Are you planning to spend 3 days in Mexico City?
You’re in for a treat!
Mexico City should be on every traveler’s bucket list of things to do in Mexico.
We’ve visited Mexico extensively.
And we have the perfect Mexico City itinerary for you if you’re visiting for the first time!
The perfect 3 days in Mexico City itinerary: Overview
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated the very best things to do in Mexico City in this customizable guide.
The first day in Mexico City is all about exploring the Centro Historico, where you’ll find some of the best-known museums and Mexico’s historical landmarks.
Day 2 and 3 take you on a tour of other suburbs of the city, where you can catch a glimpse of Mexico City’s wonderful diversity and cultural richness.
You’ll see a lot of museums and historical landmarks in this 3-day Mexico City itinerary.
But don’t worry, we also let you in on how you can appreciate Mexico’s social scene.
We made sure to add some fun, relaxing night-time activities in this itinerary to give you the true Mexican fiesta experience!
Contents: Mexico City 3-day itinerary
How many days do you need in Mexico City?
Day 2 – Chapultepec, Museum of Anthropology and Condesa
Day 3 – Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo and Trotsky
4 days? Polanco and Roma Norte
Best places to eat in Mexico City
How many days in Mexico City do you need?
Is three days enough time to see Mexico City?
The truth: You won’t be able to see and do everything there is to experience in Mexico City in three days.
You could easily spend a full week exploring all that the city has to offer.
But three days in Mexico City (meaning four nights) is just enough to enjoy the top attractions, outlined below.
Also, if you have a one- or two-week vacation, staying in Mexico City for 3 days still leaves you time for also visiting, say Puerto Vallarta or Cancun (so you can enjoy a city-and-beach holiday) or traveling to some of the colonial cities in Mexico.
And if you end up having more time, say 4 or even 5 days in Mexico City? Well, there are some great Mexico City day trips you can tack on to your visit!
Why visit Mexico City?
Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s talk first about why Mexico City is worth visiting.
If this will be your first time in Mexico City, forget what you think you might know about it. Pollution? Crime? Uninteresting?
No way, José.
Mexico City upended our expectations.
All around us, we saw signs of an energetic, progressive, thriving metropolitan city.
Sure, the Mexican capital (population over 21 million) is so vast that, when peering down from the plane, we couldn’t make out its edges.
But below we found a people-friendly, vibrant, buzzing hive of a place – a delight to explore on foot, with loads of historical treasures and an explosion of cutting-edge artistic, culinary and cultural venues.
Indeed, strolling Mexico City’s Condesa district one summer evening was like being out in a pleasant upscale neighborhood of San Francisco.
New moms pushed decked-out strollers along tree-lined streets. Young professionals sipped lattes to-go while talking briskly into their Bluetooth headsets. People walked their toy dogs. Restaurant tables spilled out on the sidewalk, where friends were chatting up a storm.
So brace yourself – because Mexico City is likely to surprise you!
It’s got lots of shady green parks – and more museums than most other cities in the world (over 150, apparently).
It’s quite safe too. Apart from a few (easily avoided) dodgier districts, you don’t need to worry about a trip to Mexico City any more than about a visit to New York or Miami.
And its air is clean most of the time. Air pollution has dropped significantly since the city’s dirty days in the 1990’s. On our visit, the blue skies were smog-free.
Its name also holds a small surprise.
It only recently officially changed to “Mexico City” (Cuidad de Mexico in Spanish, or CDMX) from “DF” (Distrito Federal) – the old moniker still commonly used by the locals.
Okay, let’s dive into our 3-day, must-do Mexico City itinerary now!
Day 1 – Historic center (Centro Historico)
Zocalo
Start your first day in the Zocalo, the main square of the city.
As soon as you see it, you’ll know instantly why it’s the heart of Mexico City.
The plaza is humongous. Covering 3½ square miles, it’s the largest in all of Latin America, surrounded by national treasures on all sides.
If you take a guided walking tour of the historic downtown, it will start here.
Metropolitan Cathedral
On the north side of the Zocalo, you’ll see the Metropolitan Cathedral. You can’t miss it – it’s the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America.
Built over 250 years (from 1573 to 1813), it’s not surprising that its architecture is a mix of three styles – Baroque, Neo-Classic and Neo-Renaissance.
The cathedral’s exterior is impressive enough with its centuries-worth of architectural grandeur.
But the interior is even more awe-inspiring. Gold-coated surfaces, religious relics adorning every nook and crevice, numerous art masterpieces plus 16 chapels give visitors plenty to explore.
Templo Mayor
Behind the cathedral, you’ll find the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple in the ancient Aztec City, Tenochtitlan (which is now Mexico City).
The spot holds great significance in Mexican culture.
This is exactly where it’s believed the eagle sat on top of a cactus, with a snake in its beak. Legend has it that an Aztec leader was told by the gods in a dream this would mark the spot where his people should settle.
Today, this eagle image is the iconic symbol of Mexico City, hence its place on the Mexican flag.
Human sacrifices at Templo Mayor were common to appease the Aztec gods. It’s believed 4,000 prisoners alone were sacrificed here in December, 1487.
There’s a museum attached (Museo del Templo Mayor), which is definitely worth a visit to get the full background on this historical site.
Like most museums in Mexico City, Templo Mayor is closed on Mondays. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets cost 90 pesos (around $4.80 USD).
National Palace
Next, present a photo ID to get free entry into one of the most important Mexico City sights – the National Palace (Palacio Nacional).
In its garden courtyards, signs point to the living quarters and official rooms once occupied by Benito Juarez, perhaps Mexico’s best-loved president.
Then look for the brilliantly colored mural, “The Epic of the Mexican People in their Struggle for Freedom and Independence.”
It’s by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico’s greatest 20th century artists.
Rivera took years to paint this masterpiece, so massive it winds around the palace’s central staircase.
Related reading: There’s lots of cool art at the Diego Rivera Museum in Guanajuato (it was Rivera’s former home and where he was born).
Palace of Fine Arts
Lovers of the arts will want to check out the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) and marvel at its dazzling white marble exterior.
Inside, admire huge murals painted by some of Mexico’s famous muralists.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Mexico City on the right days, you can buy tickets to watch one of the renowned, twice-weekly Ballet Folklorico performances held in the building.
(You can get tickets to watch the ballet here; this small group tour includes VIP entry and roundtrip hotel transfers.)
The Palacio is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico City.
By getting tickets to watch the ballet, you also get the privilege of seeing the theater’s stained-glass curtain made by New York jeweler, Tiffany, and its crystal ceiling dome.
Casa de los Azulejos
Next, take a gander at the gorgeous House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos).
The exterior is completely covered in blue, white and yellow tiles.
The building dates back to the end of the 1500s, but the tiles were added around 1735.
If you wander inside, you’ll see a mural (close to the stairway) by Jose Clemente Orozco, the muralist who painted the famous murals in Guadalajara.
There’s a casual restaurant inside as well, but you don’t have to eat there to walk around inside.
Palacio Postal
Then make a quick stop at the Palacio Postal. Really, a post office? Yep, it’s the Postal Palace.
With a grand stairway flanked by bronze railings, marble floors and gilded lamps, it’s one gorgeous building.
It still operates as a post office. But this post office makes the ordinary task of buying stamps feel like a luxurious experience!
National Museum of Art
Finish off your day of Mexico City sightseeing at the National Museum of Art (MUNAL or Museo Nacional de Art).
It houses the most important collection of Mexican art. From ancient relics to 20th and 21st century art from Mexico’s most famous artists, the stunning building is packed with must-see art.
Of all the cultural activities in Mexico City we experienced, touring the National Museum of Art turned out to be one of our favorites.
We enjoyed the rural landscapes, portraits and other artworks by Mexican painters little-known to foreign visitors.
Lucha libre
For a truly entertaining, blood-pumping cultural experience, there’s no better way to spend your first night in Mexico City than by watching lucha libre.
It’s like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) but even more colorful and acrobatic – and attending a match is one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City!
The wrestlers (called luchadores) are divided into two types: “good guys” and “bad guys.” They’re outfitted in spandex and sequins and wear masks. There’s often a character dressed in drag too.
The three lucha libre arenas in Mexico City where you can see these entertaining performances are:
- Arena Mexico Colonia Doctores (the largest)
- Arena Coliseo
- Arena Naucalpan (the smallest and furthest away from the city center)
To get the most out of the spectacle, why not brush up on some of the most popular wrestlers? The backstory of each character is quite rich and interesting.
One of the most well-known luchadores is Ray Mysterio – he helped make lucha libre popular in the U.S.
Then there’s Blue Demon Jr.
He’s reinvented himself a few times. He made local headlines when he announced his intention to run for mayor of a Mexico City borough in 2021 (though he didn’t in the end). He also plays a superhero in a Disney Channel comedy series, and he’s starred in a lucha libre documentary.
Current big names to watch out for include Caristico, Atlantis and Fenix.
When you go, don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining in on the cheering and jeering by the crowd. At the match, you can even buy a mask of your new-found favorite wrestler and wear it to really get into the spirit!
How to see a Mexico City lucha libre match
You might like to go with a guide, so you don’t feel lost and can ask questions about what’s happening during the match.
Here’s a guided lucha libre show (at the largest wrestling show arena).
It includes hotel pick-up, ringside tickets, tequila shots – and, of course, your very own lucha libre mask.
Day 2 – Chapultepec, Anthropology Museum and Condesa
Chapultepec Park
Kick off Day 2 of your Mexico City itinerary with a stroll through Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), Mexico City’s largest park.
Covering over 685 hectares, this green space is enormous. At double the size of New York’s Central Park, it’s one of the largest city parks on the planet!
The park is so grand that it even houses a castle – Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec).
It’s the only royal castle in North America where royals actually lived. Built in 1785, it was the home of Mexican Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in the 1860s.
The castle is now the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia).
Some scenes of Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 Romeo and Juliet film were also filmed here. (In Luhrmann’s film, Verona is set in Mexico City.)
We enjoyed taking some time to explore this wondrous castle and its exhibits (from ornate carriages to gem-encrusted serving trays) and sauntering through its lovely gardens.
If you’d like to hear stories about the castle and discover its rich history in more depth, here’s an excellent private guided walking tour of the castle (about three hours).
National Museum of Anthropology
Next stop?
The National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia), the grand-daddy of Mexico City’s museums and among the best in the country.
As one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City, it doesn’t disappoint – it masterfully displays Mexico’s history from pre-Columbian times to the Spanish conquest.
Visiting this museum is hands-down one of the top things to do in Mexico City!
We took in eye-popping exhibits, like the gigantic 25-ton Aztec “sun” stone from the 15th century and fearsome Olmec stone heads.
We also learned that the Aztecs centered their empire around present-day Mexico City.
You’ll spend several hours here, before realizing you must move on.
Because, if you’re like us – after a busy day of sightseeing and exploring – you’ll be ready to indulge in a true Mexican-style evening of cocktails and dinner.
Condesa
Introducing… La Condesa! Mexico City’s hub of nightlife and activity.
In the mood to dance the night away? Or do you fancy a relaxing evening tasting fine Mexican cuisine and sipping a fancy margarita at a roof-top bar?
The Condesa neighborhood is where to go for an evening on the town.
Day 3 – Frida Kahlo, Trotsky and Coyoacan
Frida Kahlo Museum
On the third day of your Mexico City visit, we recommend heading straight to the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo).
Also known as La Casa Azul (the Blue House), this museum is located in the Coyoacan borough. And it’s a must-see in Mexico City.
Frida Kahlo has secured her position as one Mexico’s most treasured artists, extending way beyond her marriage to the famous Diego Rivera.
Her art is revered as a celebration of indigenous Mexican culture and for its bold feminism.
Frida’s turbulent personal story is both tragic and fascinating.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Frida’s physical and emotional suffering, as depicted in her series of self-portraits and stunning works.
You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance.
Leon Trotsky’s House
A short walk away you’ll find the Leon Trotsky House Museum (Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky).
Trotsky is famous for being a Russian Marxist revolutionary who sought asylum in Mexico after being exiled from the Soviet Union.
He settled in Coyoacan, in a second home owned by Frida and Diego (and went on to have an affair with Frida). He was later assassinated in Mexico City in 1940.
Visitors are welcomed into his former home, and you can see things just as Trotsky left it. It’s a piece of history well-worth taking the time to enjoy.
Coyoacan
Next, have fun exploring Coyoacan.
One of Mexico City’s most charming neighborhoods, it’s full of eateries with tasty local delicacies and excellent shops.
Need a java hit? Two of the best coffee shops in Mexico City are in Coyoacan.
The itty-bitty Café Avellaneda pours some fantastic specialty coffees.
And Café Negro roasts its own beans and has a cool contemporary vibe (the French press coffee is superb).
The Coyoacan Market (Mercado de Coyoacan) is also an iconic part of the neighborhood.
This local market is the perfect place to pick up Mexican souvenirs and gifts.
Hand-painted figurines, colorful Day of the Dead skulls, wooden Mexican toys. You name it. You’ll find it. Prices are inexpensive, and you can put your bargaining skills to work also.
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Take your time strolling along the stalls, and make sure you stop for a taste of what locals say are the best tostadas in Mexico City.
But save room because you’ll also want to sample Coyoacan’s quesadillas, ceviche and any other tempting treat that catches your eye!
How to visit Coyoacan
A fun way to experience this absolutely delightful neighborhood is to join a bicycle tour of Coyoacan.
Along with pedaling along Coyoacan’s cobblestone streets, this top-rated Mexico City experience includes a guided tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum (with skip-the-line tickets), exploring the market, tasting traditional churros and more.
Do you love Mexican food? Then check out these very yummy (and funny) facts about Mexican food!
If you visit Mexico City on Sunday
Now, what if your 3 days in Mexico City happen to include a Sunday?
Well, then, you’re in luck!
On Sundays, the Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s grandest boulevard, is closed to all car traffic until mid-afternoon – a Mexican tradition that makes it a people-magnet.
And what a spectacle!
On a sunny Sunday morning, we joined the locals thronging the Paseo.
Families pulled their kidlets down the street in wheeled wagons, roller-skaters glided by and teens in sporty clothing rode bicycles, raring to go at the lights.
Red-nosed clowns were out entertaining wee ones.
And there was a group practising yoga.
Oh, and how fun! A crowd of fitness buffs was zumba-dancing to throbbing music.
We also noticed many eco-friendly bicycle stands and rental shacks with modestly-priced rental bikes – and people lined up in front waiting to rent one.
Bicycling as a way of getting around Mexico City is a popular growing phenomenon, and some bike lanes have sprung up in the city too.
The rich assortment of public art along the Paseo de la Reforma vied for our attention as well.
The golden Angel of Independence atop a tall column dominates one grand traffic circle.
And, yes, we could kind of see that the very modern, golden “El Caballito” sculpture looks like a stylized horse.
No doubt about it – the Paseo de la Reforma is one of the best places to visit in Mexico City on a Sunday! (And it’s free too…)
More time? 4-Day Mexico City itinerary
So you actually have more time – lucky you! You’re spending 4 days in Mexico City.
(Or maybe you’ve decided to skip some of the suggestions in our Mexico City trip itinerary and want different ideas on what to do in Mexico City in 3 days.)
Here are a couple of other top places to see in Mexico City…
Polanco
In the northwestern part of the city bordering Chapultepec Park, Polanco is CDMX’s poshest district – the Beverly Hills of Mexico City.
You’ll find beautiful hotels, fine restaurants, theaters and some seriously upscale shops selling museum-quality antiques, fashion-forward clothing and hard-to-find international brands. Your credit card will get a work-out if you let it!
For more cultural Mexico City activities, Polanco is also home to two incredible art museums.
Constructed with 28 curved steel columns, the Museo Soumaya showcases billionaire Carlos Slim’s extensive $700 million art collection of Rodin sculptures and paintings by Van Gogh, Matisse and Monet.
The Museo Jumex displays the largest collection of contemporary art in Latin America, including works by Andy Warhol.
Roma Norte
Remember the 2019 Oscar-winning movie, Roma, from Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron? Roma is the neighborhood depicted in the film.
There are two parts – Roma Norte (Roma North) and Roma Sur (Roma South).
Roma Norte is Mexico City’s hippest hood (though neighboring Condesa may contest this). If you’re looking for cool things to do in CDMX, hit up this hood.
Check out Alvaro Obregon Avenue (Avenida Alvaro Obregon). This street is home to some of Roma Norte’s best cafés, shops, late night bars and taquerias (taco shops).
Don’t miss Panaderia Rosetta for the most scrumptious cakes, pastries and croissants.
Or start your day with chilaquiles or chorizo with eggs and tortillas at Lalo. It’s one of the great breakfast places in the city.
And if you haven’t yet got your fill of museums, hit the Purpose of the Object Museum or MODO (Museo del Objeto).
How did a can of soup end up being museum-worthy? What does a football tell us?
This museum displays more than 100,000 everyday objects dating back to the early 19th century – by looking at them differently, they inspire us to take a second look at life and the way we think.
Day trips from Mexico City
The following are two additional top Mexico City attractions. They make great Mexico City day tours if you have extra days in the city.
Floating gardens of Xochimilco
Ancient canals, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, soaking up the festive atmosphere…
No, it’s not Venice, Italy. It’s Xochimilco, a small city about one hour away from Mexico City’s center.
They say that Xochimilco may be the last existing link to the Aztec civilization.
The Aztecs anchored rafts to the bottom of Lake Xochimilco, and created gardens for growing crops (called chinampas) on top of the rafts.
Willow trees were planted around the edges of the floating gardens to help contain the beds.
Today, the chinampas are used to grow flowers – making Xochimilco one of the most delightful gardens in the world!
Top that with live mariachi music while floating along the canals, and you’ve got yourself a truly magical local experience.
Visiting Xochimilco is something you must do in Mexico City as a day trip if you want a fun local experience!
How to visit Xochiimilco
You can kill two birds with one stone and combine the Day 3 activities with Xochimilco.
This top-rated full-day guided tour (with hotel pick-up in Mexico City) takes you punting down the canals of Xochimilco, as well as to Coyoacan and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Teotihuacan
A day trip to the Teotihuacan pyramids is another highly-recommended option if you have four days in Mexico City.
Also known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacan is the largest and most important pre-Aztec city in Mexico. Located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, it was built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D.
A lot about this marvelous archaeological site – designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 – is still a mystery.
But we do know that the ancient city was home to ornate stone palaces and soaring pyramids. More than 25,000 people lived here.
There are two main pyramids – the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
The trek up to the top isn’t an easy feat. You’ll definitely be huffing and puffing, but it’s totally worth it when you reach the top!
You can either go on your own or book a guided tour at the entrance (or one that leaves from Mexico City).
A tour is definitely the best way to get the full history of the site and appreciate its special significance, but you’ll get a grand view at the top either way!
How to visit Teotihuacan:
From the main bus station in Mexico City, it takes about an hour to reach Teotihuacan.
It gets crowded – and very hot if you’re traveling in the warmer months. So you’re better off getting an early start. Entry starts as early as 7:00 am.
Better yet, beat the crowds and make life easy for yourself by going on a guided early-morning tour leaving from Mexico City.
This excellent tour gets you to Teotihuacan as the sun is rising (before the large tour groups arrive) and includes skip-the-line entry. Afterwards, you stop at an obsidian workshop run by a Teotihuacan family and enjoy a tequila and mezcal tasting too.
Another (fabulous!) option: Soar over Teotihuacan Valley in a hot air balloon! Then visit the pyramids with your feet on the ground.
Where to eat in Mexico City
With all this sightseeing, your tummies will be rumbling – we know ours were!
Luckily, there’s no shortage of amazing places to eat in Mexico City.
Café Tacuba
We highly recommend seeking out a wonderful place we stumbled upon, Café Tacuba, which caught our eye with its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Inside, a treat awaits. It’s an elegant, traditional Mexican restaurant, with female servers outfitted in starched white caps and aprons.
You may find it difficult to narrow down your selection with all of the tasty traditional dishes you’ll find on the menu.
For a hearty snack, we settled on their signature spicy hot chocolate and Mexican chicken sandwich, which were delicious!
Later we discovered the cafe/restaurant is a bit of an institution. There’s even a local band calling itself “Café Tacuba.”
Il Becco Restaurant
Another recommended spot is an Italian restaurant.
Say what? Awesome Italian food in Mexico City? You bet!
If you’re ready for a modern take on Italian cuisine, you must try Il Becco restaurant at the lovely Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a great place to replenish all those calories burned off after a full day of touring.
Part of the high-end Becco group of restaurants in Mexico, Il Becco tickled our taste buds with artichoke-and-pistachio risotto and linguine with lobster.
(Bonus: The bill is less than many Italian restaurants back in Canada or the U.S.)
Restaurante Nicos
For some of the best Mexican dishes like enchiladas and duck mole, try family-owned Restaurante Nicos.
This mother-and-son team has made its mark for consistently delivering excellent service, using only locally-sourced ingredients, and for cooking up delectable traditional food.
Nicos’ owners have kept the restaurant in business for over 60 years.
They were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to Mexican cuisine at Latin America’s Best Restaurants awards in 1998. They also made the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2020 too (and were rated #58 in 2022).
Mercado Roma
For coffee, brunch or tapas, head on over to the Mercado Roma in the happening Roma Norte district.
This modernist three-story gourmet food hall has tons of food stalls selling sushi, quiche, salads, tacos, macarons, churros (like doughnuts) and more from top local restaurants – along with comfortable community seating areas.
The upper floor is a breezy rooftop beer garden.
Quintonil
Located in the upper-class Polanco district, Quintonil has been rated one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for several years now.
Go for the 10-course tasting menu showcasing Mexican cooking with a creative twist.
Think dishes such as charred avocado tartare with ant larvae, roast chicken with macadamia nut mole and burnt corn ice-cream.
Get a table in the garden-like room at the back if you can, and make reservations in advance.
Food tours in Mexico City
You might have gathered by now that Mexico City has an amazing food scene. And one of the best ways to get a taste of its cuisine is to join a walking food tour!
Foodies love this 5-hour downtown food tour, offered by Sabores Mexico Food Tours.
You drink at special cantinas, taste street food, dine at traditional restaurants and explore the interesting Mexican fruits, meat, high-end caviar and seafood at the San Juan Market (Mercado de San Juan).
Where to stay in Mexico City
We stayed at both of the following hotels in Mexico City and can highly recommend them:
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico
In the 5-star category, the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. has been completely renovated and boasts a small outdoor pool.
It’s conveniently located a ten-minute walk from the National Museum of Anthropology.
Read our hotel review: There are many things to love about the Four Seasons Mexico City!
The Red Tree House
The Red Tree House is a lovely, top-rated B&B in the old-world Condesa neighborhood.
It’s one of the most reasonably-priced boutique hotels in Mexico City too.
Its free evening wine hour is a hit with the international mix of guests (as are its rates, which are very reasonable).
Read our hotel review: The Red Tree House is the best B&B in Mexico City.
Best time to visit Mexico City
Because of its high elevation (some 7,400 feet above sea level), the climate in Mexico City tends to be pleasant year-round.
But in winter, it can get chilly, and in summer it rains.
So if you want to visit Mexico City when the weather is the most comfortable, the ideal months are March to May.
With average temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees F, you’ll enjoy Mexico’s glorious warmth without intense heat or rain.
Bonus: In February and March, the Jacaranda trees and lavender flowers bloom, so parks are a palette of purple.
Keep in mind that with great weather comes a bigger tourist crowd.
You won’t have any of the top sites to yourself, but you won’t have to worry about extreme weather putting a damper on your itinerary.
Another good time to go to Mexico City is between October and December, when the weather is also mild and dry.
To avoid frequent rain, don’t plan your trip to Mexico City during the months of July and August.
Other Mexico City travel tips
Here are some other things to know before visiting Mexico City for the first time.
Drink lots of water
We’ve mentioned that Mexico City sits at a high elevation.
While it’s not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people, you could still feel some mild symptoms – slight dizziness, headaches, fatigue and nausea.
Dehydration makes things worse, so drink lots of water.
Also stop and rest on a park bench or in a café if you feel tired. And try to avoid strenuous activity.
Is Mexico City safe?
We’ve already mentioned that, yes, Mexico City is safe – as safe as most major U.S. or Canadian cities.
But just as you would in most places when traveling, you should be mindful of pickpockets and be aware of your surroundings.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the U.S. government travel advisory website for Mexico before going. Here’s the Canadian government website too.
Is there Uber in Mexico City?
Public transportation options for getting around Mexico City include taxis, bus, metro and Uber.
We either walked or took taxis. We were conscious of only taking “official” taxis from designated stands and we agreed on the price before hopping in the cab.
Next time, we’d probably try Uber. We understand Uber works well in Mexico City. Uber is about the same price as taxis, but it has the advantage that you don’t need to have cash on hand.
Final thoughts on spending 3 perfect days in Mexico City
If you’re like us, you’ll be a bit sad leaving CDMX.
Yes, a three-day Mexico City itinerary will let you see and experience many of the vibrant city’s highlights.
But don’t be surprised if it just leaves you wanting more. Every day there, you realize you’re still only barely scratching the surface.
Like, what about having time to explore more of the hip area of Roma? And, wouldn’t it be amazing to visit Mexico City during the Day of the Dead?
And we wish we’d had more time to visit the art museums in Polanco.
So, we leave you on this positive parting note – there’s always next time!
And we hope this itinerary for Mexico City has helped!
Experience more of Mexico!
Cabo San Lucas: From whale watching to hiking up the Pedregal, check out these epic things to do in Los Cabos .
Zihuatanejo: Want a great beach vacay? See the best beaches in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa .
Puerto Vallarta: Where to stay? You’ll love these beautiful boutique hotels in Puerto Vallarta .
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 6, 11, 14, 16 to 19, 22 to 24, 27, 34 to 37 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 48 Il Becco | 49 Restaurant Nicos | 50 Quintonil
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews, insanely useful travel tips and more!
Paulette P.
Tuesday 27th of February 2024
Wow!! I'm doing my research for my travels to Mexico and I found this Mexico City article. So perfect and easy to read and follow through. THANK YOU! I'm designing my trip now. I’ll probably return here to comment back after! I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOUR ADVICE!
Janice and George
Saturday 2nd of March 2024
Glad we could help :-).
Leigh
Thursday 6th of October 2016
I'm just back from the DF myself - loved it, including the Red Tree House!
Janice and George
Thursday 6th of October 2016
Happy to hear you loved Mexico City too! And the Red Tree House -- it's a special place to stay :-).
Daniel W.
Monday 1st of August 2016
That sunstone is spectacular. Didn't realize how big it was till this pic.. I also like the red-nosed clowns. :)
Lily
Thursday 28th of July 2016
What a comprehensive post about Mexico City. This caught my eye as I just met my Mexican friend this morning for coffee and we were talking about the climate and also some interesting places to visit in that country. :) Makes me want to visit.
Janice and George
Thursday 28th of July 2016
You should! Perhaps combine a visit to Mexico City with a beach resort?
Suze
Wednesday 13th of July 2016
Nice to see how everyone is so sporty! I'm impressed at how many museums you crammed in, think I would definitely have to visit Frida Kahlo's house, you must have been sad to miss that
Janice and George
Thursday 14th of July 2016
Yes, the Frida Kahlo Museum (or "Blue House" - where Frida grew up) is in a different district, the pretty suburb of Coyoacán. Nearby in the district of San Angel is the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo - the house where Frida and Diego Rivera lived. People typically visit these museums on a separate day. Next time!