Mexico City 6 Day Itinerary

Mexico City Itinerary (6 Days)

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 Suggestion: Stay at Hotel Casa González, a charming boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Café de Tacuba, a traditional Mexican café serving delicious dishes like chilaquiles and enfrijoladas.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Zócalo (Main Square): Explore the heart of Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and vendors.
    • Catedral Metropolitana: Admire the stunning cathedral’s architecture and take a peek inside.
    • Palacio de Bellas Artes: Marvel at this art nouveau palace’s beauty, even if you’re not attending an event or exhibition.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Mexican street food at Taquería Los Parados, like tacos al pastor or tortas.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the ancient Aztec temple of Templo Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Explore the vibrant streets of La Merced, known for its markets and shopping.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Cardenal, a renowned restaurant serving upscale Mexican cuisine.

Day 2: Chapultepec Park and Surroundings

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Café Punta del Cielo, offering delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Chapultepec Park: This massive urban park is home to several museums, a zoo, and the iconic Chapultepec Castle.
    • Museo Nacional de Antropología: Discover Mexico’s rich cultural heritage at this world-class museum.
  • Lunch: Head to La Condesa neighborhood and grab lunch at Contramar, known for its seafood dishes.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the trendy boutiques and art galleries in Polanco neighborhood.
    • Stop by the iconic Diana Fountain in Chapultepec Park.
  • Dinner: Savor contemporary Mexican cuisine at Pujol, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day 3: Xochimilco and Canals

  • Morning: Take a taxi or Uber to Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour from the city center.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Xochimilco Canals: Explore the ancient Aztec canals by taking a boat ride ( trajinera) and enjoying the scenery.
    • Floating Gardens of Xochimilco: Discover the beautiful gardens and learn about the area’s history.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Mexican cuisine at one of the many food stalls or restaurants in Xochimilco.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Dolores Olmedo Museum, dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s art and lives.
    • Explore the lively streets of Coyoacán neighborhood, known for its historic center and street food.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Fondo de Cultura Económica, a cultural institution offering traditional Mexican dishes.

Day 4: Teotihuacán and Acolman

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to Teotihuacán, about an hour and a half from Mexico City.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Teotihuacán Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient Mesoamerican city’s pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
    • Acolman: Visit this charming town known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Teotihuacán or Acolman, trying some regional specialties.
  • Afternoon:
    • Return to Mexico City and visit the trendy neighborhood of Roma Norte, known for its street art and hip restaurants.
    • Explore the Mercado de San Juan, a vibrant market offering handicrafts, souvenirs, and food.
  • Dinner: Savor contemporary Mexican cuisine at Rosetta, a popular restaurant in Roma Norte.

Day 5: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at Café Avelleno, offering delicious pastries and coffee.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Museo Frida Kahlo: Explore the iconic artist’s life and work at this museum located in her former home, Casa Azul.
    • Museo Soumaya: Discover an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world at this stunning museum designed by Fernando Romero.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at a local eatery in the Polanco neighborhood, such as El Pescadito or La Taquería.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM), featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Mexican art.
    • Explore the vibrant streets of Condesa neighborhood, known for its street art, boutiques, and restaurants.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bistro Mosaico, offering a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market before departing.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Mexico City is a vast metropolis, so plan your itinerary accordingly and prioritize the places you want to visit.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-10 am and 5-8 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.

Tips

  • Hire a reputable taxi service or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Didi to ensure a safe and reliable transportation experience.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors, as the food may not be properly handled or cooked.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

** Transportation**

  • Mexico City has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, metro lines, and taxis.
  • You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Didi to get around the city.
  • Consider hiring a private driver or guide for a day to explore the surrounding areas, such as Teotihuacán.

Other Interests

  • Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Mexican cuisine and its rich flavors.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
  • Attend a Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) match for an entertaining and unique experience.
  • Visit the Mercado de San Juan or other local markets to try some exotic fruits, like durian or guanabana.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Mexico City’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty. With careful planning and an open mind, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience in this incredible city!