Explore Mexico City: Top Things to Do in 36 Hours

Exploring Mexico City in just 36 hours offers travelers an exhilarating taste of its rich culture, vibrant markets, and exceptional cuisine. Utilizing the time wisely, visitors can uncover some of the finest experiences the city has to offer.

10 a.m. Navigate La Merced Market

Begin your day at La Merced, a bustling market with deep historical roots. Formerly part of Tenochtitlan, this area is known for its informal vendors and numerous covered markets. A guided tour, Eat Like a Local, provides an engaging experience while supporting local educational initiatives. Their four-hour walk ($120 per person) includes the flower market of Mercado Jamaica and can be customized to fit your schedule.

1 p.m. Discover Art in the Historic Center

Next, stroll towards the Zócalo, Mexico City’s iconic ceremonial plaza. On your way, check out:

• Cerería de Jesús for handcrafted beeswax candles (24 pesos)
• Ex-Teresa Arte Actual, a free contemporary art museum housed in a unique former convent
• Templo Mayor, the sunken ruins of the Aztec temple, entrance fee (100 pesos)
• FONART for local crafts and José Clemente Orozco’s murals at Colegio de San Ildefonso (50 pesos)

Conclude this art-filled afternoon at the newly opened Museo Vivo del Muralismo, showcasing the fascinating works of Diego Rivera, which became accessible in 2024.

4:30 p.m. Enjoy Cocktails with a View

For a stunning view, visit Charco, a rooftop restaurant at the Museo del Cacao & Chocolate that opened in April 2025. Chef Ricardo Verdejo creates a delightful menu filled with seafood and innovative cocktails (prices from 190 pesos). On clearer days, the majestic Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl may come into view, providing an enchanting backdrop.

If you prefer a more traditional setting, El Gallo de Oro offers a historic cantina experience with beers starting at 65 pesos, harkening back to its opening in 1874.

7 p.m. Savor Unique Mezcals

As evening falls, make your way to Ahuehuete, a tasting room established by Natalia de la Rosa and Jason Thomas Fritz in 2022. This intimate space accommodates six guests and showcases rare agave spirits from various Mexican regions. Two-hour tastings cost $90 and include six unique mezcal varieties.

For a self-guided sampling experience, visit Bósforo, a well-respected establishment that pairs mezcal with experimental music, with one-ounce pours starting at 80 pesos.

10 p.m. Late-Night Snacks

In Mexico City, late-night dining options abound, often substituting for a traditional dinner. Consider these popular spots:

• Café La Pagoda: 24-hour café known for enchiladas (149 pesos) and chilaquiles (94 pesos).
• Caldos de Gallina Luis: Renowned for comforting bowls of chicken soup (from 65 pesos).
• Tacos Tony: Specializes in tacos de suadero (32 pesos) in the Narvarte neighborhood.
• El Vilsito: A taquería that serves tacos al pastor (27 pesos) until 5 a.m., hidden behind a mechanic’s shop facade.

This 36-hour itinerary reveals Mexico City’s dynamic landscapes and diverse flavors, promising lasting memories for every traveler.