My 4-Day Mexico City Itinerary for First-Timers

I nearly didn’t go to Mexico City, but I’m so glad I did, and I will definitely go back.

The jacarandas were dropping purple confetti onto miles of pavement, dercorating the skyscraper scene and hiding cracks in the footpaths. They added pretty pops of colour to an otherwise metropolitan concrete jungle. I’ve planted one in our front lawn, but I’ll be long dead by the time they get to the size of these beauties!

I had planned a Mexico tour, hosting some of my readers, because it had been a long time since I last visited, and I had great memories. The original plan was just Cancun, Los Cabos and end in Palm Springs, California.

I was just going to fly over Mexico City, until people started to say how cool it was. And then of course, we’re all that way and it’d be rude not to (!), so we decided to add in three nights in the capital of Mexico. It’s 2.5 hours flight from Cancun, and another 2.5 hours flight to Los Cabos.

I’ve written this post as a 4-day itinerary, but don’t expect you to follow it to the letter as it’s quite busy. However if you’re a “go hard or go home” kind of person, this is for you. For those of us who like a bit down time, people watching, spending longer over a meal or in a museum, then take the parts that interest you and leave the rest for next time.

Our full Mexico itinerary began in Cancun for four nights, Mexico City for three nights, Cabo San Lucas on the Baja Peninsula for four nights, and Palm Springs, California for the final three days.

It was amazing and I’d go back in a heartbeat. I’d also suggest you spend four days here in Mexico City if you can, as there is so much to do, we ran out of time.

Ciudad de México, or CDMX, which is the code you’ll see everywhere, is a feast for the senses – incredible food, rich culture, stunning art, and the warmest people you’ll ever meet.

The heart of Mexico City offers so many of the best things to do, you’ll need a little bit of planning to make the most of your time. This guide includes the best way to experience this amazing metropolis.

And here’s a top tip: join some Mexico City Facebook groups and ask locals directly what you want to know, or just scroll through other people’s questions. It’s a gold mine!

Day 1: Historic Center & Museums

I chose to stay the historic part of the city as there’s plenty to see and do within easy walking distance.

We stayed at Zocalo Central & Rooftop overlooking Zocalo Square. I would stay here again. The hotel was superb, the rooftop restaurant had the most amazing views and there’s lots to do within walking distance. I have listed some other hotels below too that are worth checking out.

Morning: City Center

If you’re not staying close by the Zócalo (main square), try and head here before rush hour.

There are cafes around, so grab breakfast and have a people-watch then wander the square, where the Mexican flag proudly waves over one of the largest city squares in the world.

Begin at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Americas. The architecture is a stunning mix of baroque, neoclassical, and Gothic styles spanning three centuries of construction.

Visit the Templo Mayor archaeological site and museum. These ancient ruins of the main Aztec temple were accidentally discovered in 1978 and give a fascinating glimpse into the historical context of Tenochtitlán, the original city that once stood where Mexico City is today.

Take a peek inside the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) to see Diego Rivera’s incredible murals depicting Mexico’s history. The main staircase mural is an absolute must-see and offers great insight into Mexican culture!

Lunch

• A great place for lunch is legendary El Cardenal on Palma Street, for traditional Mexican cuisine. Their hot chocolate and sweet bread are to die for. The restaurant is lively and fun, and they grow food on their own ranch, so it’s always fresh, and often raved about. Street vendors nearby also offer delicious quick bites if you’re in a hurry.

Afternoon: Chapultepec & Anthropology Museum

Take an Uber (a great way to avoid public transportation during busy times) to Chapultepec Park, often called the “Central Park” of Mexico City and one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere. This green oasis is where locals come to relax, and it’s home to several museums, Chapultepec Castle, and even a zoo.

Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico’s most visited museum for good reason. With incredible artifacts from all of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations, you could spend days here, but focus on the Aztec and Maya sections if you don’t have enough time. The famous Aztec Sun Stone (often incorrectly called the “Aztec Calendar”) is the star attraction.

Dinner & Drinks

As we were staying at Zocalo Central Hotel, we had dinner at our rooftop restaurant with fabulous views over the huge square.

Day 2: Teotihuacan Pyramids & Local Culture

Morning: Visit Ancient Ruins

If hot air ballooning is on your bucket list, then today is the day. We went on a driving tour and stopped along the way, but one of my friends was sad she didn’t get to balloon over the pyramids.

Get your hot air balloon tickets here >

• We took a guided tour to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s located about an hour outside Mexico City, and a great chance to get a feel for the city and beyond. The earlier to get to this archaeological wonder the better the chance to avoid both crowds and afternoon heat.

There are small stores selling souvenirs, and while you can’t climb the Sun and Moon pyramids, you can climb up

Tour Recommendation: I’ve added a link below to take a small group guided tour that includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to both the Sun and Moon pyramids.

• Arrive at Teotihuacan before the crowds and tour the ancient ruins. Your guide will provide the historical context that makes these structures even more impressive.
• Many tours include lunch at a local restaurant in the surrounding area where you can try pulque, a traditional fermented agave drink that’s been consumed since pre-Hispanic times.

Afternoon: Return to the City

• Head to Paseo de la Reforma, the main street and grand boulevard of Mexico City, to see the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) and the Torre Latinoamericana. From the observation deck of the tower, you’ll get some of the best views of the large city sprawling below.
• Visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), the city’s most iconic cultural venue. The exterior is stunning, but make sure to go inside to see the incredible murals by Diego Rivera and other Mexican masters. If you can catch a performance of the Ballet Folklórico, it’s the perfect place to experience traditional Mexican culture.

Evening: Lucha Libre Experience

• For a uniquely Mexican experience, you could attend a Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena México (typically on Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday nights). The colorful masks, high-flying moves, and theatrical performances make for an unforgettable night. You can book tickets ahead of time or join a tour that includes transportation and explanation of the rules and traditions.
• After the wrestling, grab some late-night tacos from street vendors near the arena. Nothing beats street tacos after a show—they’re some of the best things to eat in the entire city!

Day 3: Frida Kahlo & Colorful Neighborhoods

Morning: Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo

Sunday morning is the best time to take an Uber to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, once a separate village that’s now part of the larger city but retains its own distinct character.

Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as Casa Azul or the Blue House), one of the best places to understand her and wider Mexican art. This is where Frida lived and worked, and her house is still filled with her things, her painting studio, bedroom, kitchen and lots of her art.

There is a separate room with some of her dresses, which had a floating characteristic to hide her back brace and legs. She led a tragic life, suffering from polio as a child, then being a terrible bus accident when she was 18, which left her permanently disabled and unable to have children.

She married famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera – twice. And took lovers, both male and female. Much of her art is an expression of living in pain, and visiting her house was a sombre experience for me really.

Book timed tickets online well in advance.

Lunch: Coyoacán Market

From here walk about 7 minutes to Coyoacán Market, for cheap and cheerful, delicious tostadas. It is filled with souvenirs and fresh produce. We sat down and ordered from the menu (pic below).

I had pulled chicken for 40 pesos (about US$2), and one was enough because churros were coming…

From there we stopped at Churreria General de la Republica for the best churros I’ve ever tasted!

We walked on to explore Coyoacán’s city center, with its beautiful church, colonial buildings, leafy plazas, and artisan markets. It’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely morning. I bought a gorgeous blanket from a street vendor, which is in pride of place thrown over my couch.

Afternoon: Xochimilco Canal Tour

From Coyoacán, if you’re not a day tour (link below), take a taxi or Uber to Xochimilco, famous for its ancient canals and colorful boats. These waterways are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remnants of the lake system that once covered the Valley of Mexico.

Board a colorful wooden trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) for a relaxing two-hour boat ride through the canals. The standard rate is around 600 pesos per hour for the entire boat, so it’s more economical with a group. Weekends are lively with mariachi bands and street vendors selling food and drinks on their own small boats, while weekdays offer a more tranquil experience.

Pro Tip: Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas is one of the best places to find a boat launch with plenty of colorful boats available. You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase from vendors on the water for a great time floating through this unique area.

A great option for a tour covering everything today is this one with Viator. You’ll visit Coyoacan, ride the boats at Xochimilco and can upgrade your ticket to add Frida Kahlo Museum, and Diego Rivera mural (which is in another location). This is the tour we did and was great, as all our transport was taken care of.

Evening: Roma Neighborhood for Dinner

The Roma neighborhood is a lovely idea for dinner. Book at Rosetta, a beautiful restaurant housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the area serving Italian-influenced Mexican cuisine. The handmade pasta dishes are incredible, and it’s lauded as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City.

End the evening with a stroll through Roma’s streets past the Art Deco architecture and pop into one of the neighborhood’s many dessert spots or coffee shops that stay open late.

Or try seafood restaurant Contramar (check space on Open Table) for soft-shell crab, or Michelin Máximo Bistrot (if you have a big budget!). Both are among the best restaurants in the city and serve spectacular food that showcases the best of Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Cap off your night with drinks at one of the area’s trendy mezcal bars like Licorería Limantour or Baltra Bar for incredible craft cocktails.

Day 4: Art, Markets & Final Explorations

Morning: San Angel & UNAM

Head to the upscale San Angel neighborhood to visit the Bazaar Sábado if it’s Saturday, otherwise, explore the charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. This is one of the best places to buy authentic crafts and art direct from local artisans.

Visit the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, the fascinating studio-houses where the famous artist couple lived and worked, designed by functionalist architect Juan O’Gorman. Located right next door to each other, these twin houses connected by a small bridge offer a great way to understand their relationship.

Take a taxi to Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) to see the incredible mosaic murals covering the Central Library and the Olympic Stadium – both architectural masterpieces worth visiting. The Museo de Arte Moderno on campus is also worth a short walk if you have enough time.

Next time I would do a Mural Arts Tour. There are several to choose from including walking and cycling tours. Links below.

Lunch: Market Experience

• Visit Mercado de Medellín in Roma Sur for lunch, where you can sample foods from all over Latin America. Try the fresh juices, Cuban sandwiches, or Colombian empanadas. Taking food tours is another great way to experience the market if you prefer guidance.

Afternoon: Museum Hopping or Shopping (Outside the Rainy Season)

Option 1: Art Museums

• Visit the Museo Jumex and Museo Soumaya in Polanco, two world-class art museums with striking architecture that are perfect places for art lovers. Soumaya houses billionaire Carlos Slim’s private collection, while Jumex features contemporary art from across North America and beyond.

Option 2: Shopping & Markets

• Head to La Ciudadela artisan market to pick up high-quality Mexican crafts, textiles, and souvenirs from around the country. With direct flights home the next day, this is your last chance to grab those special items.

Evening: Farewell Feast

• For your final dinner, treat yourself to one of Mexico City’s acclaimed restaurants. For traditional Mexican with a modern twist, try Pujol (reserve weeks in advance)—it’s consistently ranked among the best restaurants in North America. For something more casual but equally delicious, Páramo or Lardo are excellent choices within walking distance of most hotels in the Roma neighborhood.
• End with a nightcap at Gin Gin or one of the rooftop bars with views of the city lights, like Supra in Roma Norte.

Things to know for Mexico City

• Transport: Public transportation options include the metro, which is the best way to avoid rush hour traffic, but it can be extremely crowded. Uber is widely available for convenience and safety. Walking is pleasant in many neighborhoods when you have enough time to explore. We were warned not the take the pink taxis.
• Best time to visit: The rainy season runs from May to October, with afternoon showers being common. The best time to visit is October to April when days are sunny and temperatures are mild.
• Money: Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels, but keep local cash for street vendors, local markets, and smaller establishments. Draw this out from reputable (i.e. located at the bank) ATMs.
• Safety: Like any large city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure. The tourist areas and recommended neighborhoods are generally safe, but exercise normal precautions.
• Altitude: Mexico City sits at 2,240 metres/7,350 feet, one of the highest major cities in North America, so take it easy your first day, stay hydrated, and go light on the alcohol until you’ve acclimatized. For the most part we didn’t feel any different, but I did have a nagging chest cough, and found I got a bit more puffed than usual.
• Doctor: I went to the Dr one day and they are so cheap – US$15!! My blood pressure was high, however since I’ve been home it’s back down to normal, so I’m putting that down to the altitude.
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants is standard for good service.
• Reservations: For the best restaurants like Pujol, Quintonil, and Contramar, book weeks in advance.
• Language: Hola! Even a little bit of Spanish goes a long way – locals appreciate the effort even if they speak English. Gracias.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

We stayed in the historic neighborhood of Zocalo, right on the square. I chose it for the close proximity to shops, cafes and to be able to wander th sqiaure and cathedral whenever we liked.

Other great places to stay in Mexico City are the Roma neighborhood or La Condesa. They’re safe, within walking distance of major attractions, and filled with tree-lined streets, gorgeous parks like Parque México, fantastic restaurants, and cute coffee shops.

Both areas offer that perfect mix of local charm and traveler convenience, with most beautiful buildings just a short walk away.

My Mexico City Hotel Recommendations:

Here are some top recommendations for different budgets in the Zócalo/Centro Histórico neighborhood:

Luxury Options

1. Zócalo Central Hotel – This is where we stayed, and we all loved it. Located directly on the main square with incredible views of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Zócalo from its rooftop restaurant. The rooms blend modern comfort with colonial charm, and you can’t beat the central location.
2. Gran Hotel Ciudad de México – This stunning Art Nouveau hotel features a gorgeous Tiffany stained glass ceiling in the lobby and offers rooms with balconies overlooking the Zócalo and the National Palace. It’s one of the most historical and beautiful buildings in the area, dating back to 1899.
3. Hotel Histórico Central – A boutique property with elegant, contemporary rooms, excellent service, and a great complimentary breakfast. It’s just a short walk from the Zócalo but on a slightly quieter street.

Mid-Range Options

1. Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City Centro Histórico – Reliable comfort in a restored historic building, offering a rooftop pool and modern amenities while still maintaining character. Located just two blocks from the Zócalo.
2. NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico – Modern rooms in a great location near the Zócalo. The hotel has a contemporary design with touches of Mexican culture throughout.
3. Majestic Hotel – This older hotel has a prime location with a restaurant terrace directly overlooking the Zócalo. While rooms are more basic than luxury options, the views and location are unbeatable for the price.

Benefits of Staying in the Zócalo Area

• You’ll be walking distance from major attractions like the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor, and Palace of Fine Arts
• Easy access to the metro at Zócalo station
• Surrounded by history with colonial architecture at every turn
• Plenty of dining options from street food to fine dining
• Lively atmosphere with frequent cultural events and performances in the square
• Perfect location to start early morning explorations before the crowds arrive

Things to Consider

• The area can be quite noisy, especially on weekends and during events in the Zócalo
• Being the heart of tourism, prices at nearby restaurants may be higher than in less central neighborhoods
• The area is safe for tourists, but like any busy urban center, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowds