How many days do you need in Mexico City?

How many days do you need in Mexico City?

To get a solid feel for Mexico City, you’ll want at least 4-5 days. This gives you time to check out the historic center, major museums, and a few key neighborhoods. If you’ve got a week, that’s ideal. You can take it easy, squeeze in a couple of day trips, like Teotihuacán or Xochimilco, and still have time to enjoy the city’s pace. Ten days is a solid chunk of time if you really want to get into the local vibe, plus take a few more day trips. Mexico City’s big, and there’s a lot to see and do, so while two weeks is plenty, 5-7 days is usually enough to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. Read more about how to plan a trip to Mexico. 

2 days in Mexico City

Only have two days? Don’t worry—you can still get a great sense of the city. Stick to the essentials, hit a few key spots, and you’ll leave with a solid feel for the place.

Suggested itinerary

Here's how I would spend a couple days in Mexico City. If you are planning a longer, more extensive trip, be sure to see our Mexico City itineraries.

Day 1

Start your day in the Zócalo, the massive main square that’s been the heart of Mexico City since Aztec times. The Metropolitan Cathedral stands tall on one side—it's the oldest in Latin America, built directly over an Aztec temple. From there, make your way to the Templo Mayor ruins. This active archaeological site is where you can walk through the layers of the main Aztec temple. It's crazy to think that they're still uncovering treasures here, like gold and jade.

After that, head to the Palace of Fine Arts. The building itself is stunning, made of white marble, and inside you’ll find some of Mexico’s most important murals, including Diego Rivera’s famous works.

For lunch, stop by Casa de los Azulejos. The place is a beautiful 18th-century palace covered in blue tiles, and now it’s home to a Sanborns restaurant. Sit under the glass ceiling in the courtyard and enjoy a relaxed meal. Afterward, check out Mercado San Juan, a food market where chefs get their hands on unique ingredients like edible flowers and ancient herbs.

Wrap up your day at Plaza Garibaldi, where mariachi bands gather every evening. It’s a tradition that’s been alive since the 1920s.

Day 2

Start your second day in Polanco, a neighborhood known for its upscale shops and restaurants. Head straight to the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses some of the most important archaeological treasures in the country. Don’t miss the huge Aztec Sun Stone or the recreated Maya temples. The fountain in the courtyard is designed to look like a sacred tree from Maya mythology – it’s a cool detail you won’t want to miss.

Next, make your way to Chapultepec Park, which is twice the size of Central Park. The park is home to Chapultepec Castle, the only royal palace in North America. It’s had quite a history – it was once home to Emperor Maximilian I, and today, you can enjoy amazing views of the city and surrounding volcanoes from the roof terrace.

Finish your day in Roma Norte, a neighborhood known for its restored Art Nouveau mansions. For dinner, try Contramar – it’s one of the best places for seafood in the city. Their grilled fish is a must, served with red adobo on one side and parsley sauce on the other. For something a little different, Máximo Bistrot is an intimate spot where French techniques meet Mexican ingredients in an intimate converted pharmacy.

3 days in Mexico City

With three days, you’ve got more time to check out the city’s outlying areas and some different neighborhoods. You’ll still hit the highlights but have time for a little more exploration.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

You’ll want to start day three early with a trip to Teotihuacán, the ancient pre-Aztec city. The Pyramid of the Sun is incredible, and twice a year, it aligns perfectly with the sunset. The city was once home to around 200,000 people, and you’ll see murals of jaguars and plumed serpents throughout the ruins. It's best to get there early to avoid the heat and crowds.

Back in the city, head to Coyoacán, a neighborhood that still has the charm of a small village. The Blue House (Casa Azul) was Frida Kahlo’s lifelong home, and it’s been preserved exactly as she left it. From her art supplies to her collection of traditional Mexican dresses, you’ll get a real sense of her life and work. Her kitchen is still stocked with Oaxacan pottery and traditional clay cookware.

For dinner, check out Los Danzantes – they serve regional dishes like duck in black mole, and they also distill their own mezcal. If you're in the mood for a cozy coffee stop afterward, head to El Jarocho. It’s a 1950s coffee shop known for its cinnamon-spiced café de olla and crispy churros.

4 days in Mexico City

If you’ve got four days, you can really explore the neighborhoods and take in the city’s culture at a relaxed pace. This is enough time to check out a mix of food, art, and history while experiencing different areas of the city.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start in Condesa, one of Mexico City’s hippest neighborhoods. While you’re there, grab a pastry at Panadería Rosetta – their guava pastries are definitely worth a stop.

Then, head over to the Soumaya Museum. The building’s design is pretty unique, and inside, you’ll find everything from Rodin sculptures to European art. Next door, the Jumex Museum focuses on contemporary Mexican art and has a minimalist feel that’s easy to wander through.

For your last dinner, you’ve got two great choices. Pujol is a top pick for a tasting menu that’s a little out of the ordinary, but if you’re looking for something more casual, check out La Merced market for street food with tons of flavors. Wrap up the night with cocktails at Limantour, where they incorporate traditional Mexican herbs into their drinks. 

Best areas to stay in Mexico City

Mexico City's neighborhoods have a lot of character, each with its own vibe, from historical spots to modern hangouts and quiet residential areas. The city is huge, so choose a place to stay based on what you want to see and do. Here’s a quick pick of a few of my favorite neighborhoods, for a more in-depth look, see our guide to where to stay in Mexico City.

Condesa: best for first-time visitors

If it’s your first time in Mexico City, Condesa is a great starting point. It's a relaxed neighborhood with tree-lined streets and Art Deco buildings that set the tone. The area has lots of great cafes, mezcal bars, and restaurants. Parque México, right in the middle, is great for people watching. The location also puts you close to Chapultepec Park and the Museum of Anthropology, and while it’s central, it feels like a calm residential area. With good public transport and bike stations, it’s easy to get around. 

Polanco: best for families

Polanco is a safe, easygoing neighborhood that's great for families. It’s got wide streets and parks like the one along Avenida Presidente Masaryk. There are kid-friendly spots like the Interactive Museum of Economics and Chapultepec Zoo. On rainy days, malls like Antara and Plaza Carso are good for indoor fun, and there’s no shortage of family-friendly restaurants to suit all tastes. The area feels secure, with well-lit streets and doorman buildings and luxury hotels that make traveling with kids more comfortable.

Roma Norte: a hip neighborhood with great food

For those who love food and culture, Roma Norte is a great pick. It’s a neighborhood where old mansions mix with art galleries, independent bookstores, and a wide variety of restaurants. There’s everything from street food to fine dining spots like Máximo Bistrot and Rosetta. You can spend hours exploring the local art scene and browsing vintage shops. As night falls, speakeasies and mezcal bars come to life in restored colonial buildings. Despite its trendy feel, Roma Norte keeps a local charm with its street markets and traditional cantinas.

Things to know before going to Mexico City

What do I wish I knew before I went to Mexico City for the first time? To start, Mexico City sits at a high altitude (7,350 feet/2,240 meters), so it can take a little while to adjust. You’ll want to drink plenty of water and pace yourself. The city has microclimates, so the weather can change quite a bit depending on where you are. 

Daily budget

You can expect to spend around 800-1200 MXN ($45-70 USD) per day if you're trying to stick to a budget. This should cover things like staying in hostels, eating street food or at local spots, using public transport, and visiting most museums. Museums often have free days on Sundays, and there are tons of parks and plazas to explore for free.

For a more comfortable stay, aim for 2000-3500 MXN ($115-200 USD) per day. This gets you a mid-range hotel, meals at nicer restaurants, rideshare services, and some guided tours. This budget gives you a good balance of comfort without going overboard.

If you’re looking to stay at high-end places, expect to spend 6000+ MXN ($350+ USD) per day. This will cover luxury hotels in Polanco or Reforma, meals at places like Pujol or Quintonil, private drivers, and exclusive experiences like art tours or cooking classes.

How to get around

The metro in Mexico City is an affordable way to get around, costing just 5 pesos per ride. It’s efficient but can get packed, especially during rush hours (7-10 AM and 5-8 PM). There are women-only cars at these times. For above-ground transit, the Metrobus runs in its own lanes to avoid traffic. 

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Didi are popular and safer than taxis, especially at night. When using them, make sure to check the driver’s identity before getting in. For getting around, consider taking shorter metro rides instead of sitting in traffic for long periods. 

The historic center is walkable, but neighborhoods are spread out, so use transit to cover longer distances. Many major roads have bike lanes, and the Ecobici bike-sharing system is handy for short trips. 

How to get to Mexico City

Most international flights land at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), with plenty of options for direct flights from cities around the world. The airport has two terminals, which are connected by a free train and shuttle. 

For transport, it's safest to use authorized airport taxis (buy tickets inside the terminal) or Uber. The Metrobus Line 4 connects Terminal 1 to the city center, though it can be crowded with luggage. If you’re traveling within Mexico, there’s a reliable bus network, with premium lines like ETN and ADO GL offering comfy overnight trips. Some people also fly into Toluca Airport (TLC), though it’s further from the city. 

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

Ready to see Mexico? You're in the perfect place. Check out our sample itineraries for 7 days, 10 days, or 14 days and discover how to make the most of every moment. 

Our Rough Guide to Mexico is packed with insider tips and expert recommendations, all straight from the locals.

Prefer to skip the planning? Let us handle it. With our tailor-made trips, we take care of the details, so you can focus on the adventure. Each trip is crafted by locals who truly know the area, and you’ll have 24/7 support while you’re there.