When you visit a new city, it can be difficult to decide what you want to see. Often it's wise to ask a few locals what the coolest aspects of their community are. It enables you to see what they are most proud of and believe to be the most reflective of the city as a whole. We've put together a handy guide on how to spend 24 hours in Mexico City and live like a local.

1.Grab Breakfast in La Roma

Breakfast is a great way to start the day. La Roma, also known as Colonia Roma among locals, is the trendiest neighbourhood where you can see the magnificent Art Deco residences. Roma Norte and Roma Sur are the two parts of this vibrant and historic neighbourhood. This architecturally beautiful neighbourhood was once home to aristocrats, but it is now a hipster hotspot. The restaurant scene is vast, and it is a perfect spot to enjoy Mexican delicacies in a relaxing environment but it is not limited only to Mexican food, you can also enjoy fresh food, Colombian cuisine, and Cuban ice cream.

2.Visit the Soumaya Museum

If you appreciate art and history, a visit to the Museo Soumaya is a great way to analyse the changes in art that occurred over many reigning regimes. It is a private museum with extensive collections of over 66,000 Mexican and European art. The structures are both visually and architecturally stunning, making them a must-see during your visit to the city. The museum's admission is free, and it is open seven days a week. The structure is presently housed in two museums in Mexico City: Plaza Carso and Plaza Loreto.

3.Explore the Thrift Shops in Condesa

Condesa is the most fashionable and trendiest neighbourhood on this list, with beautiful vintage clothing stores and scrumptious international restaurants and cafés providing food from Argentina, France, and other countries, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. These boutiques are brimming with hidden treasures that are both inexpensive and beautiful. This neighbourhood has its own culture, and it's a terrific spot to spend a couple of hours. Typically, the crowd consists of students, local and foreign artists, aspiring fashion designers, and so on.

4.See the Giant Pandas at Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec

The Chapultepec Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including Mexican wolves and giraffes. The gigantic pandas, on the other hand, are one of its main attraction! They had given the pandas as gifts before China modified their policy to exclusively loaning pandas since they are endangered. Pandas are born and reared at this zoo, but they are regrettably on the verge of extinction. While the future is unclear, seeing these wonderful creations is still worthwhile. This is very popular with families, and it is one of the finest ways to spend time in the city if you are travelling with children. The zoo is conveniently accessible by foot from many sections of the city. The Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec is free to enter and open to visit from Tuesdays through Sundays.

5.Witness History at Chapultepec Castle then Grab Roast Corn

This historic imperial seat of authority is located on a hill in Mexico City. In Nahuatl, the castle's name means "near the grasshopper's hill." This site was established in 1725 and has housed a nobility, a military college, and Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota's residence. It is presently known as the National Museum of Cultures and is available to the public. Locals recommended picking up some street corn and eating it on the way back down the hill.

6.Enjoy a Picnic and Feed the Ducks at Parque Mexico

This lovely urban oasis is filled with green space, parks, and water. It's a nice place to spread out a blanket and eat your lunch or have a picnic. After admiring the park's Art Deco embellishments or wandering the natural pathways, you may also feed the ducks in the pond. There is enough to do for everyone, from families to pet-friendly travellers. The nine-hectare park provides plenty of open room for youngsters to play in, while you can relax on one of the charming small trunk shaped benches, or if you have a dog, it is the greatest spot to let them run about and enjoy the scenery.

7.End the Day at a Drive-in Movie

If you want to meet some locals at one of their favourite spots, go see a movie at a drive-in theatre in the evening. There are numerous dispersed across the city, with more cropping up as it has become a favourite hobby for young people.

Adiós Travellers, we hope you enjoy our local recommendations on your next trip to Mexico City.

NOTE: Due to ongoing Covid-19, some of the mentioned places might be closed. Kindly confirm with official websites before visiting in person.

Originally Written: Gabrielle Goldson

Edited: Vinita Malik

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How to spend 24 hours in Mexico City: A local's guide