Captivating CDMX: The Ultimate 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary

Are you looking for the perfect 5 day itinerary for Mexico City?

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Mexico City, or CDMX, should be on every traveler’s bucket list!

Mexico City, or CDMX, is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Mexico. Honestly, I can’t believe it took us this long to plan a trip! In this five-day itinerary, you will dive into lively local markets, savor street food at affordable prices, and venture into museums, trendy coffee shops, picturesque parks, castles, and ancient Mesoamerican ruins. With a pulsating nightlife and renowned chefs and mixologists, Mexico City offers a multifaceted experience that exceeds expectations.

We spent five days in the capital city, and honestly, I wish we had stayed a few extra days! But hey, if you’re on a time crunch, no worries—you can squeeze the best of Mexico City into just a few days.

This post shares the best 5 day Mexico City itinerary.

Know Before You Go

Here are some key points to enhance your Mexico City travel planning:

• Museums: Note that museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays, so consider adjusting your itinerary to avoid museum visits on this day.
• Weather: Mexico City provides comfortable conditions for exploration throughout the year. Be mindful of peak crowd times, typically from February to May and September to December. To enjoy a more relaxed experience, plan your trip for January, June, July, or August.
• Altitude: Mexico City is 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level. Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes and apply sunscreen.
• Reservations: Ensure a smooth dining experience by making reservations in advance, especially for popular spots like Pujol, Quintonil, and Licoreria Limantour.
• Tipping: In restaurants, you’ll often be asked to specify the tip amount before finalizing your card payment. Keep small pesos on hand for tours and street vendors. A standard tip of 20% is customary in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
• Water: Restaurants in Mexico City are obligated to provide filtered water and ice cubes at no extra charge. However, consider purchasing drinking water from the hotel or a local supermarket for your accommodation.
• Alcohol: Unlike Cabo and Cancun, drinking alcohol in the streets is not permitted in Mexico City.

Where to stay:

The Condesa and Roma neighborhoods are our top two choices for staying in Mexico City. We recommend staying in the Condesa neighborhood, as it is safe, clean, and easy to walk to major attractions like the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the Chapultepec Park and Castle.

We stayed at the Andaz Condesa Mexico City by Hyatt. We were able to stay here for almost free by using our American Express hotel credit & and credit card points!

Hotel & Airbnb Recommendations in Mexico City’s Condesa Neighborhood:

Transportation Options Mexico City

Mexico City is a very big city with 9 million inhabitants in the city center and over 22 million in the wider metropolitan area! As you can imagine, the city’s notorious congestion can make any transportation option a bit challenging, especially during peak hours. For our itinerary, we will focus on walking, rideshare, and group tour transportation.

Walk:

Our number one mode of transportation while in Mexico City was walking. We would check Google Maps and find that taking the bus or Uber would often take twice as long as walking.

Rideshare:

We recommend taking an Uber or DIDI when traffic is mild, or you coming home late at night. We found these ride-share options are an affordable, safe, and reliable mode of transportation in Mexico City.

Bus:

Buses weave through the chaotic traffic, providing an affordable mode of transportation. Be aware that if you are taking a local bus in peak commuting hours, you may be standing face-to-face with thousands of other commuters. Always give yourself more time than you need as traffic times on maps can be unreliable.

Metro:

CDMX metro, one of the world’s most overcrowded metros, is an efficient and cost-effective option, zipping through the city’s underground stations. The metro is easy to navigate with 12 color-coded lines that span most of the city. For most major attractions, you likely be using the blue and pink lines. You can purchase a refillable Metro card at the station.

Packing List:

Essentials:

• Passport and travel documents
• Visa (if required)
• Travel insurance details
• Money – while most places in Mexico City take Credit/Debit, you’ll still want to have some cash on hand for street vendors, coins for using the restroom, and tips.

Personal Items:

• Imodium or other stomach medicine- you’ll need it for all the street food!
• Tissues and paper soap sheets! Most public bathrooms had no toilet paper or soap.
• Hand Sanitizer to use after public transportation or using the restroom
• Cosmetic Bag and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
• Non Toxic Sunscreen with high SPF- elevation in Mexico City is 7349 feet!
• Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
• Prescription glasses or contact lenses

Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (you will be walking alot!)
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring (especially for the pyramids!)
• Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
• Swimsuit (if your accommodation has a pool)
• Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the rainy season)

Electronics:

• Smartphone and charger
• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
• Power bank for charging devices on the go. We love these Power Bank Chargers!
• Adapters for electrical outlets (if needed)

Travel Accessories:

• Daypack or small backpack for daily excursions. One that zips up and locks!
• Travel pillow for comfort on long flights
• Travel-sized laundry detergent (for longer trips)
• Laundry Bag
• Reusable water bottle with a filter (we love the Lifestraw brand)
• Travel-sized umbrella

Apps to Download:

• Google Translate: download Spanish to your phone to use offline so you can scan or take photos of text in museums and other major attractions to have translated to your preferred language.
• Google Maps: Again, download the Mexico City Map AHEAD of your trip. We have ATT and Verizon and both our phones showed 2 to 3 service bars. However, these bars were misleading as maps and other pages wouldn’t load. Downloading maps saved us so much time!
• Uber or DiDI Rideshare apps

Read: Our Top Amazon Travel Picks

Visa Information for visiting Mexico City

At the time of writing this article, no visa is required for US citizens to visit this destination for a stay of up to 180 days. However, your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your stay and have at least one blank visa page.

Click here to review the updated Visa requirements for Mexico City.

5 Day Itinerary Mexico City

Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City & Street Food Tour

Stop 1: Hotel Check In

After arriving at Mexico City International Airport (officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez), you’ll collect your bags and order an Uber. The Uber app allows you to choose a pickup from doors 4, 5, or 6, and there are signs throughout the exit area of the airport directing you to Uber Ride Share pickup.

For planning purposes, be aware that Mexico City has an insane amount of traffic. For reference, our Uber took 52 minutes to drive from the airport to the Andaz Hotel in the Condesa neighborhood, which is only about a 7-mile drive (11.6km). I wouldn’t recommend booking a tour or other attractions for at least a few hours after you land.

Stop 2: Street Food Tour

After checking in, we recommend booking a food tour your first afternoon or evening in the city to get a feel for the different neighborhoods.

We typically book all of our tours on Viator!

Stop 2: Cocktail Bar

End your evening with a cocktail at one of Mexico City’s famous cocktail bars. A few of our favorite cocktail bars in the Condesa and Roma Norte area are Baltra, La Clandestina, and Licorería Limantour. Be sure to make reservations for all 3 in peak season.

Get a good night’s rest and be ready for a full day of exploring on day 2!

Day 2: Explore Centro Historico – Mercado de la Ciudadel, Zolcalo, & Templo Mayor

Start your morning, at the Mercado de La Ciudadel, a traditional Mexican market with handcrafts and art from a variety of local artists and vendors.

Stop 1: Mercado de La Ciudadel

From the Condesa neighborhood, it’s about a 54-minute walk or a 25-minute Uber ride to the Mercado de La Ciudad.

The market is free to enter. It opens at 10 a.m., and we recommend getting there early to avoid heavy crowds.

We spent a half hour or so walking from stall to stall and even purchased a few small souvenirs and a Mexican-style dog outfit for our pup inside the market at the Kuintli shop.

Stop 2: Finca Don Porfirio Coffee Shop & Palacio De Bellas Artes

From the Mercado de La Cidudadel, uber or walk 15 minutes to Palacio De Bellas Artes.

For the best views of Palacio De Bellas Artes, go across the street to the Sears Department Store. Once you enter, head to the elevator and go to the 8th floor to the Finca Don Porfirio Coffee shop (it opens at 11 a.m.). You need to arrive a little bit before it opens so you avoid lines and secure a bar stool seat overlooking the Palace!

We promise the views from Sears do not disappoint!

Finca Don Porfirio serves a variety of coffees, cocktails, and pastries. We enjoyed the views over a cup of Kahlua and Coffee. The shop is outdoors so be sure to bring a light jacket if you are traveling during colder months.

After you finish up your coffee and get some incredible photos at Finca Don Porfirio, head inside the Palacio De Bellas Artes. This iconic building, with its distinct red facade, houses murals depicting Mexico’s complex history by renowned artist Diego Rivera.

Be Aware: Most museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays, so consider adjusting your itinerary to avoid museum visits on this day.

Take your time absorbing the powerful narratives and historical significance portrayed on these walls.

The descriptions of the paintings are written in Spanish. We used Google Translate Photo Feature to scan and translate the descriptions into English. You can also download the Audio App provided by the venue.

Additional Stop Options: While you are walking around for lunch, you can stop by to see the Casa de Los Azulejos, “House of Tiles”, an 18th-century Baroque palace in Mexico City. The House of Tiles is famous for its blue-tiled facade, similar to the glazed blue ceramic tiles or azulejos that are everywhere in Portugal.

Stop 3: Lunch

Choose from a variety of restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine, from street tacos to fine dining experiences.

Restaurant & Cafe Recommendations near the City Center:

• Cafe de Tacuba– great atmosphere. The restaurant was previously used as a hospital with nuns who looked after the patients. Servers dress in Nun attire to this day.
• Azul Historico– incredible menu for lunch or dinner. Make reservations or call ahead to check waitlist waitlist.
• Pasteleria Ideal– bread and pastries
• Cafe Regina– small family-run cafe
• Bosforo Mezcal Bar (open after 7 pm for dinner and drinks)

Stop 4: Mirador Torre Latino

If you want to see incomparable 360-degree aerial views of the city, stop by the Mirador Torre Latino, a skyscraper observation deck in El Centro built in 1965. The Mirador Torre Latino is the tallest building in Centro Histórico and is famous for surviving the 8.1 and 7.1 Earthquakes due to its impressive engineering. It costs 160 Pesos to go up to the Mirador, or observation deck. In the busier season, we recommend purchasing this Fast Track Ticket to save you hours in line.

Another option to visit: If the observation deck line is crowded, you can visit the newly renovated bar one floor down from the deck with equally incredible views. To get to the bar/restaurant floor, ask the doorman to show you the way to the separate elevator that will take you directly to the 41st floor. You can dine in at Miralto or have a beer or cocktail at Nivel 40 SkyBar.

Here is the menu for Nivel 40 Skybar.

If it looks super cloudy or smoggy out, we recommend saving this attraction for another day or perhaps a sunset view when the weather clears.

Stop 5: Shopping Francisco I. Madero Avenue

Next, make your way to Francisco I Madero Avenue, a lively pedestrian-only shopping street. This street runs from the Mirador Torre Latino directly to the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square.

Directions: Walk outside of the Mirador Torre Latino and turn right on Francisco I. Madero Avenue.

Stop 6: Zócalo

Francisco I. Madero Avenue ends at the heart of the historic center—the Zocalo. This expansive square, officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, is surrounded by architectural marvels and is a perfect introduction to the city’s rich history.

Walking around the Zoloco, you’ll likely notice healers and shamans practicing Limpias, or cleansing. A ‘limpia’ or spiritual cleansing is a traditional healing ceremony that both locals and tourists alike will take part in. We learned that locals will regularly stop by and wait in line for this cleanse after work.

Healers and Shamans use herbs, flowers, incents, and other natural elements along with the sound of drums to cleanse you of bad spirits. It is up to you how much you want to donate to your healer. We saw donations between 20-100 pesos (~$2-$8 USD)- up to you!

Stop 7: Metropolitan Cathedral

Begin your exploration of the Zoloco with a visit to the Metropolitan Cathedral, a breathtaking masterpiece that took centuries to complete.

The Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María a los cielos, translated to the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven is located at the north side of the square – you can’t miss it! The cathedral was built in sections from 1573 to 1813.

You can experience the incredible beauty of this monument for free. However, we recommend bringing small coins to place in the donation boxes that are placed throughout the cathedral.

Stop 8: Templo Mayor Ruins and Museum

Next, immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Templo Mayor, one of CDMX’s most frequented attractions.

You can stroll through the excavated ruins and imagine the bustling city that stood centuries ago, along with an incredible collection of artifacts that were excavated from the site over the years.

You can also book a tour that will give you a more in-depth understanding of the Aztecs and the design of this temple.

If you wish to explore on your own, the Ticket price is $90 MXP which includes admission to the museum and the archaeological site.

Stop 9: Dinner & Cocktail Bar

Head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.

For cocktails and nightlife scene, be sure to check out:

• Bijou– rubix cube cocktail-inspired speakeasy, spin a Rubix cube to create your own cocktail
• Licorería Limantour– on the World’s Top 50 Best Bars
• Supra: Roof-top bar in a boho venue with city views and DJ
• Toledo: rooftop with creative cocktails and DJ playing. Make Reservations
• Baltra Cocktail Bar– creative cocktails. be sure to make reservations
• Sod: Speakeasy Cocktail Bar
• La Clandestina– Mezcal bar with a grasshopper cocktail

Day 3: Day Trip To Teotihuacan

No visit to Mexico City is complete without a day trip to San Juan Teotihuacán, located northeast of Mexico City! This Unesco World Heritage Site boasts 2 major pyramids (Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon) that date back to 100CE!

We highly recommend opting for an organized tour with Viator for a seamless and insightful experience. While self-guided trips are an option, having a knowledgeable guide adds context to the archaeological wonders you’ll encounter.

Book your experience here: Eary Access Teotihuacan & Tequila Tasting

For the adventurous at heart and those unafraid of heights, consider booking a hot air balloon ride over the majestic Pyramids of Teotihuacan as part of your 5 day days in Mexico City. This unforgettable experience offers a unique perspective of the ancient city, providing a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling archaeological site.

Note: You can explore various tour options, including hot air balloon rides, on Viator!

Here is the Teotihuacan Tour we Booked:

Overview of our Teotihuacan Tour Day:

The convenience of our guided tour began with a hassle-free 7 am pickup from two locations in Mexico City. Booking an early tour time is crucial to avoid crowds—opting for the 7 am slot allowed us to explore with fewer visitors. For context, about halfway through our tour, we had 100’s of children show up on school field trip busses and other larger bus tours.

If you take away anything from this section, it’s this: take the earliest tour option available! We promise arriving early will make your experience so much better.

During our December tour, the bus had fewer than 20 people, providing a more intimate experience. Half of the group had a Spanish-speaking guide, while the other half, including us, enjoyed an English-speaking guide.

En route to the Pyramids, we made a stop at a coffee shop and gas station for refreshments and restroom breaks.

Be aware: The restroom at this stop costs 5 Mexican Pesos, so bring small change if you plan on using restroom facilities. We also advise you to pack toilet paper or tissues, and these soap sheets or hand sanitizer, as many restrooms in Mexico City lack these amenities.

Arriving at Teotihuacan, our knowledgeable guide shared insights into the ancient archaeological site, detailing the history of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.

Although climbing the pyramids is no longer permitted post-2020 for preservation reasons, the walking tour still offers incredible views. Given the extensive walking, comfortable shoes are a must.

Fun fact: Did you know that the vendors you see selling unique souvenirs on the sacred Teotihucan grounds are descendants of Teotihuacan?

When the government assumed control of the land, a commitment was made to allow Teotihuacan families exclusive rights to vending on the grounds. By making souvenir purchases, you actively support and uplift these families, contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage.

Following the tour, you’ll be driven to a charming shop for tastings of liqueurs made from cactus as well as tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

Next, you will experience a fascinating tour of traditional Agave plant weaving, natural textiles, and ancient pigments. You will be able to shop unique items carved from obsidian and intricately woven Agave blankets—such as the one we purchased, now our go-to beach blanket!

Next, you will be guided to sit down for lunch on the same property. Although food and drinks aren’t covered in the tour, the menu has reasonable prices and the dishes we ordered were delicious. Enjoy the bonus of lively performances during lunch.

Remember to have small pesos on hand for tipping these talented performers.

After lunch, the bus will drive you back to the two pickup spots.

Be aware, the bus ride home is much longer due to traffic.

End your evening with dinner in the Roma Norte neighborhood or treat yourself to a massage at one of the city’s highly-ranked spas.

We decided to try the spa at the new Andaz Condesa Mexico City by Hyatt and it did not disappoint!

Day 4: Chapultepec Park, Anthropology Museum & Lucha Libre Show

Stop 1: Breakfast or Coffee

Start your morning with a walk to breakfast at Cafe Nin, Lardo or Borel Coffee.

Cafe Nin and Lardo typically have long waits so be sure to get there early to put your name in or call ahead.

Stop 2: Chapultepec Castle at Chapultepec Forest

Embrace the morning with a visit to the Bosque de Chapultepec or the Chapultepec Forest, a 1700-acre park that has museums, playgrounds, and lakes for you to explore.

To put this into context, Chapultepec Park is twice as large as Central Park in New York City!

Fun Fact: The 1996 film Romeo and Juliet was filmed in the Chapultepec Forest!

You can either walk or Uber to the Chapultepec park. The walk to the park from our hotel in the Condesa neighborhood was about 42 minutes. The Uber ride will take you about 10 minutes.

Once you are in the park, you can spend hours taking a leisurely stroll through the park admiring the greenery and serene lakes.

Make your way to the Chapultepec Castle, perched atop Chapultepec Hill, offering panoramic views of Mexico City. Did you know that Chapultepec is the only castle on the North American continent?

The Chapultepec Castle was once the imperial residence of Maximilian I and later was used as a presidential palace.

Today, it is open for visitors to explore the castle grounds and home to the National Museum of History.

Note: You are not able to bring any food or water into Castle Grounds so be sure to check your daypack with any food or liquids at the coat and bag check located at the base of the castle entrance.

Cost: For around $4 USD you can wander through the castle’s regal halls, adorned with historical artifacts.

If time permits, stop by the National History Museum located next to the Chapultepec Castle.

Stop 3: Lunch, Museo Nacional de Antropología or Anthropology Museum

Depending on how long you spent at the Castle, you may want to grab lunch next in the neighboring Planco Neighborhood or from one of the food stalls in the park.

After a quick refreshment, make your way to the Anthropology Museum, a 20-minute walk from the Castle.

Note: While some of the exhibits are in English, a majority of the exhibits only offer descriptions in Spanish. Book a private tour in English with a knowledgeable guide.

Top Anthropology Museum Tours

Spend a few hours learning about Mexico’s cultural heritage at the National Museum of Anthropology. Home to an extensive collection of pre-Columbian Maya artifacts, the museum unfolds the stories of ancient civilizations with a variety of captivating exhibits for you to explore.

One of the most interesting exhibits was of the skeletons (likely sacrificial) that were found when excavating the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in the1980s in Teotihuacan!

Stop 4: Hotel to Freshen Up For Evening

After your tour at the Anthropology Museum concludes, make your way back to your hotel to freshen up for the evening.

Stop 5: Dinner

As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine! We recommend dinner in Condesa or Roma Norte so you are close to the next stop of the evening: Lucha Libra.

Be aware: the area around Arena de Mexico is located in the Doctores neighborhood. We were told by our hotel that this is an unsafe neighborhood in CDMX. It is not recommended to eat or explore this neighborhood before or after the show. We felt safe getting dropped off in our Uber and getting picked up right out front when the show ended.

For food options before the show, reference our food list for Condesa or Roma Norte.

Stop 5: Lucha Libre Show

After dinner in Roma Norte, Uber or Didi, to the Arena Mexico and brace yourself for an exhilarating night of entertainment at a Lucha Libra (Mexican wrestling) show!

If you don’t want to navigate this experience on your own, we recommend booking an organized tour like this one which will provide you with a local guide who will explain the history of Lucha Libra over Mezcal tasting and tacos, before guiding you into the Arena.

Book: Lucha Libre

Once you are in Arena Mexico, grab a beer or Michelada and watch the spectacle of masked wrestlers, dressed in vibrant costumes, engaging in high-flying acrobatics and theatrical performances.

After the show, request an Uber out of the Doctores neighborhood before going out for the evening. While you wait for your Uber, shop a variety of Lucha Libre street vendors with masks and other trinkets.

Day 5: Frida Museum & Flight Home

Stop 1: Frida Museum

Embark on your final day in Mexico City with a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, or the “Blue House”.

This famous structure served as Frida Kahlo’s birthplace, her childhood home, the residence she shared with her husband Diego Rivera for several years, and ultimately the place where she passed away in an upper-floor room.

Be sure to book your tickets for the Frida Kahlo Museum well in advance, as tickets are likely to be booked weeks in advance during peak season.

Book: Frida Kahlo tour

If you would like to explore the museum on your own, you can easily take a 25-minute Uber to the Museum. Just be sure to purchase your entrance tickets ahead of time on the Frida Kahlo Museum Website.

Immerse yourself in the world of this iconic Mexican artist as you wander through the vibrant rooms that once housed Frida and Diego Rivera. Admire Frida’s artwork, personal belongings, and the beautifully manicured garden that served as her inspiration.

The Frida House is closed on Mondays. Check Frida Museum’s hours of operation.

Stop 2: Lunch

Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring the neighborhood around the Frida Museum. Indulge in local cafes, and shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere of Coyoacán, where the Blue House is located.

Cafes near the Frida Museum in the Coyoacán neighborhood:

• La Cocina de mi Mama: cafe located inside a busy market
• Los Danzantes: traditional Mexican restaurant from Oaxaca region located in the main square

Capture any last-minute memories, perhaps picking up a few souvenirs to commemorate your trip, before heading back to your hotel to check out.

Stop 3: Check out of the hotel and head to the Airport.

As we mentioned earlier, traffic in the city is unpredictable. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make your way to the airport for your flight home.

That wraps up our 5-day Mexico City Itinerary!

Have additional days to spend in Mexico City?

If you have additional days to spend in Mexico City, consider adding a day trip to the Tolantongo Caves to soak in the hot springs or spend a day on a Xochimilco boat!

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