How to experience a vibrant few days in Mexico City
As the great Jon Snow once said, “Winter is coming,” and if you’re anything like me and absolutely dread the cold, you’re in luck because Flair Airlines has just launched a direct flight from Vancouver to Mexico City. With this direct flight, you’ll be in one of the largest cities in the world in less than five hours and can officially say goodbye to the rain and cold and hello to sunny skies and margaritas.
As the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is home to over 22 million people, so it’s safe to say it’s quite a populated place — that’s more than half the population of Canada. Given the size of the city, you definitely won’t be able to see everything over a few days (which just might mean you’ll have to plan another trip!), but here are the highlights of our trip.
Stroll through the beautiful streets and neighbourhoods
Mexico City/Klaryssa Pangilinan
Mexico has so many beautiful and picturesque streets and parks. From French and European-inspired architecture, to numerous oases scattered throughout the city filled with trees, ponds and beautiful pocket treasures of nature that allow you a moment of peace, you’ll quickly fall in love with the beauty of the city. Some of our favourite trendy neighbourhoods to walk through included Roma Norte, Condesa and Palenco. The streets are filled with some of the cutest boutique stores that have unique jewelry, ceramics, and stylish clothing.
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
Eat, drink, and be merry
Mexico has some of the best cuisine in the world and is also home to many Michelin-starred restaurants as well as several of the Top 50 Best Bars in the world. Regardless of whether you’re eating and drinking at a prestigious restaurant or enjoying some street food, your taste buds will definitely be satisfied.
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
On every street, one can find cute, aesthetically pleasing and well-designed restaurants and bars that mostly all have outdoor patios despite cooler temperatures in the winter months. With so many options, all you have to do is pick one, sit back and enjoy. Be sure to try various types of mole (moh-lay), all the tacos, refried beans, and carne asada, and always end your night off with a delicious churro, perhaps even while listening to a mariachi band.
In addition to the delicious food scene, there is no shortage of nightlife in this vibrant and exciting city! And I mean none. Even on a Sunday night, you’ll find locals out at their favourite bars, pubs and clubs doing karaoke and dancing their feet off.
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
Experience the history of Mexico
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
As a city with so much history, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the various museums and historical sites to learn more. One of our favourite places to explore was Frida Kahlo’s home, Museo Casa Kahlo, where you’ll learn so much about her life, her family and the inspiration behind her iconic artwork. As one of the most recognizable Mexican artists, it’s definitely worth a visit. Within the city, she has two homes, the Red House and the Blue House, both in the Coyoacan neighbourhood and just blocks away from each other, if you have the time to see both.
Visiting the Museum of Anthropology was another highlight and provided us with so much history and knowledge. Mexico City is home to over 150 museums, so you’ll have plenty of options to pick your favourite ones.
Not interested in museums or galleries? No problem. Another way we enjoyed experiencing Mexican culture and learning about the history was by taking a boat tour through the Xochimilco canals. Much to our surprise, Mexico City was built on a small island surrounded by a vast lake. At some point in history, the lake was drained, allowing Mexico City to be built as large as it currently stands today. Exploring the Xochimilco Canals, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful way to explore the remaining canals and historic waterways of Mexico City.
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
While sitting in a beautifully decorated trajinera (colourful, flat-bottomed boats), you’ll be serenaded by mariachi bands and able to enjoy traditional snacks and meals, and of course the option to indulge in some margaritas, micheladas or a simple yet refreshing cerveza, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery and basking in the warm sun.
Klaryssa Pangilinan/Daily Hive
Given the proximity of Mexico and the ability to now take a direct, affordable flight with Flair Airlines, Mexico City is an easy choice for a getaway. There are so many more things still to check off our list for Mexico City, and as a host city for the FIFA World Cup next summer (June/July 2026) and host of the annual Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, there are plenty of reasons for us to come back and experience more of this rich and vibrant culture. Hasta luego, Mexico City!
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The author of this article was hosted by Flair Airlines and Tourism Mexico City