4 Days in Mexico City: The Ultimate Itinerary & Travel Guide
Mexico City, the largest city in North America and the capital of Mexico, is a city full of amazing restaurants, architecture, culture, and tons of historical gems. From exploring the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum to taking a guided hot air balloon tour above the Teotihuacán Valley, a visit to Mexico City promises a unique and fulfilling experience. Despite visiting twice, I still have so much left to explore in this enormous city. My first trip was for work, and the second time, with a broken leg, made wandering a bit tricky. But each visit left me craving more adventures in the beautiful city.
Tiny Tips Before You Go
Best Time To Visit Mexico City
Peak Tourist Seasons: The peak tourist times in Mexico City are during the winter months (December to February) and the spring (March to May). During these times, attractions can be more crowded, and prices for flights and accommodations may be higher.
December to February: The city is cooler and can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings during this time of year. While it’s still a good time to visit, especially for those who prefer milder temperatures, you’ll need to pack accordingly with layers.
March to May: During this time, you can expect some of the best weather conditions with warm sunny days with little rainfall. I visited in March on my second trip and thought the weather was perfect, but a little chilly in the evening.
Off-Peak Season: If you’re looking for fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, consider visiting during the rainy season (June to September) or the shoulder season (October and November). Although the rain usually comes in heavy but short bursts in the afternoon or evening, it can occasionally disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans.
Currency
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso, abbreviated as MXN or sometimes just “$” within Mexico.
Credit Cards and ATMs
Major international credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico City in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or in places that might not accept cards. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, including in banks, shopping centers, and convenience stores.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Mexico for many services. In restaurants, it’s standard to tip between 10% and 15% of the bill if a service charge has not already been included. Tips are also appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides, though the amount can vary based on the service provided.
Safety
While I’ve never felt unsafe in Mexico City, petty crimes like pickpocketing are very common in the city. For instance, my coworker had her wallet and passport stolen from her purse at a Starbucks across the street from our hotel. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and refrain from walking down dimly lit streets alone. During my visits to Mexico City, I’ve found guided tours and Uber rides to be reliable and safe ways to get around the city.
Avoiding Food Poisoning
If you or someone you know has visited Mexico, you’ve probably heard of “Montezuma’s Revenge,” also known as Traveler’s Diarrhea, caused by unsanitary food or water. To avoid it, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Make sure that ice in drinks is made from purified water, and be cautious with fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I tend to avoid food from street vendors, raw vegetables, and fruits that aren’t peeled.
Tiny Tip: On my last trip to Mexico, I was one of two people out of fifteen who didn’t get sick. I like to credit it to being overly cautious, but also to taking probiotics twice a day for the entire trip. This has prevented illness on two trips when others all got violently ill.
Altitude Sickness
Traveling from Denver, Colorado, I’m not as affected by altitude sickness as some. Keep in mind that Mexico City is situated at a high altitude (about 2,250 meters or 7,382 feet above sea level), which can affect those not accustomed to higher elevations. It’s common to experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or headaches upon arrival. Make sure to drink plenty of water during your first few days in the city.
Day 1
Do: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus City Tour
If this is your first trip to Mexico City, I recommend taking the guided hop-on-hop-off bus tour on your first day to familiarize yourself with the city as it’s a convenient way to discover the city’s highlights and popular tourist attractions. The Historic City Center Route offers insights into Mexico City’s history, architecture, and culture. Below are a few of the 16 stops you can expect to encounter on this route:
– Monumento a la Independecia:
Monumento a la Independencia, also known as “The Angel of Independence,” symbolizes Mexico’s victory over Spain in its War of Independence.
– Palacio de Bellas Artes:
Palacio de Bellas Artes, also known as the Palace of Fine Arts, stands as an iconic emblem of Mexico City’s cultural heritage, characterized by its amazing art deco and art nouveau architectural design. It is one of the city’s major attractions, housing an array of murals, sculptures, and two museums: the Museum of the Palace of Fine Arts and the National Architecture Museum. For an incredible view of Palacio de Bellas Artes, I recommend hopping off the bus in this area and treating yourself to coffee or pastries at Café don Porfirio, located on the 8th floor of the SEARS building. Yes, it’s weird, but it offers incredible views of this beautiful building.
– The Plaza de la Constitución:
The Plaza de la Constitución, famously recognized as El Zócalo, serves as Mexico City’s main square and ranks among the largest urban squares worldwide. This historic center, also known as “centro histórico,” is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), and numerous federal offices. At the square’s center, you’ll find the Mexican flag displayed. In close proximity to the main square, you can explore the Templo Mayor Museum, which houses a remarkable assortment of Aztec artifacts, all excavated from the remains of Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Mexican people.
– The Monument to the Revolution:
The Monument to the Revolution, a beautiful arch situated in Plaza de la Republica, stands as a commemorative structure built in honor of the Mexican revolution.
– Chapultepec Park :
Chapultepec Park, also known as “Bosque de Chapultepec,” is the largest park in the city, spanning over twice the size of New York City’s Central Park. Within the park, you’ll find Chapultepec Castle, which was once the residence of the Mexican emperor and played a significant role in the Mexican-American War. To explore this park, you can hop off at stop #16, which is located near the Museo Nacional de Antropología.
Other Routes :
In addition to the Historic City Center Route, there are three other tour itineraries to choose from, each exploring different areas of the city. The Polanco tour features 7 stops and is ideal for those interested in shopping or architecture. The South – Coyoacan route offers 18 stops and is perfect for exploring the Bohemian neighborhoods, along with some architecture and archaeology. Lastly, the Basilica route consists of 5 stops and is centered around religious aspects of the city.
Visiting these stops will provide you with a well-rounded experience of Mexico City, including its historical and cultural landmarks. You can hop on and off at your leisure to explore each site further.
Eat: Balcón del Zócalo (Lunch)
If this is your first time visiting Mexico City, you’ll probably want to hop off the bus at El Zocalo to explore. This is a great time to grab lunch or brunch at Balcón del Zócalo, a beautifully decorated restaurant situated near the centro historico within the Hotel Zocalo Central. It offers a great view of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace from its terrace making it a picturesque restaurant with delicious Mexican cuisine.
Eat: Pujol (Dinner)
For a true fine dining experience in Mexico City, I highly recommend visiting Pujol in the Polanco neighborhood. Pujol is ranked #13 on the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and offers a remarkable culinary experience. While it is closed on Sundays, the restaurant offers a tasting menu that justifies the price with its exceptional food, ambiance, and service. I’d advise you to book your reservation well in advance (we made our reservation five months ahead). The restaurant’s decor is modern yet inviting, the service is well-coordinated, the food is exquisite, and the overall atmosphere is truly perfect.
There are two tasting sessions per night, each offering two types of tastings. We opted for the taco Omakase tasting, which is served at the low-top bar. It’s a bit pricier than the regular tasting, but it includes more courses. For the dessert course, they move you to a table in their outdoor garden, beautifully decorated with fire pits and candles.
– Taco Omakase – $193 USD for 9 small courses
– Regular Tasting – $165 USD for 6 large courses
Day 2
Do: Hot Air Balloon Ride Above the Teotihuacán Valley
Today, you’ll embark on one of the most adventurous experiences in Mexico City – a hot air balloon ride above the Teotihuacán Valley. This valley is known as one of the most significant archaeological sites globally, with the pyramids you’ll witness during the flight serving as focal points for Teotihuacán’s urban layout and symbolizing two sacred mountains.
Volare, the oldest continuously operating hot air balloon company in Mexico since 2005, will be operating your flight. They offer pick-up from Mexico City hotels around 5 AM for a 1.5-hour drive to the Volare Balloon Port. There, you’ll enjoy a coffee while watching the balloons being inflated. As the sun rises, you’ll take off on your 50-minute balloon flight above the pyramids in the Teotihuacán Valley. It may be chilly in the morning, so be sure to dress accordingly.
After the flight, you’ll be provided with a buffet breakfast (not particularly memorable), and then you’ll hop in the van for your return trip to Mexico City. If you choose, there’s also an optional trip that allows you to walk around the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone and explore the ruins for a full day trip. Otherwise, you should expect to return to your hotel around 11 AM.
Eat: Mercado Coyoacan OR Los Danzantes (Lunch)
Once you return from your hot air balloon ride, take a nap if needed, and then make your way to Mercado Coyoacan for a casual lunch of street food and some shopping. Mercado Coyoacan is an iconic local market in Mexico City and a popular spot to visit to experience the local culture. This colorful indoor market sells everything from pottery and souvenirs to fruit and spices. The best time to visit this market is before or after a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Tiny Tip: Be sure to visit the tostados place for lunch as it’s the most popular item sold at the market (and for a good reason).
If you prefer a more formal dining experience, Los Danzantes is an excellent choice. This restaurant, located in the Coyoacan neighborhood, is just a little over a 10-minute walk from the Frida Kahlo Museum. Los Danzantes is open at 9 AM on Fridays through Sundays, and at 12:30 PM from Mondays to Thursdays, offering contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Do: Frida Kahlo Museum
After exploring the Mercado Coyoacan, make the short walk over to the Frida Kahlo Museum. This museum, also known as the Blue House due to its cobalt blue walls, is an art museum that showcases Frida Kahlo’s artwork and personal belongings. Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist, had an intriguing life story. The museum is located within the house that Frida Kahlo once shared with her husband, Diego Rivera, who was also a famous Mexican painter. The museum typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore. I’d advise purchasing tickets in advance, as lines can get quite long. Be advised that the museum is closed on Monday’s.
Tiny Tip: If you wish to take pictures, be sure to buy the photo pass, as some of my friends were almost kicked out for taking pictures without it.
Eat: Ling Ling (Dinner)
For dinner, don’t miss Ling Ling, my top restaurant recommendation in the city. Ling Ling is situated on the 56th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, and is a recent addition by Hakkasan, a renowned restaurant group with establishments in Miami and Las Vegas. At Ling Ling, enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine while taking in the stunning view of Mexico City. The food, decor, and service are all exceptional.
Tiny Tip: Order the soup dumplings and arrive before sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Post Dinner Drinks: Fifty Mils
Following dinner, take a brief 4-minute walk to the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can savor a nightcap at their cocktail bar, Fifty Mils. This upscale cocktail bar boasts talented mixologists and chic, modern decor, making it one of the city’s must-visit cocktail bars.
Day 3
Eat: El Cardenal (Breakfast)
Frequently recognized as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, El Cardenal is known for its amazing breakfast spreads, featuring Mexican coffee, and is a popular choice among celebrities.
Do: Xochimilco Boat Tour
While I didn’t personally experience this tour, many of my friends who did loved it. Take off on a 3-hour boat ride along the canals of Xochimilco on colorful boats (trajineras) while enjoying traditional Mexican cuisine, drinks, and music during the cruise. You may even be serenaded by Mariachi bands or traditional Mexican music groups. Xochimilco, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, features canals originally constructed by the Aztecs for transporting goods. Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange transportation to the docks of Xochimilco and the tour runs from 12:30PM – 4PM.
Tiny Tip: Visit on the weekends to experience a more lively experience.
Eat: Mercado Roma (Dinner)
Between your tours, choose a laid-back and enjoyable dinner experience at Mercado Roma, a stylish upscale food hall boasting numerous culinary options and a rooftop beer garden. You’ll find this gem in the Roma Norte neighborhood.
Do: Attend a Lucha Libre Show
If you somehow still have energy and are eager for more adventure, consider attending a Lucha Libre Show, commonly known as Mexican wrestling. This tour, starting between 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings, provides transportation to the Wrestling Show Arena on a double-decker bus. Enjoy an entertaining show full of action, colors, energy, and fun! Lucha Libre is an integral part of Mexican culture, promising a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
Day 4
Eat: Panaderia Rosetta (Breakfast)
As you’ll be joining a taco bike tour in the afternoon, opt for a light breakfast such as pastries and coffee at the well-known Panaderia Rosetta n the Roma Norte neighborhood. This rustic-chic bakery is under the same ownership as Rosetta, the renowned Italian restaurant where you’ll enjoy dinner.
Do: Taco Bike Food Tour
On your last day in Mexico City, discover the culinary wonders of the city with a 3-hour guided taco bike tour, rated as Mexico’s #1 Airbnb experience and one of the top 10 Airbnb experiences globally. Join Diego, a culinary expert who studied at Le Cordon Bleu and attended culinary arts school in Bangkok, or one of his co-hosts. Together, you’ll explore the neighborhoods of Polanco and Condesa-Roma, pedaling through parks, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture while sampling some of the most amazing tacos that Mexico City has to offer. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the Mexican culture and the city’s rich history. Tours are offered at 9AM or 11:30AM making it a perfect lunchtime activity.
Do: Massage & Pool Time
After a few hours of biking and eating, it’s time to relax with a massage at the JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco or St. Regis Mexico City. Booking a massage also grants you access to the outdoor pool for a leisurely afternoon. To ensure availability, make sure to schedule your massage in advance. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for more exploring, visit another attraction of your choice.
Eat: Rosetta (Dinner)
As mentioned earlier, I recommend eating dinner at Rosetta, ranked #49 on the 2023 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Situated in a restored villa in the Roma Norte neighborhood, Rosetta offers delicious Italian cuisine. Due to its popularity, securing a reservation several weeks in advance is advisable. Additionally, there’s a cozy cocktail bar on the second floor, providing a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink if time permits. Please note that this restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Post Dinner Drinks: Licoreria Limantour
After dinner, enjoy a leisurely 5-minute stroll to Licoreria Limantour, recognized as the 7th best bar in the world according to the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars list. Alternatively, you can head to Gin Gin Alvaro Obregon, a popular cocktail bar in Roma Norte known for its inventive and diverse gin-based beverages.
Where To Stay
JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco
I stayed here while the hotel was being renovated so the experience was a little different than normal, but the service was still incredible. Now that the renovation is completed, I highlighy recommend this hotel as it is centrally located in the Polanco neighborhood, Mexico City’s bustling business and entertainment district. Guests can take advantage of amenities such as an outdoor pool and spa during their stay. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum+ Elites are able to enjoy a diverse breakfast buffet each morning.
St. Regis Mexico City
This hotel was also recently renovated and is situated in the business district on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. It is a great option for those seeking luxury service in a stylish hotel. Upon check-in, your butler will welcome you with a glass of champagne, provide a room tour, and offer you unpacking services. This hotel offers an impressive breakfast buffet for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum+ Elites and features an indoor pool and spa for relaxation. I highly recommend enjoying in a meal at the Diana Restaurant for an elevated Mexican dining experience.
W Mexico City
Situated in the Polanco neighborhood, the W Mexico City is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and vibrant experience. Be sure to visit the Living Room Bar for an innovative cocktail.
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City
As the newest addition to the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Mexico City, this The Ritz-Carlton opened its doors in 2021. Situated in the posh Polanco neighborhood, it stands out as one of the most upscale hotels in the city. LingLing, the rooftop Asian-infused restaurant located above The Ritz-Carlton, has gained popularity for its sweeping views of the city, delicious food, and beautiful decor.
Tiny Adventurer
A luxury, adventure travel blog created by a luxury hospitality professional and former secret shopper sharing travel tips, itineraries, and photography from around the world.
