent $300! With cheap flights available from every parts of the USA to the Mexican capital, preparing your getaway is easy and there is plenty to see even if you only have a couple days there.

I wasn’t prepared for Mexico’s boldness and it hit me as soon as I landed in its capital. The only thing I can compare it to is the feeling I felt walking in the streets of Rome in Italy, being surrounded by so much vibrant history and art.

Mexico city remembers! From the paseo de la reforma to the Chapultepec castle, statues and busts of famous figures from the past pave your way wherever you go in a city reputed for having more than 100 museums.

Mexico city is colorful! If it is not just the bougainvillea flowers jolting powerful color punches to your eyes everywhere in the city during spring, it surely is the multitude of murals spread all over the city depicting abstract, historical and candid scenes.

Mexico city is food! Surprise, it is not just tacos. It’s delicate fishes, a rainbow of all types of corn, ceviches left and right, no burritos in sight and plenty of churros and Mezcal.

A week end is just not enough to enjoy all the richness that this fabulous city has to offer. My list cannot do justice to all the attractions in town but these are a few spots you must hit to make the sweetest of your short time en Mexico!

What to see

The Zocalo - You want a town square, Mexico city will give it to ya! Rally to the historic center point where you can catch double deck buses to tour the city, hike up one of the rooftop restaurants surrounding the square for a panoramic view or visit the richly decorated Metropolitan Cathedral. The plaza often hosts exhibits and fairs and it can get crowded during cultural events.

The National Palace is located right off the Zocalo. Its murals, masterpieces from the famous Mexican Artist Diego Rivera (Frida Kahlo’s husband) will blow you away with their exuberant and striking depiction of the making of Mexico, a complete crash course in the American continent’s History.

The Anthropology Museum - This is a monster so dedicate half a day to really enjoy the amazing and overwhelming collections going from Aztecs antiquity to present days. Nothing is left behind; discover the culture of all the indigenous tribes, their architecture, art and mythology (my favorites). There is also a restaurant on the grounds for more convenience.

The Soumaya Museum: The museum futuristic design is unmistakable -this museum is a spaceship - interior and exterior are both worthy of a look. You will find beautifully preserved objects from the beginning of the Spanish colonization of Mexico to works from contemporary master painters and sculptors from all the Americas as well as a few replicas of famous masterpieces. Past and future all wrapped in a beautiful silver bow.

The Casa Azul - The Blue House. To visit Frida Kahlo’s house, you will have to book your ticket early. A popular spot, you get to see the home the famous artist shared with her also famous husband, their workshop and courtyard garden. I loved how the pink bougainvillea flowers and the electric Klein Blue hue on all the walls created a peaceful yet stimulating space, definitely inspiring.

The Chapultepec Castle - majestically located at the top of a hill, the castle offers amazing panoramic views on the Chapultepec park. The Castle which hosts now the national museum of cultures, has been through History a military school and the residence of Mexican heads of states and leaders. This photogenic spot should satisfy both amateurs of manicured suspended gardens and opulent 18th century interiors and History buffs.

Where to eat

Food is everywhere in Mexico City - there are enough choices to overwhelm any foodie and if you are an octopus and ceviche aficionado like I am, then you might have landed in paradise. Here are my favorites, from small joints to mobbed spots:

Brunch/Lunch: If you are looking for a decadent brunch in town, try “Los Sobrinos” (Roma); you are welcome with a luxurious display of fruit, pastries and champagne. While it has more of an old world vibe, you will nonetheless find Mexican breakfast staples as well. I personally liked the glitz touch of having Moet & Chandon in mimosas. We are getting that bang for our buck here. #Duchessonadime. Another option for brunch/lunch, “Lardo” (Condesa) gets mobbed (read my review here). “Cabrera” (Roma) has delicious tacos and a trio of ceviche for all tastes.

Dinner: Blanco colima (Roma) a trendy spot frequented by the hip kids for drinks offers excellent fusion Spanish cuisine. Dress to impress.

Clubbing/dancing: “Jules Basement” (Polanco) - speakeasy and stylish lounge bar if you enjoy EDM and signature cocktails - come early for a spot. For a taste of the nightlife, try the very popular “Janis Palmas” (Chapultepec) to let loose on the dance floor.

Shopping: If you are looking for souvenirs and gifts, head to the market “La Ciudadela” downtown where you can find a wide variety of traditional mexican handcrafts - fabulous woven textiles and dresses from Chiapas, colorful hand-painted skulls, wooden boxes and plates, silver jewelry sold by the weight.

I have been twice to Mexico City so far and there is always something to discover and not enough time. On my list for future visits: the mescal museum, the Luis Barragan House and the Templo Mayor Museum. The city is full of exciting things to do and you will not be disappointed in taking a chance on Mexico City.