3 Days In Mexico City: Perfect Itinerary For CDMX In 2024 (From an Expert)

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Looking for the best 3 day itinerary for Mexico City?

Previously Mexico’s best-kept secret and the largest city in North America, Mexico City is not one you want to miss! I remember Mexico City came onto my radar while I was living in New York. I had met someone who raved on about how amazing Mexico City was. As curiosity kicked in, I eventually made the trip in December of 2017 and spent 3 days in Mexico City. 

Although it was a very short trip, something about the city made me think to myself “I could really see myself living here”. By 2019, I felt I was ready to leave New York and was ready for something new. I wanted to live internationally and I had fallen in love with Latin culture over the years. I returned to Mexico City in March of that year for 10 days to see if I could really leave New York and move there. By day 2, I had made my decision. I moved out of New York 2 months later and moved to Mexico City in June of 2019. Since then, I have spent up to 5 months every year in Mexico City.

This city has amazingly beautiful, quaint, and scenic parks and neighborhoods. There are many tree-lined streets with walkways, open-spaced restaurants and bars spilling onto the streets with musicians playing outside, comfortable weather almost all year round, and a vast food and art scene – this city has so much to offer with all the vibes. If you only have 3 days in Mexico City, let’s be sure to make the most of it!  

3 Days In Mexico City: Trip Overview

Altogether, I’ve lived in Mexico City for a little over a year. I honestly know this city better than I know my own hometown 😅 (I haven’t lived there since I was 18). I know what sites are worth a visit and restaurant/bar recommendations from a local perspective (while keeping in mind what’s popular among tourists/foreigners). Here is the perfect 3 day itinerary for Mexico City! 

Mexico City Itinerary Day 1: Centro Histórico

Let’s start your trip by exploring the historic sites in Centro Histórico! It is the heart and cultural center of Mexico’s capital city. If you prefer guided tours and want to learn more about the history, I provided an awesome option below for a walking tour of Centro Histórico. 

➡️ Mexico City’s Historical Center Icons

If you prefer going around on your own, I’ve provided a full-day itinerary for your 1st day which includes exploring Centro, Juarez, and Zona Rosa! I made sure to plan the day so that it makes sense geographically for you to get around more efficiently. There’s a lot on this list so feel free to pick and choose what you want to do. The tour linked above is only a few hours so you could always do the tour then continue on with portions of my itinerary. Enjoy!

Morning

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

This is by far the coolest library I’ve ever seen. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves 😉 I suggest starting here at Biblioteca Vasconcelos as it’s a little out of the way and you can spend the rest of the day in Centro then making your way easily towards Juarez in the evening. 

Biblioteca Vasconcelos is in a slightly sketchier neighborhood so I would recommend taking an Uber/Didi here but you could also take the Metrobus. Admission is free but you might need to show ID.

Breakfast at El Cardenal

Afternoon

Catedral Metropolitana

As the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, the Catedral Metropolitana is worth a visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built on top of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan, and has survived centuries of natural disasters such as earthquakes. Admission is free to enter and visit the cathedral! 

Museo del Templo Mayor

One of the most significant archaeological sites in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. This was before the Spaniards destroyed it in 1521 and built the Metropolitan Cathedral in its place. 

Zócalo

It’s common for cities throughout Latin America to have main squares. The Zócalo in Mexico City is the largest main square in Latin America. It holds great historical and cultural significance for the Mexican people as it’s been a gathering place for ceremonies, religious events, and more since the Aztec times. 

Drinks with a view at Terraza Catedral

Time to take a break nearby with a drink and a view at Terraza Catedral! You’ll get amazing views of the cathedral at this cool rooftop with a great selection of cocktails and cervezas (beers). 

Taco options – snack time!

• Los Especiales – This hole-in-the-wall joint is known for tacos de canasta (steamed “basket tacos”) which can be filled with chicharron, potatoes, or beans. Cash only and there will probably be a line but luckily it moves quickly. 
• Los Cucoyos – An Anthony Bourdain-approved taco joint! Some of their most popular tacos are suadero, lenga, cabeza, and al pastor. Be sure to bring cash since they don’t accept credit cards.

Palacio Postal

Literally the nicest post office I’ve ever seen, Palacio Postal was built in 1907 with a mix of design elements from Europe and Mexico. 

Palacio de Bellas Artes

The beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes hosts performing arts events, art and literature exhibitions, and more. To get this breathtaking view – go to Sears across the street and grab a coffee or snack at the cafe Finca Don Porfirio (I believe it’s on the 8th or 9th floor). 

Barrio Chino

La Ciudadela

If you want to shop for souvenirs, trinkets, blankets, handmade and artisan goods, La Ciudadela is a great place to stop. This is a huge marketplace with several vendors selling traditional handicraft items and art. 

Evening

Boutique shop around Juarez

There are a lot of cool boutique shops around Juarez with many selling clothes and accessories specifically from Mexican designers. Below are a few of my favorite shops. 

Walk around Zona Rosa

LGBT central with shopping, nightlife, and restaurants – Zona Rosa has all the vibrant energy! Zona Rosa is the middle section of Colonia Juarez. This is also where the majority of Korean restaurants are but if you only have 3 days in Mexico City, I don’t think you’re looking for Korean food lol. 

Dinner options in Juarez

• La Barrita – La Barrita has a mix of delicious European and Latin dishes: seafood tostadas, pasta, ceviches, paella, and more. 

• Cicatriz – A neighborhood favorite; Cicatriz is a great place to eat, drink and socialize. 

• Taverna – A chic and rustic Mediterranean restaurant with gorgeous interior decor and cozy vibes.

Bar hop in Juarez and Centro

• Bósforo – A small but cool bar with underground and rustic vibes known for its’ full selection of mezcal. 

• Hanky Panky – A fun speakeasy with amazing cocktails! Best to make reservations in advance. 
• Handshake Speakeasy – Another great speakeasy in the neighborhood. Reservations recommended. 
• Xaman Bar – A cool underground cocktail bar in a dimly lit space with a dj playing deep house and tribal techno music. 
• Kinky Bar – Always a fun time dancing the night away at this gay bar!
• Toledo – Trendy rooftop bar. You definitely need reservations which you can try to make by DM via their Instagram.

Mexico City Itinerary Day 2: Option 1 – Teotihuacán

Day 2 we will venture a little further out with one of two day trip options! Option 1 would be going to Teotihuacán to see the ancient pre-Aztec pyramids. Below is a great option for a guided tour and tequila tasting. Teotihuacán is about an hour away from Mexico City (potentially longer depending on traffic) so booking a tour logistically can be an easier way to get there. 

➡️ Teotihuacan Early Acces Tour with Tequila Tasting

If a tour isn’t your thing, I’ve provided a full day’s itinerary for your day to Teotihuacán and ending with hanging out in Roma Norte when you get back! 

Morning

Breakfast

I would recommend heading out to Teotihuacán early so having breakfast around your neighborhood would be ideal. Since I don’t know what neighborhood you’re staying in, check out my in-depth post on the BEST Breakfast in Mexico City: 25 Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants for options on where to eat before heading to Teotihuacan.  

Teotihuacan

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city dating back to 100 B.C. I especially enjoyed visiting the pyramids because you can actually climb up the steps of the ruins unlike some other ruins throughout Latin America. 

If you’re not doing a tour to the pyramids, you can get there on your own by Uber/Didi or by bus from Autobuses del Norte station. Expect the Uber/Didi from Roma Norte to Teotihuacán to be around 500-700 pesos (~$30-40 USD). The bus ticket should be around 104 pesos (~$6 USD).

Afternoon

Explore Roma Norte

After returning from Teotihuacán, head over and explore Roma Norte. Bustling with street food, restaurants, bars, plazas, and coffee shops – this vibrant neighborhood has so much to offer. Get lost and wander around Roma Norte and admire all the beautiful architecture and old colonial buildings. 

Evening

Tacos at Orinoco

This is a very popular taco spot, especially among tourists/foreigners. There used to only be one location in Roma Norte but now they also have locations in Condesa and Zona Rosa. Orinoco has 3 types of tacos: chicharrón, trompo (al pastor), and res (beef). Corn tortilla is usually the way to go for tacos but definitely try the flour tortilla for a couple of your tacos. Their flour tortilla is so good.

Bar hop around Roma Norte

• Traspatio – I love this local bar that feels like a backyard patio. 

• Supra – Trendy rooftop bar. Try to make reservations (latest reservations on Google Maps is 8pm or try DMing them via their Instagram) otherwise, you can try to walk in but if it is later in the night you might not get in. 

• Departamento – Three-level bar with dancing and electronic music on the 1st and 2nd floor and a casual but lively rooftop on the 3rd floor.

Late night tacos at Taqueria Álvaro Obregón 

One of my favorite taco spots, Taqueria Álvaro Obregón is always busy with locals and foreigners as it’s right in the heart of Roma Norte. My favorite tacos are the lengua (beef tongue), al pastor, surtida (mix of different parts), and cachete (cheek). They basically specialize in all parts of the cabeza (head). 

Mexico City Itinerary Day 2: Option 2 – Frida Kahlo, Coyoacán, & Xochimilco

For day 2, the 2nd option we have is to visit the Frida Kahlo museum, Coyoacán neighborhood, and Xochimilco. Below is a great option for a tour that includes visiting and experiencing all 3 places. I’ve been to all of these places on my own without a tour but I also lived there so I wasn’t pressed for time. Since you only have 3 days in Mexico City, I would recommend doing the tour to make getting from one place to another as seamless as possible. 

➡️ Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour

If you don’t want to do a tour, you can certainly get to all of these places by Uber/Didi or public transportation. Below is a full-day itinerary I planned for the 2nd day of your 3 day itinerary! The itinerary includes exploring Frida Kahlo, Coyoacán, Xochimilco, tacos in Navarte, and ending with drinks in Condesa. Enjoy! 

Morning

Frida Kahlo & Coyoacán 

Walk around cobblestone streets and explore the charming district of Coyoacán. Here you can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and Coyoacán Market. 

If you plan to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, be sure to book tickets in advance. My friend that visited me went without buying tickets prior to her trip and she ended up waiting 2 hours in line (which personally I don’t think is worth it). 

Coyoacán Market (Mercado de Coyoacán) is an iconic market with many vendors selling food, souvenirs, textiles, and more. If you plan to eat a little here, definitely try a couple of tostadas!

San Ángel

If you have some time, pop over to the quaint colonia (neighborhood) San Ángel. There are beautiful mansions, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and shops.

Every Saturday they have El Bazaar Sábado (Saturday Bazaar) where they have artists selling their work in the park and an indoor and outdoor handicraft market selling textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and more.   

Afternoon

Xochimilco

From Coyoacán/San Ángel, head over to Xochimilco. I highly recommend taking Uber/Didi because it should take around 25-40 minutes (depending on traffic) and public transportation will take over 2 hours. 

At Xochimilco, you will take a ride on colorful trajinera boats through the canals and floating gardens. You can purchase micheladas, corn, and other snacks from other boats floating by. I would also recommend buying your own alcohol, drinks, and snacks at a store nearby (or in Coyoacán before you leave for Xochimilco) to bring on the boat. 

The cost of an entire boat (no matter how many people) should be around 500-600 pesos. There might be people trying to charge way more than that to tourists but DO NOT fall for it! Say no and keep walking or bargain down to the average price.

Evening

Tacos al pastor at El Visilto

El Visilto is an auto repair shop and delicious taqueria that was featured on the Netflix show Tacos Chronicles. Some say it’s the best al pastor in Mexico City! You should also the gringa – al pastor and cheese between two flour tortillas. It’s definitely the best gringa I’ve had so far. 🤤

Bar hop around Condesa

• Siqe – This spot is actually a restaurant called Canopia during the day turned into a cocktail and wine bar at night. Super cool decor and vibes. 

• La Clandestina – Another cool neighborhood bar with indoor and outdoor seating, amazing cocktails, and a great selection of mezcal.

Mexico City Itinerary Day 3: Parks & Museums

Now we’ve come to the last day of your 3 day itinerary. Let’s enjoy some of the best parks and museums this city has to offer. If you prefer a guided tour, below is a popular tour for the Chapultepec Castle and Anthropology Museum (both are in Bosque de Chapultepec). 

➡️ Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum Monolingual Tour

However, if you’d like to go at your own pace and time, I’ve provided a full itinerary for your last day in Mexico City! 

Morning

Coffee at Quentin Café

This cute little coffee shop is right on the quaint, tree-lined street of Amsterdam (this street circles Parque Mexico and has a pedestrian walkway in the middle of the street the entire way around). Quentin has the best coffee in Mexico City. Enough said. 😋☕

Breakfast options around Parque México

• Maque – Also near Amsterdam, Maque is a great option for Mexican breakfast at the cutest corner surrounded by plants and trees. 

• Café Toscano – Located right across from Parque México, Café Toscano offers Mexican and Western breakfast options. This is a lively corner and a great place to catch up with friends or people-watch.

Parque México & Audiorama

Time to walk off the meal you just had and walk through Parque México! This is my absolute favorite park in Mexico City. It’s so beautiful, quaint, lively, and peaceful at the same time. You’ll often see packs of dogs being walked (super well-behaved might I add), groups of people dancing, friends skateboarding, musicians performing, couples sitting on the benches, and so much life happening. 

I highly recommend spending some time in Audiorama which is in Parque México. There are a few locations at other parks but this one is my favorite. Audiorama opened during Covid and was such a great escape. It’s an outdoor space with cute and colorful chairs and meditation-type music playing in the background.

They even have a bookshelf with some used books if you want to read something while you’re there. I love coming here with my book to read, meditate, or just enjoy the space and peaceful environment. I’ve seen people even fall asleep here and I’d be lying if I said that’s never happened to me lol.

Churerría El Moro 

If you have a sweet tooth, pop over to Churerría El Moro for delicious churros which is located right across from Café Toscano. I love the dipping sauces that you can choose from (chocolate, milk, caramel) and the hot chocolate as well. They have rocking chairs outside where you and sit and enjoy the view and your dessert. 😋

Afternoon

Bosque de Chapultepec

The second largest park in Latin America and twice the size of Central Park in New York, Bosque de Chapultepec has so much to offer! Museums, lakes, boat rides, bike rentals, and more. 

• Castillo de Chapultepec – Not only is it the only true castle in North America, Chapultepec Castle also has amazing views of Mexico City. 

• Museo Nacional de Antropología – The most popular museum in Mexico City and has the largest collection of ancient Mexican art in the world. 

• Museo Tamayo – Contemporary art museum with different exhibits. 

Evening

Walk around Polanco

After you’re done with Chapultepec Park, head over to the posh neighborhood of Polano. This neighborhood has upscale restaurants, high-end shops, and some of the biggest nightclubs in Mexico City.

Dinner options in Polanco

• La Única – My go-to restaurant in Polanquito (the heart of Polanco where most restaurants are) when friends visit me and want to check out this neighborhood. They have everything from steak, aguachiles, tacos, guacamole, delicious desserts, and more. 
• Pujol – Ranked #9 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022. I would recommend making a reservation 2 months in advance. 
• Prosecco – Great Italian restaurant in Polanquito. I don’t usually prefer fettuccine alfredo but I would go back to Prosecco for theirs!
• Rosa Negra – Fun, vibey, and upscale Mexico restaurant! 

Drinks at Limantour

To end the day and your 3 days in Mexico City, have a nightcap at Limantour in Polanquito. This cocktail bar was ranked #7 on The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2023. 

Best Day Trips From Mexico City

If you have more than 3 days in Mexico City, here are the best day trips you can take if time permits! 

✅ Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Teotihuacan

With breathtaking views over the pyramids of Teotihuacan, the hot-air balloon ride is an experience you can’t miss! Click below for a highly rated and popular tour leaving from Mexico City. 

➡️ Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City

✅ Puebla

Puebla is a beautiful colonial town just a couple hours from Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is full of vibrant and rich culture. Click below for a popular day tour to Puebla and the neighboring town of Cholula. 

➡️ Puebla, Cholula & Tonantzintla Day Trip

✅ Gruta de Tolantongo

If you’re up for venturing a little further out, Gruta de Tolantongo is about 4 hours from Mexico City. At the park, you can enjoy thermal pools, grottos, caves, waterfalls, suspension bridge, and ziplining. 

➡️ Tolantongo Caves Hot Springs & Waterfalls Tour

Where to Stay in Mexico City

If you only have 3 days in Mexico City, I would recommend staying around Roma Norte, Condesa, or Juarez. These are great neighborhoods to start off and end your days after venturing out to explore the city as they are densely packed with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, and are very walkable areas. 

Getting Around Mexico City

One of the things I love so much about Mexico City is how easy it is to get around. Traffic is really bad but it’s such a walkable city and easy to take public transportation. The majority of the time, I’m either walking or taking Uber/Didi which is very affordable.

Walking Around Mexico City

The neighborhoods around Roma Norte, Condesa, Roma Sur, Juarez, Cuauhtemoc, Narvarte, Escandon, and Del Valle are very walkable. Other neighborhoods are walkable as well once you get there. I’ve definitely walked around at night in Roma Norte, Condesa, and Juarez and felt totally safe. Of course, be mindful of your surroundings and alert as you would in almost any other city. Aside from these few neighborhoods, I probably wouldn’t recommend walking around at night (at least not by yourself). 

Taxis In Mexico City

There are a ton of taxis around Mexico City. You can’t miss them, they’re white and pink and literally say ‘TAXI’ on the side of the car. I’ve taken a taxi a few times at least but usually with someone else with me when taking it at night time. During the day I would feel totally fine taking a taxi by myself. However, I prefer and would recommend using Uber/Didi just to be on the safer side. Also, the majority of the taxis are cash only and I almost never have too much cash on me. 

Uber & DiDi

When taking a car, I’m almost always using Uber or Didi. I usually just check both apps and compare the prices and how far the nearest driver is. Both apps are very reasonably priced but I’ve found that Didi is often times cheaper than Uber. 

For example, the airport to Roma Norte is about 12 km (~7.5 miles) and usually takes around 45 minutes (20 minutes or less if there’s zero traffic which would only be around midnight to early morning). The cost can vary depending on when you land but on average for the many many times I’ve been to Mexico City, I’d say I’ve paid around 170 pesos (<$10 USD) from the airport to Roma area; many times less (more so in the past) and sometimes more (more so in the last 1-2 years with the influx of foreigners). 

An Uber/Didi from Roma Norte to Condesa or Juarez on average during not peak time is around 55 pesos (~$3 USD).

Public Transit

I’ve only used the underground Metro a couple of times but from what I know, it is an easy and efficient way to get around the city. I personally enjoy taking the Metrobús (big red bus that has its own dedicated lane above ground) when traveling between areas that are close to Insurgentes. For example, from Juarez to Condesa or further south such as San Ángel, it would be faster to hop on the Metrobús than taking Uber/Didi or walking. 

On average, taking the underground Metro is around 5 pesos (~$0.29 USD) and the Metrobús is about 6 pesos (~$0.35 USD). Although Uber/Didi is usually quite affordable, the Metro and Metrobús are way more affordable options. 

You’ll need to purchase the Mexico City Metro Card at Metro or Metrobús stations and refill the card using cash at the kiosks. You can also use this card to use the EcoBici bikes to get around the city as well.

Visiting Mexico City: FAQs

Below are some general inquiries and information you might want to know before planning your trip to Mexico City. 

How many days is enough for Mexico City?

I may be biased to answer this question since I usually stay in Mexico City about 4 months every year. However, if we’re just talking about visiting I would say at least 4 days. 

Mexico City reminds me of New York City in certain ways. There are always new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops opening up, a big art and food scene, and so many hidden gems that you come across just walking around the city that you’d only discover the more time you spend there.

How much money should I take to Mexico for 3 days?

First of all, I usually recommend pulling cash from an ATM once you get to your destination country. If you feel more comfortable having some cash on you when you land, then go ahead and exchange some at your bank at home before your trip. Otherwise, you can always pull from an ATM at the airport where you arrive. You’ll usually lose a lot more money when exchanging cash for cash. (The only country I’ve personally visited where it was beneficial to bring USD and exchange there was Argentina). 

Like most big cities, many places in Mexico City accept credit card. However, you will need cash for street food, filling Metro Cards, some restaurants/bars, mercados, street taxis, tipping for tours, shopping at street vendors, etc. So it really depends on what you plan to do during your 3 days in Mexico City. Personally, I would probably take out around 2000 pesos initially then take out more later if necessary.

What is the cheapest month to visit Mexico City?

September is the cheapest month to visit Mexico City as it falls during the off-peak season and rainy season. However, the weather in Mexico City is quite temperate; not too hot/humid and not too cold. Personally, the only time I try to avoid visiting Mexico City in the year is July-September since it’s the rainy season. From my experience, it doesn’t usually rain too heavily and not even all day long. But it will rain around the evenings practically every single day which did get to me after a while. 

Conclusion: 3 Days In Mexico City

I hope you enjoyed this well-thought-out itinerary coming from someone who has lived there for a total of over 1 year. As you can probably tell by now, Mexico City has so much to offer! I hope you can visit this amazing city for longer than 3 days. If not, you can always visit again and again! 

Whether you join the tours I provided above or go at your own pace with the full-day itineraries I planned for you, I hope you thoroughly enjoy every moment of your 3 days in Mexico City!

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