The Perfect Weekend in Mexico City (3, 4, 5 Day Itineraries)

Planning a trip to Mexico City but only have a few days? Since the city is so large, you might think there’s no way to see much over a short stay or just a weekend. However, if you plan strategically and stay in the area closest to the majority of the things you want to do you can see quite a lot.

And while I always recommend spending more than just a weekend in the city if possible, a Mexico City weekend is a good way to get your feet wet in one of the biggest and best cities on the planet. Here’s how to do it plus a bonus 3, 4 and 5 day bonus itinerary.

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Why Everyone Needs a Weekend in Mexico City

I fell in love with Mexico City when I was 15 years old on a high school Spanish class field trip. As someone born in Alabama, I was instantly fascinated with the city and the new things I was seeing. Back home, I’m sure I drove everyone crazy talking about Mexico all the time. And here I am, all these years later still talking about it.

That’s because Mexico City is still one of my favorite cities. It’s one of those cities like New York or Chicago that everyone should visit at least once. It’s a melting pot of people, cultures and history and is unlike any other city in the western hemisphere.

To get the most out of your weekend in Mexico City, it’s important to be realistic about what you can see and do in a short amount of time. Planning ahead and prioritizing a few must-see experiences will help you avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Mexico City is full of surprises, and its streets are made for exploring, so be sure to leave room in your itinerary for wandering, people-watching and stopping to take photos along the way.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City traffic can be a beast, but staying in the neighborhood closest to most of the things you want to see and do will help you make the most of your time. Being centrally located allows you to walk more and spend less time sitting in traffic or waiting on rideshares.

From budget-friendly options to upscale hotels, Mexico City has no shortage of charming neighborhoods to choose from. For a weekend in Mexico City – or if it’s your first visit – I recommend staying in the Historic Center. This is where you’ll find the city’s largest town square, the Zócalo, which serves as the heart of Mexico City.

The Historic Center is safe, pedestrian-friendly, and incredibly convenient for shopping, people-watching and soaking in the city’s energy. Many of the highlights that make Mexico City such a great destination can be found within just a few blocks, making it an ideal base for a short stay.

Southerner Says: it’s also easy to access the Mexico City metro train from the historic center. I personally have only been on the train a couple of times so unfortunately I can’t give much advice.

Just a couple of blocks from the Zocalo, Hotel Catedral is a convenient, mid-range priced option (average $65USD). The hotel is close enough to the action but tucked far enough out of the way to avoid some of the noise and crowds.

Hotel Catedral’s street facing rooms have small balconies and the ones in the rear have views of the top of the cathedral and the other historic buildings in the area. The bathrooms are a nice size and even have bathtubs. Something you don’t see very often in Mexico.

A generous complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. And breakfast in Mexico is not your usual doughy waffles and fake eggs that you get in the states. It’s a meal with real eggs, chilaquiles and fresh squeezed juices.

Plus, there’s no need to worry if you don’t speak Spanish since the hotel has English speaking staff and a concierge to assist with your stay. Since I was there last, they’ve updated the rooms and added an outdoor terrace for dining.

Weekend in Mexico City – Day 1

Morning – I’ll say it again and again – the best way to really get to know a city is by walking and just wandering around. Once you arrive to Mexico City and check into the hotel, hit the ground running – literally – by taking a free guided walking tour of the historic center.

The tour last about two hours and is available in Spanish and English. Also, it may be free but don’t forget to tip your guide. There are also plenty of other organized tours. I’ve linked to some 5 star experiences below.

If you prefer to do your own thing, it’s super easy to create a walking tour. With so much to do around the Zocalo, it’s easy to make your own plan. I made a Google Map at the bottom of the page with all the activities in this article. Also my things to do in Mexico City list is another good resource, especially for first-timers.

The biggest standout in the Zocalo is the Metropolitan Cathedral, so start your weekend in Mexico there. It’s the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America. As you walk around it, you’ll notice the different architecture styles since it’s been expanded over the years.

And if the building seems to be a little off kilter, that’s because it is. Mexico City was built on a lake and some of the buildings sink a little bit every year.

Southerner Says: Because it’s an active place of worship, be sure to dress modestly and maintain a respectful attitude during your visit.

From the Cathedral, move on to the Templo Mayor, the site of Ancient Aztec ruins. When the Spaniards conquered Tenochtitlan – as the city was called back then – they wanted to erase all traces of the Aztecs, so they built everything on top of the previous city.

Historians were aware of this for years, but little was done until the 1970s, when construction workers made a major archaeological discovery. Since then, the area has been under ongoing excavation. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the ancient city through a network of walkways that wind through the ruins, along with a small on-site museum.

After spending the morning exploring the Historic Center and its archaeological sites, it’s a good time to take a break and refuel. Take advantage of your central location and grab lunch on the go from one of the many food carts around the Zócalo. Street food was born in Mexico City, and it’s everywhere – you’ll find everything from tacos and elotes to sopes and even hamburgers at all hours of the day.

For a true Mexico City experience, you have to give it a try, but start slow and don’t overdo it on your first day while you’re acclimating to the altitude and a new country.

Afternoon – After lunch, continue exploring the Historic Center by visiting the nearby National Palace and Museum. The site has been a seat of power since the time of the Aztecs and is still used for many ceremonial functions today.

From the balcony, the president commemorates Mexico’s call to war and rebellion against Spain every September 15th. Inside, the palace houses a museum filled with stunning art and wall frescoes by the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera.

Once you leave the palace, head west on Calle 16 de Septiembre, where you’ll pass by what is possibly the most beautiful hotel in the city – the Gran Hotel de Ciudad Mexico. Take a moment to admire the stunning ceilings and fancy architecture, which have even appeared in movies and television. You don’t need to linger, but it’s definitely one of the highlights of the Historic Center.

If you aren’t quite ready for dinner yet but want a little something to snack on, walk over a couple of blocks to La Opera, one of the oldest bars in Mexico City. Opened by two French brothers in 1876, the rich and famous have been drinking and dining there for years. Even Pacho Villa was a loyal customer and supposedly there’s a bullet hole to prove it.

When you order a drink in Mexico City, it’s customary to be served una botana – a small bite to eat, similar to tapas or an appetizer. What counts as a botana can vary depending on the spot. The last time I visited La Opera, for example, it was refried beans served with chips.

Leaving the bar, continue west on Calle 16 de Septiembre until you reach Calle Lazaro Cardenas, then head north to see the gorgeous Casa de Azulejos. Azulejo – meaning tile in Spanish – is fitting since the entire exterior of the “house” is covered with incredible tiles from the Mexican state of Puebla.

What was once a private home is now part of Grupo Sanborns, a well-known chain of Mexican department stores. Inside Casa de Azulejos, you’ll find a Sanborns store as well as a restaurant set around a stunning stained-glass-covered courtyard.

If you’re in the mood for something more casual, there’s also counter service in the back – but don’t worry, the dishes are just as delicious and served on the signature blue-and-white china. Make sure to try the enchiladas suizas – you won’t be disappointed. The restaurant even has a rooftop with fantastic views of the city, perfect for sunset.

Evening – After a full day of walking, give your feet a much deserved break by taking a tour of the city on the Turibus. This fun double-decker bus is a fantastic way to see more of the city on your weekend in Mexico City. If you wait until dark for the tour you’ll have the opportunity to see the city in lights. It’s a completely different perspective from how it looks in the daytime.

The Turibus offers several tour routes to choose from but the route that includes La Reforma, Mexico City’s wide main road through the downtown, is ideal for viewing all the illuminated monuments and statues along the route. Tickets can be purchased in person in the historic center at the kiosk by the cathedral or you can purchase them online here.

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After the tour, if you’re ready for a little adventure, head to the hidden Zinco Jazz Club, tucked behind an unassuming door. This cozy spot, perfect for a cocktail to unwind, is located in an old bank and feels more like a speakeasy than a traditional club. Once inside, you descend a set of steps into the bar, which was once the bank’s vault – a unique setting that adds to the club’s charm.

Zinco offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails – I tried the mezcalini, made with mezcal and tamarind, which was perfectly smoky and sweet, a great way to cap off the day. Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday or Saturday nights. There’s no cover charge unless a special event or band is performing, so be sure to check their website for the latest musical lineup.

Weekend in Mexico City – Day 2

Morning – Day Two of your weekend in Mexico City starts with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Be sure to lace up your walking shoes – Mexico City is home to more than 150 museums, and today’s itinerary includes a few of them. Even if you’re not usually a museum-goer, you’re sure to find something that captures your interest.

For a stunner on the inside and out, check out Museo Soumaya at Plaza Carzo. It’s ideal if you don’t want to spend a lot of time indoors because the archquetecture on the outside is as good as the activities and what’s inside.

Built by one of Mexico’s wealthiest businessmen as a gift for his wife, the museum has a strikingly unique shape, and its six stories are covered in 16,000 shimmering aluminum tiles. You could easily spend an entire day photographing it from every angle.

Museo Soumaya features permanent and temporary art exhibits with an ever-changing rotation of shows and events. The last time I there, they was a interactive musical featuring traditional Mexican dances and dresses. Best of all, the museum is free to enter.

For a mid-morning or lunch time snack, stop off for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and churros at Mexico City’s most famous churrería – el Moro. There are several locations throughout the city but the store in Polanco in right on the way to the next stop.

Afternoon – Spend the afternoon exploring Chapultepec Park, the most beautiful green space in the city, often called the “lungs of Mexico City” in a metropolis known for its smog and pollution.

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest green spaces in Mexico City, offering a welcome escape from the concrete and hustle of the city. Its forested areas are perfect for strolling, and within the park you’ll find a zoo, the opulent Chapultepec Castle, multiple museums, botanical gardens, public art, restaurants and much more.

My favorite museum in the park is the Museum of Anthropology, which houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican art and showcases the diverse peoples who have inhabited Mexico City. It’s a must-see on any weekend visit, offering insight into the history and culture that make this city so remarkable.

But even more than the museum, my favorite spot in the park is a hidden gem that many visitors miss: Diego Rivera’s El Agua, Origen de la Vida (Water, Origin of Life). This unique work combines sculpture and an underwater mural, depicting Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain, at the site of one of the city’s hydraulic structures in the Dolores Cárcamo Museum.

Mexico City’s water system is one of the largest manmade water supply networks in the world, providing water to millions of residents. Rivera’s art at this site was created to honor that vital resource and highlight the importance of water as the origin of life.

In 2010, the sculpture received an additional layer of artistry when Ariel Guzik installed a sound box that uses the white noise of flowing water, wind and sunlight to create a dynamic sound interpretation of these natural elements – making this hidden corner of Chapultepec Park truly the best part.

For more info about the park, check out my friend Cassie’s article about the sculpture here.

Southerner Says: there’s a restaurant built into the evening itinerary below but If you prefer to eat in the park, Del Bosque is a lovely restaurant on one of Chapultepec’s lakes.

Evening – Return to the historic center in time for dinner. Just a few blocks from your hotel and the Zocalo is Cafe de Tacuba. This timeless Mexico City restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican food since 1912. It’s a beautiful space to enjoy a typical Mexican meal after a busy day.

Next, you can’t have a weekend in Mexico City without visiting one of the prettiest buildings in Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes. In fact, you’ve probably already seen photos of it online or on Instagram.

The Palace of Fine Arts is the cultural center in Mexico City and the inside features more art by Diego Rivera and others. Additionally the palace has seasonal events and programs, with one of the most popular being the long running Ballet Folklorico.

This beautifully produced show tells the story of the Mexica and indigenous people of Mexico. Full of music, dances and exotic costumes – it’s an amazing production.

For a nightcap and a stunning view of the city, make one last stop of the day at the Mirador Torre Latinoamerica. This iconic tower was once the tallest building in Mexico City. Even though there are taller building now, because of its location, the Latin-American Tower still has one of the most impressive views in all the city.

There are a couple of options to get to the top. For entrance to the viewing deck on the 44th floor only, tickets can be purchased for just that activity. However, the best way to enjoy the views take advantage of the restaurant on the 41st floor or the bar on the 40th where guests can dine and drink in without a ticket. Reservations are required.

Weekend in Mexico City – Day 3 (Bonus)

Since a three days in Mexico City is even better than just a weekend, here are my recommendations for what to do in that timeframe. Note: most museums are closed on Monday and many Mexican holidays fall on Monday so planning is important.

Day 3 – After spending two days in the city, why not head out of town and visit what in my opinion is the most impressive archeological site in Mexico – the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Located approximately twenty-five miles from the city, in the state of Mexico, Teotihuacan tops my list of things to do near the city and is a perfect add on to a weekend in Mexico City.

Teotihuacan is one of the most architecturally significant finds in all of Mexico and is the largest pre-Columbian city. Because of its importance, it’s also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city contains many structures and smaller pyramids but the star is the stunning Pyramid of the Sun – the largest of the structures found here and the third largest pyramid in the world.

Way back when, on my first trip to Mexico City, there was hardly anything else in the area but the pyramids. Much has changed in recent years. More tourists means more attractions and more things to do around the site. Personally I don’t think it’s necessary to add anything to such a amazing place but visitors who want more, have the opportunity to see the pyramids from above on a hot air balloon ride.

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To make a day of it, visit the small town of San Juan Teotihuacan. This small town has plenty of shopping and is a great stop to take a break for lunch or dinner after visiting the pyramids.

One nearby restaurant I highly recommend is La Gruta. In Spanish, gruta means grotto or cave – and it’s fitting because it’s located inside a natural cave in the area. The setting is stunning, making it one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. And don’t miss the corn cake dessert – it’s absolutely delicious.

If you plan to visit Teotihuacan on a day trip from Mexico City, you can go by bus, organized tour or even Uber. Of course, if you have a car, you can also drive. To travel by bus, check out bus schedules by downloading the Rome 2 Rio app. This app is one of the 5 essential apps I use when I travel to Mexico. Or book a tour via Viator.

Visiting the pyramids can be done as a half day excursion if you leave early but I recommend an all day outing. The site is very large and involves a lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and put on sunscreen.

More Weekend in Mexico City Ideas

If you find yourself in Mexico City for a few more days, here’s some other things I recommend:

• Day 4 – explore the Coyoacán neighborhood and visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House.
• Day 5 – visit some of the markets around the city or take boat ride at the floating gardens of Xochimilco. My friend Cassie has an excellent article about visiting Xochimilco too.

My Final Thoughts on a Weekend in Mexico City

One thing for certain is there’s always something to do in Mexico City and in the historic center especially. Throughout the year and seasons, you’ll find special events and activities not to mention plenty of street entertainment and music.

Since Mexico City is so large and there’s so much to do, you might feel pressured to pack a lot into your trip. And that’s highly understandable. However, fight that feeling a bit and make some time to just walk around and enjoy and soak it all up. I’m betting you’ll fall in love with Mexico City as much as I did.

See you on the road!