3 Days in Mexico City – The Best Three Day Itinerary

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Trying to plan an amazing three days in Mexico City? You’ve come to the right place!

We’ve visited Mexico City countless times and understand just how daunting of a task itinerary planning can be. This city is massive, after all!

Lucky for you, we’ve put our personal experiences and travel expertise to good use and crafted the perfect 3-day Mexico City itinerary. It has a little bit of everything – historic sights, top restaurants, plenty of tequila, and once-in-a-lifetime tours (did somebody say hot air balloon ride over Aztec ruins!?).

You can follow this itinerary exactly or pick out your favorite activities. Regardless – it will help you have a memorial trip to Mexico’s iconic city!

Day 1: Morning and Afternoon – Explore the Historical Center

The best way to get to know Mexico City is to dive right into the historic center. Here, you can learn all about the culture and how this place grew into a beautiful metropolis. The best part about Mexico City’s historical center is that you can walk to almost every attraction on the list!

They call this historic center the “beating heart of Mexico City,” and as you walk around, you can just feel the culture pumping through its veins. You’ll find locally owned shops and art, the best street food you’ve ever tasted, and live mariachi bands. There are also beautiful old buildings, museums, and high-end dining options. 

Here are some of our favorite stops in the historic center:

• Zocalo – Mexico City’s main square, full of vendors, locals, and history – also known as the “Plaza de la Constitución”.

• Metropolitan Cathedral – This cathedral took over 250 years to construct, so there’s a unique blend of architecture and building styles. You must go inside and see it for yourself!

• Templo Mayor – Aztec ruins which were once the main temple of the city. These ruins date back to 1325!

• National Palace – This is the main government building where the president lives, and it’s massive!

• Museum of the City of Mexico – A former palace that is now an ornate museum, housing generations of Aztec and Spanish artifacts.

• Mirador Torre Latino – A 44-story tower with an observation deck and the best views of Mexico City!

• Palacio Postal – This is the most beautiful post office I’ve ever seen, dating back to 1907. It’s still an operating post office!

• Palacio de Bellas Artes – The museum of fine arts, where you can find music, dance, theater, opera, and literature.

• Casa de los Azulejos – Well known for its blue and white tile-covered exterior, dating back to the 1700s.

• Alameda Central – The oldest park in all of the America’s, full of history and beautiful greenery!

• Museo Mural Diego Rivera – A museum that holds Diego Rivera’s famous mural, “Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central” (Dream of a Sunday afternoon in Alameda Central Park).

• Plaza Garibaldi – A popular plaza where you can see mariachi bands perform, eat street food, and enjoy the brightly colored buildings.

Mexico City Historical Center Tours

We loved exploring the historic center, but honestly, you’ll really be missing out if you don’t have a local guide. There is so much history and unique facts that we would never have heard if we hadn’t had our guide telling us all the information. Plus, you can get a lay of the land on your first day, which can help you feel safer in Mexico City.

Here are our favorite tours of Mexico City’s historic center!

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

This 3.5-hour walking tour is an excellent way to experience the city! You’ll hit the iconic stops in the historic district, but the real selling point is the amazing guides. These guides have a deep knowledge of the area, including the historical and architectural aspects. We learned so much insider info that we would have missed on our own!

They’ll take you to the Cathedral Metropolitan, Templo Mayor, Casa de los Azulejos, Palacio Postal, and Palacio de Bellas Artes (five places on our list!). This tour will also take you to Francisco I. Madero Avenue, another fascinating area with hidden markets and food vendors.

We really loved how it was a small group tour, so we never had trouble hearing the guide and could ask lots of questions along the way.

The cost ranges from $25-28 USD depending on your group size and includes your friendly guide and any entry fees. Tours are available at 10 am and 2 pm.

Book this tour with HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!

Private Tour in Mexico City Downtown

We love a private tour, especially in a place with so many unique sights to see, like the historic center! This 5-hour tour will give you the flexibility to move at your own pace and see the sights you truly want to see. All while learning a ton of info from your private guide.

You’ll meet up in the Zocalo and your guide will lead you around the historic center. They have a general itinerary, but since it’s a private tour you can customize it as you go!

The guide will take you inside the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral, down Francisco I. Madero Avenue, and all around the Zocalo. Plus a stop at the Casa de los Azulejos and my personal favorite – the Palacio de Bellas Artes! You’ll have a full hour here, which is a good amount of time to explore and learn from the guide.

This is one of the best ways to dive into Mexico City’s unique history and culture. The guide truly takes this experience to the next level! This tour is $114 USD per person and departs at 9 or 10 am. It also includes your entry fees, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Reserve this tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hour before you take off!

Historic Center Food Tour

Mexico City is well known for its cuisine – it’s some of the best in the world. Taking a food tour in Mexico City not only lets you try yummy dishes, but it also ties the history and culture together through the food you’re eating!

This 5-hour food tour is led by a local guide and will take you through the historic center. This is one of the highest-rated tours in the historic center with over 850 5-star reviews!

Just like the previous tours we mentioned, you’ll pass by incredible buildings. But the highlight of this tour is stopping at historic eateries, including street vendors, classic cantinas, and an Aztec market.

When we went, we had an amazingly fresh ceviche tostada. I also really liked the plantain empanadas. There are plenty of different snacks, so you’re bound to find something you love!

However, the main attraction of this tour is Mercado San Juan, a gourmet and exotic food market. You’ll try many different traditional (and not-so-traditional) dishes. I won’t give away too many surprises, but let’s just say this isn’t your average food market!

You’ll begin at the Oaxaca de Mexico restaurant where you’ll dive right into some snacks! The tour ends with dessert at the Dulcería de Celaya. Make sure to come hungry and wear comfy walking shoes (and be prepared to loosen that belt a notch or two!).

All food and drinks (including some alcoholic ones) are included in the price of $115 USD. It is open to all ages, but keep in mind that the minimum drinking age is 18.

Don’t miss out on this top-rated experience – book this food tour here!

Where to Eat in Mexico City Historical Center

Tacos El Huequito – First Al Pastor Taco restaurant in Mexico City

Since we are on a history kick here, it’s a no-brainer to include the first Al Pastor Taco restaurant in Mexico City! Tacos El Huequito was once a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant but has grown into a household name. They have been around since 1959 and are not only great for tacos but all sorts of traditional Mexican dishes! 

This place is famous for its al pastor. These are pork tacos where a huge skewer of meat is cooked over an open flame for hours. You MUST try a dish that includes this. I went with the classic tacos, which were seasoned to absolute perfection!

Mercaderes

Mercaderes is a high-end restaurant that serves modern Mexican cuisine, meaning they use traditional styles of cooking but with a twist. It’s located in yet another historical building that’s only a 2-minute walk from the Zocalo. As such, it’s a great dining option in the historic center. 

This restaurant is actually reasonably priced for how high quality it is. You can expect to pay anywhere from $290-$550 MXN ($16-$31 USD) for entrees. After a full day of exploring the city, sometimes sitting down for a nice dinner and cocktail is just what you need!

El Cardenal

El Cardenal is right off Alameda Central, near the Diego Rivera Museum. This traditional Mexican restaurant has been around since 1969 and also offers upscale dining options. They strive to make their dishes in an artistic fashion while keeping the traditional elements of the food. 

El Cardenal is unique because it takes elements from every state of the country, amplifying the diverse culture within Mexico. This truly makes El Cardenal stand apart for a traditional yet special dining experience! It is open for breakfast as well, and let me tell you, it is worth a stop!

Day 2: Morning – Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

Day 2 takes you to a gem of Mexico City: the Frida Kahlo Museum. Frida Kahlo is a world-renowned painter who hails from Coyoacan, Mexico City. She is recognizable from her iconic unibrow, which makes many appearances in her self-portraits. 

Frida Kahlo has become a beloved artist in society, but she wasn’t always that way. She came from humble beginnings, and her career peaked around the time of her first solo exhibit in Mexico City. Unfortunately, she died in 1954, just a year after the exhibit.

But like many great artists, she wasn’t fully appreciated in her own time. She really didn’t grow in popularity until the 1970s. This was when her painting, The Frame, was displayed in the Louvre. This made her the first Mexican artist to be featured in this famous museum.

Nowadays, her artistic style is very recognizable. It’s folkloric and fantastical with a heavy Mexican cultural foundation. Overall, she stands as a symbol of feminism, as well as Mexican nationalism and Indigenous traditions. 

The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the borough called Coyoacan in Mexico City. The museum is actually the house that she grew up in, called La Casa Azul. The house’s name translates to “The Blue House,” and this vibrantly colored museum definitely stands out!

There’s a lot to learn while visiting Coyacan and the Frida Kahlo Museum, so we opted to take a guided tour. I recommend you do the same! Here are some awesome tours that include exploring the city, the museum, and more.

Frida and Diego Museums Tour

Frida and Diego are about as classic of a pairing as Mexico and tacos – and this guided tour is a great way to experience the work of both artists! It gives you entrance to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan and the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum. This way, you get a good deal and won’t have to wait in line to buy tickets.

The Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum is also in Coyoacan. It’s about a 15-minute taxi ride south of the Frida Kahlo Museum. This small, charming museum is really one-of-a-kind, featuring work from Diego Rivera and other Mexican artists.

You’ll meet your guide at the Frida Kahlo Museum and learn much more information than exploring on your own. This tour doesn’t include the guide for the whole day or transfers so it’s somewhat self-guided. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace!

The perk of booking this tour is that it secures entry to both museums, which often sell out! I also appreciated having our guide at the Frida Museum and pairing it with the Diego Rivera Museum was the perfect pairing!

This tour can be booked starting at $70 USD per person, although there are other options you can add to make it a full-day experience.

This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!

Cycle through Coyacan and visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

This cycling tour is a fun way to experience Coyoacan. These neighborhoods are full of historical homes and simply adorable. Riding a bike through them really helps you soak up this colonial-style city. And with a friendly guide, you’ll learn fun facts and feel super safe the whole journey!

You’ll spend a few hours biking around the city, stopping by a local market. When we went, we were treated to some agua fresca, churros, and tostadas! It was the perfect snack to keep us going. 

Your bike journey will end at the Frida Kahlo Museum, where your VIP status lets you skip the lines. You can head straight in to explore Frida’s home.

This tour is scheduled to last about 4 hours and is a small group, keeping it intimate and fun! Tours leave from the bike shop promptly at 10 am Tuesday to Sunday (don’t be late!). The tour ends at the Frida Kahlo Museum, so there’s no need to cycle back. You can take your sweet time enjoying the artwork!

Your bike rentals, helmets, guide, and snacks are included in the price of $74 USD. Honestly, this is a good deal for everything that’s included. And since this is such a cute, beautiful area, cycling is a great way to see it!

This tour is popular for a reason and will sell out – secure your spot here!

Cruise on the Xochimilco waterways, explore Coyoacán, and visit Frida Kahlo Museum

If you’re looking for the most unique way to explore Coyacan, check out this full day tour. While it certainly is unique, it’s also well-loved with over 4,500 5-star reviews!

We had a ton of fun on this tour and loved how easy it was to visit such an iconic place! Our guide, Ruben, took us from a central meeting point to Coyacan. We started the day with a walking tour of this beautiful neighborhood, which really gave us a feel for Frida’s roots!

Then we headed to the Casa Azul to see Frida Kahlo’s work and learn about her life. This was my favorite part of the day!

The last big-ticket activity was a boat ride in Xochimilco, which is a UNESCO-listed waterway! The boats are vibrant in color, with loud music playing and yummy food vendors floating by. It was an experience to remembered!

This tour was easily one of the best ways to experience the Frida Kahlo Museum. The price ranges from $43 to $51 USD depending on the group size.

Check availability and book this tour with THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews here!

Where to Eat in Coyoacan

Cochinita Country Coyoacán

This family-owned restaurant sits right next to the Frida Kahlo Museum, making it a great lunch stop after your morning at the museum! Cochinita Country Coyoacan makes traditional Mexican fare. But it’s more than just tacos and tortas – they have all sorts of dishes!

While it has a cute little cafe vibe, this place also has incredible food. They specialize in cuisine from the Yucatan Peninsula. When we went, we loved their cochinita pibil, which is a slow-roasted super juicy pork.

Corazón de Maguey

Corazón de Maguey is quite a treat, as it focuses on Mezcal and pairs it with tasty Mexican dishes. It has a lively atmosphere, about as vibrant as Frida Kahlo herself. Some of their most popular dishes are the Tikin Xic fish (seabass) or the shrimp tacos!

This restaurant is only a 10-minute walk from the Frida Museum and is open from 8 am to 11 pm every day of the week (and it stays open even later on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s a great spot no matter if you’re going for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. 

Madre Cocina Mexicana

This is where you go if you’re looking for some good home cooking. Madre Cocina Mexicana, which translates to “mother’s Mexican kitchen,” is some of the best food you can find in Coyoacan. Their specialty is Chilaquiles Rellenos, and you better believe they make them flavorful and spicy!

It’s located in the Coyoacan Market, along with so many other yummy restaurants. So if you want an array of options, I suggest coming here.

Day 2: Midday – Explore La Condesa and Roma on a food tour

After you’ve spent some time at the Frida Kahlo Museum, the next area to check out is La Condesa and La Roma. These are both cute colonial neighborhoods that sit right next to each other in Mexico City.

You’ll want to grab an Uber from Coyoacan, as it’s about a 30-minute car ride. But once you are in this area, it is super walkable and the safest area of the city. 

The best place to start is at Parque Mexico, which is right in the center of it all. This is an expansive 22-acre (9-hectare) park and an outside oasis in the middle of the city. Take a stroll, and enjoy the ponds, fountains, and sculptures all around! 

I love simply exploring La Condesa and La Roma, they are great areas to wander around because there are a ton of boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. One of my favorite things to do here is simply stop for a coffee and take in the beautiful area!

Although, our favorite way to explore La Condensa and La Roma was on a food tour. Who can say no to yummy local dishes and gorgeous buildings!?

La Roma Food Tour

I always think that the best ways to experience a city are through a locals perspective – and through food, of course! So a food tour through La Roma is the ideal way to learn about the food, culture, and hidden gems of the city!

This half-day food tour was an easy pick for us – just check out the 600+ 5-star reviews! We were impressed by the depth of this tour, not only for all the things we learned but because of the variety of dishes we tried.

We met up with our guide, Stephanie, at 12 pm (although they have other start times available) and started exploring La Roma. She filled our ears with history and took us to trendy restaurants and local hidden gems. Overall, we stopped at about seven different eateries, so be sure to come hungry!

Stephanie filled our bellies with tacos, mole, tamales, and other classic dishes, as well as modern Mexican fare. We washed it down with mezcal, cocktails, and specialty coffee – seriously everything we tried was amazing!

This tour was a fantastic way to experience La Roma and was well worth $110 USD per person!

Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!

Where to Eat in La Condesa and Roma

Lardo (La Condesa) 

If you’re getting a little tired of traditional Mexican food, Lardo gives it a new spin! It is a Mexican-European blend, focusing on Italian fusion and using only the freshest ingredients. In fact, their dishes change depending on what’s in season. Lardo has a modern vibe and great cocktails, and you must try their creative pizzas!

This restaurant is moderately priced and considered fine casual dining. It’s open every day from 7:30 am to 11 pm, so you can catch them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! However, they do close early on Sundays (at 5 pm).

Merkavá (La Condesa)

Merkavá is another non-traditional restaurant, this time focusing on hummus and Israeli dishes! These dishes are family-style, so you get to try a little bit of everything (which we love doing!).

Mediterranean-inspired food is always fresh and light but oh-so-incredibly tasty. It will be a nice change from all the street food of Mexico. The highlight of the menu is hummus, and here, it’s served in a variety of ways. And bonus: Merkava is actually pretty affordable for such high-quality food!

Marlindo (Roma)

Finally, you can head to La Roma to dine at Marlindo. Marlindo is a seafood restaurant that takes influence from Baja California. These dishes include the freshest seafood, and the place has a surfer-chic vibe.

It’s more casual than the other restaurants on this list, which works in its favor. People call this place “unpretentious and affordable,” so we love coming here when we’re in the mood for a low-key but tasty meal. 

Day 2: Afternoon – Museo Nacional de Antropología

Visiting the Museo Nacional de Antropologia is a great afternoon activity. It’s a bit far from La Roma, so I recommend catching an Uber.

Mexico City is one of the coolest cities in Latin America – and one of its oldest. As such, it’s no wonder this famous anthropology museum holds artifacts dating all the way back to the Mayan civilization. With such a long, fascinating history, we are fortunate enough to discover these ancient relics.

Walking through this museum will help you learn more about all the people who inhabited Mexico. There were so many different settlers and countries that made their way through Mexico. And this museum is so diverse and tells a beautiful story of how the country came to be. 

However, if you’re looking to gain more in-depth knowledge at the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, there are some great guided tours! 

Private tour of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia

This private 3-hour walking tour is led by certified guides who are great storytellers. Not only do they give you historical information, but they paint a picture that really brings these artifacts to life. It’s pretty incredible to learn how deep this history goes.

We thought it was helpful having a private guide because it made our experience much more immersive and we were able to ask questions as often as we wanted. This is ideal for history buffs!

This private tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am or 2:30 pm, so you can work your day’s itinerary around the start times. Prices start at $66 USD per person for a group of 2. This covers entry to the museum and a 3-hour private tour, so you get the knowledgeable guide all to yourself!

This private tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!

Shared tour of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia

If you’re looking for a classic shared tour, go for this 2.5-hour guided tour! For just $18 – $29 USD (depending on your group’s size), you’ll get admission tickets and a professional guide. This is a great tour option for those who want to learn more about the museum without breaking the bank!

Your guide will lead the group to all the exhibits and be a great source of knowledge! Plus, 2.5 hours felt like the perfect amount of time to experience the museum without getting overloaded with information.

While it’s a shared tour, we were pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t a huge group. So we could still hear the guide just fine and have a chance to ask questions.

It’s offered Tuesday through Sunday at 9 am. If you choose to take this tour, simply hit the museum before visiting La Roma and La Condesa!

Check availability and book this shared museum tour here.

Day 2: Night – Lucha Libre

There’s no way you can visit here without seeing a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City. Lucha Libre runs deep in Mexico City’s culture, and is one of the most entertaining and surprising experiences I had in the city! It is best described as theatrical wrestling, and the energy in the arena is palpable. 

You need to book a tour to experience a Lucha Libre show, as it’s not safe for tourists to be in this area at night without a local guide.

Plus, the tours offer other fun experiences, like taco and mezcal tastings, and some are guided by former luchadores! Guides help you understand what is going on in the show because it can get a little wild!

Best Night Ever Tour 

This Best Night Ever Tour includes tacos, a tequila tasting, beer, and of course, Lucha Libre! You’ll first hit a taqueria and then a cantina (like a pub) to taste some mezcal – Mexico’s famous spirit. When we went, we also tried pulque, a milky liquor made from sap.

Your group will then head to the famous Arena Mexico for the highlight of the evening – the Lucha Libre show! We were glad our guide told us a little bit of background before we got to the show, otherwise, it would have felt like pure chaos. We had so much fun cheering on with the crowd and watching this lively part of Mexico City’s culture!

The departure point, time, and price depend on which date you choose, so be sure to check the schedule before you book. We felt it was well worth the cost as it includes a lot, as mentioned above, plus a surprise souvenir!

Book this tour with over 600 5-star reviews here, before it sells out!

Lucha Libre and Palacio de Bellas Artes

This Lucha Libre tour is very similar to the tour above, except you’ll also visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes! It’s a walking tour, mezcal tasting, and Lucha Libre experience all wrapped into one!

You’ll meet your guide at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Wear comfy shoes since you’ll walk from place to place. And as you do, your guide will share info about the city’s top sights.

Although this tour doesn’t include tacos, it does take you to a mezcaleria to taste this classic drink. Here, your former luchador guide will explain all about the sport as you sip mezcal. By the time you’re done, you’ll understand the show and be super hyped for the event!

This experience is about 4 hours in total and takes place on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, Fridays at 6:30 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm. It’s $95 USD per person, which we think is a good price for all it includes!

Don’t miss out on this top-rated tour – book your spot here!

Day 3: Morning and Day – Teotihuacán Tour

We have saved the best for last on your three-day Mexico City itinerary. The ancient city of Teotihuacan is a massive archeological ruin site located just outside of the city limits. If you love architecture, history, or culture, it’s an absolute must-see!

Teotihuacan dates back to 400 B.C., although it’s actually unknown who created this ancient city. Legend says that Teotihuacan is where the gods were made because the origins of this city are so mysterious. In its heyday, Teotihuacan was the sixth largest city in the world, holding anywhere between 125,000 to 200,000 people!

There are many ancient ruins in Mexico, but this one is particularly revered for its architectural significance. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top places to visit in all of Mexico.

This is another activity that is best experienced on an organized tour. There is so much history here that having a guide is essential and it makes getting to the actual ruins much easier, as they are about 45 minutes outside of the city. Here are our favorite Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City:

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan from Mexico City 

This Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Mexico City! Not only will you get to see the magnificent ruins, but you’ll see them from an aerial view as you soar by in a hot air balloon! 

This is an early morning experience with hotel pick-up at 5 am. But the early wake-up is well worth it since you’ll have a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the ruins. The timing is absolutely magical, and you’ll watch the sun slowly appear over the pyramids. Seeing the other balloons fill the sky is also quite special – just check out the photo above!

The flight itself is 30-50 minutes. This tour also includes coffee, breakfast, and a ceremony where you’ll get a certificate of completion.

There are a few options when booking your hot air balloon flight. You can book the flight without transportation or including transportation from Mexico City. However, I recommend the option which includes transportation, the hot air balloon ride, and time to visit the ruins after!

So after you see the ancient ruins from above, you can see them up close! We thought this was a super unique experience.

For this once-in-a-lifetime experience, book your hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacan here!

Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour

This 9-hour tour takes you to some of the most notable sights in Mexico City! You’ll have a great overview of the area, visiting archeological and religious landmarks as well as enjoying an authentic meal and tequila tasting!

You’ll have the chance to visit Tlatelolco, which is the biggest market of the Aztec empire and is right in Mexico City. Next, you’ll head to the Shrine of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Catholic sites in the world. And don’t worry, this tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant with a tequila tasting to keep the party going!

The highlight of this tour for me is definitely visiting the historic Teotihuacan. Here, you’ll get a full two hours of exploring. This is the type of place you need to see to believe – there’s really nothing like these massive pyramids and ancient structures.

This is one of the best Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City – just check out the 9,000+ glowing reviews!

You can book a private or shared tour, and the price varies by group size. Be sure to book it in advance, as this tour is popular and can sell out!

Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!

Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City

If you want a more personalized experience, book this private Teotihuacan tour. We love private tours because you get to have one-on-one time with your guide, who are experts in their field. Plus, you can move at your own pace! This is great for a place like Teotihuacan, as there is so much to see that you really don’t want to feel rushed. 

No need to worry about logistics – roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included. I also love that this is a morning tour, so you can experience the ruins without all the crowds.

You’ll explore Teotihuacan for a few hours as your guide details all the fascinating features. Don’t be shy to ask questions, either! I find these guides are super friendly and knowledgeable, and they love sharing their expertise!

After visiting the ruins, this tour will take you to try local drinks like tequila and mezcal! This tour includes transportation from the city, entrance fees, and your tequila tasting. Bring extra cash for any souvenirs and food. It costs $112-$126 USD per person, depending on your group size.

For a private experience, book this tour in advance here!

Day 3: Afternoon/Night – Cooking Class and Cocktails in Mexico City

Your final activity in Mexico City is a skill that can be taken home with you! 

This Mexican Cooking Class and Cocktails is a fun and new way to experience the city. Nothing connects you with the culture better than food and drink. So if you’re a foodie, budding chef, or just love hands-on activities, this class is for you!

You’ll be led by a local who is passionate about food and excited to share their craft with you. Over the course of 3.5 hours, you’ll learn to make starters and entrees that are classic to Mexico, as well as some tasty drinks!

You’ll make handmade tortillas and salsa and a tequila cocktail. When we went, we made a ginger lemonade with mezcal that was zesty and strong but refreshing all at once!

The entree varies on the seasonal availability of ingredients, so you get the freshest meal possible. Regardless of what’s in season, prepare yourself for something delicious. They can also accommodate vegetarians, so let them know of any dietary requests at the time of booking.

All the food, drinks, cooking equipment, and your professional chef/teacher are covered in the $129 USD price. You can book this tour at 5 pm to fit into your itinerary and cap off an awesome 3 days in Mexico City!

Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation options before you go!

Other Activities to do While in Mexico City

If you’re staying longer than 3 days in Mexico City, we’ve got you covered. There are many more fun things to do in Mexico City. Trust me, you’ll have no problem filling that extra time in this bustling city. To give you an idea of some other activities, I’ve highlighted our favorites below!

• Soak in hot springs – If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, the crystal-blue waters of Las Grutas de Tolantongo Hot Springs are the perfect remedy. We took this full day tour, which took care of transportation, let us explore a cave, and enjoy the stunning hot springs!

• Take a day trip to Puebla – This stunning colonial-styled city is just outside of Mexico City and is a must-visit! This tour to Puebla makes visiting a breeze and includes a stop in Cholula. Come hungry because Puebla is known for its incredible food scene.

• Learn how to cook authentic Mexican food – If you can’t get enough of Mexico’s amazing local dishes, take this cooking class! We had a blast learning how to cook tortillas, guisados, and spicy salsa. But of course, the best part is eating it all!

• Tour the Chapultepec Castle – This is one of Mexico City’s top sights! Take this guided tour to see the royal palace and artifacts and learn about its Aztec roots. You’ll also visit the Anthropology Museum if you didn’t get a chance to in this itinerary!

• Explore the city on a bicycle – Mexico City is huge, so the best way to cover some serious ground is on this bicycle tour! You can learn so much from the local guides, see the top sights in one day, and get a little workout in – it’s a win-win!

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is massive, and there are lots of different areas to stay in. For this reason, we wrote a full guide on the best areas to stay in Mexico City as well as the best hostels in Mexico City! These blogs should help you choose an awesome hotel for your stay!

However, for a quick overview, here are some of my top recommendations.

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 at $200 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 – $$

Hotel MX Roma is a clean, medium-budget hotel in La Roma, close to shops, bars, and restaurants. It has both standard and family rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TV. It offers a space with a terrace to enjoy with family or friends, private parking, a gym, free bikes, and 24-hour front desk service. It’s also an allergy-free property, so there’s no smoking and they use hypoallergenic products.

Rooms run $150 USD in peak season. However, you can snag one as cheap as $70 USD a night when you book in advance online!

Budget – $

For budget travelers, Hostal Regina Downtown Mexico City is a fantastic option. Located in the Historic Center of the city and near the popular pedestrian-only street, Calle Regina, you’ll be right in the action. They offer dorm or private rooms that are clean, modern, and well-rated. This definitely has more of a party vibe, offering free beer and pizza to get the party going, but it’s a fun and convenient stay!

Dorm beds start around $14 USD and private rooms are around $45 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com or on Hostelworld.com.

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! 

Thanks for reading!

There you have it – an epic 3-day itinerary for Mexico City! I’ve visited this city several times, and this schedule packs in all the best sights. In just three days, you’ll get a solid feel for the area and have an amazing time. So if you’re planning a short trip, we hope this guide has helped!

If you’re traveling throughout the country, check out our other blogs about Mexico. We cover everything from location guides to the best tours and beyond. To give you an idea, I’ve linked to some articles below.

8 Best Food Tours in Mexico City

Top 10 Things to do in Mexico City

5 BEST Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City: Which One to Choose