5 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

      For the best view, have a drink on one of the hotel rooftop terraces overlooking the square around sunset. (30 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Metropolitan Cathedral

      Ask at the entrance about bell-tower tours, which are sometimes available and give views over the Zócalo. (45 minutes, free).

   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

      Visit the museum after the ruins; its scale models help make sense of the layers you have just walked over. (2 hours, low cost).

   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. (1 hour, free).

   2. Late morning

      Palacio de Bellas Artes

      Combine it with the Torre Latinoamericana's observation deck across the street for a view down onto the palace's domes. (1.5 hours, low cost).

   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. (1–2 hours, free).

   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

      Head straight to the Mexica (Aztec) hall at the back of the ground floor before groups arrive, and allow at least half a day. (Half a day, low cost).

   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. (2 hours, low cost).

   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)

      Visit the Leon Trotsky house-museum a few blocks away to complete the story of 1930s Coyoacán. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Roma Norte

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Teotihuacan

   About 1 hour by bus each way. Getting there: Bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte, or an organised tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Teotihuacan

      About 1 hour by bus (Bus from Terminal Autobuses del Norte, or an organised tour); about 50 km.

   2. Day

      Teotihuacan

      The vast ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is laid out along the Avenue of the Dead between the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest pyramids in the world, and the Pyramid of the Moon. Best for first-timers, culture and families.

   3. Evening

      Back in Mexico City

      Dinner: try Tlacoyos.

5. Day 5: Xochimilco canals and Coyoacán centre

   Xochimilco canals, Coyoacán centre and Museo Soumaya, then Condesa in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Xochimilco canals

      Go on a weekday for a quieter ride or on Sunday for the full party, and agree the boat price by the hour using the official board at the landing. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Coyoacán centre

      Come on a weekend afternoon for the atmosphere, then have churros and hot chocolate on the square. (2–3 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tlacoyos

      Women's griddle stands in markets and near Metro stations, especially in the Centro and Coyoacán.

   4. Afternoon

      Museo Soumaya

      Cross the plaza to Museo Jumex for contemporary art afterwards. (1.5 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Condesa

      Bars and pavement terraces along Tamaulipas, Michoacán and Avenida Amsterdam.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) and Lucha libre at Arena México before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 22–27 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 3 days in Mexico City
• 4 days in Mexico City
• 7 days in Mexico City

Questions travellers ask