We spent three days in Mexico City, and it was just long enough to capture the heart of this diverse and sophisticated metropolis. And experience many of its highlights. This expansive but low-key city has a blend of rich culture and history, interesting architecture, and some of the world’s best cuisine…and tequila, of course! A trip to Mexico City is ideal for a long weekend mini-break. During our 3-day itinerary, we spent time meandering through the colorful neighborhoods, soaking in the bustling markets and checking out the local arts scene. And, of course, we ate plenty of authentic and delicious Mexican food.
Three days in Mexico City may not seem like enough time to see everything. With some planning, a touch of endurance and the perfect itinerary, you’ll find it’s just enough time for a memorable visit. Mexico City has different districts, each with its own history and atmosphere. We were based in the Roma area for two nights and Condesa for two nights. (you can read more about why we chose those districts below).
So pack your walking shoes, embrace the culture and read how to spend 3 days in Mexico City!
Three Day Trip to Mexico City: Day 1
Day 1, Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious Mexican breakfast at one of the many local cafes in La Condesa and Roma. There seems to be a coffee shop or cafe / bakery on every corner. Fresh pastries, delicious fruit and strong Mexican coffee are perfect to fuel you for a long day of exploring.
Day 1, Morning
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Condesa. Be sure to look up and admire the beautiful Art Deco architecture, trees that line the streets, and maybe pop into a gallery or two.
TIP: Be sure to buy a large bottle of water from one of the street vendors for 10 pesos. Mexico City is a mile above sea level, and you WILL be dehydrated on your first day. Avoid getting light-headed or a headache by drinking water frequently while you walk.
Wander towards the Juarez district and notice how the vibe changes from historic mansions and modern boutiques. As you get closer to the Centro district, you’ll feel the energy shift yet again as you approach the busy urban center.
Plaza de la Constitución
Zocalo is the common name for the main public square in the heart of the Centro District, the Plaza del la Constitucion. An enormous Mexican Flag stands proudly in the center of the square. You’ll feel the history of the area as you take in the immense size of the square, the grandeur of the surrounding buildings and the intricate architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It’s pretty breathtaking.
The plaza is buzzing with street performers and local vendors. It’s a place of great significance for locals to gather for cultural celebrations and demonstrations. When Mexico is gearing up for a general election, the square was particularly active with people campaigning while we were there. If you get there early, you’ll have it all to yourself and it will be the perfect start to your 3 days in Mexico City. We found that things don’t really get going in the city early and it’s pretty quiet until 11am.
Zocalo Landmarks
You can’t miss the famous Metropolitan Cathedral in Zocalo. The Cathedral is free to enter. Once you’re inside, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful artwork, gilded altars and historical artifacts that tell the story of Mexico City’s rich heritage. Mass is offered regularly and I’d highly recommend it if you have the time.
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) is a working government building and is also seeping with history. Once you enter the grand facade, take a minute to enjoy the Diego Rivera murals. You can only visit with a guided tour, and you can arrange that here. Don’t worry if you didn’t book ahead, they often have walk-in spaces available. However, I’d suggest arriving early and being prepared to wait.
TIP: The Mexican President lives and works out of the National Palace, so expect tight security.
Day 1, Lunch
The Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, located just off Zocolo Square, was a highlight for the boys. For James Bond fans, the Gran Hotel will bring back fond memories. This is where the opening of ‘Spectre’ was filmed and also a ‘License to Kill’.
The hotel has an opulent grand entrance, lobby and an ornate stained glass roof. It’s the only building that’s been featured in two separate Bond movies, and when you enter you’ll understand why. The exquisite old-fashioned iron lifts lead to La Terraza, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. There, you can enjoy lunch or a drink, and admire the fantastic views of the plaza and the city.
Afternoon, Day 1
Next, walk to the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal at Garibaldi Plaza. Throughout the afternoon and night, mariachi bands play in this plaza known as Mexico City’s home of mariachi music. Important to note: it does get a little more lively at night, so plan accordingly. The Museum of Tequila is fun, it’s cultural and it’s worth spending some time here. At the end of the walk around the museum, we put our knowledge to the test with a tasting session at the museum’s bar (what could possibly go wrong!?!). The bar faces the plaza, so expect some friendly mariachis to ask if you’d like some personal entertainment. There’s also the option to order food and stay for a while.
After the museum, take a leisurely walk back to your hotel using a different route. You might just stumble upon some cool sights and surprises along the way!
Evening, Day 1
Enjoy dinner at Santo Habanero in Roma for a fun atmosphere, cool decor, and great people-watching if you sit at one of the outdoor tables.
The food is a blend of traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist, all beautifully presented. Santo Habanero offers an extensive selection of habanero-infused dishes (hence the name!) with just the right kick.
Their signature Ancho Reyes Mezcalita was a hit, perfectly balancing the smokey mezcal with the subtle heat of Ancho Reyes liqueur. Santo Habanero has it all, great food, fab cocktails, all packaged in a fun location. After dinner at Santo Habanero, we lingered at our outdoor table, enjoyed the stunning murals on the walls, sipped a little more tequila, and soaked in the street scene. It’s a great spot to hang out and linger as a family or with a group of friends.
3 Days in Mexico City: Day Two
Morning, Day 2
After you stop at a different cafe or panaderia (bakery) for breakfast, it’s time to see the city in a different light. Mexico City is brimming with art galleries featuring works by Mexican and international artists, and most are free of charge. Find an art gallery or two that catch your eye, and wander in. There are many scattered throughout Roma, Condesa and Centro that will open around 10am.
After checking out local artists, head back towards the historic district to visit The Palacio de Bellas Artes, a cultural complex known for its elaborate art nouveau and Art Deco architecture. It’s a very impressive building and inside you’ll find incredible murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera.
The elegant interior of the concert hall gives you a feel for the history of this complex. Plan to spend about two hours here, but if there’s an event or exhibit that piques your interest, you might need more time. The theater hosts performances, including regular shows by The Folkloric Ballet of Mexico, and you can find those tickets here.
Lunch, Day 2
For lunch on day two, eat like a local and find a taqueria. They are literally on every block. Most have a signature ‘trompo’ rotisserie out front, where the cook will carve off the meat for your tacos al pastor (marinated pork cooked on a spit). Restaurant menus are typically filled with a large variety of tacos and tortas, and traditional delights such as cebollitas asadas (grilled onions). Lunch will be quick, delicious, inexpensive, and you can enjoy it with a refreshing horchata or a cold beer.
After lunch, visit El Moro Churreria for some traditional churros. Iriarte has been sharing a family recipe from Spain in various locations around Mexico City since 1935. The original spot in the historic district was the first location and is part of Mexico City’s rich history. It’s open 24 hours and still has the original tiles on the wall outside. The churros are a perfect balance of sugar and cinnamon and are paired with a cup of rich hot molten chocolate dipping sauce. These churros are a decadent afternoon treat.
Afternoon, Day 2
Grab an Uber or take the Mexico City Metro to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. The Frida Kahlo Museum is tucked away in the vibrant Coyoacán district and was Frida and Diego’s actual home. Known as “La Casa Azul” for its bold blue walls, each room gives a peek into her life and they’re filled with famous art and personal items. It’s not just a museum — it helps you understand how Frida used her pain to create stunning art.
Tip: Pre-purchase your tickets here as this museum often sells out.
Evening, Day 2
You will find plenty of restaurant options in the Roma and Condesa areas by just strolling around. Restaurants that I recommend are Maximo Bistrot, a local restaurant famous for its farm-to-table dishes, and Rosetta, which is located in a charming townhouse with a menu inspired by both Italian cuisine and local flavors.
3 Days in Mexico City: Day Three
Morning, Day 3
Start your third day in CDMX at one of the local cafes or bakeries for coffee and pastries. Trust me, after 3 days in Mexico City, you won’t be tired of the great fresh coffee and excellent baked goods!
Bosque de Chapultepec
Today will be more leisurely — you’ve seen so much already! Walk towards the Miguel Hidalgo district and wander through Chapultepec Forest and Chapultepec Park. This huge park complex in Mexico City contains many popular museums and other sights, including the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.
It’s a sprawling green oasis where visitors can stroll through the lush gardens, historic monuments and cultural attractions. If you’re looking for exercise, this is the place — you can walk, run or ride miles of trails and you wouldn’t even know you were in the center of a city.
The Museo de Artes Moderno
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City was an immersive experience into the vibrant world of contemporary artists. We wandered through the sleek corridors and expansive outdoor spaces, and found ourselves captivated by the interesting fusion of colors, shapes and sculptures.
The collection boasts an eclectic mix of masterpieces, from an iconic Frida Kahlo painting to avant-garde sculptures and multimedia installations.
One exhibit we particularly loved was the Abraham Angel retrospective, showcasing 24 of the 30 paintings and artwork he created before his untimely passing at the age of 19.
It was a poignant reminder of the power of artistic expression and the fleeting beauty of life.
Lunch, Day 3
Visit Mercado Roma, a foodie’s paradise in the Roma District. You can easily spend hours exploring delicious food stands and eclectic wine bars. Once you’ve decided what you are going to eat (which is TOUGH with all the choices!) grab a seat at one of the communal tables or lounge on the rooftop terrace to people-watch and soak up the energy of Mexico City. If you want to experience Mercado Roma’s food scene like a local, you can book a tour here.
Afternoon, Day 3
Museo Nacional de Antropología
If you have the patience and time to visit another museum, the Museum of Anthropology is one of the best museums I’ve been to highlighting the history of a country’s native cultures. There is a focus of each stage of civilization from 2000 BC until the end of the Mayan era in 1300 AD, with artifacts, carvings, statues and parts of temples from all over the country. This museum isn’t for everybody, but if you want to really see a lot of history and the evolution of Mesoamerica, this is a fantastic place to see it all in one stop. Bonus – it’s only a 20-minute walk from the Museum of Modern Art in Chapultepec.
Evening, Day 3
For your final evening, choose a relaxed dinner at Azul Condesa, where traditional Mexican dishes are served in a beautiful setting. Or, if you’re looking for something more fancy, you can try Pujol, which is frequently rated as the best restaurant in all of Mexico. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance here, and this restaurant features a multi-course tasting menu.
Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids
If you have 4 days in Mexico City — or want to see something outside of the city center — try visiting the ancient Teotihuacan, also known as the City of the Gods. The pyramids at Teotihuacan are truly impressive, and make this a popular day trip from Mexico City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site allows you to explore the Aztec heritage that’s still around today. The city is massive and you’ll definitely be impressed as it was constructed by hand so long ago. You’ll see the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Avenue of the Dead, and Quetzal Palace up close and personal. If you have a guide, they’ll share historical anecdotes and facts as you wander around the grand plaza and murals. It’s possible to visit Teotihuacan without a tour, and you can find information on how to do that in this article: Visiting The Pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico City.
At the same time, it’s super convenient to take a private or group tour from Mexico City as you’ll be picked up and dropped off right at your hotel. You can book some great tours of Teotihuacan here.
Planning Your Mexico City Visit
Choosing the Right District
Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in Mexico City is key to ensuring that you have the perfect experience that fits your needs. Trendy areas like Roma and Condesa are great if you’re looking for cool cafes and lively nightlife, while the historic city center around Zocalo offers a glimpse into the city’s history with easy access to the popular landmarks. If you’re looking for a more elegant and upscale experience, Polanco is filled with luxury boutiques and fine restaurants. This was our neighborhood cheat-sheet:
Mexico City Neighborhoods
- El Centro Histórico: Plaza de la Constitucion and the city’s main sights, as well areas for jewelry, electronics, music and clothing.
- La Roma: Filled with mansions, Art Deco dwellings and art nouveau—style storefronts, any architecture lover needs to stroll through this colonia.
- La Condesa: La Roma’s fancier cousin next door, La Condesa is a tree-lined paradise built for walking.
- Coyoacán: This is the neighborhood that Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera called home, and Coyoacán has built a reputation for itself as a bohemian haven.
- Polanco: Fancy! A trip to Mexico City isn’t complete for any shopping lover without a visit to Polanco’s Avenida Presidente Masaryk. Pujol restaurant is here.
- Juárez: the financial district. Big buildings, banks, international shops and busy streets. What you would expect in any large city.
The Ideal Mexico City Hotel…Is Actually a Luxury Apartment
We found that Viadora offers luxurious apartments and suites located in the most desirable neighborhoods in Mexico City. These boutique hotels are designed to provide all the comforts of home (and work). Having a suite made relaxing in between meals and museums so easy. Each luxury hotel blends top-notch amenities with elegant design, providing a comfortable and luxurious home base.
Viadora luxury apartments are spacious and often more cost-effective for families than booking multiple hotel rooms. With a great living room and kitchen, they will make your off-hours more family-oriented. I recommend you take a look at one of the many Viadora properties. I found that having a luxury suite on a residential street made me feel less touristy and more like I was living like a local.
You can read about our experiences with Viadora boutique hotels here:
Why XOMA by Viadora Is the Perfect Home Base in Roma, Mexico City
Why The Amsterdam by Viadora is Condesa’s Best-Kept Secret
If you are looking for airport transportation in Mexico City, you can find options here. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with companies giving you a comfortable and safe experience.
How Many Days Do You Need in Mexico City?
Three days and two nights is just barely enough time. To experience the highlights of Mexico City, three nights is ideal and gives you enough time to explore iconic spots like the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, and be able to take a 1/2 trip to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán. You’ll also have enough time to wander through multiple neighbourhoods as well.
If you have five to seven days, you can truly immerse yourself. Visit more museums—Mexico City has over 150, including the world-famous Museo Nacional de Antropología. A longer stay also means time to discover local markets, enjoy the nightlife and get lost in the city’s dynamic culture and history. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, Mexico City is brimming with a familiar but unique culture.
What were your favorite spots to visit during your 3 days in Mexico City?
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*This article is sponsored but all opinions are my own*
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