Mexico City is fascinating, constantly bustling with life, culture, history, and of course, food. As the 6th most populated metropolis in the world, I can assure you that there is plenty to see and do! From countless museums to an impeccable food scene, the capital city has it all. Although many people quickly opt for Cancun, Tulum, or Riviera Maya when planning a trip to Mexico, CDMX is also worth a spot on your itinerary. If visiting Mexico City is on your bucket list then keep reading for this complete 5-day itinerary!
VISITING MEXICO CITY
WHEN TO VISIT
Weather varies year round but the best time to visit Mexico City is typically between March and May or in October and November. If you plan to visit during the summer keep in mind that it can get quite rainy. I visited early November, just in time for Dia de Los Muertos and the weather was absolutely perfect. Sunny and mild during the day (around 23 C/73 F) and a bit cooler in the evenings. It was the ideal temperature to enjoy full days of sightseeing. However, these time periods do see more tourists, especially during Dia de los Muertos, so make sure to plan in advance!
HOW LONG TO STAY
Firstly, Mexico City is HUGE! There is plenty to see and you could easily spend up to a week visiting Mexico City.
For those traveling from the US, Canada or even Central America, Mexico City has become a popular option for a long weekend trip. As I was flying from Spain I wanted to make the most of my 12 hour flight. I therefore, opted to stay for an entire week in CDMX followed by a few days in Riviera Maya for some R&R!
Although you won’t have time to fully explore everything the city has to offer, a 4 to 5 day Mexico City itinerary is enough to see the highlights.
5-DAY ITINERARY IN CDMX
Day 1 & 2: Centro Historico & Roma Sur
The first two days visiting Mexico City are all about exploring the ‘Centro Historico’ or Old Town.
Try Churros at El Moro Churreria:
What better way to fuel a full day of sightseeing and exploring than with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and churros? El Moro Churreria, which dates back to 1935, is known for having the best churros in Mexico City. I confess I didn’t try many other churro places to compare, but these were DELICIOUS! You can chose between regular or cinnamon coated churros, and they also have a variety of hot chocolates along with other items on the menu.
Vist the Zócalo
The Zócalo, Plaza de la Constitución, is the heart of Mexico City and one of the largest plazas in the world. I had seen the plaza many times on the TV, but didn’t realize just how large it actually was until I saw it in person. Surrounding the Zócalo, you’ll find the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, several government offices and shops. The Metropolitan Cathedral is free to enter and definitely worth a visit. It dates back to the early 1800s making it the first cathedral in the Americas and also one of the largest in Latin America.
Templo Mayor Museum
After admiring the grandeur of the Zócalo, head over to Templo Mayor. The archeological site showcases Aztec ruins from over 500 years ago and is one of the most important attractions in Mexico City. Admission to the museum costs 80 Mexican pesos (about 4 euros) and can be purchased onsite.
Casa de los Azulejos
The Casa de los Azulejos or the “House of Tiles” is a stunning house dating back to the 18th century. The outside of the palace is covered in blue and white tiles which were a symbol of success during the time. Once inside, you’ll find a bar and restaurant area, as well as, a gift shop. Dining inside may not be for the budget traveler but I would recommend at least sitting down for a coffee!
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Apart from the Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most iconic landmarks, and a must-see when visiting Mexico City. The stunning building houses a prominent cultural center and one of the city’s grandest and most important performance spaces.
You can either admire the architecture from the outside or purchase a ticket to visit one of the temporary exhibitions. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the interior, it is possible to walk inside and view the lobby area without a ticket. You will still have to join the ticket line but just mention to the security guard that you only wish to view the lobby.
Views from the Sears Tower
The best views of the Palacio Bellas Artes are from the rooftop cafe at Sears across the street. However, the cafe located on one of the top floors of the department store is quite small so you will most likely have to wait in line for a table. I promise the wait is worth it for the views! Once seated I highly recommend trying the chocolate iced Horchata!
Palacio Postal
Down the street from Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most beautiful post offices I have ever seen! The post office, which is still functioning today, dates back to 1907. Entrance is free and there is usually a small exhibit on display for visitors to walk through. Make sure to bring your cameras for this insta worthy location!
Plaza Garibaldi & the Tequila Museum
Plaza Garibaldi is known as a meeting point for local mariachi bands. The bands only play for money, however, so don’t expect to be serenaded for free! If you’re a fan of tequila or mezcal (my drink of choice) stop by the Tequila Museum located in the square. Entrance costs around 5 euros and includes a free tasting of both Tequila and Mezcal. The museum isn’t very large but it does a nice job of explaining the production process and they have hundreds of colorful bottles on display.
Dinner and Drinks in Roma Sur
End your days in the trendy Roma Sur neighborhood. The vibrant area has no shortage of well-rated bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Try a one-of-a-kind cocktail at Bar Las Brujas or devour a delicious quesadilla at El Parnita. Whether you are in the mood for classic Mexican cuisine, or hope to discover a new vegetarian restaurant, Roma Sur has something for every taste bud.
Day 3: Polanco & Chapultepec
After two days of exploring everything the historic center has to offer make your way to the north western part of Mexico City. The posh neighborhood of Polanco is perfect for foodies and shopaholics! You’ll find an endless number of high-end restaurants and countless boutique and luxury shops. Polanco is centrally located and within walking distance of several landmarks also making it the perfect area to stay during your travels.
Cafebreria el Pendulo
One of my favorite spots in all of Mexico City was without a doubt Cafebreria el Pendulo in Polanco! Cafebreria, as the name entails, is both a coffee shop and a book store in one. There are several locations, but the one in Polanco is one of the largest. The two-story cafe has walls full of books which you can admire while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or a full breakfast.
Anthropology Museum
The Anthropology Museum in CDMX is the largest and most visited in the country! Inside you’ll find the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art. One of the highlights of the museum collection is the Sun Stone or Aztec Calendar. The museum is quite large and you could easily spend several hours browsing the 23 different exhibit hall collections. Visits are available from Tuesday to Sunday (it’s closed on Mondays) and tickets cost 85 Mexican pesos (or about 4 euros.
Chapultepec Park & Castle
Even the chaotic Mexico City has an immense green space in the heart of the city. Chapultepec, commonly known as, “Bosque de Chapultepec” or Chapultepec forest is actually one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere! Apart from endless gardens the park is also home to monuments, fountains, a zoo and several museums, including the Anthropology Museum and National History Museum.
On top of Chapultepec Hill overlooking the park and surrounding buildings you will find Chapultepec Castle. The castle which used to be a presidential residence now houses the National History Museum. Chapultepec Castle was definitely one of my highlights of visiting Mexico City! The lavish interior along with the curated gardens and terraces are certainly worth a visit. Tickets for the castle are 85 pesos and the ticket desk is located in Chapultepec Park near the artificial lake.
Day 4: Coyoacan & Xochimilco
On day four of visiting Mexico City it’s time to head further south to Coyoacan and Xochimilco. Start in Coyoacan, known for its small village feels with cobbled streets and colorful buildings. From the center of Mexico City a taxi will cost about 150 pesos and take around 30 minutes.
Mercado de Coyoacan
One of our first stops in the neighborhood was the artisan market. The Mercado de Coyoacan has everything from local goods and produce to souvenirs. The packed narrow alleyways may seem a bit overwhelming at first but it’s worth a wander. If you’re interested in buying some local pottery, or small leather goods this market should be on your list of places to visit!
Frida Kahlo Museum
By far the most popular thing to do when visiting Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo Museum. The Blue House, where Frida lived most of her life, is dedicated to her life and work as a Mexican artist. Inside the museum, you’ll find a collection of her artwork, memorabilia, and personal items. Since it is one of the most famous museums in Mexico City, it can get quite packed, especially on the weekends. If possible try to plan your visit during the weekday and purchase your tickets in advance. However, keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays!
Ride the Xochimilco Canals
After spending your morning and early afternoon in quaint Coyoacan, hop back in a taxi and head to Xochimilco. A ride along the Xochimilco canals in a Trajinera Boat is a top attraction for both tourists and locals in CDMX! Upon arriving at one of the many docks you’ll see dozens of colorful boats lined up one next to each other ready to take their next passengers.
Keep in mind that you may need to negotiate the price of the boat ride but it should cost around 500 pesos (about 25 euros) per hour for the entire boat. I would recommend paying for 2 hours to enjoy the full experience. Most boats also offer food and drinks onboard, but you can opt to bring your own to cut costs.
Once on the water, you’ll pass other boats selling food and souvenirs and some with Mariachi bands ready to serenade your group. Many locals host fiestas on the trajineras meaning that you will most likely encounter a bit of lively music and dancing along your route as well!
Day 5: Teotihuacan
The final day in CDMX calls for a historic excursion outside the city! About an hour from Mexico City, lies Teotihuacan. What was once one of the largest pre-historic cities in Latin America is now an impressive archeological site.
Teotihuacan Pyramids
The Pyramids are the main attraction and definitely one of the most popular day trips when visiting Mexico City. The entire archaeological complex is made up of several pyramids but the largest are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. If visiting Teotihuacan is on your Mexico City itinerary make sure to plan to arrive as early as possible. We arrived for opening time at 9am and it was perfect as there were very few people. At around noon it started to get quite crowded and getting good photos became more complicated!
Lunch in a Cave
Near the archeological site you’ll see several signs for cave restaurants nearby. These are a must-try because when will you have the chance to eat in a Mexican cave again? La Gruta is one of the most well-known restaurants but there are others if you want to compare prices.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
For the adventure seekers a morning hot air balloon ride over the temples may be one of the most memorable parts of the trip! I didn’t sign up for this activity as I am afraid of heights but saw several of them take off in the morning upon arriving. There are several different tours that include a hot air balloon ride and entrance to the temples with transportation from the city.
Visiting Mexico City, whether for a long weekend or a week is sure to be a trip to remember! The immense metropolis offers so much to see and do and I promise you definitely won’t be bored.
Safe Travels,
-Vip <3
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¡¡¡Me encantó!!!