Start the trip with a visit to one of the most important attractions in Mexico City, the Historic Center. Walk around the Zocalo, the second-largest square in the world, visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace to see Diego Rivera's murals depicting Mexico's history. Stroll through the pedestrian Madero street, lined with shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture.
Visit one of the most remarkable museums in the world, the Anthropology Museum. Witness the diverse indigenous cultures of Mexico and their legacy from pre-Columbian times to the present. Explore the beautiful outdoor garden displaying more than 400 pre-Columbian sculptures.
Visit Casa Azul, the house and former residence of the famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Get a glimpse of her life, see some of her most prominent artworks, and how she lived in this iconic blue house. If you are a fan of Diego Rivera, visit the nearby Anahuacalli Museum to see his extensive collection of pre-Columbian art.
Explore the most important archaeological site in Mexico, Teotihuacan Pyramids, and discover the history of this pre-Hispanic city. Walk along the "Avenue of the Dead" and climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon for an astounding view. On your way back to the city, stop at the Basilica de Guadalupe, Mexico's most visited religious site, dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.
Start the day with a colorful journey through the canals of Xochimilco aboard a trajinera, a traditional boat. Cruise through the waterways lined with floating gardens, street food vendors, and live music. After that, head to Coyoacan, a bohemian neighborhood home to the famous House-Studio of Diego Rivera and his wife, Frida Kahlo (not included in the previous visit), located in a beautiful garden. Stroll around the buzzing Jardin Principal and enjoy a coffee at one of the stylish cafes surrounding it.
Visit the largest green area in Mexico City, the Chapultepec Park. Take a walk around the lake, enjoy a picnic, or rent a bike to explore the park. Take the opportunity to visit the Chapultepec Castle, a royal residence turned into a national museum. Admire the French-inspired architecture and the stunning views of the city from the terraces.
Discover the charming neighborhood of San Angel, an oasis of calm with cobbled streets and colonial architecture. Visit the local handicrafts market, admire the 17th-century San Jacinto Church, and explore the beautiful botanical garden. End the day at the House-Studio of Diego Rivera, where the artist lived and worked for several years, and admire his murals and paintings.
Visit the National Museum of Art, which houses one of the most significant collections of Mexican art, ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. See the masterpieces of iconic artists such as Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo. After that, head to the Palace of Fine Arts, one of the most famous cultural centers in Mexico City, with its beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture.
Experience a lively and authentic shopping experience similar to how it used to be in the past at Mercado de la Merced. Wander among the vendors selling traditional Mexican ingredients, meat, fish, vegetables, candy, and handicrafts. After that, visit La Lagunilla Market, known for its vintage and antique items and local foods. Try some delicious tacos, quesadillas, and drinks at the food stalls.
Visit one of the most remarkable architectural masterpieces in Mexico City, the Soumaya Museum, which houses Carlos Slim's extensive art collection. Admire its unique design and the impressive works of renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. After that, explore the chic and affluent neighborhood of Polanco, home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, fine dining restaurants, and cafes.
Visit the University City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant campuses in the world. Walk around the beautiful gardens, fountains, and murals, and admire the modernist architecture of famous Mexican architects such as Mario Pani and Juan Sordo Madaleno. After that, visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1968 Summer Olympics, and marvel at its innovative design and murals by Diego Rivera and other artists.
Walk along Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, one of the most spectacular, elegant, and iconic avenues in Mexico City, inspired by La Champs Elysées in Paris. Admire the impressive monuments, sculptures, and architecture, such as the Column of Independence and the Torre Mayor, Mexico's tallest building. End the day at the Angel of Independence, a landmark and symbol of Mexico City, a bronze statue located at the center of a roundabout.
Visit Casa Luis Barragán, an award-winning architectural masterpiece declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the house-museum and garden designed by the famous Mexican architect, known for his use of color and light. After that, explore the charming and trendy neighborhood of Roma, with its Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, boutiques, restaurants, and street art.
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, the most extensive and important museum in Mexico dedicated to the country's archeological heritage. Learn about the ancient civilizations that shaped Mexico, including the Mayas, Olmecs, Aztecs, and Toltecs. After that, visit Tlatelolco, an archaeological site and residential complex dating back to pre-Columbian times, where the famous Plaza de las Tres Culturas is located, representing the indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern-day cultures of Mexico
End the trip with a delicious and fun-filled street food and cocktails tour, to taste the authentic Mexican flavors and drinks. Visit different food stands, markets, and restaurants in various neighborhoods such as Condesa, Polanco, or Centro, and taste diverse dishes such as tacos, tamales, pozole, churros, and drinks such as margaritas, tequilas, mezcal, or pulque.
Transportation in Mexico City can range from very affordable to very expensive. Public buses and the metro are the cheapest options (MXN 5-8 per ride), but it can be crowded during peak hours. Download apps such as Uber, Didi, or Cabify to take a private ride safely and inexpensively (MXN 50-150 per ride). Consider renting a bike or scooter to explore some neighborhoods (MXN 100-200 per hour). If you plan to go to the outskirts of the city, such as Teotihuacan, consider taking a tour bus or arranged transportation services (MXN 500-1000 per person).
If you have more time, consider visiting some other attractions such as Castillo de Chapultepec, Arena Mexico, Dolores Olmedo Museum, San Ildefonso Museum or Palacio Postal. If you have less time, prioritize the must-sees such as the Historic Center, Anthropology Museum, and Xochimilco. Always bring cash with you since not all places accept credit cards. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded public areas. Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate better with locals.
Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is one of the busiest and most significant airports in Latin America, located just 8 km from the Historic Center. The airport has two terminals and offers a wide range of services such as restaurants, shops, and lounges. The airport's code is MEX, and the city center is easily accessible by taxi, public bus, or metro.