4 Perfect Days In Mexico City

Are you looking for itinerary for 4 days in Mexico City?

Mexico City is the largest city in North America, and planning a trip here can be intimidating. With its long history, diverse cultural influences, and the fact that Mexico City is foodie heaven, spending only four days here might not suffice.

Mexico City is also huge, traffic is bad, and you wouldn’t want to spend time on the road getting to the next destination on your itinerary. If you want to make the most of your visit with your 4-day Mexico City itinerary, the best trick is to plan each day by neighborhood.

This itinerary lists places that are in the same neighborhood, are walkable, and minimize the use of public transport. From Centro Historico to the pyramids to the city’s little Venice, here’s how you can spend four memorable days in Mexico City.

4 Days in Mexico City

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Day 1 of 4 Days In Mexico: Centro Histórico

A good way to begin your four days in Mexico City is by learning more about the city and the country through its rich and colorful history in Centro Historico.

The heart of Mexico City is the city’s beautiful historic center. It’s a tourist hotspot, with museums and landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, attracting visitors to the Zócalo. Along the busy, pedestrian-only Calle Madero, street vendors and basic taquerias coexist peacefully with upscale restaurants.

It is possible to walk around Historico on your own, but if you’d like to cut down on your walking time, we suggest purchasing tickets for the hop-on/hop-off tour bus. However, if you’re up for a few miles of walking, you can get most of this route done. It’s all up to you. Enjoy!

Breakfast

With so many cafes in the historic center, you can start your day with a hearty breakfast. If you’re in the mood for some Mexican food, try some enchiladas, tortas, or pan dulces, and wash it all down with a cup of strong Mayan coffee.

Zócalo

Visit the Zócalo, which is the largest in Latin America. This is where Tenochtitlán stood before Cortés arrived, conquered it, and built churches all over it. Today, you’ll find some major attractions on either side of the Zócalo that are well worth a visit, so plan on using Day 1 of 4 to see them all.

Every holiday and festival, the zocalo also serves as a focal point for festivities throughout the city.

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Mexico City Cathedral

Nearby is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is nothing short of stunning. This is Mexico’s largest and oldest cathedral and is also one of the country’s most beloved architectural achievements.

Make the most of your time at the historic architectural masterpiece before moving on to the following must-see attractions.

Museo del Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor Museum, which opened in 1987, is only a three-minute walk from the magnificent cathedral. Ancient Mexica artifacts and ruins can be seen in this structure, which was built to house the main temple.

The collection demonstrates the importance of the city that ruled Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Spaniards. Archaeologists were able to pinpoint the location of the Templo Mayor thanks to the 1978 discovery of the Coyolxauhqui monolith. The Coyolxauhqui is a symbol for all conquered foes, whose death served as a cautionary tale for those who dared to cross the borders of the Mexica.

Palacio Nacional

The country’s federal executive office, the majestic National Palace (Spanish: Palacio Nacional) has been the President of Mexico’s official residence since 2018. Mexico City’s main square, the Plaza de la Constitución (El Zócalo), is within walking distance.

However, the Palacio Nacional is most well-known for its stunning collection of Diego Rivera art, which can be found throughout the building. If you plan on entering the premises, make sure you have your government ID with you.

Lunch

Around and close to Centro Historico, you can choose from a wide variety of Mexican restaurants, eateries, and even street food vendors. How about some tacos and then churros for dessert? This is a combination that won’t disappoint.

Palacio Bellas Artes

The Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City’s downtown, is a beautiful building in its own right. However, the art deco museum and art gallery inside are what make it even more special.

The palace is home to various antiques, such as the famous Aztec Calendar Stone called Piedra del Sol and the celebrated sculpture of the Aztec god of art, Xochipilli.

Explore the Juarez neighborhood

The colonial Juarez neighborhood, which is just to the left of Centro, is a good choice for a stroll and to get to know more about Mexico City. Juárez has a great mix of laid-back daytime vibes and lively nightlife, thanks to its many live music venues.

There are plenty of speakeasies to visit, as well as independent boutiques selling everything from trendy clothing to period pieces. It is also home to the Zona Rosa, a gay-friendly district of bustling bars and clubs. There’s also a thriving Korean community in this area, which can only mean one thing: delicious Korean cuisine!

Before heading back to your hotel for some much-needed rest, we recommend having dinner and drinks in this neighborhood to have a feel of local life.

Optional Visit Bellas Artes to see a performance by the Ballet Folklórico

The Ballet Folklórico may be a good option if you haven’t already had a long day in Centro.

The Ballet Folklórico is a celebration of Mexico’s regional dance, music, and costume traditions. Plus, you get to sit in the Palacio de Bellas Artes’ stunning theatre to watch it!

Book your trip online here.

Day 2 of 4 Days In Mexico: Paseo de la Reforma y Chapultepec

Breakfast and Visit to Monument to the Revolution

The Plaza de la Republica is home to a slew of cafes where you can start your day with a hearty breakfast before making your way to the area’s most iconic landmark.

Located in downtown Mexico City, the Monument to the Revolution serves as a landmark and a memorial to the Mexican Revolution. Plaza de la Republica is located in the heart of downtown Mexico City, near Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Los Insurgentes, two of the city’s most important thoroughfares.

At 220 feet, it’s the world’s tallest triumphal arch. Several Mexican presidents and revolutionaries are buried within the monument. An elevator takes visitors to an observation deck at the top of the monument.

Under the tonnes of concrete that make up the monument is the National Museum of the Revolution, as well as an art gallery in hehe basement. Rooms in the museum focus on a different era in Mexico’s history.

Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma, a European-style boulevard, can be reached by walking or taking an Uber from the Monument to the Revolution. From Bellas Artes to the Bosque de Chapultepec, this road features the famous Angel of Independencia, and other statues commemorating significant events in Mexican history.

Additionally, there are numerous five-star hotels and restaurants to choose from. Parades also take place on this street during holidays like Independence Day and Dia Los Muertos.

Walking along Reforma is a pleasant experience and there are several things to do in the area as well.

If you want to see some of the nearby monuments without having to walk, we recommend taking an Uber or a bus along the route.

Buy your ticket online here.

The Angel of Independence

Monumento a la Independencia, more commonly known as El Angel, is a victory column located on a roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma.

The Angel of Independence Monument honors Mexico’s victory over Spain during the Mexican Revolution. It was completed in time for the 100th anniversary of the War of Independence in 1910, under the presidency of Porfirio Diaz.

In addition to the quarried stone covering, the steel frame is adorned with garlands and rings bearing the names of key figures in Mexican independence history. A 200-step stairway inside the column takes visitors to a vantage point overlooking the capital.

Lunch

Whether in Paseo de la Reforma or nearby areas that are just a quick walk away, you’ll find a good place to have lunch. Or if you’re not ready for more walking but with food at every stop, you may join a food tour as well, like this Three-hour Polanco Food Tour.

Chapultepec Park

Head to the Bosque de Chapultepec, a sprawling park that serves as the city’s lungs. You can take a seat and unwind before exploring the many features of this vast green space.

There are three sections to the park because it is so large. The Chapultepec Castle, the National Anthropology Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and a lake with boating facilities can all be found in Section 1. The Natural History Museum, a children’s museum, and an amusement park are all located in Section 2. Section 3 is all about nature and wildlife in the woods.

There is no cost to enter Chapultepec Park, but admission to the park’s attractions is charged.

The Chapultepec Castle

It’s rare to find a city in the Americas that has a castle in its capital. The Americas never had a monarch or a kingdom. The Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, however, is a real castle that once served as a residence for European and Mexican sovereigns.

The Chapultepec Castle, which was built in the early 18th century, was once the residence of the Viceroy of New Spain and Emperor Maximiliano of Mexico. In 1847, it was used as a military base during the Mexican–American War of Independence.

It was here, during the American War, that a group of six young men (the Nios Héroes) gave their lives defending the castle. The
Maximiliano’s castle is now home to a national museum that houses some of the most impressive artifacts and murals from that era. It’s worth the short hike up the hill to see the beautiful architecture and gardens.

Buy your ticket online here.

National Museum of Anthropology

Extensive collections of pre-Spanish Mexican archaeological and anthropological artifacts have made the Museo Nacional de Antropologia a household name around the world. With the largest collection of ancient Mexican art in the world and exhibits on Mexico’s indigenous groups, it is a must-see for anyone interested in Mexican culture.

More than two million people visit this museum each year, making it Mexico’s most popular attraction. It’s an absolute must-see during your four days in Mexico City if you want to learn more about Mexico’s history and culture.

Consider a guided tour if you want to get the most out of your Anthropology Museum visit! To get the most out of your visit to the museum, take advantage of this low-cost tour.

Buy your ticket online here.

Day 3 of 4 Days In Mexico: Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan

Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teotihuacan, is one of the country’s oldest and most important archaeological sites. Teotihuacan can be seen in a single day, so plan to spend at least one of your four days in Mexico City on it.

Book the Teotihuacán Express Tour if you can’t spare a full day. While you won’t get the full experience on this tour, you will still see this incredible site.

Arrive at Teotihuacan as soon as it opens at 9 a.m. to get the best view. In addition to cutting down on time spent in traffic, this strategy also keeps you out of the scorching midday sun! Many archaeological sites in Mexico, including Teotihuacan, lack shaded areas.

Early arrival is highly recommended if you plan to climb all three pyramids of Teotihuacan and avoid waking up on hundreds of stairs in the middle of the day! Take shelter in the Teotihuacan Museum and the semi-shaded Sculpture Garden when the sun is at its hottest.

Afterward, take a stroll through San Juan Teotihuacan, the magical town where the pyramids are situated.

To get to Teotihuacan, you can get an Uber, take the bus, or rent a car. The journey takes under two hours and you’ll spend $10 to $50 (200 to 1,000 MXN). However, the most convenient way to get there is by joining a private tour such as this early access tour or this Teotihuacan tour that includes a visit to the Guadalupe shrine.

Buy your ticket online here.

Enjoy Traditional Mexican Dishes at a Cave Restaurant

At Teotihuacan, the Aztecs built a 246-foot-high pyramid almost 2,000 years ago. For a one-of-a-kind dinner after touring the site, head to La Gruta, a traditional Mexican restaurant located in a volcanic cave about 650 feet beneath the massive pyramid.

This cave’s walls are adorned with a rainbow of lights, and sunlight streams in through a crack in the ceiling. Tables and chairs of various colors line the cave’s floor.

Traditional Mexican dishes are the focus of the menu. They also have a good selection of tequila and mezcal, if you want some post-dinner drinks.

Day 4 of 4 Days In Mexico: La Casa Azul, Coyoacán, y Xochimilco

On your Day 4 in Mexico City, head to the beautiful Coyoacán borough to experience a different and more laid-back side of the city. The area is also home to the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood, where you’ll find the fascinating Frida Kahlo Museum, your first stop for the day.

Frida Kahlo Museum/The Blue House

From 1925 to 1954, Frida Kahlo was a well-known Mexican painter, and she has since become a cultural icon. For the first time in Latin American history, one of her paintings sold for a record-breaking price of 34.9 million dollars.

Before visiting Mexico City, we strongly advise you to see the film Frida (2002). You’ll get to see Mexico City from a new perspective as well as learn about the controversial life she’s led.

You can visit Frida’s childhood home and garden at La Casa Azul (The Blue House), where she learned to paint. Online ticket purchases should be made in advance. International visitors pay MXN 250 (USD 15.50) per person.

Take this tour before shopping, because you can only carry a backpack-sized bag around the museum.

Buy your ticket online here.

Coyoacan Neighborhood

Explore the gorgeous Coyoacán neighborhood after you visit La Casa Azul. This is one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhoods, with colorful houses and 16th-century mansions on the cobblestone streets. that wind through it.

Coyoacan’s old-world charm is undeniable as you stroll the city’s cobblestone streets.
Explore this Mexican neighborhood’s many museums, cafeterias, bookstores, and markets for a true sense of the culture.

Mercado de Coyoacán

The Mercado de Coyoacán is a great place to find souvenirs for your loved ones back home at prices that are typically lower than those found in central Mexico City. You’ll find everything from groceries to brightly colored handmade artisan goods at this market.

This market’s biggest draw, however, is the excellent food served in its many eateries and restaurants. In between shopping, sit down for a lunch of seafood, taquitos, or barbacoa.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco, the final destination of your four-day exploration of Mexico City, can be reached via Uber, the line 1 tram, or the bus. Many people refer to this area as the city’s very own Venice.

The ancient city of Teotihuacan was built on the banks of a lake and to get around, the people of the area made use of a sophisticated canal network. Only a small portion of it remains in Xochimilco today.

If you have four days in Mexico City, don’t miss seeing the Xochimilco Floating Gardens (also known as the “chinampas”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The boats here, called the trajinera, can hold up to 20 people on board and are the most popular ways to get around. Come here to party with local Mexican families and enjoy the sounds of mariachi bands playing as you dine and cruise the area.

Xochimilco is a must-see for any visitor to Mexico City, and it’s easy to see why. If you enjoy people-watching and learning about the culture of the area, this is a must-experience. Don’t let other people’s stories stop you from experiencing this one-of-a-kind Mexican attraction.

Buy your ticket online here.