Mexico City is a destination that ignites the senses of its visitors and leaves a lasting impression on them. If you are short on time yet eager to explore this enchanting metropolis in Latin America, let us share with you the perfect itinerary for 4 days in Mexico City.
From ancient Aztec roots to bustling modern life, from impressive museums to majestic cathedrals, from vibrant neighborhoods to delectable culinary scene, Mexico City offers a captivating travel experience for history and culture enthusiasts. We feel one could easily spend months in this mesmerizing city and yet keep discovering it in new light.
But on a short visit of 4 days, you can still get a taste of everything that Mexico City has to offer and also embrace the warmth of the Mexican people. So, based on our personal experience of several visits to this capital over the years, we have created this 4-day Mexico City itinerary optimizing for the best highlights, so that your each day becomes memorable.
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Is Mexico City Safe?
Before we get to the details of how to spend 4 days in Mexico City, let’s first address the elephant in the room.
We have been going to Mexico City since 2018 and have experienced the city in several different ways. Solo female travel, couple travel, business trips during corporate career, weekend trip with fancy hotel, fine dining and guided tour, and monthlong backpacking with self-guided activities and public transport – you name it, we have done it.
Even today, after traveling extensively in Latin America, the question we get asked the most, by families, friends as well as on social media, is, “Is Mexico City safe?” Thankfully, even after so many trips, our answer has remained the same.
Mexico City is as safe as any other large metropolitan city in the world.
One’s opinion of safety is only one bad incident away, but to avoid any such unforeseen circumstances, there are some precautions we can take as travelers.
Pay attention to your surroundings, take care of your belongings, avoid sketchy neighborhoods (check with your accommodation host), avoid being alone at night in deserted places and most importantly, follow your instincts.
How to Reach Mexico City?
Two international airports serve Mexico City with several connections with the rest of the world by direct or connecting flights. Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is the major airport hub and is less than 30 minutes by taxi from the city center. The newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) is located on the outskirts and an hour ride from the historic center.
For traveling locally within Mexico, you can book domestic flights or opt for longer distance bus rides. We have used ADO on multiple occasions and have always had good experiences in terms of quality, service and punctuality.
How to Get Around in Mexico City?
Mexico City boasts of an excellent public transport network. There are various modes of transportation to choose from. We suggest you choose yours based on where you need to get to, at what time of the day, how much budget you allocate for ground transportation, and the level of comfort you prefer while getting around in the city. Remember this is a big bustling city with chaotic traffic, the kind that makes us feel at home 😉
Here are the options for ground transportation in Mexico City:
| Ground Transportation Options | Why Choose This? |
|---|---|
| Metro | Cheapest and fastest. Ride from anywhere to anywhere for 5 MXP. |
| Light Train | Connects to the outskirts of the city. Like Xochimilco. |
| Metrobus | Dedicated bus lane that somewhat helps avoid traffic. |
| Tax/ Uber/ DiDi | Convenient and comfortable. Does not beat traffic though. |
| Ecobici | Bicycle on rent through the city’s bike sharing program. Enjoyable, affordable and environment-friendly. |
| Walk | Our personal favorite of exploring the different neighborhoods. |
| Rent a car (self-drive) | Only if you are equipped to navigate chaotic traffic in big cities. |
If you do plan on renting a car, check Discover Cars to browse the best deals across different car rental companies in Mexico City.
Mexico City Itinerary: 4 Days in Mexico City
Since you have 4 days, we will plan this Mexico City itinerary picking some of the must-see highlights and must-do activities by region for each of the four days. However, if you later come back for a longer stay in this incredible Latin American city or if you want to custom create a 4-day Mexico City itinerary, check this list of 30+ things to do.
This itinerary assumes that you arrive in Mexico City the night before, that is on Day 0, or early in the morning of Day 1. Then you depart from the city the night of Day 4 or early morning the day after.
We have designed this Mexico City itinerary for 4 days in such a way that you can do the entire trip on your own, that is DIY style. However, along the course of the article, we have also included recommendations on good guided tours and activities. Book these tours, with the option of free cancellation, if you prefer not to take on the hassle of figuring out everything on your own when you are on a short vacation.
Day 1: Zócalo + Centro Historico
Begin your first day in Mexico City by exploring the heart of the city. This is going to be a packed day with a lot of walking involved. So, bring your water bottle, apply (and re-apply) that sunscreen and prepare to work your leg muscles.
Zócalo and the Historic Center of the city offer a charming blend of history, art, cuisine and culture. But there are lots of things to do and see in this area. You need a well-planned itinerary to absorb everything, or almost everything that this area has to offer. That is why we have planned the Day 1 of this Mexico City itinerary optimizing for the walking route, and also, in some cases, based on specific preferred time of the day to visit a particular interest.
Take this as your starting reference to explore Zócalo and Centro Historico, and modify it according to your interests, schedule and energy levels. To get the most out of your day, start early.
Morning
For a fancy beginning, start with breakfast at Balcón del Zócalo. This restaurants serves traditional Mexican fare and offers fantastic views of the Zócalo and the important buildings on its periphery.
Post breakfast, spend your morning exploring the main square, admiring the sights and visiting the important sites located around it. Some of the important places to visit are:
- Zócalo: The main square of Mexico City, an iconic one and one of the largest in the world.
- Palacio Nacional: A majestic government building, serves as the President’s office, and home to some famous murals by Diego Rivera.
- Catedral Metropolitana: A Catholic cathedral and an architectural masterpiece built for over 200 years (1573-1813).
- Sagrario Metropolitano: A stunning Baroque church adjacent to the Catedral Metropolitana, known for its intricate architecture.
- Templo Mayor: Archaeological site of the remains of the main temple of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztecs.
Interesting fact, the Spanish invaded and destroyed Tenochtitlan, and conquered over the Aztecs in 1521. Then they started building the foundation of their Nuevo España’s capital – what we now know as Mexico City. So, yes, the center of Mexico City was built on the foundation of the remains of Tenochtitlan.
If you hang around enough around this area, you may observe Aztec people in their traditional costumes, performing rituals and ceremonies using traditional and sacred articles. Visitors are also welcome to participate. It is up to you how experimental and adventurous you want to get! 🙂
Tour Recommendation: Mexico City Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Afternoon
After an intense morning, fuel up with a hearty meal before continuing with the rest of the day. Call us biased, but we would always suggest Tacos al Pastor from one of the popular, not-so-fancy street-side eateries. The tacos set you back only by a few bucks, are filling and delicious.
Once you are ready, take a longer walk to explore another part of the historic center of Mexico City. In the afternoon, we are going to take it easy, in terms of pace and coverage. Well, easier that in the morning. These are the places that you can plan to visit.
- National Art Museum (MUNAL): Extensive collection of Mexican art spanning centuries, exhibiting artistic legacy.
- Palacio Postal: Historic post office known for its exquisite architecture and intricate details.
- Diego Rivera Mural Museum: A cultural treasure housing murals by Diego Rivera, including his famous “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central” mural, which was restored after a severe earthquake damage.
- Alameda Central: Oldest public park in Latin America, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Visit after the mural museum for better perspective.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: A cultural landmark with majestic architecture, housing excellent art, and hosting exhibitions, elegant theater performances and musical events.
While this Mexico City itinerary gets you to admire Palacio de Bellas Artes from outside and its art exhibitions inside, if you have the time, come back one of the nights to catch a live performance. This experience can make up for a classy date night.
Tour Recommendation: Muralist Art Semi Private Walking Tour in Mexico City Downtown
Late Afternoon & Evening
As the day progresses, you are almost done with your list of things to do for Day 1 in Mexico City, but not without some beautiful photo opportunities. That is how we have reserved this places for the end of the day.
- The House of Tiles: History and artistry come together in a mesmerizing mosaic tiles facade. Perfect for photos background.
- Mirador Torre Latino: Top floor observation decks of an iconic skyscraper offering 360 degree views of Mexico City’ stunning skyline. Visit during sunset to witness the daylight giving way to the twinkling city lights of the night.
- Madero Street: Lively pedestrian walkway with shops, markets and restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Conclude your exhausting and fulfilling Day 1 in Mexico City with a hearty meal. We recommend the good old Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup of hominy and meat, at the locals’ favorite joint Casa Churra. Note that this restaurant has 2 locations in the city. This is the one in the historic center, and the one you want to go to.
Day 2: Chapultepec Park & Castle + Anthropology Museum & Polanco
For your Day 2 in Mexico City, get to know one of the largest urban parks of the Western Hemisphere, the most visited museum in the entire country, and one of the swankiest neighborhoods of the city.
Daytime
Your first point of entry opens at 9:00 am. So plan to start your day so that you can be one of the first visitors. Because what you have on today’s agenda may not be a long list, but a pretty encyclopedic one. In fact, by the end of the afternoon, you may wish only if you had a few more hours to the day! Ok, let’s skip the drama and tell you about the places.
Chapultepec Castle
Perched on the top of Chapultepec Hill, the Chapultepec Castle has stood witness to evolution in Mexican history over centuries. Mexico’s then colonial rulers, the Spanish originally started to build it in 1785. But over time, post Independence, the castle served many different purposes – as the site of Battle of Chapultepec in 1847, as the residence of the sovereign of Mexico from the Second Mexican Empire between 1864-1867, as Presidential Residence between 1883-1910, until it found its renewed purpose as the National Museum of History, inaugurated in the 20th century. Visit Chapultepec Castle for its architectural splendor, historical significance, and the sweeping panoramic views of Mexico City.
Chapultepec Park
After visiting the castle, take a stroll along the beautifully landscaped paths of Chapultepec Park, also known as “Bosque de Chapultepec”. This large forested area is a green oasis in the middle of the city and is often referred to as the “lungs of Mexico City”. Broadly divided into four sections, here you will find serene lakes and picturesque gardens, as well as groups of families happily hanging out. Soak in the serenity or participate in the jovial atmosphere, and continue your walk until you reach your next stop on the itinerary, Museo Nacional de Antropología.
National Museum of Anthropology (MNA)
Prepare for an immersive journey as you marvel at the exhibits of the National Museum of Anthropology, spread across 23 rooms on two floors. The ground floor is the main site of the archaeological pieces from periods dating back as far as that of Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayans. The first floor has ehtnographic displays from the various indigenous groups all over Mexico. The architectural style of the museum is also unique with a soaring central courtyard and a fountain. I think the most striking part of the Anthropology Museum is the Aztec calendar stone that was recovered from the ruins of Tenochtitlan.
Fair warning, if you devour rich historic information such as the ones at the National Museum of Anthropology, you may find yourself short on time. I visited the museum solo, spent five hours (!!) absorbing everything, and still thought I needed more time.
Tour Recommendations:
- Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum Tour (with exclusive early access to Anthropology Museum)
- 5 Hour Tour through Chapultepec, Anthropology Museum and Castle
- Private Tour Chapultepec Castle and Museum of Anthropology
Nighttime
After consuming such wealth of information at the castle and the museum during the day, you have earned yourself an evening to chill out, ain’t it? Go out for a wine and dine at one of the nice restaurants in Polanco.
Polanco is an upscale neighborhood with luxury brand shops, stylish boutiques, art galleries and an assortment of restaurants serving various cuisines. Traditional Mexican or Argentine grill or more global flavors, whatever cuisines you fancy, reserve a table at a restaurant of your choice and relish world class dining.
Another great way to experience the fantastic culinary scene of Polanco is to sign up for a food tour. On such tours, you get hop from one eatery to another, and sample a wide selection of select eats, and wash them dine with your favorite drinks.
Day 3: Day Trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids
Now that you have experienced quite a bit of history, culture and food in Mexico City, let’s shuffle things a bit for your third day. How about we get you out of the city for a day trip? On this day, visit Teotihuacan, a pre-Hispanic city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The towering pyramids, the ancient temples, the preserved murals and carvings, and the museums at the archaeological site offer a peek into the grand city that Teotihuacan once was. Today, some of the important sites to see are the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, Jaguar Mural, to name a few.
How this Mesoamerican civilization began, rose to its peak and then collapsed within a few centuries is a mysterious story in itself. If, like us, you are fascinated by history, mystery and archaeology, Teotihuacan day trip can be a great addition to your Mexico City itinerary.
You can plan to visit Teotihuacan on your own or on a guided tour. Read our Teotihuacan visit guide for all the details on how to reach, when to visit and what to see.
For guided tour options, check these highly rated Teotihuacan day tours from Mexico City:
- Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon
- Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco & Tequila Tasting Tour
- Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City
Day 4: Coyoacán + Frida Kahlo Museum & Xochimilco
For your last day in Mexico City, see a completely different side of the city, in terms of geography as well as character.
Morning
Located in the southern part of Mexico City, about 12 KM (~7.5 miles) from Zócalo, Coyoacán is a charming neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. It doesn’t just stand out in character compared to the rest of the city, this neighborhood actually became part of the city only in 1928.
The top reason why visitors head to Coyoacán, and you should too, is to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul (Blue House) because of the striking blue color of its exteriors. This museum used to be the residence of the gifted Mexican artist Frida and her husband Diego Rivera. Walking from one room to another, you get to see Frida’s art work as well as real life exhibits from her life, such as furniture, kitchen, art desk etc. Remember, for visiting Casa Azul, you have to purchase the tickets online in advance.
Read this personal account of my first visit to Frida Kahlo Museum, the very first time I got to know about her life very closely.
When you go as far as Coyoacán, take the time to explore some of the other key highlights of the region:
- Coyoacán Market: A local market of artisanal craftwork, hole in the wall eateries and lively atmosphere. Grab a bite here.
- Jardín Centenario: The central park of Coyoacán, characterized by beautiful foliage, a fountain and a sculpture of two coyotes. It is a peaceful place for people to come together any time of the day.
- Parroquia San Juan Bautista: A 16th century church with striking architecture, located next to the Jardín Centenario.
- Leon Trotsky House Museum: The residence and refuge of the revolutionary Leon Trotsky and his wife Natalia Sedova, now converted into a museum that is a tribute to the man himself.
Afternoon
After Coyoacán, head to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extensive network of canals and floating gardens.
However, how you experience Xochimilco can be a very individual choice. Some people go there to party while some others go there for a quiet afternoon. We went to Xochimilco during Day of the Dead festival to watch a live musical performance called “La Llorona”, a tragic story in a spooky setting on a rainy night. Goosebumps as I recall that evening while writing this.
Whichever way you choose to experience Xochimilco, most likely, you will get on a trajinera, a colorful flat-bottom boat and cruise along the canals with enchanting sights and sounds all around. Depending on the type of experience you pick, live mariarchi bands, free flow of Mexican beers and tequila tastings can also be part of the package.
Tour Recommendations: Check out these highly rated tours that take you on a guided exploration of Coyoacán and Xochimilco:
Where to Stay in Mexico City + Hotel Recommendations
Sprawling over 1485 sq. km (573 sq. miles), Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. So while planning your 4-day itinerary, it is essential to pick an area that best serves your interests and preferences.
These are some of the popular neighborhoods and their characteristics. Pick the one that suits you the best and then dive deeper into choosing an accommodation in that area.
- Centro Historico: The historic center of the city, a UNESCO world heritage, and right where all the action is, in terms of historic exposure and cultural immersion. Hotel Principal is close to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, while One Ciudad de Mexico Alameda is a sustainable hotel at a walking distance from the Diego Rivera Mural Museum.
- Polanco: Affluent neighborhood with cosmopolitan vibes. Check Pug Seal Polanco Allan Poe and Casa Polanco Hotel Boutique for luxury accommodation options.
- Condesa: Trendy neighborhood with art-deco architecture and vibrant nightlife. Book La Palomilla Bed & Breakfast for its soothing room decor, and Aposento Boutique Hotel for its elegant style.
- Roma: Adjacent to Condesa, a charming neighborhood, popular among locals and visitors alike. Here you will find your good old trusted Four Points by Sheraton.
- Coyoacan: Birthplace of Frida Kahlo, a bohemian neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, located little further, in the southern part of the city. Book your stay at Casa Moctezuma, a beautiful hotel with a blend of heritage and modernity in its architectural style.
You can also use this Map Search Box below to browse and book hotels by pricing, availability and location.
Best Time to Visit Mexico City
In our personal opinion, the best time to visit Mexico City is October and November. The weather is nice, you get sweeping opportunities of cultural immersion in the city and experience in person one of the best festivals in the world, Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead. Millions of tourists from around the world flock to Mexico during this festival. Yet we recommend this as the best time to visit Mexico City as the experience is unmatched.
But if you want to visit this sprawling capital of Mexico with fewer crowds, March and April can also be a good time. This is when the residents of the city are away for spring break and Easter holidays (Semana Santa). The city also gets a fresh coat of color as the jacarandas bloom during this time.
If weather is your main deciding factor for planning your 4 days in Mexico City, choose the dry season, between October and April. The rainy season runs from May to September, when it rains almost everyday and the days are usually grey and overcast. No bueno for your vacation photos, ain’t it?
What to Pack for 4 Days in Mexico City?
People of Mexico City always dress up. So, if you do not want to give away that you are a tourist in town, leave your shorts and summer dresses, hats and flip-flops at home.
For daytime, bring comfortable clothes in breathable fabric because most likely you will be walking a lot exploring the different sights and scenes. Remember you will be visiting some churches and sites of historical and cultural significance to the people of Mexico. So dress accordingly.
In the evenings, if you plan to go out and explore the vibrant night scene of Mexico City, whether for fine dining or for hitting the pubs, pack your dressy clothes that make you look chic.
Do not forget your sunscreen and reusable water bottle as you will be exposed to the sun a lot.
Bring a light jacket for layering in case the weather gets cooler in the evenings.
Pack your swimsuit only if you stay at a hotel with a swimming pool and intend to use it.
Final Thoughts
With its rich history, vibrant culture and tantalizing cuisine, Mexico City has a wealth of experiences to offer even within a limited timeframe. So, pack your bags and prepare your curiosity as you embark on a journey of exploring the heart and soul of Mexico City in 4 days. You never know, this could be your first of many visits to the capital city of Mexico as it awaits your return.
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Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
- Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo. They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.
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