The Ultimate 4 Day Mexico City Itinerary (So You Don’t Miss Anything!)

Planning your Itinerary for Mexico City

You’re in for an epic trip! You’re also in the right place and with the right guide — as I used to live in Mexico City — and I put all my expert knowledge into this 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

Let me also say, I know firsthand that planning a trip to North America’s largest city can be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be!

Speaking from experience, the keys to planning the ultimate Mexico City trip are to:

• Plan ahead so you know which things to see in Mexico City
• Stay in one of the centrally located, best neighborhoods in Mexico City; and,
• Plan strategically so you only visit 1-2 neighborhoods each day

With the three strategies listed above, you’re going to experience the best places during your four day in Mexico City itinerary.

This article will provide a neighborhood-by-neighborhood Mexico City guide, including the areas you’ll want to stay, play and eat in.

If you’d like more suggestions on Mexico City things to see, head to this article, 51 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Mexico City.

Ready to dive in? ⬇ Scroll down for the Ultimate 4 days in Mexico City itinerary!

Then, check out the best neighborhoods in Mexico City guide and some other Mexico City FAQs, so you have an amazing Mexico City trip.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Day 1: Teotihuacan Ruins

Teotihuacan is one of the oldest and most important of Mexico’s archeological sites, and one of the 35 Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In fact, Mexico City shares top honors for the most UNESCO Sites with Oaxaca state; each of them has three.

While suggesting you devote one full day of your 4 days in Mexico City to seeing Teotihuacan may seem extreme, realistically, visiting Teotihuacan is a daylong affair.

⭐️ Best Mexico City to Teotihuacan Tours

For those who simply can’t sacrifice one whole day, book the Teotihuacán Express Tour.

This abridged tour means you won’t get the full experience, but you’ll still get to see this amazing place.

For a great full day tour, consider the Teotihuacan & My Grandma’s Food Tour, or Teotihuacan Scavenger Hunt.

⭐️ Looking for the best Teotihuacan tour from Mexico City?

Join hosts Hugo and Gabriel on their Teotihuacan & My Grandma’s Food Tour — one of the top-rated and best tours in Mexico City!

🍽️ LA GRUTA Mexico city cave RESTAURANT

When it’s time to eat, head to the La Gruta restaurant.

This is the well-known grotto/cave restaurant near Teotihuacan, and the only place to experience a cave restaurant in Mexico City!

La Gruta serves both tacos and other traditional Mexican favorites, and also uncommon dishes like escamoles, often referred to as Mexican caviar.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Best Teotihuacan Tours

The easiest, most convenient way to see Teotihuacan? On a group tour, of course. Here are the best Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

How to get from Mexico City to Teotihuacan

• Uber to Teotihuacan: Besides taking a tour, this is the most convenient way to get to Teotihuacan.

Prices will vary, but figure about $2,000 pesos ($100 USD), round trip.

There is a designated Uber Zone at Teotihuacan, which has the best cell signal and where Uber drivers know to pick passengers up.

• Drive to Teotihuacan: Driving in Mexico City is not for the faint of heart! However, for those who want to rent a car and drive to Teotihuichan, it’s a relatively easy drive and will take about 1.5 hours each way.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Day 2: Coyoacan & Xochimilco

Stop #1. Coyoacan

Located not far from one another in the southern part of CDMX, Xochilimco and Coyoacan make a great one day Mexico City itinerary excursion.

For these two destinations, you’re going to want to do a little advanced planning.

👩‍🎨 Frida Kahlo Museum

Coyoacan is one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods, and the former home to one of its most colorful women, Frida Kahlo.

As one of Mexico’s iconic figures, you can imagine the Frida Kahlo Museum, AKA Casa Azul (Blue House), draws some crowds.

As the name Casa Azul states, this is Frida Kahlo’s blue house, which is a great glimpse into the artist’s life — but it also means this isn’t a big museum, it’s a small (well, smallish) house.

The line starts forming early, and stays long all day, as only a few people can go in at a time.

🎟 If you’re visiting, please do yourself this favor: Buy your Frida Kahlo tickets in advance!

When you buy your tickets online, you select an entry time and day, and your ticket is emailed to you.

On the day of your reservation, you show up at that time, and they scan the ticket in your email. 

Though the Casa Azul is the most visited of all things to do in Coyoacan, there are many others.

Check out these great Coyoacan tours below, and head to this article for a list of other top sights in Coyoacan.

When it’s time to leave Coyoacan, grab an Uber and head to the next stop, Xochimilco. Keep scrolling to find out about this amazing, historic part of CDMX.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Stop #2. Xochimilco

🤔 What is Xochimilco?

Lake Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is a series of canals, man-made by the Aztecs way back in the day as a thoroughfare route for commerce and trade.

It is now one of the Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Sites many have on their Mexico bucket list.

Xochimilco is known as a place to party, but many also go to see the chinampas, or floating gardens, for a more authentic cultural experience.

The easiest, most stress-free, hassle-free way to visit Xochimilco?

Book this Xochimilco: Tequila, Mezcal & Fun Tour with Isa and Mau, two Mexico City locals!

🛶 visiting Xochimilco mexico city

Home to Mexico City’s brightly-colored trajineras (gondola) boats, Xochimilco is high atop many Mexico City bucket lists.

Famed for its festive atmosphere, visitors and locals alike charter trajinera boats and head out onto the canals.

The bravest of visitors will book this tour to the Island of the Dolls, one of the best Mexico dark tourism sites ☠️

As the name states, this is one of the Xochimilco island, which is covered in baby dolls hung from trees — straight out of a horror film!

1. Mexico City Zocalo

This is the central square in downtown Mexico City.

It is an actual square with the Templo Mayor (Main Temple of the Aztecs), Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional as the highlights.

While they are all great, I’d spend the most time exploring the Templo Mayor, the most important Aztec site in CDMX.

2. Palacio Bellas Artes

If you’ve ever seen an image of downtown Mexico City, chances are you’ve seen Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).

This golden-domed, classical European building is a work of art in itself, but do head inside to see the gorgeous art deco interior and museum.

Located next to Palacio Bellas Artes, the well-maintained Parque Alameda Central is a large urban park with beautiful sculptures and fountains.

Don’t miss the beautiful Benito Juarez Hemicycle monument, and the Bellas Artes Metro sign, a gift from the French president.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Stop #2. Chapultepec Park

After a few hours in Centro Historico, head to the Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park).

Now, this park is massive — as in 1,700 acres massive.

Given its large size and variety of attractions, you could spend a week in Chapultepec and not see everything.

From the beautiful Chapultepec Castle, nine museums, two lakes, a zoo, and more, you have to be intentional with your time.

🚲 To cover as much ground as possible in the park, book this Discover Chapultepec on Bicycle Tour!

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Day 4: Roma Norte & La Condesa

Do you know this statement all too well: I need a vacation from my vacation.

In an effort for you to not feel that way at the end of your 4 days in Mexico City, this last day is all about relaxation, pretty parks, and of course, tacos.

For this reason, I highly recommend you spend your last day in two of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods, Roma and Condesa, just strolling around.

👯‍♀️ Prefer a guided tour? Book this Roma & Condesa Discovery Tour, which covers both neighborhoods.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Stop #1. Roma Norte

Does the name Roma ring a bell? It should; this is the neighborhood from the movie Roma, the 2019 Oscar-winning film by Mexican director, Alfonso Cuaron.

Within Colonia Roma, you’ll notice there’s both a Roma Norte (North Rome) and Roma Sur (South Rome) neighborhood.

They are both great and safe, though personally, I find Roma Norte the prettier of the two.

🦹‍♂️ Want to see a lucha libre show when visiting Mexico City? The famed Mexican wrestling matches take lace in Arena Mexico, near Roma. The best way to go is on this Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = BEST NIGHT EVER Tour.

Some of the neighborhood’s nicest architecture, and best cafes and shops line Avenida Álvaro Obregón (Alvaro Obregon Ave.).

This street also comes alive at night, having some of Mexico City’s best nightlife spots right here, as well as the best late night taquería (taco shop), Taqueria Orinoco.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Stop #2. Condesa

Just across one of Mexico City’s main streets, Avenida Insurgentes (Insurgents Avenue), you’ll find yourself in Roma Norte’s sister neighborhood, La Condesa.

You’ll often just see this area called Condesa, minus the “La,” but it’s the same neighborhood.

Get to know the Condesa neighborhood by strolling the tree-lined Hipódromo (racetrack), a walkable pathway that circles Avenida Amsterdam (Amsterdam Ave.).

Once a horse racing track, as you’d notice from its name and circular shape, the street is now a peaceful way to explore La Condesa.

Don’t miss Parque Mexico (Mexico Park) and Parque España (Spain Park), two of Mexico City’s nicest parks that are both in Condesa.

Here, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

FREE Map: Best Restaurants in Roma Norte & Condesa

Besides leisurely walking around and looking at buildings and street art, Rome Norte and La Condesa boast some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in the city.

🌮 Prefer a guided Mexico City food tour? Book your spot on the Taste Colonia Roma with Local Foodies now!

Here are a few recommendations, all pinned to the map of Roma Norte and La Condesa above.

☕️ Best Cafes in Condesa and Roma

• Cardinal Casa de Café
• Blend Station
• Efimero Cafe
• Cafebrería el Péndulo
• La Esquina de Té (a tea shop)

🍳 Best Brunch in Condesa and Roma

• Panaderia Rosetta
• Lalo!
• Que Sera de Mi
• Maque

🥗 Best Lunch in Condesa and Roma

• Contramar
• Fonda Fina
• La Docena
• Lardo

🍽️ Best Restaurants in Condesa and Roma

• Rosetta
• Maximo Bistrot
• Azul Condesa
• MeroToro

🌮 Best Tacos in Condesa and Roma

• Taquería Orinoco (tacos al pastor)
• El Hidalguense (barbacoa/barbeque; open on weekends only)
• El Pescadito (seafood tacos)
• Tacos Hola el Güero (tacos guisados/stew tacos)
• Por Siempre Vegana Taquería (vegan tacos)
• Taqueria El Greco (tacos arabes/Arabian tacos)

🥂 Best Bars in Condesa and Roma

• Casa Franca (cocktails/speakeasy)
• Limantour (cocktails)
• La Clandestina (mezcal)
• Wallace Whisky Bar (whisky/spirits)
• Hotel Condesa DF (rooftop bar)
• Pulqueria Insurgentes (pulque)
• Loup Bar (wine)
• El Depósito (beer)

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

How do I get to Mexico City?

To visit Mexico City, fly into Mexico City International Airport (Code: MEX). Depending on traffic, plan for 45-60 minutes to get to your accommodation from the airport.

The easiest way to leave from the airport is via Uber, taxi or private transfer.

⭐️ Best Airport Transfers in Mexico City

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City?

On the map below, you’ll find pins for all the areas mentioned in this blog.

They have the largest concentrations of things to do in CDMX, and are the best neighborhoods in Mexico City, overall.

For first timer visitors and solo female travelers, stick to either Roma Norte or Condesa for a place to stay.

These are safe, cool, fun, centrally located, and two of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

However, the two others you might consider are Coyoacan and Polanco.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

⭐️ Roma Norte Mexico City

From the beautiful architecture, pretty parks, walkability, cute cafes, street art, street tacos, and overall chill vibe, Roma Norte is one of the best Mexico City neighborhoods.

It has a lot of great Mexico City Airbnb and VRBO options, along with its neighboring area, La Condesa.

🏨 You can also book one of the best Roma Norte hotels!

Roma Norte (North Rome) and Roma Sur (South Rome) make up Colonia Roma (Rome Colony).

In Mexico City, colonias are designated areas within counties.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

⭐️ La Condesa MEXICO CITY

You’ll sometimes see Condesa referred to by its technical name, La Condesa, but both refer to the same neighborhood.

Condesa and Roma, are “sister neighborhoods,” and located just right next to one another, on either side of Avenida Insurgents (Insurgentes Avenue).

Condesa has some of the best Mexico City Airbnb and VRBO options, along with Roma.

You really can’t go wrong staying in either neighborhood, but for Condesa, you’ll want to book one of the best Condesa hotels.

While they are both great, with the same great amenities and hip vibes, Condesa is a little more lively at night, and a little louder, which is why many choose Roma.

If you’re looking for more nightlife, you might pick Condesa over Roma.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

⭐️ Polanco MEXICO CITY

Polanco is the most posh area of CDMX. It is located in the northwestern part of Mexico City, bordering Chapultepec Park.

This is a calmer area of town, with gorgeous Polanco hotels, nice parks, a few great museums, and upscale shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, AKA the “Rodeo Drive of Mexico City.”

By night, there are swanky Polanco bars, and also some of the best fine dining in Mexico City, like Pujol and Quintonil.

There’s also great restaurants in Polanco during the day, which you can explore on the Polanco Food Tour in Mexico City.

4 DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

⭐️ coyoacan MEXICO CITY

Coyoacan is a lovely neighborhood — and in fact, it’s where Frida Kahlo lived with her husband and fellow Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.

It’s also where you’ll find the Frida Kahlo House, AKA the Casa Azul or Blue House Frida Kahlo Museum.

The one negative to Coyoacan is that it’s in the south part of the city, so getting to anything north (where most of the stuff you want to see is) takes a lot of time.

If you want to stay in this neighborhood, make sure you pick one of these Coyoacan hotels and apartments.

This area is walkable in some parts, and not so much in others. It’s also cute in some parts, and frankly, not cute in others.

What do I pack for Mexico City?

Mexico City and Central Mexico have much colder weather than the tropical climates many associate with Mexico.

As you can see by the Mexico City weather chart above, this part of Mexico has what’s called an “eternal spring” climate, meaning cooler springtime weather for much of the year.

Beyond planning what clothes to pack, keep in mind Mexico City is about 1.5 miles above sea level (2.4 km).

If you’re not used to that, you can get altitude sickness, which is like the flu.

Many have great success with an Anti-Altitude Sickness Acupressure Bracelet, while others need Anti-Altitude Sickness meds.

👗 What to wear in Mexico city

As far as how to dress in Mexico City — chilangos (Mexico City locals) tend to dress conservative, and even in warmer months, pants/jeans and long sleeve shirts are the norm

Mexico City sidewalks aren’t the easiest to walk on, and you’ll want to opt for flats over wedges or heels.