The Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City (So You Don’t Miss Anything)
Planning your ITINERARY for Mexico City?
As the largest city in North America, forming the perfect 5 day itinerary for Mexico City (AKA CDMX) can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be.
How do I know? I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and I actually used to live in Mexico City — so in this article, I’m going to share all my best Mexico City travel tips with you.
With its massive size, there’s no end to the things to see in Mexico City. You’ll need to keep two things in mind: 1) plan ahead, and 2) plan strategically.
To maximize your Mexico City travel time, you’ll want to plan your Mexico City itinerary neighborhood by neighborhood.
The Mexico City population is about 8.5 million, and the traffic is horrible — so this 5 days in Mexico City itinerary will help you avoid it.
With the CDMX itinerary below, you’ll eliminate the amount of time spent traveling to places, and maximize the amount of time you’re actually traveling.
Ready to get to this neighborhood by neighborhood Mexico City guide? Let’s dive in, beginning with one of the Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which belongs on any great Mexico City travel itinerary.
[lwptoc]
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Day 1: Teotihuacan Pyramids Archeological Site
The Teotihuacan Ruins are among the oldest and most important archeological sites in Mexico, and one of the 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
For most travelers, Teotihuacan is a must visit in Mexico City, which is why it’s first on the list.
If devoting an entire day of a five-day trip to Teotihuacan seems like a lot, realistically, visiting Teotihuacan Ruins is a daylong affair.
The easiest way to visit is on one of these best Teotihuacan tours and hot air balloon rides, where all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
I recommend a guided tour because without someone explaining the site’s intricacies and history — you’re essentially just looking at rocks!
You can go with this tour that includes a guide, transportation and lunch, or hire a tour guide at the entrance.
There are usually tour guides available at the entrance gate, though they get booked quickly on weekends.
On-site guides charge by the group, so it’s usually about $1,000-1,500 pesos ($50-75 USD) whether you’re doing solo travel in Mexico City or traveling in a group of six.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
How to Get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City
Though only about 35 miles (50 km) away from one another, the drive from Mexico City to Teotihuacan takes 1-2 hours.
If you leave early by about 7am, your drive time will only be about one hour, but by 8-9am, it will take closer to 1.5-2 hours because of traffic.
The easiest way to go is in a rental car (I recommend and use Discover Cars), but you can also get to Teotihuacan by bus.
If you’re driving to Teotihuacan, you can use this Mexico City to Teotihuacan map. For info about taking the bus to Teotihuacán, head here.
🚗 Pro Tips: Sould I rent a car in Mexico City?
I don’t recommend renting a car in Mexico City if you’re just staying in the city itself, but if you’re planning to do some road trips, you’ll want one.
For a complete guide, check out Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know.
🗿 Pro Tips: Get to Teotihuacan Early
The best time to arrive at Teotihuacan is right when they open at 9am.
You can cut your traffic time down by getting on the road to Teotihuacan from Mexico City by 7:45am, so you’re at the entrance gate at 9am, right when they open.
Teotihuacan Ruins, and most Mexico archeological sites, all tend to lack one thing: shade.
Archeologists and historians frequently conduct research at the site, so most trees have been cleared for their ease of study, and shade is at a premium for visitors.
Arriving at Teotihuacán as soon as it opens means you not only beat the traffic, but you also beat the heat!
If you want to climb the three pyramids at Teotihuacan (Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl), it’s best to do that before midday.
When the sun starts beating down at its hardest around noon, head to the indoor Museo de la Cultura Teotihuacana (Teotihuacan Museum) and the Jardín Escultórico (Teotihuacan Sculpture Garden), which has much more shade than the site itself — and don’t forget your water bottle.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
San Juan Teotihuacán, Mexico Pueblo Magico
After exploring the Ruins of Teotihuacan, spend some time exploring the pueblo magico (magic town) of San Juan Teotihuacán, where the ruins are located.
Many of these Teotihuacan tours include a visit to this pueblo, like this Experience with a Teotihuacan Native Tour.
If you’re not going on your own and have a rental car, you can visit San Juan Teotihuacán on your own to explore the small artisan shops and local restaurants.
One of the most popular restaurants near Teotihuacan is La Gruta, located underground in a cave.
This is the only Mexico City cave restaurant, though it’s not exactly located in the city (though some visitors have heard it is).
At La Gruta, you can enjoy traditional Mexican foods like tacos and enchiladas, but also unique dishes like escamoles, the “Mexican caviar.”
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Day 2: Coyoacan & Xochimilco
These are two of Mexico’s most visited and most colorful areas, and they are visitors’ favorites.
Both Coyoacan, and its famous Frida Kahlo House & Museum, and Xochilimco, home to the brightly-colored Mexico City boats (trajineras) and famous Aztec canals, in south Mexico City.
Some people like to visit Xochimilco during the day, while others prefer the more festive nighttime atmosphere.
I’ll leave that decision up to you, but regardless of order, Xochilimco and Coyoacán make a great one day itinerary for Mexico City travelers.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Stop #1: Coyoacan Mexico City
The Coyoacan neighborhood gives you a glimpse into what Mexico City from 100+ years ago life looked like.
It is one of the oldest surviving neighborhoods in Mexico City, with the massive Iglesia de San Juan Bautista cathedral, that dates back to the 16th Century.
This colorful area is home to one of the best Mexico City museums — the Frida Kahlo Museum AKA Casa Azul (Blue House).
You’ll also find lesser known museums, like the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum, National Museum of Popular Culture and Leon Trotsky Museum.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Facts: Coyoacan means “a place of coyotes” in Nahuatl, the Aztec language.
In addition to the best museums in Coyoacan, its colorful buildings and rich history, Coyoacan is known for three foods: tepoznieves (shaved ice), churros and tostadas.
For the best tostadas in Mexico City, head to the Mercado de Coyoacán (Coyoacan Market).
You’ll find churros shops and tepoznieves shops around the Parque Centenario. Here in this Coyoacan park, you’ll also see the beautiful Fuente de los Coyotes (Coyote Fountain).
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Stop #2: Xochimilco: Colorful Boats in Mexico City
Coyoacan is located about 45 minutes south of the most popular neighborhoods in Mexico City for visitors, like Roma, Condesa and Polanco.
After exploring Coyoacan, you’ll want to head another 45 minutes further south to Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co).
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: If you don’t enjoy boat rides, skip Xochimilco. Instead, visit the UNAM College Campus, another Mexico City UNESCO Site not far from Coyoacan.
Xochimilco is a Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Site, and actually officially called the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.
On the floating gardens, you’ll see ancient farming techniques still in use today by local farmers, as well as axolotl farms for this endangered species.
You can take this canoe tour to the chinampas (floating gardens), which is one way to experience Xochimilco.
There are also party boat style Xochimilco tours like these, complete with mariachi musicians and tequila tastings aboard a trajinera (colorful gondola boat).
Regardless of if you want a more cultural or party style Xochimilco experience, the safest, easiest and best way to visit Xochimilco is by tour.
Many boat operators don’t speak English, so negotiating a tour isn’t always easy if you go on your own and your Spanish isn’t great.
🛶 Book Your Xochimilco Tour Now
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Day 3: Mexico City Zocalo & Centro Historico
With history dating back several centuries, you could spend weeks exploring Centro Historico (Downtown Mexico City) and the Zocalo (Central Square).
With just one full day, here are the best things to do in Downtown Mexico City that you won’t want to miss.
⛪️ Mexico City Cathedral Metropolitan
From the rocks of the Aztec Temples, Spanish conquistadors ordered the giant Catedral Metropolitana de México constructed.
One of the most opulent and best churches in Mexico City, it houses the largest pipe organs on the Americas Continent.
🗿 Templo Mayor Mexico City
The Templo Mayor Aztec Temple is part of the Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It was buried underground during the Spanish Conquest, but excavated in the 1970s-80s, so you can explore real Aztec Ruins in Mexico City at this archeological site and museum.
🎶 Plaza Garibaldi: Mexico City Mariachi
Wondering where to hear mariachi music in Mexico City?
Plaza Garibaldi is a 24/7 street party for locals and visitors to hear this iconic Mexican music and dance along. If you’re not sure about things to do in Mexico City at night, Plaza Garibaldi is a great option.
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: While Mexico City is safe for visitors in the majority of cases, you’ll want to use Uber at night in Centro Historico.
🏯 Palacio Bellas Artes Mexico City
If you’ve seen any image of Downtown Mexico City, there’s a good chance it was of the Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).
This classical European building with its gold dome is itself a work of art, but go inside to see the gorgeous Art Deco interior and museum.
🌳 Alameda Central: Mexico City Park
Located right next to the Bellas Artes building, the Parque Alameda Central is a large urban park with beautiful fountains and sculptures, like the Benito Juárez Hemicycle.
Downtown Mexico City is usually quite hectic, so enjoy a relaxing break in Alameda Central Park.
🗼 Torre Latinoamericana (Latin American Tower)
Torre Latinoamericana is one of the most prominent buildings in the Mexico City skyline.
For the best views in Mexico City, head to the Mirador (viewing platform) at the top of the tower. It costs $170 pesos ($8USD), so only go up on a clear day or you won’t see much.
🤑 Pro Tips: Get free City views
Located nearby, take the elevator inside the Sears department store building to Cafetería Terraza Don Porfirio for great views from a similar vantage point.
It is free to go up, but you’re expected to buy at least a beverage from the cafe.
🏛 Palacio Nacional Mexico City
The Palacio Nacional (Mexico National Palace) is massive at 660-feet-long (200 m).
It spans one entire side of the Zocalo square and houses Mexico’s Federal Treasury, National Archives, and some of the most famous Diego Rivera murals ever painted.
⛩ Barrio Chino: Mexico City Chinatown
What big city doesn’t have a Chinatown!?
While the Chinatown in Mexico City isn’t huge by any means, it’s worth taking a quick stroll through for some photos of the iconic red arch entryway and colorful paper lanterns, and maybe even some Mexico souvenirs.
👩🎨 best Museums in Downtown Mexico City
This city has about 150 museums, and many of the best museums in Mexico City are located right in Centro Historico.
Here are some of the most popular Mexico City museums located in Historic Downtown CDMX:
- Museum of Popular Art (Museo de Arte Popular)
- MUNAL National Art Museum (Museo Nacional De Arte MUNAL)
- Museum of Memory and Tolerance (Museo Memoria y Tolerancia)
- Old College of Saint Ildefonso (Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso)
A must see for art lovers, the Diego Rivera Mural Museum houses one of his most iconic paintings, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central.
This museum is located near the painting’s namesake park, the Alameda Central, and Palacio Bellas Artes.
🍴 Best Restaurants in Downtown Mexico City
Centro Historico boasts many of the best Mexico City restaurants, and most beloved taquerías (Mexico City taco shops). Some of the standouts include:
🍽 El Cardinal
This Mexico City landmark has been around for about 40 years. Enjoy Mexican favorites like enchiladas or chilaquiles, and their amazing hot chocolate that’s prepared table-side with a traditional molinillo (wooden whisk).
🌮 Best Tacos in Downtown Mexico City
You can’t go wrong with Los Cocuyos, El Huequito and El Pescadito.
Head to Tacos de Canasta los Especiales to try tacos de canasta (basket tacos), some of the best tacos in Mexico City that you won’t find in many other cities.
🍷 Mexico City Restaurant Dining
For an upscale dining experience, head to Azul Histórico by Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita.
If you prefer a view with your meal, check out El Balcon del Zocalo and La Casa de las Sirenas, two of the best Mexico City rooftop restaurants that overlook the Zocalo.
🍬 Sweet Treats
If you still have room, get the famous churro ice cream sandwich at Churrería El Moro. If churros aren’t your thing, head to Pastelería Ideal, one of the oldest and best pastry shops in Mexico City.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Day 4: Reforma, Chapultepec Park & Polanco
Stop #1: Reforma Mexico City
Start your day with a stroll down one of the main streets in the city, the tree-lined Avenida Reforma (Reforma Avenue).
Check out all the statues, like the Angel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence) and Las Alas de la Ciudad (The Wings of the City) by Jorge Marín.
There are plenty of places for breakfast, like Restaurante Mallorca Reforma and Balta inside the Sofitel Mexico City, or just coffee at Tierra Garat, a popular Mexico City cafe chain.
Keep making your way southwest, and you’ll end up in Chapultepec Park.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Stop #2: Bosque de Chapultepec Park
One of the most-visited and largest urban parks in the world, the Bosque Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park) is massive at 1,700-acres (7 km²).
It is about double the size of Central Park in New York City, with just as much to see and do.
Nicknamed the “lungs of Mexico City,” the thousands of trees in this urban green-space help filter the air.
Though many think it’s one of the most polluted cities in Mexico in terms of air quality, the Mexico City air quality is actually quite clean thanks to these trees.
🥴 Pro Tips: Altitude Sickness in Mexico City
While many travelers assume they get sick from the air in Mexico City, it’s actually the altitude that leads to sickness for many.
Mexico City is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) above sea level, so Mexico City altitude sickness is very common.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Best Things to Do in Chapultepec Park
Given its enormous size and amount of sites, you could spend a week in the park and still not see everything.
From the Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle), nine museums, two lakes, restaurants, a zoo, and more, you must be selective with your Chapultepec Park itinerary.
🏰 Chapultepec Castle
The Castillo de Chapultepec is North America’s only real castle, as it’s the only castle that royalty once lived in.
This castle is the former home of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, and now one of the must see Mexico City attractions.
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: Looking for free things to do in Mexico City? Admission to Chapultepec Castle is free on Sundays, but arrive early to beat the crowds.
🗿 Chapultepec Park Museums
There are nine museums in Chapultepec Park, including the most popular museum in Mexico City, the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology).
The massive anthropology museum spans 22 exhibition halls, and thousands of years of history.
More into art than history? Head to the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) and Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo (Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art Museum).
If you’re traveling to Mexico City with kids, they’ll love the Papalote Children’s Museum.
🐼 Chapultepec Park Zoo
The Zoológico de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Zoo) has more than 200 animal species including jaguars, lions, tigers, and even two panda bears.
It’s free to get in, and another one of the best things to do in Mexico City with kids.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Stop #3: Polanco Mexico City
Polanco is the most posh of all Mexico City neighborhoods. If you’re looking for some retail therapy, head to Avenida Presidente Masaryk (President Masaryk Avenue).
This street is often called the “Rodeo Drive of Mexico,” or the “5th Avennue of Mexico City,” as its home to luxury stores like Gucci and Hermès.
The iconic Museo Soumaya (Soumaya Museum) and Museo Jumex (Jumex Museum) round out the list of Polanco’s popular sites.
One of the best free things to do in Mexico City, don’t miss the Soumaya — and then stick around Polanco to splurge on a nice dinner.
🍽 Best Restaurants in Polanco
Pujol by Chef Enrique Olvera is located in Polanco, and has been named one of the best restaurants in the world by the prestigious 50 Best List.
If you can’t get a reservation at Pujol, Quintonil and La Docena, both also in Polanco, also made the 50 Best List.
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: Discover more of the best restaurants in Polanco in this article, 50 Best Restaurants in Mexico City, or take this highly-rated Polanco Food Tour.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Day 5: Roma Norte & La Condesa
Arguably the two prettiest and best neighborhoods in Mexico City, Roma Norte and La Condesa are the best places to end your 5 day Mexico City itinerary.
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: Take the Private Mexico City Walking Tour with a Local: Roma & Condesa Tour and explore both neighborhoods with a knowledgeable CDMX local as your guide.
They are both ideal for taking leisurely strolls, doing some shopping, eating at sidewalk cafes and visiting the parks.
Stop #1: Roma Norte Mexico City
If Roma Mexico City rings a bell that’s because this is the neighborhood made famous in the 2019 Oscar-winning film, Roma, from Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron.
🎥 You can watch the movie on Netflix in preparation for visiting.
Within the Colonia Roma jurisdiction, you’ll find the Roma Norte and Roma Sur neighborhoods (North Roma and South Roma).
Roma Sur is a bit more lively, while Roma Norte is the calmer and prettier of the two — though they are both perfectly safe to explore on foot.
Head to Roma Norte to see some of the best architecture in Mexico City, and the city’s most charming streets.
Vintage buildings in esthetics ranging from Art Deco to colonial line the streets in Roma; it is as eclectic as San Francisco, and each building is better than the next.
You’ll find some of the beautiful architecture, best cafes, hippest restaurants and best Mexico City bars along Avenida Álvaro Obregón (Alvaro Obregon Avenue) in Roma Norte.
This street is great to walk down, day and night, especially if you enjoy people-watching.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
How to See Lucha Libre in Mexico City
On Saturday nights (and sometimes other nights), catch a lucha libre wrestling match in Arena Mexico, located just north of Roma Norte in the Doctores neighborhood.
This isn’t one of the safest parts in Mexico City, so opt for a group tour to the lucha libre matches, like these:
🦹 BEST LUCHA LIBRE TOURS IN MEXICO CITY
- Make a Mask, Beers & Lucha Libre Show
- Lucha + Tacos + Cerveza = Best Night Ever
- Lucha, Craft market, Masks & Beer with a journalist
- Lucha Libre, Street Tacos, Masks & Fun
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Stop #2: La Condesa Mexico City
Just across Avenida Insurgentes (Insurgents Avenue), one of the main streets in Mexico City, you’ll find Roma Norte’s sister neighborhood, La Condesa.
Most people just say Condesa, which means countess, but both Condesa and La Condesa denote this part of the city.
Get to know Condesa with a stroll on the tree-lined Hipódromo (meaning racetrack), an oval-shaped walkway along Avenida Amsterdam (Amsterdam Avenue).
Once a horse racing track, hence the name and oval shape, the street provides a leisurely way to visit Condesa CDMX.
Just off the Hipódromo, don’t miss Parque Mexico (Mexico Park) and Parque España (Spain Park), two of the best Mexico City parks.
If you’re looking for Instagram worthy Mexico City spots, you can’t go wrong with Parque Mexico.
🍽 Best Restaurants in Roma & Condesa
Besides simply walking around, looking at buildings and street art, Rome Norte and La Condesa boast some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in CDMX.
Here are just a few recommendations:
Bakeries/Brunch: Panaderia Rosetta, Lalo!, Que Sera de Mi, Maque
Lunch: Contramar, Fonda Fina, La Docena, Lardo
Tacos: Taquería Orinoco (tacos al pastor), El Hidalguense (barbacoa, or barbeque), El Pescadito (seafood tacos), Tacos Hola el Güero (tacos guisado, or stew tacos), Por Siempre Vegana Taquería (vegan tacos)
Nice Dinner: Rosetta, Maximo Bistrot, Azul Condesa, Merotoro
Bars: Casa Franca (speakeasy with cocktails), Limantour (upscale cocktail bar), La Clandestina (mezcal), Wallace Whisky Bar (whisky and spirits), Hotel Condesa DF (Mexico City rooftop bar), Pulqueria Insurgentes (pulque), Loup Bar (wine), El Depósito (beer)
Mexico City Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico City safe for travelers?
For the vast majority of travelers, Mexico City is perfectly safe.
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Mexico City; they do! After all, it is is a big city and has the same “big city” problems as places like London, San Francisco, Paris or Rome.
However, if you stick to the best neighborhoods in Mexico City and stay aware of yourself and your surroundings, you should be safe in Mexico City.
Need more tips on Mexico City safety? Check out this article, Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now?
Is Mexico City safe for solo travelers?
Yes — For the vast majority of solo travelers (even solo female travelers), Mexico City is safe.
On a personal note, I lived in Mexico City by myself for about one year. I felt safe, but I also made safety my top priority. For a deep dive into this topic, check out this Mexico City Solo Travel Safety Guide.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Is public transportation in Mexico City safe?
Mostly — As with many big cities, pickpocketing isn’t uncommon, so be extra aware of your valuables, and consider this anti-theft backpack.
Mexico City has great, inexpensive public transportation, including the Mexico City metro (subway) and buses — so make sure you take advantage of it.
Just remain vigilant of your belongings, and you should be totally fine.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Is there an Uber in Mexico City?
Yes — I prefer Uber to public transportation in Mexico City, and the main reason is because you save a lot of travel time using Uber, DiDi and other ride-share apps.
While they do cost more, the cost ends up being worth it if you compare it to the amount of time you save.
For general reference, the eight mile (13 km) bus trip from Roma Norte to Coyoacan would cost you about $2 USD, but it could take over two hours.
The same trip in an Uber would cost about $6 USD and take as little as 30 minutes.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Where is Mexico City located?
Mexico City is in Mexico, in the near-dead center of the country. Though many think it’s in Central America, Mexico is actually on the continent of North America.
📍 Mexico City Map
Mexico shares a border with the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast.
It has nearly 5,800-miles of coastline (9,330 km), which sits on the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California (AKA Sea of Cortez) and Caribbean Sea.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Is Mexico City a state?
Yes — Mexico City is one of the 32 states in Mexico. It is actually both a state, and the capital of Mexico.
In 2016, Mexico City became the 32nd state in the Estados Unidos Mexicanos, the official name of Mexico. This is often translated as the United Mexican States or United States of Mexico.
IS MEXICO CITY THE CAPITAL OF MEXICO?
Yes — Mexico City is the capital of Mexico.
It is also a state, so this can all be a bit confusing! Luckily it doesn’t matter one bit when planning your 5 day itinerary Mexico City.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
What does CDMX stand for?
You might see Mexico City abbreviated as CDMX. This stands for Ciudad de Mexico, which means Mexico City in Spanish.
Note: You might also see Mexico City DF, which stands for Distrito Federal, or Federal District. Let me explain that abbreviation as well…
🤔 What does Mexico City DF stand for?
Before Mexico City was a state, it was a Federal District. This is similar to the “DC” in Washington DC, which stands for District of Columbia.
Technically Mexico City is no longer “Mexico City DF,” but you may still see it referred to that way.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
What are the best neighborhoods in Mexico City?
Most Mexico City travelers stick to the neighborhoods of Roma Norte, Roma Sur, La Condesa, Polanco, Centro Historico (Downtown), Coyoacan and Reforma.
⭐️ Roma & Condesa
I lived in Roma Norte, so I’m definitely biased in saying that it is the best neighborhood in Mexico City.
If your Spanish isn’t great, you’ll find the most English speakers in Roma, as many expats live here, and many businesses seek out bilingual employees.
Condesa is located right next to Roma, and they are actually pretty similar in terms of their vibe.
These are known as the hipster neighborhoods in town, but it’s where you’ll find many of the best Mexico City Airbnbs and VRBOs.
⭐️ Polanco, Reforma & Zona Rosa
If you’re more of a posh traveler, Polanco is a great option. It is right next to the Reforma and Zona Rosa (LGBTQ+) neighborhoods, both also great options.
If you’re looking to stay in the best Mexico City hotels, you’ll find all the nicest ones in these areas. ▶︎ BOOK YOUR MEXICO CITY HOTEL HERE!
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
What are the parts of Mexico City to avoid?
There are some areas to avoid in Mexico City, but most aren’t near the main tourist zones. There are two, Tepito and Doctores, you could accidentally stumble into because they’re both near Centro Historico.
Doctores isn’t all that bad, but Tepito is known to be quite dangerous.
📲 Pro Tip: Get a SIM Card for Mexico City
You’ll want a Mexico SIM Card with data so you always have access to a map.
This way, you won’t accidentally end up anywhere you don’t want to be, like Tepito and Doctores, and if you do, you’ll have data to call an Uber.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
What’s the best time to visit Mexico City?
This depends on your preferences. The dry season in Mexico City, from October to April, is a great time to visit because you likely won’t see any rain.
💀 Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade
However, it’s also much colder in the fall and winter months than the spring and summer, so for warm weather, go from May to September.
Day of the Dead is one of the best times to visit Mexico, and among the most important Mexican holidays.
The holiday takes place November 1-2, and Mexico City hosts a massive, citywide parade the Saturday before the actual holiday.
🦋 Monarch Butterfly Season
From about November to March, millions (possibly billions!) of Monarch butterflies spend the winter in the forests just outside Mexico City, near Valle de Bravo.
Book one of these Mexico monarch butterfly tours to stroll the forests with all the beautiful butterflies.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Can you drink the water in Mexico City?
No — Unfiltered Mexico City tap water is not considered safe for human consumption; not for locals and not for visitors.
For a deep dive into this topic, check out Can I Drink the Water in Mexico?
You will want to pack one of these Water-To-Go Bottles, which filters your drinking water so it’s safe for consumption, and you don’t have to keep buying single-use plastic bottles.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
How many days in Mexico City do I need?
Realistically, you could spend one week or one month in Mexico City to one year not see everything. I lived there for about a year, and still didn’t! However, most travelers will want 3-7 days (or more).
There’s no right or wrong amount of time to spend in Mexico City, but you’ll cover a lot of ground with this Mexico City 5 day itinerary.
If you’re spending just 3 days in Mexico City, or 4 days in Mexico City, you can pick and choose which two days from this itinerary to eliminate.
You can also easily make this into a 7 day Mexico City itinerary by spending one whole day in each of the neighborhoods mentioned.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Can you get altitude sickness in Mexico City?
Yes — Mexico City is about 1.5 miles above sea level (2.4 km), which is a half-mile higher than “The Mile High City” of Denver, Colorado.
For a deep dive into this topic, check out Mexico City Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent & Treat It, so you don’t get sick when visiting Mexico City.
Mexico City altitude sickness is quite common, and can feel like the flu, which could potentially ruin your trip 🤢
Personally, I did get it once, and it was no fun! Now, I don’t take any chances and come prepared with these anti-altitude sickness meds.
5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
Is Mexico City worth visiting?
Ye — It is so worth visiting as one of the best cities in the world, with an identity all its own. Like most big cities, CDMX is ever-changing and ever-evolving, so if you visited five years ago, it won’t be the same city today.
Do I need travel insurance for Mexico City?
Legally, no, you are not required to have travel insurance for Mexico. However, you absolutely will wish you did if something goes wrong — and with travel, something always goes wrong.
That’s not meant to scare you, but to say that yes, you really should have it.
I only ever recommend these three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:
- World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers
- SafetyWing — For digital nomads in Mexico and long-term travelers
- Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool if you like comparing prices and plans
Final Thoughts: 5 Day Itinerary for Mexico City
With some planning, and scheduling by neighborhood to minimize the amount of time you waste sitting in traffic, a five day trip to the 12th largest city on Earth is doable.
I hope this itinerary for Mexico City will help you plan your dream trip to CDMX.
If you need more Mexico City tips, travel guides and resources, check out my Ultimate Guide to Mexico City and all my Mexico City blogs to help you plan your perfect Mexico City vacation.