Mexico City Mexico 5 Day Itinerary

Mexico City Itinerary: 5 Days of Culture, History, and Fun

Day 1: Explore the Historic Center

  • Morning: Start at the Zócalo, the main square in Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral and Government Palace.
  • Lunch: Head to La Casa de Toño for delicious tacos and traditional Mexican cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology to learn about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll through the vibrant streets of La Condesa, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and bars.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Carlota (budget-friendly) or Hotel NH Mexico City Centro Histórico (mid-range)

Transportation:

  • Take the metro (Line 2) to Zócalo station
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride to La Casa de Toño and National Museum of Anthropology

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 5-8 pm)

Day 2: Palaces, Gardens, and Art

Transportation:

  • Take the metro (Line 2) to Bellas Artes station
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride to Palacio de Bellas Artes, Café Tacuba, and Chapultepec Park

Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the park
  • Be respectful of the art and exhibits at the National Museum of Art

Day 3: Ancient Ruins and Floating Gardens

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Templo Mayor ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lunch: Head to La Merced Market for a variety of street food and local specialties.
  • Afternoon: Explore the fascinating Xochimilco Floating Gardens, a popular spot for boating and relaxation.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Fogoncito, known for its mouth-watering tacos.

Accommodation:

  • Same as Day 1

Transportation:

  • Take the metro (Line 2) to Zócalo station and walk to Templo Mayor
  • Take a taxi or bus to La Merced Market and Xochimilco Floating Gardens

Tips:

  • Wear sunscreen and a hat for outdoor activities
  • Be prepared for crowds at popular attractions

Day 4: Modern Mexico City

  • Morning: Visit the Soumaya Museum, designed by Fernando Romero, with an impressive art collection.
  • Lunch: Head to Pujol, a renowned restaurant offering contemporary Mexican cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Polanco, known for its upscale shopping and dining.
  • Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at Fifty Mils, a stylish bar with great city views.

Transportation:

  • Take the metro (Line 1) to Polanco station
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride to Soumaya Museum, Pujol, and Polanco neighborhood

Tips:

  • Make reservations for popular restaurants like Pujol
  • Be prepared for upscale prices in Polanco

Day 5: Markets and Cuisine

  • Morning: Visit the vibrant Mercado de San Juan, a great spot to try local specialties and drinks.
  • Lunch: Head to Taquería El Fénix, a popular spot for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, with its historic center and picturesque streets.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Rosetta, a cozy restaurant serving contemporary Mexican cuisine.

Transportation:

  • Take the metro (Line 2) to San Juan de Letrán station
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride to Mercado de San Juan, Taquería El Fénix, and Coyoacán neighborhood

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular markets
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 5-8 pm)

Other Tips and Information:

  • Mexico City is a vast city, so plan your itinerary accordingly to minimize travel time.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Try to avoid traveling alone at night and use authorized taxis or ride-hailing services.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Getting There:

  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is well-connected to the city center via taxi, bus, or metro.
  • Consider purchasing a Mexico City Tourist Card, which grants access to various attractions and public transportation.

Safety:

  • Mexico City has had its share of safety concerns in the past, but the city has made significant strides in improving security.
  • Take necessary precautions like avoiding traveling alone at night, keeping valuables secure, and staying informed about local events and demonstrations.

Enjoy your time in Mexico City!