Mexico City-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Mexico City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Historic Center

  • Morning:
    • Arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México)
    • Take a taxi or metro to your hotel
    • Check-in at Hotel Downtown or similar
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Zócalo, the main square of Mexico City’s Historic Center (free admission)
    • Explore the Cathedral and Government Palace (entry fee: 50 MXN / $2.50 USD per person)
    • Stop by the ancient Aztec temple, Templo Mayor (entry fee: 70 MXN / $3.50 USD per person)
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at La Opera, a historic restaurant in the center of the city
    • Explore the lively streets and markets around the Zócalo

Day 2: Ancient Civilizations and Frida Kahlo Museum

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) to learn about Mexico’s ancient civilizations (entry fee: 70 MXN / $3.50 USD per person)
    • Explore the nearby Chapultepec Park, a large urban park with gardens and lakes
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo) to learn about the life and art of the famous Mexican artist (entry fee: 150 MXN / $7.50 USD per person)
    • Stop by the nearby Diego Rivera Mural Museum (Museo Murales de Diego Rivera) to see some of his most famous works
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at Pujol, a world-renowned restaurant known for its innovative and delicious Mexican cuisine

Day 3: Xochimilco Floating Gardens and Coyoacán Neighborhood

  • Morning:
    • Take a boat ride through the ancient floating gardens of Xochimilco (entry fee: 150 MXN / $7.50 USD per person)
    • Visit the nearby Tláhuac neighborhood, known for its colorful markets and traditional food
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the charming Coyoacán neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant street life
    • Visit the famous Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three Cultures Square), where you can see a mix of Aztec, Spanish, and modern Mexican culture
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at El Moro, a historic restaurant in Coyoacán known for its traditional Mexican cuisine

Day 4: Palacio de Bellas Artes and Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

  • Morning:
    • Visit the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes, a palace-turned-art-museum with impressive architecture (free admission)
    • Explore the nearby Alameda Central park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city
  • Afternoon:
    • Take another boat ride through the floating gardens of Xochimilco (entry fee: 150 MXN / $7.50 USD per person)
    • Visit the nearby Museo Dolores Olmedo, which showcases a collection of Mexican art and culture (entry fee: 70 MXN / $3.50 USD per person)

Day 5: Chapultepec Park and Zoo

  • Morning:
    • Spend the morning exploring Chapultepec Park, a large urban park with gardens, lakes, and museums
    • Visit the Chapultepec Castle (entry fee: 70 MXN / $3.50 USD per person), which offers stunning views of the city
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Chapultepec Zoo (entry fee: 150 MXN / $7.50 USD per person), which is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world

Day 6: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma

  • Morning:
    • Spend the morning exploring the trendy neighborhood of Condesa, known for its boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes
    • Visit the nearby Museo de Arte Moderno (entry fee: 70 MXN / $3.50 USD per person), which showcases modern Mexican art
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the charming neighborhood of Roma, known for its street art, vintage shops, and traditional food

Day 7: Last day in Mexico City

  • Morning:
    • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights you missed earlier in your trip
    • Have a final lunch at La Merced, a historic restaurant in the center of the city known for its traditional Mexican cuisine
  • Afternoon:
    • Check-out from your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight

Transportation:

  • Mexico City has an extensive metro system (Metro de la Ciudad de México) with 12 lines that cover most areas of the city.
  • Buses (Autobús de la Ciudad de México) are also a popular option, but be aware that they can be crowded and not always follow schedules.
  • Taxis (Taxi del Cabildo) are widely available, but make sure to use official taxis with meters or agree on a price beforehand.
  • Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Didi are also available in Mexico City.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist attractions.
  • Try to speak some basic Spanish, as not everyone speaks English.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Enjoy the vibrant street life and try some traditional Mexican cuisine!

Things to know:

  • Mexico City is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
  • The city has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly!
  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the Palacio de Bellas Artes or the Chapultepec Castle!

Other recommendations:

  • Visit the nearby ancient city of Teotihuacán (a day trip from Mexico City).
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes.
  • Explore the charming towns and villages surrounding Mexico City, such as Cuernavaca and Taxco.

I hope you have a fantastic time in Mexico City!