Are you a digital or an aspiring digital nomad looking for the perfect blend of work and adventure? Look no further than Mexico City! This bustling metropolis offers opportunities for working remotely in Mexico City while ensuring you don’t miss out on the thrill of exploration.

With my vacation days exhausted and my wanderlust still burning, I boldly decided to relocate temporarily to Mexico City. Based in the heart of New York City, I couldn’t resist the allure of the one-hour time difference between the Big Apple and Mexico City, not to mention the added bonus of experiencing the city during a U.S. holiday.

During my one-week stay, I juggled work commitments with exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City, all without using a single vacation day.

Believe it or not, I met all my work deadlines and had an absolute blast immersing myself in this captivating city!

If you’re contemplating a visit to Mexico City and want to make the most of your time while working remotely, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I share my carefully curated five-day Mexico City itinerary, along with invaluable tips on mastering the art of remote work while savoring the charms of this Mexican marvel.

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How to Spend 5 Days in Mexico City While Working Remotely

To help you visualize everything below, I’ve added a map. You can also check out Google Maps here.

Mexico City: Day 1

Explore Centro Histórico

Get to know the historical center of Mexico City and explore landmarks like Templo Mayor, an archaeological site with ruins from the Aztec era. While you’re there, wander around the massive Zócalo plaza. This popular area has museums, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, street vendors, and live performances.

Image of Lady Chin in front of CDMX sign in Zocalo Plaza in Mexico City.

Admire the Ruins and Views at El Mayor

After you’ve explored the city center, head over to the Porrúa bookstore and take the elevator up to El Mayor. If you can, grab a seat on the terrace for some amazing views of the ruins, the Zócalo Plaza, and more.

View of the Aztec Ruins from El Mayor rooftop.

Try the blended mezcal margarita with strawberries. This cocktail is so refreshing and affordable! At 6 pesos each, I ordered 2! On the same floor across the walkway is a fancier restaurant that offers similar views.

If you’d like to cover more ground, take a hop-on and hop-off bus tour around the city, stopping at other major highlights around Mexico City.

Eat Street Tacos

In the evening, enjoy traditional Mexican street tacos. For a bite to eat, I recommend sticking with the street tacos. El Huequito and Cocuyos are both delicious and affordable options.

Insider Tip: I would avoid eating at the restaurants above the silver and gold shops in the city center. You’ll know to run the other way when you hear waiters yelling from the rooftop to get you to eat at their restaurant. Don’t do it. You are guaranteed to get ripped off!

I’m sad to say this happened to us, and we ended up paying close to $200 for a meal that should’ve been $30!

Mexico City Itinerary: Day 2

Visit Palacio de Bellas Artes

Start day two with the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palace of Fine Arts. Located near Zócalo Plaza, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of Mexico City’s important cultural centers. The Palacio is filled with exquisite exhibitions, murals, sculptures, and paintings by famous Mexican artists.

Operas, performances, and literature events are also held there regularly; check their official website for details about show times.

The Palacio is open Tuesday- Sunday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Admissions is $70 pesos ($3.70); Sundays are free to the public.

Imagine of Palacio de Bella Arts (the Palace of fine arts) in Mexico City.

Have Dinner in Barrio Chino

After wandering around the Palacio de Bellas Artes, walk over to Barrio Chino, Chinatown, for dinner. Barrio Chino is located on two blocks of Dolores Street, filled with various restaurants to pick from and Chinese-themed stores.

This area is closed to traffic, so pedestrians can roam freely down the streets. We ate at Hong King restaurant, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and affordable! You know you’re at the right place when you see the tall red arch greeting you and red lanterns lining the streets.

Image of Lady Chin posing in Barrio Chino in Mexico City.

Image of Lady Chin laughing at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Mexico City.

Image of lanterns lit up at night in Barrio Chino in CDMX.

Mexico City Itinerary: Day 3

Visit Chapultepec Park

Take a mid-day break and visit Chapultepec Park, a massive urban park housing the Chapultepec Castle, museums, gardens, and a lovely lake. If you have time, grab lunch at one of the park’s eateries.

Go to a Lucha Libre Wrestling Match

Start your evening with some fun by seeing the famous Lucha Libre professional wrestling performance. It’s one of the best ways to learn about the culture and witness the country’s most popular sports. Lucha Libre (free fight) is a choreographed show where professional wrestlers with colorful masks perform all types of bodyslams and wipeouts.

They really know how to excite the crowd, and it’s a real treat. The best night to go is on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Lucha Libre Experience is a great option, especially if you’re looking to learn firsthand from your local guide about the culture and history of Lucha Libre. Alternatively, you can book your tickets through Ticketmaster if you don’t want to go on a tour.

Dine at Galanga Thai House

Afterward, head to Galanaga for an authentic, savory, and delicious Thai dinner. Before even trying the food, I was enamored by the lush plants and captivating ambiance that filled the restaurant. The food and drinks were nothing short of amazing!

The service was fantastic; we didn’t have a reservation, but they accommodated us all the same. I highly recommend having a meal at Galanga Thai House. To guarantee your spot, make a reservation on OpenTable. I can guarantee your taste buds will thank you!

Mexico City Itinerary Day: 4

Spend A Day In Coyoacán

Coyoacán is a charming historic neighborhood in the suburbs of Mexico City. This area is known for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, artisan markets, and colonial architecture.

While there, check out the old churches, Jardin Centenario, and stop at Plaza Hidalgo. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, check out the crafts at artisan markets like Bazar Artensal Mexicano or Casa de Luna.

For delicious and authentic food, visit the Mercado de Coyoacán on Ignacio Allende s/n. I loved Coyoacán; it was a fantastic way to see another part of CDMX and learn about its history.

Visit The Frida Kahlo Museum

Afterward, head to the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul (the Blue House). La Casa Azul turned museum is where Frida Kahlo was born, grew up, and lived with her husband, Diego Rivera, a Mexican painter, until she died in 1954.

Picture of Lady Chin standing in front of the La Casa Azul in Coyoacán, Mexico.

You know you’ve reached the right place, as the building stands out for its cobalt blue walls. You’ll tour 10 rooms filled with Frida and Diego’s personal collections of art, photographs, letters, pre-Hispanic artifacts, and more.

You’ll want to get tickets in advance as La Casa Azul is the most visited place in Coyoacán. Tickets were sold out the day I planned to visit, so I booked this tour, which included my entrance ticket.

Eat At Contramar

Once you’re back in Mexico City, treat yourself to a fantastic seafood meal at Contramar. This was one of my favorite meals while in CDMX. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and everything was cooked to perfection.

We didn’t have reservations and sat at the bar; it worked out because our bartender was amazing! We ordered the Pescado a la Talla, which came with tortillas for making our own tacos, and this mouthwatering dish was out of this world! The bartender offered us several mezcal shots on the house, which we couldn’t refuse. The service was spectacular; if you love seafood, you will love Contramar!

Insider Tip: If you’re going with a big group, make reservations on OpenTable in advance.

Mexico City Itinerary Day: 5

Explore Polanco

On your final day, spend the afternoon in Polanco, a posh neighborhood with high-end shopping and dining options like Pujol. While you’re there, consider visiting the Soumaya Museum.

This museum has stunning architectural masterpieces housing an extensive art collection, including works by Rodin and Dalí.

Depending on your interests, you can revisit your favorite spots or explore places you missed earlier in the week.

Eat At Taqueria Orinoco

I totally pigged out at Taqueria Orinoco at the Roma Norte location! This chain restaurant specializes in Monterey – or northern-style tacos that focus more on meats, especially beef. Orinoco specializes in three types of tacos: pastor, res (beef), and chicharrón (pork).

You have your choice of corn or flour tortilla. I tried all three tacos, but the res was my favorite! It was so juicy and yummy!

Enjoy Cocktails At Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky is a cute speakeasy cocktail bar in Polanco. You arrive at a bodega-looking storefront and then go through a secret passageway. Once you go inside, the vibes and ambiance are very cool. Leather chairs, low lights, hip music, and a sleek marble bar are the first things you see when you walk in.

Hanky Panky has a few signature cocktails that are unique and named after different parts of Mexico. But the real treat was watching the bartenders showcase their talents by making drinks behind their backs, above their heads; it was like watching Cirque de Soleu but in a bar!

Before heading over, make sure to secure a reservation in advance. This place is small, and they fill up quickly.

Mexico City Day Trips & Tours

To help you plan your Mexico City trip, here are a few tours, day trips, and tours to consider.

Sightseeing Tour: Historic Walking Tour
Sightseeing Tour: Turibus Hop on Hop off Mexico City Tour
Day Trip: Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour
Day Trip: Teotihuacan Pyramids and Basilica of Guadalupe
Day Trip to Grutas Tolantongo: Check out my guide on how to prepare for your visit!
Day Trip: Puebla and Cholula
Day Trip: Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan
Bike Tour: Mexico City Street Art Bike Tour
Food Tours: Street Food Tour
Cooking Class: Mexican Cooking Class Including Food Market Visit

Where To Stay In Mexico City

I absolutely loved staying in the Roma-Condesa neighborhood. There were a variety of cute restaurants, bars, accessible transportation, you name it! Not to mention, Roma-Condesa is the perfect area for working remotely in Mexico City!

Here are a few options to consider:

Best Time To Visit Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May, even though the streets are pretty crowded this time of year. Your trade-off is beautiful weather, especially considering the city’s winters can be chilly and the summers can be rainy.

Visiting during the offseason can help keep your travel expenses down. I visited Mexico City in September, which is the cheapest month to visit. The weather was excellent, the city wasn’t too crowded, and I didn’t spend a fortune!

If you’re looking to keep costs low, consider visiting in September, October, or November.

Best Gadgets For Working Remotely In Mexico City

To stay connected, maintain productivity, and avoid interruptions, here is a list of a few gadgets and accessories I recommend snagging before heading to Mexico City.

SIM Card – The Telcel Mexico Prepaid SIM Card works great, but remember to activate your card before leaving the U.S.!
Solis Portable WIFI Mobile International Hotspot – This has been my go-to hotspot and has come in handy during several trips!
Portable Charger with built-in charging cables – I love this charger because, with the built-in cables, I don’t have to carry around extra cords!
Bluetooth Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones – These will help to boost your concentration!
Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
Portable Monitor for Laptop
Lumbar Support Pillow – This adjustable pillow supports your back and improves your posture!
Portable Lap Desk
Adapter with multi-ports compatible with Apple & Dell Hp Lenovo devices
HD Webcam – This camera is great for video calling!
A Travel Laptop Backpack

Picture of lady Chin at Xochimilco in Mexico City.

Tips for Working Remotely in Mexico City

Working remotely while in Mexico City was a great way to balance my personal and professional life. However, it was essential that I maintained productivity while making the most of my time away.

Here are some things to keep in mind when working remotely during your visit to Mexico City:

Plan ahead: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for remote work, such as a reliable laptop, internet connection, and any specific software you may need.

Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and vacation time. Allocate specific hours for work, and try to avoid working during the rest of the day.

Communicate your availability: Inform your colleagues and clients about your vacation and working hours. Set up an out-of-office message to manage expectations and provide alternative points of contact for urgent matters.

Choose a suitable location: Find a quiet and comfortable workspace that allows you to concentrate and be productive. Access to a stable internet connection is crucial.

Limit distractions: Being on vacation can be distracting, especially when there’s so much to see and do in Mexico City. I recommend minimizing distractions and focusing on your work tasks during working hours.

Prioritize tasks: Identify the most critical tasks that need to be completed during your vacation and focus on those. Only take on projects that can be completed after you return.

Use productivity tools: Use productivity apps and tools to stay organized, manage tasks, and collaborate efficiently with your team.

Take regular breaks: Remember to take breaks and enjoy your time in CDMX. Stepping away from work will help you recharge and be more productive when you return.

Be responsive but not reactive: Check your emails and messages regularly, but avoid constantly being on call. Respond to urgent matters promptly, but don’t feel compelled to engage in non-urgent conversations during your downtime.

Keep work-related files secure: Ensure your work devices and files are protected from theft or loss, especially if you’re working in public spaces.

Explore time zone differences: Seeing how Mexico is one hour ahead of New York made working there fairly easy, but if you’re coming from a different time zone, be mindful of the time difference and how it may affect your communication with colleagues or clients.

Make time for relaxation and fun: Remember, the primary purpose of your time in Mexico City is to relax and enjoy yourself. Consider the itinerary above to help plan your activities or sightseeing to make the most of your trip.

Evaluate your productivity: After your vacation, reflect on how well you managed your remote work during this time. Assess what worked and what didn’t so you can make improvements for future vacations.

Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents

Remember, working remotely while in another country is about striking the right balance between enjoying your time off and fulfilling your work responsibilities. While I had a few hiccups with the internet connection, overall, I managed my workload effectively, which allowed for an unforgettable time in Mexico City. So much so that I am plotting how I can go back for another work-cation!

Looking for more information? Dive into the treasure trove of articles I’ve penned on traveling in Mexico, and keep the excitement flowing as you fine-tune your travel plans!