(updated July 2024)
Are you trying to plan a Mexico City girls’ trip? To be honest, when my girlfriends started planning a trip to Mexico City, I hesitated. When I think of a vacation in Mexico, I envision sitting on a beach with a margarita in one hand and a taco in the other.So, what’s the appeal of going to a bustling city in central Mexico with friends?
Mexico City is the perfect place for a girl’s trip. In contrast to Mexico’s beachside cities, Ciudad de Mexico’s refined cuisine, vibrant nightlife and historic attractions offer a different flavor to the country you already know and love.
Over the last decade I have traveled to various regions in Mexico, from Baja to Cozumel. I just returned from a CDMX trip with friends, so I have the inside scoop on traveling to Mexico City. Keep reading to learn more about the top 11 reasons for a Mexico City getaway.
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Where is Mexico City?
Mexico City is smack dab in the middle of Mexico. It’s located in the central part of the country, called the Valley of Mexico. Even though you won’t be able to hit the beach in Mexico City, this cosmopolitan city offers plenty to keep you occupied.
Map of CDMX
A Brief History of CDMX for Your Girls Getaway to Mexico
To prepare for your trip to Mexico with friends, it’s important to understand some facts about this colorful city. Known in Spanish as Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), Mexico City is the country’s capital.
The ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, was established in 1325 C.E. where Mexico City resides today. In fact, it is the oldest capital city in the Americas. It was one of the largest cities in the world when it was conquered by the Spanish between 1519-1521.
The Size of Mexico City
Mexico City is the country’s largest city. It is enormous in both area and population! The CDMX population is over 22 million residents and growing. In fact, Mexico City is the most populous city in North America. Additionally, Mexico City spans over 573 square miles! It’s sixteen times larger than New York City to give you a reference point.
What this means for your Mexico City getaway, is that SIZE MATTERS. We girls already know that, right?! Therefore, it is important to stay in the right location. Make sure to map out where you want to visit so you don’t spend all your Mexico girls’ trip in the car. Between the vast distance in Mexico City and traffic, you want to plan wisely. Keep reading below for suggestions about where to stay in Mexico for a girls’ trip.
Learn The Pros and Cons of Visiting Mexico City In This Blog Post!
Top Reasons For a Girl’s Trip In Mexico City
1. Flights Are Accessible and Inexpensive For a CDMX Girlfriend Getaway
The first reason Mexico City is worth visiting for a friends’ trip is that it’s accessible. According to flightconnections.com, “there are 100 airports around the world that have direct flights to Mexico City, spread around 99 cities in 25 countries. Currently, there are 46 domestic flights to Mexico City.” The flights from my hometown of San Diego take a mere 3.5 hours. Thus, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend away with your girlfriends.
Not only are flights to CDMX accessible, but they are very affordable. The average cost of a plane ticket to Mexico City from many U.S. cities is under $200. March is historically the cheapest time to visit Mexico City.
Use the Cross Border Xpress to Save Money on Your Flight to CDMX!
2. Eat Delicious Food in Mexico City With Your Girlfriends
Without question, the food is one of the best parts of a Mexico City visit! From street food, traditional Mexican food, and Michelin star rated dining, CDMX is a foodie paradise.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Book reservations at your favorite restaurants in advance.
3. Fabulous Restaurants for Your Girls’ Vacation in Mexico
The mouthwatering food in Mexico has already been mentioned. However, the restaurants in Mexico City are so fabulous they need a separate category. As much as I love street tacos from the corner vendor, the restaurants in CDMX really distinguish it from other cities in Mexico. The quality and diversity of restaurants is sure to delight your senses. From decor, to ambiance, CDMX restaurants offer so many options for the perfect Mexico City girls’ trip. Some favorite restaurants are:
- Lardo– This is a great spot for a girls’ brunch in CDMX.
- Farmacia Internacional- Perfect for coffee and breakfast in Mexico City.
- El Moro Churreria- You have to have churros in Mexico City, right!
- La Docena– Offers fresh seafood and oysters.
- Pujol– We couldn’t get a reservation here, but the reviews are glowing!
- Contramar– One of CDMX’s top picks.
- Palmares Azotea– If you can’t get into Contramar walk next door to this hidden gem upstairs. It’s great for lunch in CDMX.
- Carajillo– This is a lively spot with loud music and lots of exciting pyrotechnics.
4. Day Trips from Mexico City with Friends to Teotihuacan Pyramids
It’s important to have activities to fill your time on a girls trip to Mexico, so make sure to visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids. The ancient city of Teotihuacan was built as early as 400 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the perfect day trip from Mexico city. It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach the site.
Hours of Operation for Teotihuacan:
- 9:00-5:00 Daily. Gates close at 3:00 for the last admission.
Teotihuacan Tickets:
- Teotihuacan admission costs$ 80 MXN.
Seeking Stamps Tip: You can no longer climb Teotihuacan, but it is completely worth the trip. Visit in the morning when there are fewer crowds and temperatures are cooler.
Shop My Favorite Travel Products Here . . .
5. Explore Gorgeous Cathedrals on Your Mexico City Girl’s Vacation
BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Next, see some of the gorgeous cathedrals while visiting Mexico City. First, explore the Basilica of Santa Maria de Guadalupe. It was built on Tepeyac Hill in 1695. Read the local legend about the Virgin of Guadalupe and the sacred tilma with her image to understand the significance of the site.
Over the years, construction damaged the church. In the 1970’s, the church started sinking and the sacred tilma had to be relocated to a new basilica built just steps away.
The New Basilica of Guadalupe now holds the Image of Our Lady Guadalupe which is very sacred to the Mexican people. With over 20 million visitors a year, the Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the most visited in the world.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Hours of Operation:
- Friday-Wednesday 9:00- 6:30
- Thursday 9:00-7:00
- Check for holiday closures.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Admission to the Basilica is free, but there are $3 MXN charges to use the bathroom.
OTHER CATHEDRALS TO EXPLORE IN MEXICO CITY WITH YOUR FRIENDS:
If you have additional time to explore beautiful churches in Mexico City, here are some favorites:
6. Mexico City Girls Trip: Mezcal Tasting and Cocktails
After a hot and tiring day exploring, you might be ready for a few cocktails. You definitely can’t visit Mexico City for a few days without experiencing its mezcal. So, plan to spend an evening with friends at a Mezcal tasting. Mezcal is made from the fermented juices of the agave plant. Mezcal is produced in specific regions, and the majority of it is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s generally sipped and it is STRONG.
I recommend going to La Llorona Cantina for aesthetically pleasing mezcal cocktails. Also make sure to spend an evening at La Clandestina Mezcaleria! It’s a top rated mezcaleria in the charming Condesa neighborhood.
7. Party with Your Friends at Xochimilco Floating Gardens
In case you didn’t have enough fun partying at night, head out to Xochimilco Floating Gardens. From the city center it’s about 20 miles away. It took us 45 minutes to drive there from Condesa.
Float your cares away in boldly colored gondolas along this ancient Aztec waterway. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, bring a picnic lunch and drinks for your ride. There are also vendors selling snacks and drinks from canoes. Our drink of choice was monster-sized Micheladas made with questionable unlabeled alcohol. The scene here can get rowdy with music and day drinking. If you want a quieter experience, try to go early.
If you choose the longer Xomilcho tour you can make a stop at the creepy Island of the Dolls. Read about the legend of the Isla de Las Munecas before you visit.
When you arrive, there are a variety of tour lengths and prices. Prices are per boat, or trajinero, and run about $1000 pesos for up to 20 people. This is a bit touristy and the “good view” we were promised looked the same throughout the journey. Even so, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss on your girls’ trip in Mexico City.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Watch out for scammers trying to upsell the tours. There were also some shady characters eyeing our purses, so be aware when you visit.
Learn How to Pronounce Xochimilco Here . . .
8. Visit Top Museums In Mexico City with Your Girlfriends
FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM
A Mexico City girls’ getaway isn’t complete without a visit to one of the many beautiful museums in CDMX. One of our favorites was the Frida Kahlo Museum. It’s also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House) because of its brilliant blue color. It is the home Frida and Diego Rivera shared together. The museum displays Kahlo’s interesting art. Additionally, the museum highlights the adversity Kahlo experienced throughout her life.
Frida Museum Address:
Londres 247,
Col. Del Carmen,
Coyoacán, CDMX,
México, 04100
Casa Azul Hours of Operation:
- Monday- CLOSED
- Tuesday 10:00 am-6:00 pm
- Wednesday 11:00 am-6:00 pm
- Thursday-Sunday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Check for holiday closures before you visit
Frida Museum Tickets:
- admission is $250 MXN for adults Mon-Fri and $270 MNX on weekends.
- Children under 6 are free.
- Discounts are available for seniors, and people with disabilities.
- A fee applies for guided tours and photography.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Frida Kahlo tickets must be purchased in advance. Admission includes the Diego Rivera museum in Coyoacan.
Book Frida Museum Tickets Before Your CDMX Girl’s Trip!
ANTHROPOLOGY NATIONAL MUSEUM
Another top museum in Mexico City is the Museo Nacional de Antropología. It features 23 exhibition halls filled with stunning artifacts documenting Mexico’s history and culture.
Museo Nacional de Antropología Address:
- Av. Paseo de la Reforma and Calzada Gandhi s/n Col. Chapultepec Polanco. Alc. Miguel Hidalgo. Zip Code 11560, Mexico City
Anthropology Museum Hours of Operation:
- Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Museo Nacional de Antropología tickets:
- $90 MXN for adults. Seniors over 60 and children under 13 are free.
- Discounts are available for locals, teachers, and people with disabilities.
9. Enjoy The Best Rooftop Bars In Mexico City With the Girls
Mexico City is worth visiting because of its variety of gorgeous rooftop bars. What’s better than enjoying cocktails with your friends while overlooking the Mexico city skyline? Some of CDMX’s best rooftop bars are:
- Nivel 40 SkyBar– It has amazing 360 degree panoramic views which include the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Metropolitan Cathedral.
- Terraza Catedral– Offers impressive views of Zocalo Square in the historic city center.
- Hotel Condesa DF Rooftop Bar– It’s a relaxing space in trendy Condesa.
- Carlotta Reforma Sky Bar– Is perched on the 38th floor of the Ritz Carlton. This swanky indoor space offers sweeping views.
10. Travel is Affordable For a Girls’ Vacation in Mexico
One of the best reasons to visit Mexico City for a girls’ trip is because CDMX is very affordable. You can enjoy high quality restaurants with shockingly inexpensive prices. For a party of three with drinks, appetizers, and main course we often paid around $50 each. Transportation is also very inexpensive. Uber rides are often just a few dollars from Condesa to nearby restaurants.
11. The Best Shopping Spots On Your Mexico City Girls’ Trip
Last but not least, a girls trip in Mexico City isn’t complete without shopping. You can find everything from fashion to furniture when you shop in CDMX. From street vendors, to upscale shops, you and the gals can shop till you drop. Some favorites places to shop are:
- Bazar Sábado
- Mercado de Lagunilla
- Coyoacán Market
- Mercado de San Juan
- Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
- Avenida Presidente Masaryk
- Centro Santa Fe
- Reforma 222
Is Mexico City Safe For a Girls’ Trip?
There’s no question that safety is a concern when you visit Mexico. As with any large city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make safe decisions. Mexico City has had issues with sexual assaults, kidnappings and unwanted male attention towards women. Always use caution in Mexico City at night and stay away from sketchy parts of the city.
We felt safe the entire time we were in Mexico City. There is noticeable security at restaurants and accommodations. We used Uber to get around without incident. However, it is wise to dress conservatively and avoid wearing flashy jewelry or accessories.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Check U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisories before you visit.
What To Pack For A Girls Vacation to Mexico City
You might be wondering what to pack for your girlfriend getaway in CDMX. We visited in March and the weather was hot, dusty and dry. During the dry season between December to April, pack lightweight, comfortable clothing. Locals generally do not wear shorts and flip flops. Instead, pack dresses and comfortable sandals or stylish sneakers.
Ideally, if you plan to visit churches, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Yet, we were not turned away when we switched plans and visited in short dresses.
You might be surprised to know that Mexico City is at an elevation of 7,350 feet. With the higher altitude, be very careful in the sun. Make sure to pack hats and sunscreen.
In the cooler rainy season, include a waterproof jacket and closed toed shoes. Temperatures can dip into the 40’s in the evening.
At night, you can wear jeans and a nice top or casual dresses for most bars and restaurants.
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Where to Stay For Your CDMX Girls’ Getaway
As mentioned previously, you want to stay in areas that are convenient for the top sights in Mexico City. Choose the bohemian and upscale Condesa or Roma Norte.There are a variety of luxurious hotels and rental properties available.
These trendy areas are prime locations for easy access to nightlife and restaurants. Keep your eye out for interesting art deco architecture dating back to the 1920’s and Instagram-worthy photo spots. Make sure to stroll through tranquil Parque Mexico if you get the chance.
Additional Activities For Your Mexico City Girls Trip Itinerary:
If you have additional time in your Mexico City itinerary check out:
- A Lucha Libre Wrestling Show
- Visit Templo Mayor
- Monumento de la Revolución
- Palacio de la Bellas Artes
Mexico City Girls Trip: FAQ’s
1. Is a Girls’ Vacation to Mexico City Expensive?
One of the best qualities about Mexico City is its affordability. Whether you are a budget traveler or a luxury traveler, there are delicious food options and accommodations at every price point.
2. Is Mexico City a Good Place For a Girls Trip?
YES! Whether you are visiting Mexico for a bachelorette party or a group of middle-aged women, Mexico City has so much to offer for sightseeing, cultural attractions and delicious cuisine.
3. Is a Mexico City Solo Trip Safe?
Yes, Mexico City is safe for solo female travel. Women traveling solo should exercise caution and common sense. It appeared safe to walk in the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods at night. There are also pink women’s taxis in Mexico City for added safety.
4. When Is the Best Time To Visit Mexico City With Girlfriends?
Mexico City is a year round travel destination. The months of March to May are considered the best time to visit CDMX.
5. Can You Drink the Water in Mexico City?
No, do not drink the tap water in Mexico City. We consumed ice at upscale bars and restaurants without incident.
Is Mexico City Worth Visiting On A Girl’s Trip: Final Thoughts
I highly recommend you grab your girls and visit the vibrant and colorful Mexican capital! A Mexico City girls’ trip is perfect for the weekend or a week long trip. I hope this Mexico City travel guide helps you explore the best places in CDMX. The unique attractions, delicious food, and energetic nightlife confirm Mexico City is worth visiting on your next girls’ getaway.
Coming Soon in the Travel Blog: More Mexico City Travel Tips!
Thank you so much for your tips. I’ve been wondering about Mexico City as a safe destination but your photos show such a great time, which was the reassurance I needed.
We felt safe in Mexico City when we visited last month. However, there are several other regions in Mexico that are on U.S. “Do not travel” lists”. As with any large city, use common sense and stay aware.
Mexico City looks like an amazing destinaiton for a girls trip! The food looks so delicious, I don’t think I would want to leave. It seems like there is tons of sight-seeing around the city as well to keep busy for a few days.
I was SO impressed with the food and restaurants. Plus, prices are very affordable. It’s definitely worth a visit!
I’m glad I stumbled on your post because my friend and I are actually looking to plan a work from home trip somewhere this summer, and we’ve been considering Mexico City as one of our options! I’m so happy to hear that it’s a safe destination for female travelers and that there’s so much to see and do here. Plus, you had me at ‘Teotihuacan Pyramids’; I’m always looking to visit more UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thanks for all the info! Xx Sara
Mexico City is a fun destination for a girls’ trip. Teotihuacan and Xochimilco were interesting UNESCO sites!
I am so glad I found this post! Mexico city has been on my list for a while but you have fully convinced me! Glad you guys had an awesome girls trip, and thanks for all the helpful tips!
Truth be told, I also always think of beaches and cocktails when thinking about Mexico! It is easy to forget that it is a huge country, with so much history and culture! Being a bit of a history nerd myself, I love that you include some historic facts in your article, and I see that Mexico City needs to get on my bucket list (even if it would probably be as a solo traveler) 🙂
Mexico City seems like an easy place to travel solo. There is so much activity in bars, restaurants and attractions, you could easily meet other travelers.