3 days in Mexico City

Day by day

1. Day 1: Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral

   Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor, then Lucha libre at Arena México in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Zócalo

      The Plaza de la Constitución, universally called the Zócalo, is one of the largest public squares in the world, laid out over the ceremonial centre of Tenochtitlan.

   2. Late morning

      Metropolitan Cathedral

      Ask at the entrance about bell-tower tours, which are sometimes available and give views over the Zócalo.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tacos al pastor

      Taquerías across the city, from long-established El Huequito in the Centro to late-night stands in Roma and Condesa; look for a busy trompo.

   4. Afternoon

      Templo Mayor

      The ruins of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan, the twin pyramid dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, were uncovered beside the cathedral after electricity workers found the great Coyolxauhqui stone disc in 1978.

   5. Evening

      Lucha libre at Arena México

      Buy a mask from the stalls outside, and use an app-based ride to and from the arena, which is in a rough neighbourhood at night.

2. Day 2: National Palace murals and Palacio de Bellas Artes

   National Palace murals, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Plaza Garibaldi, then Torre Latinoamericana in the evening.

   1. Morning

      National Palace murals

      Public access to the murals has varied in recent years; check before you go and bring your passport or photo ID.

   2. Late morning

      Palacio de Bellas Artes

      The white-marble Palacio de Bellas Artes, finished in 1934 with an Art Nouveau exterior and an Art Deco interior, is Mexico's leading arts venue.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Chilaquiles

      Cafés, fondas and market stalls across the city; Roma and Condesa cafés serve elaborate versions.

   4. Afternoon

      Plaza Garibaldi

      Agree the price per song before the band starts, and use an app-based ride to get there and back at night.

   5. Evening

      Torre Latinoamericana

      Go on a clear morning after overnight rain, when the volcanoes may be visible, or at dusk to watch the city lights come on.

3. Day 3: National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle

   National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Castle and Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul), then Roma Norte in the evening.

   1. Morning

      National Museum of Anthropology

      Mexico's greatest museum, opened in 1964 in Chapultepec Park, covers the civilisations of ancient Mexico in more than 20 halls around a courtyard sheltered by a giant umbrella-like canopy on a single column.

   2. Late morning

      Chapultepec Castle

      Arrive early at weekends, when the park fills with families; the walk up the hill from the park entrance takes about 15 minutes.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tamales and atole

      Street stands outside Metro stations and on corners in the early morning.

   4. Afternoon

      Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)

      Frida Kahlo was born and died in the Casa Azul, the cobalt-blue house in Coyoacán she shared with Diego Rivera.

   5. Evening

      Roma Norte

      Cocktail bars, mezcalerías and small clubs around Álvaro Obregón and Colima streets.

Before you go

• Palacio de Bellas Artes: Book performances of the Ballet Folklórico de México in the main theatre in advance through the official box office.
• Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul): Tickets are sold online for timed slots and often sell out days ahead; book as soon as your dates are fixed.
• Lucha libre at Arena México: Buy tickets at the arena box office or through official sellers; a guided outing is an easy option for first-timers.

If it rains

• Swap in Museo Soumaya (Polanco): Cross the plaza to Museo Jumex for contemporary art afterwards.
• Swap in Biblioteca Vasconcelos (Buenavista): Climb to the upper walkways for the best view along the hanging stacks.
• Swap in Mercado de San Juan (Centro Histórico): Go late morning on a weekday and ask a stallholder to put together a tasting plate.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Centro Histórico keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Roma Norte ($$$) suits food lovers, nightlife, solo travellers and couples. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 16–19 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11 hours in December to 13.3 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Mexico City
• 2 days in Mexico City
• 4 days in Mexico City
• 5 days in Mexico City
• 7 days in Mexico City

Questions travellers ask