Four days in Mexico City

Day by day

The plan

Times are suggestions. Opening hours and seasons change, so check before you go. Once it’s in your trip, move anything you like.

1. Day 1

   The historic center

   1. 09:00

      Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral

      Activity

      One of the largest squares in the world, with the cathedral along one side.

   2. 10:30

      Templo Mayor

      Activity

      The excavated heart of the Aztec capital, right next to the cathedral.

   3. 13:00

      Lunch: tacos in the Centro

      Food & drink

      Taquerías are everywhere; tacos al pastor are the city’s classic.

   4. 15:00

      Palacio de Bellas Artes

      Activity

      A white marble palace with murals by Mexico’s great painters inside.

   5. 17:30

      Torre Latinoamericana lookout

      Activity

      Watch the city stretch to the mountains from the top of the classic tower.

2. Day 2

   Chapultepec, Roma and Condesa

   1. 09:30

      National Museum of Anthropology

      Activity

      The world’s great collection of ancient Mexican art, including the Aztec Sun Stone.

   2. 13:30

      Chapultepec Castle

      Activity

      A hilltop castle in the park with views down Paseo de la Reforma.

   3. 15:30

      Late lunch in Condesa

      Food & drink

      Long lunches are the custom here; the neighborhood is full of good kitchens.

   4. 17:30

      Parque México and Roma’s streets

      Activity

      Art Deco buildings, tree-lined avenues and dogs on parade.

3. Day 3

   The pyramids of Teotihuacan

   1. 07:30

      Head out to Teotihuacan

      Getting around

      About an hour northeast by bus from the North bus terminal, or with a tour.

   2. 09:00

      Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon

      Activity

      Walk the Avenue of the Dead between two of the largest pyramids in the Americas.

   3. 13:30

      Lunch near the site

      Food & drink

      Simple local cooking in the towns around the ruins.

   4. 19:30

      Dinner in Roma

      Food & drink

      A relaxed evening in one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods.

4. Day 4

   Coyoacán and Xochimilco

   1. 09:30

      Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

      Activity

      The blue house where Frida Kahlo lived; tickets sell out, so buy them online in advance.

   2. 11:30

      Coyoacán market and plazas

      Food & drink

      Tostadas at the market, then coffee and churros around the plazas.

   3. 14:00

      Trajinera ride in Xochimilco

      Activity

      Float the ancient canals in a painted boat, with mariachis drifting past.

   4. 19:30

      Farewell dinner

      Food & drink

      End with mole or a tasting of Mexican mezcal.