5 days in Mexico City: First Timers Itinerary

Welcome to Mexico City — an electrifying mash-up of ancient history, modern culture, and tacos that will ruin you for life (in the best way). Whether you want to wander through ancient ruins or get lost in kaleidoscopic street art, this city will satisfy you in every way.

This Mexico City itinerary is designed to give you a mix of the must-sees and the lesser-known gems, with just the right amount of chaos. Because, let’s be real, you didn’t come here for boring.

So grab some comfortable shoes and an appetite — you’re about to fall hard for CDMX.

How many days in Mexico City do you need?

How many days do you need in Mexico City? Five days is a reasonable amount of time for first-timers — it’s long enough to experience the city’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed. You can explore the Zócalo, visit the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacán, and wander Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Coyoacán, with room for foodie adventures and a little spontaneity.

With only 2–3 days, you’ll barely scratch the surface, though you can still hit a few key spots like the Centro Histórico and grab tacos at Mercado Roma. A full week lets you dive even deeper — think exploring trendy Roma, sipping pulque in La Condesa, or browsing the massive La Merced market.

Mexico City is enormous, buzzing, and endlessly fascinating. While a 5-day Mexico itinerary strikes a perfect balance, the city is the kind of place that leaves you wishing you had just one more day — no matter how long you stay.

Not fixed on a trip to Mexico City? Take inspiration from our 7-day in Mexico itinerary and 14-day in Mexico itinerary.

Where to stay in Mexico City

Where you stay in Mexico City can shape your trip, so it’s worth picking a neighborhood that suits your vibe. Want to be in the middle of the action? Centro Histórico is packed with landmarks like the Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes, plus endless street vendors and markets. Prefer something trendier? Roma and Condesa are where it’s at, with their leafy streets, indie boutiques, and some of the best restaurants and bars in town.

For a more artsy, historic feel, head to Coyoacán, home to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and a laid-back village vibe. If luxury is your thing, Polanco is all about high-end hotels, designer shopping, and fine dining at spots like Pujol. Night owls should check out Zona Rosa, the city’s LGBTQ+ hub with plenty of nightlife.

Each area offers a different side of CDMX, so pick what suits your Mexico City itinerary — or mix it up!

How to get around in Mexico City

Getting around Mexico City can seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward (and affordable). The Metro is your best bet for quick, cheap travel, with 12 lines crisscrossing the city. At just 5 pesos per ride, it’s a steal, but avoid rush hours (7–10 am, 5–8 pm) unless you enjoy crowds. For longer routes, the Metrobus uses dedicated lanes, making it a reliable option — just grab a rechargeable Metro card to use it.

For door-to-door service, stick to ride-share apps like Uber, DiDi, or Cabify, as street taxis can be unsafe. In walkable neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán, walking is a great option — just stay alert, especially at night. Eco-conscious? The EcoBici bike-share system or app-based scooters are perfect for short trips in trendy areas.

Keep in mind, that traffic here is no joke, so plan extra time for longer journeys. With these tips, you’ll be navigating CDMX like a pro.

Traveling beyond Mexico City? Read up on getting around Mexico.

Is Mexico City safe?

Mexico City is generally safe for visitors, but like any massive city, it requires some caution. Stick to well-known neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán — they’re popular with tourists and relatively secure. Avoid wandering unfamiliar areas, especially at night, and use ride-share apps like Uber instead of hailing street taxis.

Pickpocketing can happen in busy spots like markets, the metro, and tourist attractions, so keep an eye on your belongings. While petty crime is the main concern, violent crime rarely affects tourists. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and you’ll likely have an incredible and trouble-free trip.

5-day Mexico City itinerary

Experience the vibrant energy of Mexico City in just 5 days with this Mexico City itinerary. Wander the historic Centro Histórico, dive into bustling markets, and savor mouthwatering street food. Take a day trip to the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacán, then explore the museums of Chapultepec Park for a dose of art and culture.

Day 1: Welcome to Mexico City

¡Bienvenidos! After landing at Mexico City International Airport, head to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, dive straight into the city’s legendary food scene with a street food dinner experience. Sample tacos, quesadillas, and churros while sipping mezcal and learning about local flavors.

Day 2: City Tour with street food sampling

Explore the Centro Histórico on a guided tour, stopping at landmarks like the Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Along the way, taste authentic street food — think tamales, tlacoyos, and fresh fruit juices — from some of the city’s best vendors.

Day 3: Xochimilco and Bohemian Coyoacán

Float through the colorful canals of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera boat. Afterward, head to Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul.

Day 4: Biking adventure in Teotihuacán

Take a shared biking tour of Teotihuacán’s ancient pyramids. Ride along the Avenue of the Dead, marvel at the Pyramid of the Sun, and soak in the incredible history before heading back to Mexico City.

Day 5: Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast in the city before your transfer takes you to the airport. Adiós, CDMX!