Mexico City 5 Day Itinerary

Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Historic Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in the historic center.
  • Hotel: Stay at Hotel NH Mexico City Centro Histórico or similar, located near the Zócalo.
  • Breakfast: Start with a traditional Mexican breakfast at Café Tacuba, try their famous chilaquiles.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Zócalo (Main Square): Admire the Cathedral and Government Palace.
    • Palacio de Bellas Artes: A stunning art nouveau building with free admission.
    • Mercado San Juan: Explore this bustling market for a taste of local culture.
  • Lunch: Enjoy tacos al pastor at Taquería Los Güeros, a local favorite.
  • Afternoon: Visit the ancient Aztec temple, Templo Mayor, and explore the surrounding streets for souvenir shopping.
  • Dinner: Savor contemporary Mexican cuisine at Pujol, known for its innovative dishes.

Day 2: Chapultepec Park and Surroundings

  • Morning: Take a short taxi ride to Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Chapultepec Zoo: Home to over 250 species of animals, including pandas!
    • National Museum of Anthropology: Learn about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage (closed Mondays).
    • Chapultepec Castle: Explore the castle and enjoy stunning city views.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at La Casa de Toño, serving traditional Mexican dishes.
  • Afternoon: Relax in the park or visit the nearby Dolores Olmedo Museum, showcasing Frida Kahlo’s art.
  • Dinner: Treat yourself to gourmet tacos at El Pescadito.

Day 3: Xochimilco Canals and Coyoacán

  • Morning: Take a taxi or Uber to Xochimilco (approximately 30 minutes).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Xochimilco Canals: Take a relaxing boat ride through the ancient canals.
    • Floating Gardens of Xochimilco: Explore the vibrant gardens and enjoy local food.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Mexican cuisine at La Casa de los Abuelos.
  • Afternoon: Visit the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, known for its historic center and Frida Kahlo Museum (closed Mondays).
  • Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Rosetta, serving contemporary Italian-Mexican fusion.

Day 4: Teotihuacán Pyramids and Avenida Reforma

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán (approximately 1.5 hours).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Teotihuacán Pyramids: Explore the majestic Pyramid of the Sun and Moon.
    • Avenue of the Dead: Discover the ancient city’s ceremonial center.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Mexican cuisine at La Quemada, near the pyramids.
  • Afternoon: Return to Mexico City and stroll along Avenida Reforma, admiring the city’s modern architecture.
  • Dinner: Savor gourmet burgers at Máximo Bistro.

Day 5: Polanco and Lucha Libre

  • Morning: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Polanco, known for its upscale shops and restaurants.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Lincoln Park: Relax in this beautiful park surrounded by modern architecture.
    • Museo Soumaya: Admire the stunning museum designed by Fernando Romero (free admission).
  • Lunch: Enjoy international cuisine at Pardo’s or try traditional Mexican food at La Taquería.
  • Evening: Experience the excitement of Lucha Libre at Arena México, a must-see spectacle in Mexico City.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Spanish phrases.
  • Currency: The Mexican peso is the local currency. You can exchange money or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as using licensed taxis or ride-hailing services.
  • Altitude: Mexico City is at a high altitude (2,240 meters). Drink plenty of water and take breaks if needed.

Transportation:

  • Airport: Use authorized taxi services or Uber from the airport.
  • Metro: An efficient and affordable way to navigate the city (around 5 pesos per ride).
  • Taxi: Licensed taxis are a convenient option, but always negotiate the price beforehand.

Tips:

  • Haggling: Expect to haggle at markets, but be respectful and fair.
  • Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of cultural differences and traditions.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat the high altitude and urban heat.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Day Trips: Consider visiting the ancient city of Tula or the picturesque town of Tepoztlán.
  • Markets: Explore other vibrant markets like Mercado de San Juan or Mercado de la Merced.
  • Nightlife: Discover Mexico City’s thriving nightlife scene in neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, or Polanco.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and entertainment, but feel free to customize it based on your interests and preferences. ¡Disfruta tu viaje a la Ciudad de México!