The Perfect Mexico City Three-Day Itinerary

Posted 16/09/2024 | 16th September, 2024

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Mexico City is packed with amazing things to do, from its ancient Aztec roots to its modern-day art scene. It offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it, in my humble opinion, one of the most exciting capital cities in the world.

Of course, it would be impossible to see all of Mexico City in three days.

But, in this short time frame, you can explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, indulge in its world-renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in the local culture. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your time, providing a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Mexico City.

Coyocan - Mexico City — Beautiful church in Coyocan

Mexico City tacos — Amazing tacos in Mexico City

Table of Contents

Top Tips For Mexico City

🚅 Use the Metro! The Metro in Mexico City is reliable and extremely affordable. You can purchase and recharge a metro card at every station using the machines.

📞 Get a Sim to Stay Connected. An E-Sim is the simplest option and will give you internet access from the moment you land in Mexico. Alternatively, you can purchase and recharge a SIM card from any of the 15,000 OXXO stores around Mexico.

💦You cannot drink the tap water in Mexico. However, bottled water is affordable and available in literally every shop.

⏰Check the opening times. We noticed that places in Mexico City have mixed opening times and are often closed completely on Mondays. Be sure to double-check!

If you’re looking for more information on Mexico City – check out the full Mexico City Tips Article.

Day 1 in Mexico City

Spend the Morning at the Frida Kahlo Museum

It’s your first day in Mexico City, so let’s ease you in with some of the city’s more beautiful, affluent areas.

In the morning, head down to Coyoacán, which can be accessed using the Metro line three. It takes just half an hour from Roma Norte to reach this area.

It’s a beautiful area of the city, and if you have more time, I seriously recommend spending a few days here exploring at your leisure. However, if you only have three days in Mexico City, then a morning will be plenty to see all of the Coyoacán highlights!

Of course, the Frida Kahlo Museum is the main attraction and one of the most popular things to do in Mexico City. Mexico City is famous for having over 150 museums, and the former home of Frida Kahlo consistently ranks as one of the best.

You need to book tickets in advance, and you will only be permitted entry at the time on your ticket. These do sell out a few days in advance, and the museum is closed each Monday.

And fear not—the Blue House isn’t all there is to do here. I also recommend taking a mooch around the artisanal market, visiting the Plaza de la Conchita, and grabbing a bite to eat at Mercado de Coyoacan.

Explore Roma Norte & La Condesa in the Afternoon

After a morning exploring Coyoacán, hop back on the metro and wander around the popular areas of Roma Norte and La Condesa.

I wouldn’t recommend scheduling anything ‘to-do’ here. These are very safe neighbourhoods, so enjoy the freedom to wander around as afternoon merges into the evening.

Grab tacos at every place you see. (Yes, they are as good as everyone says!) Enjoy delicious coffee, pastries, and margaritas. Basically, just eat and drink to your heart’s content.

As you would imagine, Roma Norte and La Condesa are packed with artisanal markets and boutique clothing shops. If you’ve got enough space in your luggage, you can pick up some beautiful, one-of-a-kind items.

Day 2 in Mexico City

Visit the Incredible Teotihuacan Pyramids

The Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City are awe-inspiring ancient wonders that transport you back in time. Built by an unknown civilisation around 200 BCE, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are two of the most spectacular sights to see in Mexico.

The Teotihuacan Pyramids are incredible and the perfect way to kick off your second day in Mexico City. I recommend getting here as early as possible, as there is no shade, and the Mexican sun can be brutal!

Travelling independently to the Teotihuacan Pyramids is relatively straightforward. First, you must go to the Mexico City Norte bus station. You can do this by taking an Uber or the metro.

Once at the bus station, head to gate eight to purchase your tickets. A one-way ticket costs $52 MXN; you can pay by cash or card. The bus should have taken around one hour (which it did on the way there); however, traffic on the return journey meant it took nearly three hours!

Looking for a more in-depth article? Here is exactly how to get to the Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City

Explore central CDMX

While I wouldn’t recommend staying in central Mexico City, you should certainly spend a few hours exploring the capital’s historic centre. So, once you’ve finished exploring the Teotihuacan Pyramids, hop back on the bus and the metro and explore the bustling heart of Mexico City.

Some of the most interesting buildings and attractions include:

Palacio de Bellas Artes: One of Mexico City’s most iconic buildings, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is known for its stunning white marble facade and vibrant, art-filled interiors. The building hosts various cultural events, including opera, dance, and exhibitions.

Torre Latinoamericana: Once the tallest building in Latin America, Torre Latinoamericana offers a 360-degree view of the city from its observation deck. It symbolises Mexico City’s modernisation in the mid-20th century and survived the 1985 earthquake without significant damage.

Palacio Nacional: located on the Zócalo, the Palacio Nacional is the seat of the federal executive in Mexico. The building is also home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting Mexico’s history, including the expansive “The History of Mexico.”

Templo Mayor: Once a central temple of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Hispanic Mexico. The adjacent museum houses a collection of artefacts uncovered during excavations.

Enjoy an Evening at Lucha Libre

You’ve had a busy and culture-filled day – so it’s time for a fun evening enjoying everyone’s favourite Mexican sport – Lucha Libre!

Lucha Libre is a popular form of professional wrestling in Mexico that combines athleticism, acrobatics, and theatricality. Originating in the early 20th century, it has become a significant part of Mexican culture, especially in Mexico City.

Luchadores are the wrestlers who participate in Lucha Libre. Many wear colourful masks, which are iconic in the sport. The masks have deep cultural significance, representing the wrestler’s persona, legacy, and, often, a mythical or historical figure.

Masks are so important that losing a mask in a match known as a “Lucha de Apuestas” (betting match) is considered a huge defeat. It often marks the end of a career or a significant change in the wrestler’s identity.

I firmly believe seeing the Lucha Libre is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. You can either take a tour, which is a great, safe way to enjoy the sport and make some new friends.

Alternatively, you can simply visit alone (as I did), which is a fun and slightly cheaper way to enjoy a match. Simply arrive at the Arena México around half an hour before the show starts.

You can purchase your tickets from the counter (avoid the touts on the street). They will give you a menu of tickets where you can choose the seat style you want. I recommend opting for a mid-range seat if it’s your first time.

Then step inside, buy some drinks and snacks, and enjoy!

Read the full guide: How to See Lucha Libre in Mexico City (Without A Tour!)

Day 3 in Mexico City

Head to Xochimilco for the Morning

Xochimilco is a borough in Mexico City, famous for its extensive network of canals and floating gardens, known as “chinampas.” These canals are remnants of a vast lake system that once covered much of the Valley of Mexico, where the ancient Aztecs built their capital city, Tenochtitlán.

One of the main attractions in Xochimilco is the colourful, flat-bottomed boats called trajineras. Visitors can hire these boats for rides along the canals, often accompanied by mariachi music, food, and drinks.

Getting a boat at Xochimilco was one of my life’s most stressful hustles! The sellers were quite aggressive, and the process was confusing and expensive. You should know that rides are payable by boat, not by people. So whether there is one of you on the boat or ten, you should pay the same.

However, if the staff see you buddying up with others, they will be (kind of understandably) furious. We took the brunt end of this on a particularly slow weekday morning.

Therefore, I recommend finding a group beforehand and heading down to Xochimilco together. The guides mainly offered one- or four-hour rides (although I’m sure you could negotiate for trips of other lengths).

Plenty of other boats on the water offer snacks, drinks, and mariachi performances. Xochimilco is extremely busy and commercialised, but so much fun! I would definitely recommend it on your three days in Mexico City.

Chapultepec Park and Castle in the Afternoon

After a morning of fun on the water – it’s time for a dose of culture!

Chapultepec Castle has served various roles throughout its history. Originally built in the late 18th century, it was intended as a summer home for the Spanish viceroy. After Mexico gained independence, the castle became a military academy.

Chapultepec Castle is known for its eclectic architecture, blending Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic styles. The castle features grand staircases, beautifully decorated rooms, expansive terraces, and lush gardens. The interiors include elaborate murals, artworks, and period furnishings that reflect different eras of Mexican history.

You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance, you can simply buy them when you get there from either the counter or the self-service machines. Tickets are $85 MXN per adult.

The castle’s location on Chapultepec Hill offers panoramic views of Mexico City, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The surrounding Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, providing a scenic backdrop and a place for recreation and relaxation.

I’ve visited the park a few times, and even on a busy Saturday afternoon, you won’t struggle to find your own slice of peace and tranquillity.

Visit One of the Best Cocktail Bars in the World

It’s your third and final night in Mexico City, and you should go out in style! Home to some of the best cocktail bars in the whole world, it’s time to don your glad rags and paint the town red!

In this post-pandemic era of drinking and dining, many cocktail bars now require reservations and often have a minimum spend, so it is always best to check that their availability aligns with your schedule and budget beforehand. However, some of the best include:

Licorería Limantour, Cafe de Nadie & Tlecan.

Note: Although I firmly believe in exploring Mexico City without tours, it is certainly not the safest place to be, especially after dark. As such, never travel alone at night and always use Uber or a taxi to ensure you get home safely.

Frequently Asked Questions – Mexico City 3-Day Itinerary

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mexico City?

The best time to travel to Mexico City is November – April, which is the dry season. December – February are the coldest months but are also typically the cheapest!

Is It Worth Visiting Mexico City?

In one answer, yes! After reading countless news articles, I was apprehensive about visiting Mexico City. However, it is a vibrant, welcoming place packed with amazing things to do.

How Many Days in Mexico City?

I recommend spending at least five days in Mexico City. There is so much to do within the city and many fantastic day trips. However, three days in Mexico City will allow you to visit all of the highlights.

Cash or Card in Mexico City?

Debit card is accepted almost everywhere in Mexico (except small local food stands). However, we did experience times when our cards wouldn’t work in certain shops, so I recommend always carrying a small amount of cash with you.

Is Mexico City Safe?

Overall, I found Mexico City to be very safe. Of course, you must exercise increased caution as you would in any city, especially at night. Do not walk in uncertain areas at night alone, and do not carry valuables with you wherever possible. The locals were friendly and welcoming, making me feel very safe in Mexico City.