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Planning a trip to Mexico City? We’re here to help you plan an unforgettable adventure!
Mexico City is one of the world’s largest and most exciting capitals. It’s brimming with art, history, and incredible food, but with so much on offer, we didn’t know where to start when we first visited! Fortunately, we’ve gotten to know the city well since then, and now we’ve put together a fun and easy-to-follow 3-day itinerary that hits the highlights while leaving room for local experiences.
So buckle up, because we’ve prepared the perfect 3 days that will ensure you get to sample tons of street food, admire ancient ruins, and understand what makes Mexico City so special. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Mexico City was this Aztec Ruins Tour! It made exploring Teotihuacan and the Basilica of Guadalupe so easy. Everything from transport to entry tickets was handled!
Itinerary Overview
Mexico City is huge, but getting around is easier than you might think. The city is well-connected, and for most travelers, ride-hailing apps like Uber and DiDi are the simplest and safest way to get from one spot to another. The metro is also fast and incredibly affordable, though it can get crowded during rush hours, so plan accordingly.
If you prefer above-ground public transport, the metrobus and trolleybus are reliable alternatives that make it easy to see the city as you travel. With these options, you can focus on exploring the sights instead of stressing about how to get around.
Day 1: Start your Mexico City adventure with a private guided tour to get an insider’s look at the city’s top sights before spending the afternoon exploring at your own pace. In the evening, join a fun bar crawl and get ready for tacos, drinks, and maybe even a Lucha Libre wrestling show!
Day 2: Choose between a tour of the colorful streets of Coyoacán and Xochimilco or a visit to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Back in the city, enjoy a classic Mexican dinner and finish the night with drinks and views at a rooftop terrace.
Day 3: Spend the morning exploring museums and cultural hotspots, then embark on a food tour before wrapping up your trip with live music and drinks in the vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood.
Day 1
Morning – Explore Mexico City with a private guide
When you’ve just arrived in Mexico City, there’s no better way to kick off your trip than with a private, customizable sightseeing tour led by a local. This experience gives you a personalized introduction to the city that’s totally tailored to your interests, including history, culture, and hidden corners.
We recommend booking the 4-hour option and starting at 9 am so you have time to grab breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café before heading out. Your guide meets you right at your hotel, which saves you the hassle of navigating the busy streets on your own to find your meeting point.
From there, you’ll set off to explore Mexico City’s most iconic and vibrant areas. Depending on what interests you the most, you might stroll through the Centro Histórico, wander through Coyoacán’s colorful cobblestone streets, and visit La Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo lived!
Along the way, your guide will share stories that bring the city to life, introduce you to local snacks, and offer insider recommendations for where to eat, shop, and explore later in your trip. Because this tour is fully customizable, no two experiences are the same—you set the pace and focus on what excites you most.
It’s the perfect way to get your bearings in Mexico City and see the city through the eyes of a local who truly loves it!
Book this customizable private tour here, with free cancellation!
Lunch – Buenos Díaz Cafetería
There’s a decent amount of walking involved on this morning’s tour, so by the end, around 1 pm, you’ll be ready to refuel. Luckily, Buenos Díaz Cafetería is just an 8-minute walk from where the tour ends, and there’s something for everyone at this popular brunch spot. Since you’ll be diving into tacos later this evening, this is a great chance to try something different—like their chilaquiles porfis (fried tortilla chips in red salsa).
Afternoon – Explore on your own
After your morning tour and a leisurely lunch, you’ll likely wrap up around 2:30 pm—perfect timing for a few hours of exploring before your evening plans. This part of Mexico City is full of interesting spots to wander, shop, and soak up the atmosphere. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your afternoon:
- Explore Alameda Central – This leafy park is perfect for a relaxed post-lunch wander, and it’s just a 10-minute stroll from Buenos Díaz. Don’t miss the small but fascinating Museo Mural Diego Rivera nearby, which is home to Rivera’s famous ‘Dream of a Sunday Afternoon’ mural in Alameda Park. Entry is cash only, about 45 pesos (around $2.50 USD).
- Go shopping – Right beside the park, Barrio Alameda is a beautifully restored 1920s building that is now a creative hub filled with independent boutiques and rooftop bars. It’s a great place to shop for locally made jewelry and art prints, and maybe enjoy a coffee with a view!
- Take in city views from Mirador Torre Latino – If you didn’t catch it during your morning tour, head up to the 44th floor of Mirador Torre Latino. This iconic skyscraper for panoramic views across the city. It’s especially stunning in the late afternoon when the skyline glows in the golden light.
- Coffee break – If you want a dose of history along with your caffeine fix, Café de Tacuba just oozes with its ornate interiors and timeless atmosphere! But if you prefer somewhere quieter and more modern, Café Nin nearby serves up excellent coffee and pastries in a calmer setting.
Late Afternoon/Evening – Lucha Libre
Tonight, get ready for a truly unforgettable evening. In fact, this 3-hour experience promises the best night ever—literally, that’s the name of the tour! And it certainly lives up to the name by combining tacos, drinks, and the unbeatable excitement of Lucha Libre.
You’ll likely start around 6 to 7 pm at a taqueria to sample some of Mexico City’s best tacos, then move on to a cantina for a tequila or mezcal tasting. You can even try pulque, a traditional fermented drink made from agave sap. I’ll admit that it’s not my favorite, but it’s definitely worth trying for yourself!
Of course, the highlight of the night is the Lucha Libre show. I mean, you can’t go to Mexico City without seeing some Mexican wrestling! It’s even better when you go with a guide because you get an introduction to the wrestlers and rules, which makes it easier to follow along.
This tour runs on set days: Tuesday at 6 pm, Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:30 pm. So, if your first day in the city doesn’t match one of those, just swap it with another evening or afternoon in your itinerary. The meeting point also changes depending on the day, but you’ll get all the details in an email before the tour, so planning is a breeze.
Check the schedule carefully before booking to pick the time that works best for you. Trust me, it’s worth the effort because this high-energy evening is the ultimate way to spend a night in Mexico City—there’s a reason it has 1,000+ 5-star reviews!
Ready for an epic night out? Book this unforgettable tour here!
Related Read: Want to learn more about this unforgettable experience? Check out our full guide to the best Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City here to find the one that fits your travel style best!
Day 2
Mexico City has so much to see that today we’re giving you two great options, depending on your interests. If you’re drawn to art and culture, then this Coyoacán and Xochimilco tour is a fantastic choice. You’ll explore the canals of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera boat, visit the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, and step inside the famous Frida Kahlo Museum!
If you’re more interested in ancient history and archaeology, this Teotihuacan tour will take you beyond the city to explore the awe-inspiring pyramids of this ancient Aztec site. It’s a great way to experience a completely different side of Mexico. Both are full-day tours, and they each offer hotel pickup and a seamless experience. The only difficult part is deciding which one to book!
Option 1: Explore iconic Coyoacán and Xochimilco
Coyoacán is one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, and the colorful canal network of Xochimilco is a must-see in Mexico City, which is why we love this full-day tour combining both! It’s the ultimate mix of art, history, and local culture, giving you a real sense of the city’s creative heart and festive spirit all in one day.
If you want the most complete way to experience Coyoacán and Xochimilco, we highly recommend booking the full experience tour with museum access and lunch. It delivers such a well-rounded experience, and it means you don’t have to worry about logistics!
The tour departs around 7:50 am, and hotel pickup is included. It lasts about 9 hours, so you’ll likely be back in the city by 5 pm. The day kicks off with a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Coyoacán, where you’ll learn all about the colorful neighborhood that inspired Frida Kahlo before visiting Casa Azul, her former home!
You’ll also pass by the National University to see its famous murals—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s an often-overlooked gem. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch and then spend a fun afternoon floating along the Xochimilco canals.
By the end of the day, you’ll feel like you’ve seen two completely different sides of Mexico City—the artistic soul of Coyoacán and the lively, local energy of Xochimilco!
Read over 5,000 glowing reviews and book this tour here!
Option 2: Visit the ancient Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan
If you’re looking for one of the most memorable day trips from Mexico City, this Aztec ruins tour is the one to book. We went on this exact tour and loved how effortless it made the whole experience because everything from transport to entry tickets was handled for us! For that reason, we strongly recommend booking the full experience tour with lunch for the most fun and relaxed day out.
The tour starts at 7:30 am and lasts for roughly 9 hours, wrapping up around 4:30 pm. The first stop is Tlatelolco, where you’ll walk through what was once the busiest Aztec market. Then it’s on to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most sacred places in Mexico, where a cloak with the Virgin’s image is still on display.
The highlight of the day, though, is Teotihuacan, the legendary “City of the Gods.” For me, wandering down the Avenue of the Dead and standing beneath the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon was a total pinch-me moment! We also made a fun stop for a tequila, mezcal, and pulque tasting, which was a great icebreaker with the group.
This tour is a long day, but it’s absolutely worth it. It was easily one of our favorite experiences in Mexico! And we’re not the only ones who loved it because it has a whopping 9,000+ 5-star reviews!
Secure your spot on this popular tour here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – El Cardenal
For dinner tonight, head to El Cardenal Alameda, one of Mexico City’s most beloved traditional restaurants. It’s located right off Alameda Central, near the Diego Rivera Mural Museum, and it has been serving elevated Mexican cuisine since 1969.
We love this place because it doesn’t feel super touristy. It’s always buzzing because it attracts its fair share of visitors, sure, but it’s also the kind of place where locals come for big family gatherings. The atmosphere is unmatched!
The menu here celebrates dishes from across Mexico and has been carefully designed to showcase regional flavors. There are so many mouth-watering options available, but I think that the enchiladas suizas are my favorite. It’s a tough call, though.
We recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends, because this is a popular spot. However, if it does slip your mind, it’s still worth stopping by and trying to get a table. The staff are really friendly and they’ll always do their best to fit you in!
Evening – Relax with a view at Terraza Catedral
After dinner, head to Terraza Catedral for a relaxed end to the evening. It’s just a 7-minute taxi ride from El Cardenal, so it’s easy to get here. It’s a rooftop bar that overlooks the Metropolitan Cathedral and main square, which look especially striking once they’re lit up at night!
The atmosphere is lively without feeling hectic, and the drinks list includes excellent mezcal cocktails and local beers. If you’re still a little peckish after dinner, they’ve also got some creative small plates on offer. This is the perfect spot to unwind with a drink and enjoy the city lights.
Related Read: Want to explore beyond the city limits? Don’t miss our full guide to the best tours and day trips from Mexico City here—it’s the perfect addition to any itinerary.
Day 3
Breakfast – Cafe La Pagoda
Start your morning at Café La Pagoda, a classic 24-hour diner just a short walk from Alameda Central. This retro spot has been serving locals since the 1960s, and it still feels wonderfully unchanged with its tiled floors and chrome counters. Safe to say, we fell in love with it straight away!
The menu is full of comforting Mexican breakfast favorites, from molletes topped with refried beans and cheese to a refreshing fruit salad. Do keep in mind that we’ve got a food tour around midday today, so perhaps don’t go for anything too heavy!
Morning – Museums and libraries
After breakfast, take the morning at your own pace and explore a bit more of Mexico City before your food tour begins. You’ll have a couple of hours to spare, so here are two great nearby options depending on your interests:
- Museo Franz Mayer – This peaceful museum is just steps away from Alameda Central. It’s housed in a former monastery and showcases a refined collection of decorative arts, from intricate ceramics and silverwork to folk art. It opens at 10 am Tuesday through Sunday, so it’s perfect for a relaxed late-morning visit, and you’ll want about 45–60 minutes here to explore and grab a coffee in the lovely courtyard café.
- Biblioteca de México – Book lovers should make a beeline for this epic library and check out its soaring shelves. It opens early at 8:30 am, and if you have extra time, you can stop by the Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, which opens at 10 am, to find locally made souvenirs.
Lunch/Afternoon – Taste your way through Mexico City
Mexico City’s food scene is legendary, and this 5-hour guided food tour through the historic center is one of the best ways to experience it. It starts at 12 pm, taking you through bustling streets, traditional markets, and hidden gems that locals love. Along the way, you’ll stop at classic cantinas and beloved street vendors who whip up some of the city’s most iconic dishes.
When we joined this tour, we tried everything from fresh ceviche tostadas to plantain empanadas. The food alone was pretty fantastic, but what made it even better was that everything we tried came with a story attached. I always love learning about how certain dishes came to be, and I was fascinated to hear about how some of today’s street food favorites have been adapted from ancient Aztec recipes.
For me, the standout stop was Mercado San Juan. It’s an amazing gourmet market filled with local delicacies and exotic surprises (we’ll let you discover those yourself, but you’re in for a treat). And finally, it all ends on a sweet note at the historic Dulcería de Celaya at around 5 pm.
This tour delivers a leisurely afternoon filled with incredible food and drinks—so many, in fact, that dinner later on might not be necessary! We were totally satisfied by the end, and so were over 1,000 happy travelers—read the five-star reviews here!
Book this epic food tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Evening – Catch live music in Roma Norte
End your final night in Mexico City with some live music in Roma Norte! This is one of the city’s most creative and atmospheric neighborhoods, and there are plenty of great spots to check out.
Cafebrería El Péndulo Roma and Casa Franca are two of our favorite spots. El Péndulo is a cozy bookshop-slash-café that transforms into a live music venue in the evenings, while Casa Franca is a jazz bar that oozes old-world charm. They’re just a short Uber ride from where the tour ends, and they’re both great choices for an easygoing night out, with no need to make reservations or plan too far ahead.
Related Read: Want even more ideas to fill your itinerary? Don’t miss our full guide to the best things to do in Mexico City here—it’s packed with can’t-miss attractions!
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Now that you’ve got your Mexico City itinerary sorted, let’s talk about where to stay! The city is huge and quite spread out, but we think the Historic Center (Centro Histórico) is the best area for first-time visitors. You’ll be surrounded by landmarks, museums, and incredible food. Plus, most of the tours and activities in this itinerary either start here or include hotel pickup from the area.
It’s certainly convenient, but the Historic Center is one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, so it’s always a pleasure to stay here. It’s a popular area, so there are tons of accommodation options to choose from, and we’ve sifted through the best of them all to find the best picks for every budget. Here are a few of our favorites!
Luxury – $$$
For luxury travelers, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a top choice. This incredible 5-star hotel has the BEST location since it’s right in the Zócalo – the main plaza in the city. This is a beautiful, historic hotel with a lobby that looks like it belongs in a movie! You’re within walking distance of so many of Mexico City’s best sights, and the rooms are spacious. Plus, breakfast on the rooftop terrace is a highlight!
Rooms start around $250 USD per night, but you’ll save a lot on transportation costs since you can walk to so many amazing places! Book a room online here.
Mid-range – $$
The NH Collection Mexico City is a premium hotel at a moderate price! Amenities at this 4-star hotel include a restaurant with a vegetarian and gluten-free menu, a fitness center, airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel.
All rooms include a minibar, coffee machine, and air conditioning for a price ranging from $100 to $250 USD. Check prices and availability at NH Collection Mexico City here!
Budget – $
Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is an excellent option for travelers looking to save a little and get a comfortable stay. It offers tours around the Historic Center and is located only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes, right next to the Zocalo.
A few years ago, we stayed here ourselves when we were on a tight budget, and we actually enjoyed it a lot! You can save money by using the shared kitchen to prepare your own meals, and there’s free WiFi, plus a bar with a terrace that offers lovely views of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Dorm rooms start around $20 USD per night, or you can book a private room for $70 to $180 USD, depending on the number of people you have! Check prices and availability at Hostel Mundo Joven here!
Related Read: For a complete breakdown of the best neighborhoods and hotels, check out our full guide on where to stay in Mexico City here!
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
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Thanks for reading!
Three days in Mexico City is the perfect amount of time to get a real taste of what this incredible city has to offer. From ancient Aztec ruins to colorful neighborhoods and the best tacos you’ll ever eat, this itinerary covers all the highlights while leaving room to explore at your own pace.
We had such an amazing time discovering Mexico City’s culture, food, and history, and we hope this guide helps you plan a trip you’ll never forget! Before you go, check out all of our Mexico blogs here—we’ve shared tons of tips, itineraries, and tour recommendations to make your travels even easier. Here are a few related posts to get you started!
8 Best Food Tours in Mexico City
5 BEST Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City: Which One to Choose