4 days in Mexico City you’ll love (2024 itinerary)

Are you planning to spend 4 days in Mexico City? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve listed my favorite places and things to do in CDMX in this post.

Mexico City was the first place I ever visited in Mexico, and if you ask me, it should be on every traveler’s bucket list of things to do in Mexico.

In this post, you’ll find the perfect Mexico City itinerary if you’re visiting the capital of Mexico for the first time.

Let’s dig in!

4 day Mexico City itinerary

Day 1 – The Historic Center and Chapultepec

Zocalo

On your first day in Mexico City, head to Zocalo – the main square and the heart of Mexico City.

There’s a whole bunch of historic buildings in this area, known as the Historic Center.

Book a guided walking tour – Private City Tour Mexico City

Catedral Metropolitana

The main sight in Zocalo is Catedral Metropolitana, which fronts the plaza.

This magnificent cathedral from the 16th century is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico. It’s a national treasure, so make sure to go inside on your Mexico City trip.

Templo Mayor

Just around the block are the ancient ruins of the Museo del Templo Mayor.

Archaeological sites are usually placed in the middle of nowhere, but Templo Mayor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the post-classical period of Mesoamerica — is right in the middle of the city.

Book here – Private tour to Templo Mayor in CDMX

Palacio de Bellas Artes

After a bit of temple-seeing, move on to the gold dome-topped Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Make sure to check out the beautiful neoclassical exterior before entering the building. Inside, you’ll find Art Deco design.

To the market

Next, head to one of Mexico City’s many markets for lunch. The market to end all markets is Mercado Merced, a staggering maze of vegetables, hardware, piñatas – you name it.

And if you’re looking for worm quesadillas or scorpion tacos you’ve come to the right place.

As one of my readers made me aware, you’ll get a better and more authentic shopping experience at Cuidadela, which is right outside Metro Balderas. This open space market sells many handcraft goodies.

Sonora Market

At the heart of Mercado Merced is the esoteric Sonora market.

For just about anything, there’s a solution in Sonora, the largest witchcraft market in Mexico, and a must-see for those interested in the superstitious.

It’s much like the Witches Market in La Paz, Bolivia.

Chapultepec Castle

Next on your 4 day itinerary is Chapultepec Park.

Chapultepec Castle stands out because it’s North America’s only authentic castle that housed royalty.

Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota once lived here, and today it’s a top spot to visit in Mexico City.

Admission to Chapultepec Castle is free on Sundays, but make sure to get there early because it gets crowded! They open at 9 am.

Book here – Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum Tour

National Museum of Anthropology

If you can only visit one of the nine museums in Chapultepec Park, make it the Anthropology Museum.

This museum has a massive timeline, covering over 4,500 years of history, stretching back to the Olmec civilization around 2,500-400 BC.

It’s a lot to take in, so I recommend taking a guided tour to understand it all.

Book here – Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum Tour

Niños Heroes Monument

The Niños Heroes Monument in Mexico City is one of the finest sculptures you’ll find in the city’s parks.

The six “Niños Héroes” are dedicated to six heroic boys, and it’s well-known in Mexican history. While there’s debate about how they died, they were young cadets who lost their lives defending Mexico.

Day 2 – Teotihuacan

On day two, allocate a whole day to visit Teotihuacan Pyramids.

Teotihuacan, also called the City of the Gods, is Mexico’s largest pre-Aztec city, about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.

Built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D., it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

The city housed grand stone palaces and massive pyramids, with a population of over 25,000.

Its two main pyramids are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Climbing these pyramids is challenging but rewarding for the views at the top.

Book here – Teotihuacan in the best private tour

Day 3 – Coyoacan and Xochimilco

Frida Kahlo Museum

A must in Mexico City is visiting the famous Frida Kahlo Museum, also called the La Casa Azul (The Blue House). You’ll find it in the historic and vibrant Coyoacan area of Mexico City.

Despite being a small house rather than a large museum, it’ll give you an intimate look into Kahlo’s life.

Expect long lines throughout the day, as only a few people are allowed in at a time. You can always skip the lines with a tour.

Book tickets – Tour to the Frida Kahlo Museum

Xochimilco 

Before you return to your hotel on the third day, head to Xochimilco (pronounced: So-chi-mil-co) and spend the afternoon floating through the canals on brightly painted boats called trajineras. 

A fair price is 350 pesos per boat per hour – but prepare to bargain for it. You can also join a tour that includes tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Book here – Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour

Day 4 – Roma Norte, Polanco & La Condesa

On your last day in Mexico City, head to Roma Norte and La Condesa. You can wander around on your own or join a tour where you’ll see the main sights. You can easily go shopping in Polanco by yourself.

Shopping in Polanco

Start the day early with some light shopping on Avenida Presidente Masaryk in high-end Polanco.

Here you’ll find International boutiques such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton.

You can also opt for some less expensive shopping in stores such as Zara or Bershka at the peatonal (pedestrian walkway) along Avenida Francisco I. Madero.

Roma Norte and Condesa

Lastly, head to Roma Norte.

Alvaro Obregon Avenue is a hotspot with top-notch cafés, shops, bars, and taco joints. Highlights include Panaderia Rosetta for delicious baked goods and Lalo for a great breakfast.

Don’t miss the Purpose of the Object Museum (MODO), showcasing over 100,000 everyday items from the early 19th century. It’ll give you a unique perspective on everyday life.

Where to eat in Mexico City

Chili con carne and nachos with hot, crisp tortilla chips, plentiful cheese, and guacamole are reasons alone to visit Mexico, but there’s more to Mexican cuisine than that. 

Mexico City has become known for its delicious street food, fine dining, and the best tacos ever. You can join a food tour with a tour guide that will show you the best places to eat.

Here’s a traditional food itinerary for your 4 days in Mexico City, from one foodie to another.

Breakfast

• Panaderia Rosetta bakery in Roma Norte (very popular – breakfast is about 200 pesos).
• La Fonda Margarita (in Benito Juárez) offers a traditional homemade breakfast. It’s recommended as “Probably the best breakfast ever” by Anthony Bourdain.

Lunch (the largest meal of the day, served between 1 and 4 p.m.)

• Super Tacos Chupacabra (in Coyoacan, next to the Frida Kahlo museum) – great tacos.
• Contramar (in Roma and Condesa) – great seafood. Try the tostadas de atun, marinated tuna loin with crispy leeks and spiced mayo.

Street food

• Street tacos on the corner of Colima & Orizaba (in Roma)
• Mercado San Juan – cheap, local eats at the market

Dinner

• Maximo Bistrot Local (in Roma). A modest, family-run restaurant known for its farm- and ocean-to-table fare. Reservation is a must.
• Angelopolito (in Roma) – traditional local food with a contemporary twist.

Night drinks 

• Felina (a relaxed Condesa hangout)
• Alekzander (at Álvaro Obregón – one of the coolest streets in Mexico City)
• Duke (also at Álvaro Obregón)
• The rooftop bar of Hotel Condesa for sunset drinks (in Condesa)

Areas in Mexico City

Getting to know the city means diving into its colonias. So, stroll down the colonial streets of Roma, take a Turibus, and get glimpses of neighborhoods that you likely won’t visit otherwise.

Of course, there are places you should not go, but the city is far safer now than it was 20 years ago. These areas in Mexico City are all the rage:

• Condesa – Popular with young and artsy types. It has a mega-cool nightlife and is full of great restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries.
• Roma – A hip, safe neighborhood with hipster-run coffee shops, bars, and parks.
• Coyoacán – Colonial-era suburb lined with old mansions and several of the city’s best museums. It was the home of famed artist Frida Kahlo.
• San Angel – Narrow streets, colorful plazas, and Colonial mansions.
• Zona Rosa –  Home to Torre Mayor, one of Latin America’s tallest buildings, and Mexico City’s unofficial symbol: the golden angel state of Monumento a la Independencia.
• Polanco — The Beverly Hills of Mexico City.

FAQ – 4 days in Mexico City itinerary

How many days is ideal in Mexico City?

For a first-time visit, spend at least 4 days in Mexico City to experience its key attractions, culture, and cuisine.

Is 4 days enough in Mexico?

Four days is a good amount of time to explore the highlights of Mexico City. You get to experience the best things to do in Mexico City and even take a day tour.

What is the best month to visit Mexico City?

The best time to visit Mexico City is during the spring, specifically from March to May.

During these months, the weather is typically pleasant with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and enjoying its vibrant culture.

How much money do I need in Mexico for 4 days?

On average, expect to spend about $128 (M$2,180) per day in Mexico.

This includes around $30 (M$504) for meals, $20 (M$345) for local transportation, and $101 (M$1,708) for hotels.

More posts about Mexico City you might like

• 36 hours in Mexico City – itinerary for first-timers
• 19 best day trips from Mexico City you would love
• Where to stay in Mexico City for first-time visitors
• 5 best Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City you should take
• Is Mexico City worth visiting? Pros and cons
• Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico
• 8 yummy taco tours in Mexico City you’ll love

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