A Weekend Trip to Mexico City, 4 Day Itinerary
Mexico City is a vibrant city filled with rich history, diverse culture, incredible food, and stunning architecture.
From the ancient Aztec ruins to contemporary art galleries and mouthwatering street food, we had an unforgettable time exploring this dynamic city.
We’re excited to share our 4-day itinerary with you, featuring the must-see highlights while also capturing the true essence of Mexico City. Enjoy the journey!
How Many Days in Mexico City?
Wondering how many days are enough? While 4 days will let you experience the highlights of the city, we recommend 5–7 days if you’d like to dive deeper into Mexico City’s culture, museums, and neighborhoods. Here’s a sneak preview for our 4 day guide!
Day 1: Centro Histórico Exploration
Day 2: Local Sights & Savory Bites
Day 3: Teotihuacan Day Trip
Day 4: Chapultepec Park and Choose Your Own Adventure
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Day 1: Centro Histórico Exploration
Morning: Check-In & Where to Stay
Welcome to Mexico City! Choose accommodations based on your preferences—whether it’s a cozy boutique hotel or a luxury option. We recommend staying in Centro Histórico for easy access to major attractions, but areas like Roma Norte and Condesa are also great choices and safe. Keep in mind that traffic can be intense in the city, so travel times can be longer than expected. These neighborhoods are popular for their walkability, vibrant atmospheres, and variety of dining options.
How Walkable is Mexico City?
While the city is walkable, especially in areas like Centro Histórico, Roma Norte, and Condesa we suggest using rideshare or public transportation (a different experience, more in general tips) for longer distances. Mexico City can have intense traffic, so travel times might be longer than expected when you move between neighborhoods.
Walking Tour of Centro Histórico
Kick off your adventure with a guided walking tour of Mexico City's historic center. We’re big fans of walking tours—they’re a fantastic way to get familiar with the city while immersing yourself in its rich history, all led by passionate local guides.
For a memorable experience, join a guided walking tour—either paid or free—through the heart of Mexico City's historic district. If you opt for a free tour, be sure to show your appreciation by paying what you feel the tour was worth at the end.
Angel of Independence
Wander to the Angel of Independence, a symbol of Mexican pride, and take a moment to admire this iconic monument. It’s also a great spot for photos!
Evening: Dinner & Optional Lucha Libre
Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Mexico City's many renowned restaurants. Whether you prefer traditional Mexican dishes or innovative cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. We recommend reservations!
Optional Lucha Libre Experience
For a truly unique experience, why not catch a Lucha Libre match in the evening? These vibrant and high-energy Mexican wrestling events are an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in local culture. To make the most of it, consider joining a fun, guided tour with a local. Matches are typically held at Arena México, offering an exciting and authentic slice of Mexican entertainment that’s sure to make for a lively, memorable night.
Day 2: Local Sights & Savory Bites
Morning: Breakfast at El Cardenal
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at El Cardenal, an amazing spot for traditional Mexican dishes. Delight in freshly baked pastries, crispy yet saucy chilaquiles, and indulgent, velvety hot chocolate—an ideal breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. We’ve sampled nearly everything on their menu and can’t recommend it enough!
Late Morning: Templo Mayor
Head to Templo Mayor, the ancient ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. This archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s history filled with ancient artifacts and remnants of the Aztec civilization! We spent about 1-2 hours here. There is a small entry fee but definitely worth a visit. Don’t miss the museum filled with amazing exhibits as you walk around the site!
Lunch: Tacos & Street Food
For lunch, experience Mexico City’s iconic street food at these two popular locations:
Tacos Cocuyos: Enjoy late-night-style tacos that are popular for their rich flavors and variety of fillings.
Tortería La Texcocana: Grab a delicious torta, a Mexican sandwich made with local ingredients.
For a fun activity, consider a food tour by locals and indulge in food and culture at the same time!
Afternoon: Zócalo Area Exploration
Stroll around Zócalo (Plaza Mayor) and be sure to visit the nearby gems:
Metropolitan Cathedral: Explore this stunning cathedral right by the square.
Palacio Postal: Admire the ornate lobby of the National Postal Palace. It’s a must stop!
La Casa de Los Azulejos: Check out the beautiful blue-tile facade of this iconic building.
Palacio Nacional: Peek at the grand façade, or tour inside if open.
Palacio de Bellas Artes: Admire this architectural masterpiece. You can even take a tour inside if you wish.
Then, for a fantastic view of Palacio de Bellas Artes, be sure to visit the Café Don Porfirio at Sears CDMX for a drink with a view and quick coffee break.
Evening: Torre Latinoamericana
Head to the Torre Latinoamericana for breathtaking city views from the 44th floor.
Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy a laid-back dinner at Páramo, where you can savor a variety of delectable dishes and cocktails. We absolutely loved the food and vibe at this place. Filled with a whole taco menu with plenty of vegetarian options and fun drinks. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time!
Afterward, unwind with a drink at Handshake Speakeasy, named #1 Bar in 2024 in the World’s Top 50 Bars list. Definitely need a reservation here! The drinks are worth it!
Day 3: Teotihuacan Day Trip
Day Trip to Teotihuacan
Prepare for an unforgettable full-day adventure to Teotihuacan, the ancient City of the Gods. Explore iconic sites like the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. We highly recommend a guided tour to dive deep into the rich history and legends of this incredible place.
The tour we took and wholeheartedly recommend is the Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco & Tequila Tasting experience—an enriching day full of culture, stunning sights, and a taste of Mexico’s traditions. We had an amazing day—it was well-planned, enjoyable, and full of fun! We also felt safe throughout the entire trip, especially with the comfortable transportation.
Evening Pre-Dinner Dessert: Churrería El Moro
After a day of exploration, treat yourself to some of the best churros in Mexico City at Churrería El Moro, a local favorite. Be sure to order the classic churros con chocolate—crispy, golden churros paired with a rich, velvety hot chocolate. There’s usually a line, but it moves quickly.
Dinner:
Cap the day off with a relaxing dinner to wind down after your day trip!
Day 4: Chapultepec Park and Choose Your Own Adventure
Brunch at Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre
Begin your day with brunch at Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre in Roma Norte. Known for its unique no-menu concept, the restaurant offers a delightful range of vegetarian dishes. If you're unable to secure a table, head to Panadería Rosetta for fresh pastries and coffee.
Chapultepec Park & Castle
Make your way to Chapultepec Park and explore Chapultepec Castle, perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the city. Spend around 2 hours here to explore the castle and its exhibits after paying a small ticket fee. Choose a private Guided Tour Chapultepec Castle for an even more comfortable experience.
Choose your Own Adventure:
There is so much to do that based on your interests you can cater how you would like to spend the afternoon!
Option 1: National Museum of Anthropology
For museum lovers, explore Mexico’s ancient history through its collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. While we only spent 1-2 hours here, you can easily spend a half to full day here. It is a really cool museum!
Option 2: Explore Xochimilco
Take a short day trip to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along colorful trajineras (traditional boats), accompanied by music and food vendors. The boat ride typically lasts 1-2 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Option 3: Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Head to La Casa Azul in Coyoacán, the Frida Kahlo Museum. Reservations are required in advance. This charming blue house showcases her life, works, and personal belongings, providing a glimpse into the life of one of Mexico’s most famous artists.
It is a very popular museum and does require rservations ahead of time. For a wonderful guided tour into Frida Kahlo’s life check out: EXCLUSIVE TOUR Frida Kahlo Museum.
Dinner:
For your last night in Mexico City, dine at Pujol (if you have a reservation), one of the top restaurants in the world!
Farewell Drinks
End your trip with drinks at a rooftop bar like Baltra Bar (ranked#45 in 2023), offering panoramic views of the city. Mexico City in 2023 was home to 4 rankings on Top 50 Bars in the World. In 2023, #7 was Licorería Limantour and #22 was Hanky Panky.
Ranking have changed since but there are still tons of great places to choose to indulge in drinks/coffee/hot chocolate!
General Tips:
When visiting Mexico City, it's helpful to know a few key tips to make your experience smoother. For food, don’t miss out on street tacos and tamales, but always carry small bills for easy payments. Mexico City is safe in most areas, but like any large city, stay aware of your surroundings. Enjoy the vibrant culture, history, and food, and embrace the energy of this dynamic metropolis!
Is Mexico City Safe for Tourists?
Mexico City is safe in many areas, especially in Centro Histórico, Roma, Polanco, and Condesa making for good locations to stay in. As with any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid unlit areas at night, and use rideshare for convenience.
Public Metro:
The Mexico City Metro is a fast, affordable, and efficient way to get around the city, with many locals relying on it for daily commutes. It's one of the largest metro systems in the world and covers most major areas. and thus the metro can get VERY VERY crowded, especially during rush hours, so be cautious of pickpockets. If you're unfamiliar with the system, it's best to avoid traveling during the evening. Metro tickets are very cheap, and it’s a good idea to carry small change or use a rechargeable metro card for convenience.
Expect Heavy Traffic
Mexico City is notorious for its traffic, so be prepared for longer travel times via road too. Always plan extra time to get from one place to another.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Many locals speak little to no English, especially outside of tourist areas. We found that we used conversatinoal Spanish quite a lot during our trip, even more than in Spain. Knowing a few essential phrases will help you communicate and navigate the city with ease. Google translate works great for menus and quick phrases too.
Street Food
Street food is a highlight of Mexico City, but if you're not accustomed to it, start slow. Go for places with long lines or crowds, as this often indicates food that is fresh and regularly replenished.
General Health Tips:
Bottled Water: Always drink bottled water. Tap water in Mexico City is not recommended for visitors, and consuming unfiltered water can lead to stomach discomfort. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from bottled or purified water.
Hand Sanitizer: Carry hand sanitizer with you, especially after handling money or touching public surfaces. While many restaurants and public places have restrooms, it's good to be prepared, especially in more remote areas or parks.
Carry Toilet Paper: While many restaurants and public places have restrooms, toilet paper is not always guaranteed in public restrooms. Sometimes its present before you enter stalls. It's always smart to carry a small roll or a few tissues with you just in case.
Altitude and Sunscreen: Mexico City is at a high altitude, so the sun can be intense even on cooler days. Always wear sunscreen. And allow for time to get used to the altitude (at 7349 feet).
As we reflect on our adventures, the warmth of the locals and the city's rich history and culture only wants us to plan another trip back soon! Thank you for reading! Let us know your favorite parts below!