How to spend 3 Days in Mexico City: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 3 days in Mexico City?

Great idea!

But with so much to see and do, how can you make the most of your time in Mexico City? How can you plan a perfect 3-day trip getaway that covers the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed?

In order to help you out, I have written for you the perfect 3-day itinerary in Mexico City.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Mexico City in 3 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Day 1: Historic Center, Roma and Condesa

Morning: Explore the Historic Center

Start your Mexico City 3-day adventure by visiting the heart of the capital: the Historic Center. This is where the city was founded by the Aztecs in the 14th century, and where you can admire some of the most impressive monuments and buildings from different eras.

The best way to explore the Historic Center is on foot, as you can easily walk from one attraction to another. Here are some of the places you should not miss:

• The Zócalo: This is the main square of Mexico City, and one of the largest in the world. It is surrounded by important landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor.

• The Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America, and a stunning example of colonial architecture. You can admire its façade, majestic domes, and rich interior with paintings, sculptures, and altars. You can also visit the crypts and climb up to the bell towers for a panoramic view of the city.

• The National Palace: You can visit some of its rooms and halls, where you can see murals by Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico from pre-Hispanic times to the revolution.

• The Templo Mayor: This is the main temple of the Aztec empire, where they worshipped their gods and performed human sacrifices. It was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors, but you can still see some of its ruins and artifacts at the Templo Mayor Museum. Get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to Templo Mayor here!

Evening: Explore the Roma and Condesa Neighborhoods

Head to two of the most trendy and hip neighborhoods in Mexico City (called “colonias”): Roma and Condesa.

Colonia Roma is my favorite neighborhood because it’s lively and full of things to do, but I have to admit that Colonia Condesa is stunning as well!

These are known for their bohemian vibe, their colorful streetscapes, their eclectic shops and galleries, and their lively nightlife.

You can find a good restaurant or café and then spend the afternoon wandering around these neighborhoods, discovering their hidden gems and enjoying their atmosphere.

In Roma Norte, don’t miss Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Plaza Luis Cabrera, Calle Jalapa. Go through Pasaje El Parian, a historic and elegant passage that has been beautifully renovated to showcase local shops, restaurants and galleries, with a European influence and a contemporary design.

If you are into markets, go to Mercado de Medellin in Roma Sur, a colorful market where you can see the local vibe. It’s my favorite market, where I buy fresh juice in the morning, cheese, fruits and vegetables. ❤️

Next, explore the lovely Parque México and Condesa neighborhood. Walk along Avenida Amsterdam, Parque España and admire the art deco buildings.

Roma and Condesa are known for their vibrant and varied nightlife, with bars and clubs for every taste and mood.

Some of the best bars in Roma and Condesa are La Clandestina, where you can sample different types of mezcal; Licorería Limantour or Gin Gin, where you can enjoy inventive cocktails; Almacén Monstruo de Agua, the beautiful taproom of Monstruo de Agua brewery – taste the chile habanero beer!

Day 2: Teotihuacan and Lucha Libre

Morning: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Teotihuacan

Take a trip to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and a must-do for anyone who wants to see the best of Mexico City in 3 days.

This is an ancient city that was built by a mysterious civilization around 2,000 years ago, and that was once the largest and most influential in Mesoamerica.

The most famous of the monuments are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are among the largest pyramids in the world.

You can also explore other attractions such as the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead), which is the main road that connects the pyramids; the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl and the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture.

• You will need at least three hours to visit Teotihuacan properly
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water
• For all the information, check out Teotihuacan (Mexico City): The Definitive Guide + Tips!

Since Teotihuacan is quite a distance from Mexico City, the most convenient option is to take a tour that picks you up from your hotel, rather than driving (around 1h15, depending on the traffic) or taking public transportation.

My favorite tour includes pick up from your hotel, early access and guided tour of Teotihuacan, and tastings of  tequila, mezcal, and other traditionnal liquors. Book it here:

Evening: Experience the Thrill of Lucha Libre

After returning from Teotihuacan, get ready for a night of fun and excitement at one of the most popular shows in Mexico: lucha libre.

This is a form of wrestling that combines athleticism, drama, comedy, and spectacle. You will see masked wrestlers perform acrobatic moves and stunts, while the crowd cheers and boos.

The best place to watch lucha libre in Mexico City is Arena México, which is the largest and most famous arena in the country.

• You can buy your tickets online (and pick them up at one of the Ticketmaster locations) or take the lucha libre tour:

The show lasts around 3h with different matches and characters (good guys, bad guys, etc.). You can also buy masks, souvenirs, snacks, and drinks at the arena.

I had a great time at the lucha libre with my nieces, who are 12 and 14, and my friends in their 30s! It’s a fun activity for both friends and family, so don’t miss it if you have the chance.

Day 3: Chapultepec and Polanco

Morning: Chapultepec Park

On your last day in Mexico City, discover one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world: Chapultepec Park.

In fact, it is about twice as large as Central Park, with 686 hectares (1700 acres) of green space for recreation and culture!

The park has a lot of attractions and activities to choose from. It’s impossible to do them all in one visit but you can’t miss:

• The views from Chapultepec Castle: This is a majestic castle that sits on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the city and the park. It was once the residence of Mexican emperors and presidents, and now it houses the National History Museum.

• The National Museum of Anthropology: this is one of the most important museums in Mexico and a must-see for a Mexico City 3-day adventure. It showcases the diversity and richness of the country’s indigenous peoples. You can also see some of the most famous pieces of pre-Hispanic art, such as the Aztec Sun Stone and the Coatlicue Statue.

The museum is so big that you need several hours to appreciate it!

Whenever I go there, I choose a part of the display to explore, because it’s impossible to cover everything. I suggest you follow the same strategy, and you can take a break at the museum’s cafe whenever you feel like it. 😉

• These are the 4 different tickets to have the best experience at the anthropology museum. Click on the tour name to reserve your ticket.

Ticket	Descripction	Price (may vary)
Anthropology Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket	Admission to the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City	9$ usd
Museum Admission + Guided Visit	Anthropology Museum Guided Visit	23$ usd
Anthropology Museum + Chapultepec Castle	Guided tour of the Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle	41$ usd
Anthropology Museum + Chapultepec Castle (private)	Guided visit to the Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle with pick-up (private tour)	270$ usd

Afternoon and evening: Visit Polanco

After lunch, you will head to Polanco, one of the most upscale and fashionable neighborhoods in Mexico City.

This is where you can find some of the best restaurants, shops, and museums in the city, as well as some of the most elegant and luxurious hotels.

What not to miss in Polanco:

• Visit Museo Soumaya: a stunning museum that displays the private art collection of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. You can see works by Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Van Gogh, and many other famous artists, as well as sculptures, coins, religious objects, and more. The museum itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with a shiny silver exterior that resembles a snake’s skin.

• Shop at some of the most exclusive stores and malls in the city, such as Antara Fashion Hall, Palacio de Hierro, and Avenida Presidente Masaryk, where you can find everything from high-street brands to designer labels.

• Discover Polanquito, a charming and lively area within Polanco, where you can find some of the best restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops in Mexico City.

• Relax at one of the many parks and gardens in Polanco, such as Lincoln Park, Parque América, and Parque Gandhi, where you can enjoy nature, art, and tranquility in the middle of the bustling city.

• Dine at Pujol: This is one of the best and most acclaimed restaurants in the world. It is run by chef Enrique Olvera, who creates innovative dishes that combine traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques with contemporary flair. Make sure to book in advance here, as this place is very popular and often fully booked.

Where to Stay for 72 hours in Mexico City

Tips to visit Mexico City in 3 days

You have seen some of the best things to do in Mexico City in 3 days, but there are still some tips and advice that can help you make your trip even better:

• Plan ahead: Mexico City is a huge and busy city, with many attractions and activities to choose from. It is a good idea to plan your itinerary ahead of time, and book your tickets, tours, and reservations in advance. This will save you time, money, and hassle, and ensure you don’t miss anything you want to see or do.

• Stay safe: Mexico City is generally a safe city for tourists, but you should still take some precautions to avoid any problems. You should avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar areas, keep your valuables hidden or in a safe place, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Didi.

• Avoid drinking tap water: many hotels and airbnbs have a water filter or bottled water, but you can easily buy a “garrafon” (water jug) at any Oxxo or 7 Eleven.

• Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals. You will find that Mexicans are very friendly and hospitable, and will appreciate your efforts to connect with them.