The best weekend getaways from Mexico City: 4 destinations for 2025
Discover the most incredible weekend trips from Mexico City, from hidden gems and romantic escapes to family-friendly adventures just hours from CDMX.
Quick summary: Your perfect weekend escape awaits
Looking for the best weekend getaways from Mexico City? You're in luck. From spiritual mountain towns like Tepoztlán to colonial gems like Puebla and Querétaro, these short trips from Mexico City offer everything from world-class cuisine to ancient ruins—all within 3 hours of the capital. Whether you're seeking romantic weekend getaways, family-friendly trips, or hidden gems near Mexico City, this guide covers the top destinations that locals actually visit.
The best weekend getaways from Mexico City in 2025
Mexico City is incredible. It's dynamic. It's historical. There are hundreds of museums, from the impressive Anthropology Museum to off-the radar must-sees. The food scene is fantastic – everything here is, at minimum, good to great. You will not have a bad meal in Mexico City, whether you choose to dine on the street or in the highly-coveted Pujol. There are so many reasons to stay within the vast borders of the vibrant capital, yet there are more than 20 million to leave. Thankfully, the best weekend getaways from Mexico City are a short bus or Uber ride away.
2025 is a perfect year to get to know the towns and cities that surround CDMX. From Pueblos Mágicos to urban hubs, the food, personality, and landscape changes so drastically you might think you've crossed into a new country entirely. I moved to the capital in 2022 and despite my love for life here, I find that short trips from Mexico City are what invigorate me. There's nothing better than knowing I can hop on a bus around the corner and end up in a mountain-top town like Taxco, eating veggie tacos and pondering if I should switch from gold jewelry to silver.
Which is why I've come up with a list of the top weekend trips from Mexico City. These destinations have a little bit of everything – nature, architecture, cuisine, and easy connectivity to the Mexican capital.
Tepoztlán, Morelos: The spiritual capital for nature getaways
Tepoztlán is a place that grows on me more and more, every time I visit. Tucked at the base of the Sierra de Tepoztlán (also known as Tepozteco Mountain), the views are spectacular and the air is fresh. At just two hours by bus (1.5 hours on a good day), there are just enough things to do in Mexico's spiritual capital to perfectly fill a weekend escape near Mexico City.
Must-do experiences in Tepoztlán
Try a temazcal, a 1,000+ year traditional sauna designed to cleanse you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually
Hike Tepozteco Mountain, or hire a local guide to take you to the "portal" - one of the best places for hiking near Mexico City
For one the best spa retreats near Mexico City, book a day pass at Amomoxtli
Check out Tepoztlán Market, constructed in 2024, featuring 3 levels of vendors selling itacates, triangular fried masa topped with anything from mushrooms to grasshoppers
Peruse ancient artifacts at the Museo de Arte Prehispánico Carlos Pellicer (INAH)
Have a cocktail at Margarita Concept Garden, a unique greenhouse-turned-restaurant, now a social hub for upper-class visitors from Mexico City
Where to stay in Tepoztlán
Casa Fernanda – one of my favorite hotels for its breezy design, excellent restaurant, great service, and unpretentious pool. It's like staying at your rich friend's country villa, but with easy access to the town center.
Amomoxtli – the Soho House of Tepoztlán, the property itself is a hidden gem, tucked away in a setting of lush pine and tropical plants. The service is top-notch and you will not find a better spa in town.
Hostal de la Luz – if you're looking to ignite your spiritual prowess or heal a deep-seeded wound, this sprawling hotel in Amatlán offers traditional and quirky treatments, including a gamma chamber. Until now, this hotel offers my preferred temazcal experience. Ask for Andres.
What to pack for Tepoztlán
Yoga clothes
Hiking boots
Summer dresses, linen sets, and hats in the dry season
Raincoats, layers, umbrellas in the rainy season
Bathing suits in any season
Sneakers or comfortable sandals for walking
Pro tip: For plenty of waterfall sightings, head to Tepoztlán during the rainy season (June – September) and hike in the mornings.
Puebla City, Puebla: A food lover's paradise among colonial towns
I loved Puebla from the first moment I wandered down the dreamy Calle de los Sapos, an explosion of Skittles colors and antique shops. The architecture is surprising – you might pass European-style facades with fully-tiled facades and iron-wrought balconies next to a boutique hotel painted hot pink or a church with various shades of eggshell blue. In the zocalo you'll find one of Mexico's grandest churches, as well as a handful of delightful museums featuring pre hispanic artwork or Renaissance murals. At three hours by bus, Puebla is one of the most underrated weekend getaways from Mexico City and easily ranks among the best destinations for food near Mexico City.
Must-do experiences in Puebla
Stroll Calle de los Dulces (Candy Street), try locally-loved camotes, and stop in Museo Regional de la Revolución Mexicana, Casa de los Hermanos Serdán, recognizable by the bullet holes on the house's facade
Speaking of museums, you cannot miss Museo Amparo – especially the rooftop cafe
Rooftops, by the way, are abundant in Puebla – try Attic 303 and L`Hotel Perla Boutique
Chow down on mole poblano (for a good vegan mole, try Mural de los Poblanos) and chalupas
Biblioteca Palafoxiana is the first library in the Americas and a must for bookworms
Have a shot of raisin-based liquor (with a piece of cheese) at La Pasita, established in 1916 and reminiscent of your hoarder grandmother's bedroom
Admire the murals at Xanenetla and the ancient ruins behind Hotel La Purificadora
Where to stay in Puebla
Mesones de la Sacristía (Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía) – a whimsical, 19th-century mansion showcasing an eclectic collection of Mexican antiques and artwork in each of its unique rooms, as well as a courtyard cafe
L`Hotel Perla Boutique – sleek, modern rooms, a cute rooftop pool and bar, and very affordable pricing
Hotel Boutique Casareyna Puebla – adjacent to the center but not in the bustle, this boutique is chic with a beautiful open air restaurant
What to pack for Puebla
Elegant dining out clothes and comfortable but chic shoes for walking
Sundresses, sleeveless shirts, linen clothes for warm summers
A raincoat and umbrella from June – September
Fall jacket or scarf from October – February
Pro tip: If you're going for longer than one weekend, hop over to neighboring Cholula and check out the world's largest pyramid by volume.
Querétaro City, Querétaro: A UNESCO World Heritage romantic getaway
Wandering the bougainvillea-lined streets of Querétaro is magic. It's as colorful as any true Mexican colonial city, brimming with energetic local markets and quinceañera photo shoots. The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you feel it in every cobblestone and every archway – its ancient monasteries now house art museums, and its opulent mansions have become boutique hotels where you might just sleep in the same room as a former president. Querétaro is a city for dreamers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine and a plate of enchiladas queretanas. At about 3 hours from Mexico City by bus, it's one of the most romantic weekend getaways from Mexico City that feels worlds away.
Must-do experiences in Querétaro
Wander the vibrant streets of the historic center, especially Calle 5 de Mayo and Jardín Zenea, for people-watching and spontaneous mariachi performances
Sip café de olla and sample vegan tamales at Mercado Hidalgo, where the locals are as warm as the fresh bread
Marvel at the 18th-century aqueduct—Querétaro's iconic skyline feature—and snap a photo from the Mirador de los Arcos
Get your culture fix at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro, the quirky MUCAL (Museo del Calendario), and the Regional Museum of Querétaro
Take a tea or coffee break at Cafetería de Barrio, with its perfect view of the cathedral and bustling square
Book a guided tour to visit Freixenet or local boutique wineries and add on a trip to Tequisquiapan
End your day with a cocktail at Alquimia Bar, chatting with friendly bartenders and soaking up the city's laid-back nightlife
Where to stay in Querétaro
Casa de la Marquesa – Sleep in a palace! This 18th-century mansion-turned-hotel is all gilded mirrors, grand staircases, and old-world romance
Hotel Criol – Stylish, modern, and just steps from the action, with a leafy courtyard and minimalist rooms
El Serafín Hotel Boutique – A cozy boutique stay with colorful quarters and a prime location in the heart of the historic center
What to pack for Querétaro
Comfortable but stylish walking shoes for cobblestone streets
Light layers for cool mornings and sunny, warm afternoons
A sunhat and sunglasses for vineyard visits and city walks
A light jacket or scarf for breezy evenings
Pro tip: If you have extra time, hop on a tram tour at night for a magical, illuminated view of the city's monuments after catching sunset at Mirador de los Arcos.
Taxco, Guerrero: A magical silver town that looks like Italy
Taxco is a dream – after a winding three-hour bus ride from Mexico City, you'll find yourself gazing out over undulating hills dotted with white-washed facades. The town tumbles down the mountains, serpentine streets lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and terracotta rooftop terraces punctuated by blue umbrellas. It feels at times like a slice of Italy, but the spirit is pure Mexico: punch-buggy taxis (old white VW Beetles) zip up steep hills, and every corner reveals another breathtaking view. Taxco is a paradise for romantics, artisan lovers, and anyone craving a weekend of discovery in one of Mexico's most enchanting Pueblos Mágicos.
Must-do experiences in Taxco
Hop into one of Taxco's iconic white VW Beetles and let your driver navigate the town's famously steep streets
Marvel at the rose-hued baroque Church of Santa Prisca and pay the 50 pesos to climb its 140 steps for panoramic views over the city
Get wonderfully lost in the Taxco Tianguis, where you'll find everything from silver jewelry and ceramics to fresh fruit, flowers, and street food
Named after the legendary silver designer William Spratling, Casa Spratling serves Italian-Mexican fusion and offers a gallery of jewelry and antiques
Start your morning at Nueve 25, ordering from the ventanilla (small window) and watch the town wake up from one of the outdoor benches
Established in 1930, a drink on Bar Berta's balcony puts you eye-to-eye with Santa Prisca's domes
Early risers can (and should) walk up to the small chapel of Capilla de Ojeda for a misty, unobstructed view of the city and surrounding mountains
Take a 45-minute underground tour of pre-Hispanic mines at Posada de la Misión
Tour Museo Casa de las Lágrimas (Casa Figueroa), an antique-filled mansion filled with family gossip, talavera tiles, and secret tunnels
Where to stay in Taxco
Hotel Los Arcos – this colonial mansion dating to 1572 is now a charming hotel with a central courtyard, simple rooms, and a rooftop deck for stargazing
Hotel Montetaxco – a luxury resort perched on a hillside with an outdoor pool, spa, and direct access to the Taxco cable car
Boutique Pueblo Lindo – the boutique hotel offering spacious, stylish rooms, and a rooftop pool is praised for comfort and amenities
What to pack for Taxco
Comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled streets
Light layers for warm days and cool mountain evenings
A rain jacket if visiting during the summer months
Pro tip: Book a pool day at Montetaxco even if you're not staying there.
Frequently asked questions about weekend getaways from Mexico City
How do I get to these weekend getaway destinations from Mexico City?
Most destinations are accessible by comfortable intercity buses departing from Mexico City's main terminals (such as Central del Norte or TAPO), with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the location. For some towns, private car or rideshare apps like Uber are also convenient options for best road trips from Mexico City.
What's the best time of year to visit places like Tepoztlán, Puebla, Querétaro, and Taxco?
The dry season (November to May) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for exploring, while the rainy season (June to September) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds—especially great for waterfall hikes in Tepoztlán. Puebla and Querétaro are pleasant year-round, but pack layers for cooler evenings.
Are these destinations family-friendly and safe for solo travelers?
Yes, all featured towns and cities are considered safe and welcoming for both families and solo travelers. These family-friendly weekend trips from Mexico City offer something for all ages. Exercise standard travel precautions, especially in Taxco, and enjoy the vibrant local culture and hospitality.
What should I pack for a weekend trip from Mexico City?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light layers for warm days and cool evenings, a rain jacket for summer months, and a small backpack for market finds. Don't forget swimwear for hotel pools and hats for outdoor adventures in the summer.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in these destinations?
Absolutely! While regional specialties often feature meat, most destinations have vegetarian and vegan options. Look for markets, trendy cafés, and restaurants like Mural de los Poblanos in Puebla or Mercado Hidalgo in Querétaro for plant-based meals.
Which destinations offer the best outdoor adventure near Mexico City?
Tepoztlán offers excellent hiking opportunities on Tepozteco Mountain, while Taxco provides scenic mountain views and historic mine tours. Both destinations are perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure near Mexico City with easy access to nature activities.
These hidden gems near Mexico City represent just the beginning of what's possible. Whether you're planning a day trip from Mexico City or longer adventures, each destination offers its own magic just hours from the capital.
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