Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, is a vibrant and lively city filled with rich history, delicious food, and colorful culture. I think it’s a very underrated travel destination – to be honest with you I didn’t have high expectations for the city but I was pleasantly surprised!
We included a stop here before heading to the Yucatan peninsula, and I’m really glad we did. Spending 3 days in Mexico City will give you enough time to discover the main highlights of the city and take a day trip to the nearby Teotihuacan pyramids.
If you’re only stopping for a layover, make sure to check out my guide about how to spend one day in Mexico City instead!
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
3 Days in Mexico City – Quick Tips
Best Hotels in Mexico City
Best Experiences in Mexico City
Overview of Your Mexico City Agenda
Breakdown of your 3 days
- Day 1: Plaza del Zócalo, Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, House of Tiles, Torre Latinoamericana, Finca Don Porfirio, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Palacio Postal, Night food tour
- Day 2: Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Park & Chapultepec Castle, La Condesa
- Day 3: Teotihuacán Pyramids, Frida Kahlo Museum, Roma Norte
Important info: Most museums are closed on Mondays so you might need to rearrange this itinerary if your 3 days in Mexico City include a Monday.
Map for your Mexico City itinerary
Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Mexico City itinerary.
I marked your 3 days in Mexico City with different colors – I used blue for the first day, green for the second day, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Day 1
Plaza del Zócalo
Start your day by heading to the heart of Mexico City – the Plaza del Zócalo. Formally known as Plaza de la Constitución, this large square is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, including the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral.
You can take a stroll around the square, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the beautiful architecture. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a cultural event or live music performance happening in the square.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
Located on the east side of Plaza del Zócalo, this stunning cathedral is the oldest and largest Roman Catholic cathedral in Latin America. Work on the church started in 1573 with the initial designs headed up by the Spanish architect, Claudio de Arciniega.
As it took over 200 years to finish the building, by the time the church was declared complete in 1813 it featured a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles.
The cathedral is free to enter, and the interior looks just as fantastic as the exterior so it’s a worthy addition to your 3 day Mexico City itinerary!
Templo Mayor
Located just steps away from the Metropolitan Cathedral, this museum houses the remains of a pre-Hispanic temple complex dedicated to the Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc.
After Cortés conquered Mexico in the early 16th century, much of the original Aztec city was destroyed, along with this temple. I was really surprised to learn that the Spanish actually used rocks from this original temple to build the cathedral and other colonial buildings!
The museum offers a fascinating insight into the Aztec way of life and there is a lot of information on display, so you can easily spend 1-1.5 hours here.
Tickets cost 95 MXN ($4.5 US) if you’re visiting independently but I highly recommend taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the exhibits. The museum is closed on Mondays.
House of Tiles
Once you finish exploring the cathedral, you can take a stroll along Avenida Francisco I. Madero, also known simply as Madero Street (Calle Madero). This beautiful pedestrian-only street has a lovely atmosphere and there are a number of boutiques and cafes where you can stop off if you want to shop or grab some lunch.
One of my favorite spots on this street is the House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos), a stunning 18th-century building covered in blue and white tiles. It’s now home to a Sanborns restaurant, so you can grab some traditional Mexican food while admiring the beautiful architecture.
Even if you don’t want to eat, you can still go inside to have a look and maybe buy a souvenir from one of the gift shops on the ground floor.
Torre Latinoamericana
If you love panoramic views, you definitely have to check out Torre Latinoamericana during your 3 days in Mexico City! This skyscraper once held the title of the tallest building in Latin America and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city.
You can take an elevator up to the observation deck on the 44th floor, where you can see iconic landmarks such as Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Angel of Independence. Access to the observation tower costs 170 MXN ($8.5 US) and also permits entry to two small museums on site.
Finca Don Porfirio
It’s finally time for coffee with a view – one of my favorite things to do while traveling!
Finca Don Porfirio is a small cafe with a terrace on the 8th floor of the Sears department store. The store is directly opposite the Palacio de Bellas Artes and it grants a fantastic view and photo spot.
The cafe offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and sandwiches. You might need to stand in line to get a spot as it can get quite busy, but it’s definitely worth the wait!
Palacio de Bellas Artes
After you’ve already seen this iconic building from above, it’s time to get a closer look. Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is one of the most famous landmarks in Mexico City and is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
The palace hosts various cultural events and performances, but even if you can’t attend one, it’s still worth visiting just to see the exterior.
You can also head inside for 90 MXN per person ($4.5 US) to see the impressive murals by renowned Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They charge an extra 35 MXN ($2 US) if you want to use your camera (phones are fine).
The palace is closed on Mondays so take this into consideration when planning your Mexico City itinerary.
Palacio Postal
Just across the street from the Palace of Fine Arts you will find Palacio Postal, a beautiful post office building that looks more like a palace! It was built in 1907 and features stunning Art Nouveau architecture with intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows.
You can go inside for free and admire the interior, or even buy some stamps if you want to send postcards back home. This is also a great spot for some unique photos.
The post office is closed on Sundays and also operates on a reduced schedule on Saturdays.
Night food tour
End your second day in Mexico City with a food tour to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and delicious street food.
There are many options available, but one of my favorites is the Tacos & Mezcal Night Food Tour where you’ll get to taste authentic tacos, sip on some mezcal, and learn about Mexican culture and cuisine from a local guide.
Another option is to attend a Lucha Libre Show, where you can watch a traditional Mexican wrestling match while enjoying some tacos, beer, and mezcal. This is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Mexico City and a great addition to your 3 day itinerary.
Day 2
Museum of Anthropology
Start the second day of your Mexico City itinerary by visiting the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología). This is one of the most comprehensive and well-curated museums in Mexico, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from pre-Columbian civilizations.
The museum is divided into different sections, each representing a different indigenous group, such as the Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs. One of the most famous items that you will see is the Aztec Calendar, also known as the “Sun Stone.”
Fair warning: the museum is absolutely massive so you will need at least 2-3 hours if you properly want to explore it, but you can easily spend half the day here.
Entrance to the museum costs 64 MXN per person ($3 US), and it is closed on Mondays.
You can also join a guided tour to learn more about the exhibits and their significance. If you’re visiting in peak season, you might want to purchase a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the long queues.
Chapultepec Park
Once you’re finished with the museum you can make your way to the largest green space in Mexico City, Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), which is a few minutes walk away.
This park is home to various attractions, including the Chapultepec Castle, a zoo, a botanical garden, and several museums. You can also just relax in the park, take a stroll around the lake, or rent one of the rowing boats or pedalos for a small fee.
Chapultepec Castle
No visit to Chapultepec Park is complete without climbing up to the Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) on top of a hill. The castle was once the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota and now serves as a National Museum.
Once you’re inside, you can wander through suites fitted with period furnishings, art, ornaments, and other antiques that give you a sense of the life led by the Mexican royal families. You can also get an amazing view of the whole city from the balconies which is a nice bonus!
Admission to the castle is 95 MXN ($4.5 US) and you can buy tickets at the door. It’s also closed on Mondays.
Alternatively, you can also book a combo tour of the Chapultepec Castle with the Anthropology Museum.
La Condesa
End your day by exploring the trendy La Condesa neighborhood, known for its hipster cafes, street art, and vibrant nightlife.
Chapultepec Park backs right onto La Condesa, so you can easily walk there from the castle. Spend some time wandering around and taking in the colorful buildings and murals, then grab a bite to eat at one of the many trendy restaurants or cafes in the area.
We tried Lardo and absolutely loved the food and the vibes. Some other great restaurants in the area include Cafe Milou, Taqueria El Pescadito, and Tacos Hola El Güero.
Day 3
Day trip to Teotihuacán Pyramids
On your third and final day in Mexico City, take a day trip to the Teotihuacán Pyramids, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mexico.
Built somewhere around 200 AD (the exact date is unknown), Teotihuacán was once the largest city in pre-Columbian America, with a population of over 125,000 people.
Today, it is best known for its impressive pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. You can also explore the on-site museum and see various artifacts found at the site.
The easiest option to get there is by booking a guided tour, which will include transportation and a knowledgeable guide who can provide historical and cultural context.
If you want to visit independently, buses leave from the Northern Bus Station in Mexico City and cost around 106 MXN ($5 US) for a round-trip ticket. Buses leave frequently and the journey takes 45-60 minutes.
There are five entrance gates at the Teotihuacán complex and the buses will stop at all of them. I recommend getting off at Gate 1.
Entrance to the site is an additional 80 MXN ($4 US). It’s important to note that climbing on the pyramids is no longer allowed. If you want to take in the view from above, you can book a hot air balloon flight over the site which is a pretty epic experience!
Frida Kahlo Museum
If you still have some energy left after exploring the pyramids, head to Coyoacán, a charming and colorful neighborhood in Mexico City with a rich history. Here, you’ll find the Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), which was once the home of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.
The museum showcases her life and work through personal belongings, art pieces, and exhibits. You can also see some of her famous paintings, including “Las Dos Fridas” and “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.”
Entrance to the museum is 320 MXN ($16 US) but it might be worth it to avoid the long lines by purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
The museum is open until 6 pm so you can it in after your day trip to the pyramids if you are mindful of the time. Keep in mind though that the museum is closed on Mondays.
If you would rather skip the pyramids and spend more time in the area, you can also join another guided tour that includes a visit to the canals of Xochimilco (a UNESCO site) and walks you through the neighborhood of Coyoacán, including a stop at the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Roma Norte
After the Frida Kahlo Museum, it makes more sense to explore Coyoacán’s lively streets and have dinner in one of the restaurants.
However, if you are too tired after the pyramids, you can skip the Frida Kahlo Museum and instead head to Roma Norte, another hip neighborhood in Mexico City known for its trendy restaurants and bars.
Mercado Roma is a must-visit, a gourmet food market with over 60 vendors offering delicious food and drinks from all over Mexico. Some other great options are Taquería Orinoco, La Pitahaya Vegana, and Belmondo.
Useful Info for Spending 3 Days in Mexico City
Where to stay in Mexico City
Mexico City occupies a vast area and offers many options for accommodation. If you’re visiting Mexico City for the first time, I would recommend staying in either Centro Histórico, La Condesa, or Roma Norte.
To read more about the best areas to stay in the city, check out my guide about the best areas to stay in Mexico City. If you’re in a hurry, here are my top recommendations:
- Luxury: JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City
- Mid-range: Hotel Histórico Central
- Budget: Hotel Catedral
How to get to Mexico City
Since the airport is pretty close to Downtown Mexico City, getting to the city center is quite easy once you figure out the logistics. The easiest option is to order an Uber which is pretty affordable in the whole city.
You can also use public transport – from Terminal 1, you can either jump on Metrobus Line or you can use Metro Line 5. The journey takes 30 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. From Terminal 2, you can either transfer to Terminal 1 via the Aerotren, or you can board Metrobus Line 4 which stops at both terminals.
Please note that you’ll have to buy your Mexico City Metro Card first before using any bus or metro lines. The metro card costs 15 MXN ($0.75 US) and you also have to upload a balance to your card before using it.
Best time to visit Mexico City
Mexico City can be visited all year round, however, the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of rain.
If you want to experience some of Mexico’s biggest celebrations, plan your trip around the Day of the Dead (October-November) or the Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) festivities. Just keep in mind that these times tend to be more crowded and prices may go up.
How to get around Mexico City
The best and safest way to get around Mexico City is using taxis or ordering an Uber. It’s actually quite affordable and if you buy a local prepaid SIM card, you can easily order an Uber practically anywhere.
If you want to take a deep dive into Mexican culture or you’re traveling on a budget, you can also use public transport. Mexico City is set up with an efficient metro and bus system which is easy to use and super cheap once you’ve got your metro card.
More Mexico Travel Guides
- Yucatan Road Trip: The Perfect 2 Weeks in Mexico
- 12 Best Cenotes in Yucatan You Can’t Miss
- 16 Best Tulum Instagram Spots for Epic Photos
- Day Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
- Hotel Review: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
- Where to Stay in Mexico City: 5 Best Areas & Hotels
- How to See the Best of Mexico City in One Day
- The Ultimate 3 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
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