Ciudad de Mexico sign outside of the Mexico City International Airport

Hi Travel Blogueras! I recently returned from a quick trip to Mexico City and wanted to share some of the best places to get those Insta -worthy pictures. It felt a little like a scavenger hunt trying to soak up as much of the sights, food and hospitality of this beautiful city.  My trip was only 3 days long so I wanted to make sure and hit some of the best spots. If you have more time, I would definitely include the Frida Kahlo museum, the Soumaya, Palacio Postal and the Vasconcelos library.

In no particular order here are my top picks:

•Castillo Chapultepec

That is me genuinely trying to catch my breath after the steep climb it took to get here.

•This military academy turned castle turned Presidential home  turned observatory and now the National Museum of History has been open to the public since September 27, 1944. The exterior was even used for the 1996 film Romeo and Juliet. There is a checkered floor observatory on the second floor that is great for pictures. The inside, staircase and gardens are also very picturesque.

•Xochimilco

A MUST. Especially if you’ve never been before. I will say this is easily a full day trip, the place is about an hour and a half ride by train or car. The actual boat ride can be as long as 6+ hours or as short as an hour. It is so colorful and there are many different types of boats with vendors that approach you so you get a complete experience without even stepping off.

•Palacio de Bellas Artes

This is a cultural center that holds musical productions, theatre and various exhibitions. The Ballet Folkorico de Mexico and the National Symphonic Orchestra are among the most notable groups that regularly perform here. For the best view of the building, you can cross the street to the Sears building and head to the 8th floor to the Cafe Don Porfirio. There is bar seating with a perfect view of Bellas Artes while you enjoy a nice artisanal coffee. Instagram gold.

•Zócalo

The hub for gatherings. It has been a gathering place since the Aztec times and now a common place for national celebrations and protests.This main square hosts the Cathedral, the National Palace, Nacional Monte de Piedad and the Templo Mayor. A grand Mexican flag sits proudly in the middle. For a great view of the Zocalo you can easily eat at one of the restaurants on the west side. If you walk near the area you can find vendors showing you menus of restaurants that boast a view of the plaza. Be warned, that when we went, our wait was roughly 2 hours since they first seat you at a different table until one of the coveted tables became available. Once we got the table after kindly asking the waiters over and over again when our turn would be, we quickly took pictures and pretended to still be eating and quickly left after. Gotta do what you gotta do for that “candid” eating shot.

•Angel de Independencia

Arguably the most well-known landmark of the city. This monument is located on a popular roundabout on one of the main streets in downtown Mexico City, built to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence. For a better view of the whole monument, I suggest walking up farther down the road and pose by either the walkway or by the flower pots in the middle of the street.  On Sundays, the roads are closed along Paseo de la Reforma and you can easily run along the sides of popular landmarks.

Hope you enjoyed this list! Are there any insta-worthy places you’ve found in your travels?Please let me know in the comment section!! Would love to check them out on my next trip to Mexico City!