Mexico City Itinerary: What to Do in 4 Days

Planning a Mexico City itinerary can feel overwhelming—there’s just so much to see, eat, and experience. But if you’ve got four days, it’s absolutely possible to hit the highlights and still have time to soak in the atmosphere.

Whether you’re into history, food, art, or just exploring neighborhoods on foot, this guide covers the essential things to see in Mexico City in four days and helps you make the most of your time without burning out.

Four Days in Mexico City: The Ultimate Itinerary

Four days is the ideal amount of time to explore Mexico City without rushing. It allows you to take in the historical heart of the capital, its best museums and landmarks, a couple of day trips, and even some time to just wander and relax. This itinerary is flexible—feel free to swap days or trim it down if you’re short on time. We’ll also include ideas for additional experiences if you’re staying longer.

Mexico City Itinerary Day 1: Old Town & Reforma

Start your adventure in the Centro Histórico, Mexico City’s cultural and political core. Begin at the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by grand colonial buildings, this plaza has been the center of city life since the time of the Aztecs. The square is best reached via the Zócalo metro station (Line 2), which leaves you right next to the action.

Next, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), located on the north side of the Zócalo. This massive structure blends baroque, neoclassical, and Mexican churrigueresque styles and is the largest cathedral in Latin America. Admission is free, and it opens at 8 AM.

Right behind the cathedral is the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the Aztec main temple of Tenochtitlán. You’ll find a small but excellent museum on-site that gives great context to the pre-Hispanic city. Tickets cost about 95 MXN (around 5.50 USD), and it’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

From there, head east on Calle Moneda and walk toward Palacio Nacional, home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals. Entry is free, but you need to bring an ID to get in. It’s best visited earlier in the day to avoid long queues.

Next, walk along pedestrian-only Calle Madero, filled with shops, street performers, and colonial architecture. It leads you to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an iconic white-marble concert hall and cultural center. While you can admire it from the outside, stepping inside to see the stained glass curtain and murals is highly recommended.

Just north of Bellas Artes is Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico City’s traditional mariachi hub. It’s worth stopping by in the afternoon or early evening to catch a live performance or visit the Tequila and Mezcal Museum located in the square. It’s one of the most colorful spots in the city and offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican music culture.

Right next door is the Torre Latinoamericana, a 44-story skyscraper once Latin America’s tallest building. Head to the top for panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding mountains. Admission is around 180 MXN (approximately 10 USD), and the observation deck is open daily.

For lunch, we recommend Mercado de San Juan, a short walk from Bellas Artes. This traditional market is known for its gourmet ingredients, but you’ll also find excellent tacos, tortas, and aguas frescas.

After lunch, take a stroll through Alameda Central, Mexico City’s oldest public park, located just west of Bellas Artes. With sculptures, fountains, and shade trees, it’s a great place to unwind.

Wrap up your day in the Paseo de la Reforma area. This wide avenue was inspired by European boulevards and connects many of the city’s major landmarks. Walk toward the Monumento a la Revolución, an enormous triumphal arch with a panoramic elevator and museum about the Mexican Revolution.

If you still have energy, walk or take a quick Uber to the Angel of Independence (El Ángel), another iconic monument. It’s especially striking at sunset.

Cap off your night with dinner in the Reforma area—there are plenty of options ranging from street food to upscale dining. Try Contramar or Limosneros for something special, or grab tacos al pastor at El Huequito.

CDMX Itinerary Day 2: Chapultepec & Polanco

Begin day two at Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere. It’s easiest to enter from the Chapultepec metro station (Line 1) or by walking from the nearby Reforma area. The park opens early, and mornings are ideal for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Start with Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), perched atop a hill and offering sweeping views of the city. Once an imperial palace and presidential residence, today it houses the National History Museum. Entry costs around 90 MXN (5 USD), and you’ll want to allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the exhibits and grounds.

Descending back into the park, continue to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico’s most renowned museum. Its collection spans pre-Columbian cultures, from the Olmecs and Mayans to the Aztecs. Admission is 95 MXN (5.50 USD), and it opens at 9 AM. Allocate at least two hours here—or more if you’re a museum buff.

Afterward, take a leisurely walk north toward the Lago de Chapultepec, where you can relax by the water or rent a paddle boat. This is a great spot to take a breather before moving on.

For lunch, head to Polanco, just north of Chapultepec Park. It’s an upscale neighborhood known for luxury shopping, leafy avenues, and some of the city’s best restaurants. From the Anthropology Museum, it’s a 15–20 minute walk or a short Uber ride.

Try Pujol if you’re after one of the top fine-dining experiences in the city (reservations needed well in advance), or El Turix for delicious, no-fuss Yucatecan tacos.

In the afternoon, explore Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Mexico City’s answer to Rodeo Drive, or stroll through Parque Lincoln, a shaded park surrounded by art galleries and cafés.

Wrap up your day with a visit to Museo Soumaya, an eye-catching modern museum funded by billionaire Carlos Slim. Admission is free, and the building itself is worth the trip. Across the plaza, you’ll also find the Museo Jumex, dedicated to contemporary art.

End your evening in Polanco with a nightcap at a rooftop bar like Cityzen, or grab a dessert from one of the area’s many bakeries before heading back to your hotel.

Mexico City Itinerary Day 3: Coyoacán & Xochimilco

Start your day in the south of Mexico City with a visit to Coyoacán, one of the city’s most picturesque and historically rich neighborhoods. From the city center, you can take Metro Line 3 to Viveros/Derechos Humanos and walk 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride to the heart of Coyoacán. Begin your exploration at the Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), the artist’s childhood home filled with personal items, paintings, and memorabilia. Tickets should be booked in advance due to high demand. Entry costs around 250 MXN (~13 USD). Allocate at least an hour to fully explore the museum.

Next, wander over to the Coyoacán Plaza and Jardín Centenario, a beautiful public square surrounded by cafés, colonial-era buildings, and artisan markets. Just nearby is the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a 16th-century church with a striking baroque facade and tranquil courtyard. For lunch, try a traditional meal at Los Danzantes, known for its modern take on Mexican classics, or grab a quick bite at the Coyoacán Market, where you can sample tostadas, churros, or fresh fruit juices.

In the early afternoon, if you’re a fan of Mexican art and gardens, consider an optional stop at the Museo Dolores Olmedo, located in the neighborhood of La Noria. It’s best reached by taxi or ride-share from Coyoacán (around 25 minutes). The museum houses works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and is set in a colonial estate surrounded by peacocks and Xoloitzcuintli dogs. Entry is 100 MXN (~5 USD).

Later, make your way to the iconic Xochimilco Canals, about 30–40 minutes by taxi from Coyoacán or La Noria. This UNESCO-listed site offers a glimpse into the remnants of the Aztec lake system and is famous for its colorful trajineras (flat-bottomed boats). You can rent a boat for around 500–600 MXN per hour (~26–32 USD), and it’s a great idea to bring snacks or hire on-board mariachis for a festive ride. The Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas is one of the most popular docks to start your experience.

Wrap up your day with a leisurely float along the canals as the sun sets, enjoying music, food, and drinks in a truly unique setting that showcases the vibrant spirit of Mexico City.

CDMX Itinerary Day 4: Explore Condesa & Roma Norte

Now that you’ve covered the city’s most iconic landmarks, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the more relaxed, bohemian neighborhoods of Roma Norte and La Condesa. These adjacent areas are known for their leafy streets, beautiful early 20th-century architecture, art galleries, bookstores, and some of the city’s trendiest cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Start your morning in Parque México, the green heart of Condesa. Framed by art deco buildings and shaded by jacaranda trees, this peaceful park is a great place to ease into the day. Just a few blocks away, Parque España offers more shaded walkways and sculptures.

Continue your stroll through Condesa’s Avenida Ámsterdam, a circular avenue lined with boutiques and bakeries. Then head to Roma Norte, making sure to pass by Plaza Río de Janeiro, one of the area’s most photogenic squares. Art lovers should check out local spaces like Galería OMR or Casa Lamm, both showcasing contemporary Mexican artists.

For lunch, stop at Mercado Medellín, a bustling indoor market known for its Latin American food stalls, fresh produce, and Colombian and Cuban delicacies. It’s less touristy than other markets and offers a very local feel.

In the afternoon, walk down Alvaro Obregón Avenue, where you’ll find independent bookstores, vintage shops, and specialty coffee spots. You can also grab a drink at a rooftop bar or relax in a cozy café.

End your day with dinner at one of Roma’s standout restaurants. Options include Rosetta for upscale Italian-Mexican fusion or Máximo Bistrot for a seasonal tasting menu. For a more casual vibe, Contramar is a seafood favorite.

These neighborhoods showcase a different side of CDMX—laid-back, creative, and effortlessly cool.

More Ideas for a Perfect Four-Day Mexico City Itinerary

If you have more time in Mexico City or want to personalize your four-day itinerary, there are plenty of other things to do and see that can round out your experience. From lesser-known museums to cultural neighborhoods and outdoor escapes, these additional plans offer something for every interest.

1. Take a Day Trip to Teotihuacán
Roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is home to one of the most impressive ancient sites in the Americas. The sprawling archaeological zone features the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Avenue of the Dead, among other pre-Columbian marvels. You can get there by bus from Terminal del Norte (about 1.5 hours) or book an organized tour that includes transport and a guide.

2. Visit the Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL)
Located just steps from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, this museum showcases an extensive collection of Mexican art from the 16th to the mid-20th century. It’s housed in a beautiful neoclassical building and offers a deeper look into Mexico’s artistic history.

3. Explore San Ángel on a Saturday
If your trip includes a weekend, head to San Ángel for the Bazar del Sábado. This upscale market offers high-quality crafts, art, and jewelry in a picturesque colonial setting. It’s also a great area to enjoy traditional food and quiet cobbled streets.

4. Attend a Lucha Libre match
Experience a live lucha libre wrestling match at Arena México, usually held on Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday nights. It’s fun, loud, and completely unique to Mexican pop culture. Tickets are affordable, and it’s best to go with a guide or group.

5. Take a street food tour
CDMX is one of the best cities in the world for street food. Joining a guided tour is a great way to try a curated selection of tacos, tamales, quesadillas, and sweets while learning about the vendors and the history of the dishes.

6. Hike or bike in the Ajusco National Park
Just an hour south of the city center, Ajusco offers hiking trails, pine forests, and viewpoints at over 3,900 meters above sea level. It’s a good way to escape the city bustle and enjoy Mexico’s mountain landscapes.

7. Visit the Museo Anahuacalli
Founded by Diego Rivera to house his collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, this volcanic-stone museum in Coyoacán feels like a Mesoamerican temple. Its unique architecture and curated exhibits make it a memorable and off-the-beaten-path cultural stop.

These extra ideas can help you tailor your Mexico City travel plan to your interests—whether you’re into art, food, outdoor adventure, or local traditions.