Discover Mexico City: Your 4-Day Must-See Guide
Mexico City is a vibrant, diverse and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, food or nightlife, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your days and nights in this sprawling metropolis.
As a Mexico City resident and explorer, I love to guide my family and friends when they come to visit me. So let me share with you my perfect 4-day itinerary in the Mexican capital!
In this article, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day itinerary that covers the best attractions and experiences in Mexico City with my best tips to make the most of them, and my suggestions of accommodation for all budgets.
So, what are the best places to visit in Mexico City in 4 days? Where to stay?
Let’s get started!
Sommaire
- Discover Mexico City: Your 4-Day Must-See Guide
- Day 1: Historic Center, Roma and Condesa
- Day 2: Teotihuacan and Lucha Libre
- Day 3: Chapultepec and Polanco
- Day 4: Xochimilco and Coyoacan
- Tips to Visit Mexico City in 4 Days
- Where to Stay for Your 4 Days in Mexico City
- Is Mexico City Safe?
- Rent a car in Mexico City
- How to find the best price for your flight ticket
- You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!
Day 1: Historic Center, Roma and Condesa
On your first day in Mexico City, you’ll want to explore the historic center, where you’ll find some of the most iconic landmarks and monuments of the city.
You’ll also get a taste of the vibrant and trendy neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops to enjoy.
Morning: Explore the Historic Center
Start your your visit of Mexico City in 4 days at the Zócalo, the main square of the capital and one of the largest in the world.
Here you can visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, and the National Palace, where you can admire the murals by Diego Rivera (Frida Kahlo’s husband) that depict the history of Mexico.
From the Zócalo, walk along Francisco Madero Street, a pedestrian-only street that is lined with historic buildings and shops.
You’ll pass by the impressive Casa de los Azulejos (“House of Tiles”) covered by blue and white colonial Talavera tiles, and the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning example of art nouveau and art deco architecture that hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Continue to the Alameda Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city where you can relax and enjoy the fountains, sculptures and gardens.
Evening: Explore Roma and Condesa Neighborhoods
After exploring the historic center, head to the neighboring districts of Roma and Condesa, two of the most hip and trendy areas in Mexico City.
Here you’ll find a mix of colonial, Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture, bohemian vibes, artistic flair and cosmopolitan culture.
Roma and Condesa are great places to wander around and discover hidden gems, such as art galleries, bookstores, boutiques, cafes.
Some of my favorite spots in Roma and Condesa are:
- Parque México, a beautiful park with art deco buildings, fountains and sculptures
- Plaza Rio de Janeiro, a charming place surrounded by cafés – a perfect spot to take a break! Very close to the park is Calle Colima, a lovely street to take a walk
- Avenida Alvaro Obregon, one of the liveliest avenues in Mexico City: it has sculptures in the center, and it is lined with stores, cafes and restaurants. I recommend going to Cafebreria El Péndulo, a bookstore and cafe with a terrace on the top floor. You can also go through the Pasaje El Parián, built at the beginning of the 20th century and recently renovated – it has restaurants and high-end boutiques
- Casa Lamm, a house built in the early 20th century, that hosts a restaurant and a cultural center with art galleries
- Casa del Poeta: the museum is dedicated to the poet Ramón López Velarde, who lived there for the last 3 years of his life from 1918 to 1921. It’s still a hidden treasure and I highly recommend it because you can explore a typical Roma Norte building from the Porfiriato era
Luckily, there are many other places that serve delicious food and deserve more attention.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Mercado de Medellin is the best market to see the local life and discover the flavors of Mexico. You can taste the Oaxaca cheese, the fresh fruits like mamey (so sweet! it tastes like caramel), the cochinita pibil from Yucatan or the crunchy chicharron (fried pork rinds)🤤
- For a fun vibe (good music, ecclectic atmosphere) I would definitely go to La Chicha or Páramo (2nd floor). They serve good food and drinks -I love all their cocktails with mezcal!
- To experience true great street food: you can’t miss the blue corn tlacoyos (click to see on map), Taqueria los Amigos, and Tacos de Homero for some of the best tacos in La Roma. In La Condesa, make a stop at Los Juniors for the best esquites and at Don Juan for tasty tacos 🌮
- A place I highly recommend: Meroma is a stylish restaurant with a beautiful terrace, an attentive service and a concise menu of well-prepared dishes (do yourself a favor and try the fried artichokes and the crudo). I’ve visited Meroma countless times and I can definitely say it is one of my top restaurants in Mexico City!
If you are a foodie, don’t miss this food tour of Mexico City. It’s an amazing chance to explore the city’s delicious cuisine, learn about the traditions and meet the people behind the food! Book it here:
Day 2: Teotihuacan and Lucha Libre
On your second day in Mexico City, explore one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world Teotihuacan, and watch the thrilling lucha libre show!
Morning: Explore Teotihuacan
A four-day trip to Mexico City is not complete without a visit to Teotihuacan, the awe-inspiring ancient city of pyramids, temples, and murals.
It had over 125,000 inhabitants, ranking among the top six cities in the world at that time! I can understand why it was named UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Don’t miss my guide: How to visit Teotihuacan in Mexico City + Tips
The main attractions of Teotihuacan are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two massive structures that dominate the landscape.
Other highlights include the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, a pyramid decorated with serpent heads; the Avenue of the Dead, a long road that connects the main monuments; and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, a complex of courtyards and murals.
Teotihuacan is a huge site, so plan to spend at least 3 hours to see it!
How to visit Teotihuacan from Mexico City:
Getting to Teotihuacan from Mexico City can be a bit challenging as it is not nearby. You can:
- take a public bus from the Central del Norte bus station, which departs every 20 minutes
- you can take an Uber (beware, it’s going to be very expensive)
- driving yourself (1h30) – -I’ve done it twice and I’m not a fan of that road. Go very early or traffic is going to be a nightmare.
- join a guided tour that includes pick up from your hotel, early access and guided tour of Teotihuacan, with tequila and mezcal tasting. It is definitely my favorite option to go to Teotihuacan You need to book it here:
Evening: Experience Lucha Libre
After a day of exploring ancient ruins, it’s time to experience some modern Mexican culture: lucha libre.
It is a form of wrestling that involves colorful masks, acrobatic moves and theatrical drama.
The atmosphere at lucha libre is electric, as the crowd cheers, boos and chants loundly for their favorite wrestlers. It is more of a spectacle than a sport, so don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the show. If you want to take home a souvenir, you can also buy masks, t-shirts or posters at the arena.
- Lucha libre matches are held at different venues in Mexico City, but the most famous one is the Arena México, where you can catch a show every Tuesday, Friday or Sunday night.
- You can buy your tickets online and pick them up at one of the Ticketmaster locations, or take the lucha libre tour (click here to book it!)
Day 3: Chapultepec and Polanco
On your third day in Mexico City, visit two of the most upscale and cultural areas of the city: Chapultepec and Polanco.
Morning: Chapultepec Park
Start your day at Chapultepec Park. Covering 600 hectares (1,500 acres), it is one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in the world!
One of its main attractions is the Chapultepec Castle, a former imperial palace that now houses the National History Museum.
The castle is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. You’ll see the rooms and gardens of the castle, as well as the exhibits that tell the story of Mexico’s history from the colonial era to the revolution.
Another attraction of Chapultepec Park isis the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the best museums in Mexico.
It is dedicated to the rich and diverse history and culture of Mexico’s indigenous peoples, from pre-Hispanic times to present day. You’ll see impressive exhibits such as the Aztec Sun Stone, the Jade Death Mask of Pakal or the Olmec Colossal Heads.
The museum is huge and can take several hours to explore, so plan accordingly. Good news is there is a café-restaurant if you need a pause 😉
- 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 |
Evening: Visit Polanco
Head to Polanco, one of the most upscale neighborhoods you will visit in 4 days in Mexico City.
It is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes and shops in the city, as well as some of the most luxurious hotels.
You can stroll around Polanco and enjoy its architecture, parks and boutiques: Presidente Masaryk Avenue, Lincoln Park, Antara Shopping Center, Polanquito…
You can visit the Soumaya Museum, a striking building that houses a private collection of art from different periods and regions; or the Jumex Museum, a contemporary art museum that showcases works by Mexican and international artists.
Day 4: Xochimilco and Coyoacan
On your fourth day in Mexico City, explore two of the most colorful and charming areas of the city: Xochimilco and Coyoacan.
You’ll enjoy a boat ride along the canals, visit the home of Frida Kahlo and experience the local culture and traditions.
Morning: Xochimilco
Xochimilco is an area south of Mexico City that is famous for its canals and floating gardens.
It was once part of an extensive lake system (Lake Texcoco) that covered most of the valley where Mexico City stands today! The Aztecs created artificial islands called chinampas to grow crops on the water.
Today, you can rent a colorful boat called trajinera and cruise along the canals, while listening to mariachi music, eating snacks and drinking beer or pulque, a fermented drink made from agave.
It has been serving pulque for over a hundred years. You can enjoy different flavors of curados made with fruit, nuts, and more. It’s a place to experience the authentic culture of pulque, off the touristic path for sure!👏
Afternoon: Coyoacan, home of Frida Kahlo
Head to Coyoacan, the most charming and colorful area of Mexico City!
This historic neighborhood, once a village on its own, boasts colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, plazas and churches. It’s also famous for being the home of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s most renowned artists and cultural icons.
One of the must-see attractions of a 4 day trip to Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Casa Azul (Blue House), where she was born and lived most of her life with her husband Diego Rivera.
The museum displays some of her paintings, personal belongings, photographs and furniture. You’ll get a glimpse into her life, art and struggles.
Another option is to book the full tour (click here) with pickup from your hotel, the trajinera ride through the canals of Xochimilco and the Frida Kahlo museum.
For all the information you need, don’t miss my guide All you need to know about Frida’s Casa Azul
If you have time, you can also visit some of the other attractions nearby: Coyoacan Market, Jardín Centenario, Jardin Hidalgo with San Juan Bautista Church, one of the oldest churches in Mexico City. There is even a café in the cloister of the church, perfect for a moment of peace!
You can also stroll around Coyoacan and enjoy its atmosphere, culture and nightlife. You’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops.
- Check out my guide: Coyoacán (Mexico City): the Best Things to Do in Frida Kahlo’s Neighborhood!
How to visit Xochimilco and Coyoacan:
-By yourself:
You can go by yourself but keep in mind that it a long trip to Xochimilco: 1h30 by car between Roma/Condesa and Xochimilco, and another hour from Xochimilco to Coyoacan because of the heavy traffic🥴. And if you don’t drive, Uber is going to be expensive.
I always book my trajinera in advance when I visit Xochimilco because I don’t want to deal with any hassle or negotiation at the pier, and everything is prepaid.
I go with “Trajineras Xochimilco”, but there are many websites that offer the same service (with different options: music, food, flowers, etc.). If you want to spend as little as possible, you can book the basic tour with the trajinera and bring your own food and drinks. Just remember to tip well!
If you want to visit Coyoacan by yourself, remember to book early your tickets to Casa Azul (here) because spaces are limited.
-With a tour:
Like I mentioned before, Xochimilco is far from everything, so a tour is the best option if you want to visit both Xochimilco and Coyoacan in one day. Trust me, it will save you a lot of hassle and stress.
Book your Xochimilco and Coyoacan tour here:
Tips to Visit Mexico City in 4 Days
Now that you have a detailed four-day itinerary in Mexico City, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
How to get around: Mexico City has a good (and cheap!) public transportation system that includes metro, bus, light rail and metrobus. You can use apps such as Uber or Didi, but avoid taking taxis on the street for safety reasons.
Where to stay: the city has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. There are many great neighborhoods in Mexico City, but I would say the most strategic places to stay for a four-day getaway to Mexico City are Roma, Condesa and Juarez.
What to pack: Mexico City has a mild climate year-round, with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). The rainiest months are from May-June to September, when afternoon showers are frequent. The driest months are from October to May, when the weather is sunny and lovely. Pack clothes that you can layer for different temperatures (they change a lot in one day!). You should also pack a rain jacket or umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and a water bottle.
Where to get pesos: believe it or not, the best place to change money in at the Mexico City airport!
Do some planning: with so much to see and do in 4 days in Mexico City, you don’t want to waste a minute of your trip. That’s why it’s smart to plan ahead and book your flights and accommodation early. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the best tours in Mexico City that you can book online right now. Just click on the links below:
- Food tour of Mexico City
- Guided tour of Teotihuacan
- Lucha Libre tour
- Guided visit to the Museum of Anthropology
- Guided tour of the Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec castle
- Frida Kahlo Museum Tickets
- Tour of Coyoacan and Xochimilco (with Frida Kahlo tickets)
- Mexico City: The 31 Best things to Discover
- 1 Day in Mexico City – How to spend just 24h in the Mexican capital
- 2 Days in Mexico City – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
- 3 Days in Mexico City – The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
Where to Stay for Your 4 Days in Mexico City
- Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral (historic center): one of the best hostels in Mexico City. Clean dorms and rooms, amazing rooftop terrace with bar, great atmosphere and an exceptional view over the cathedral and the Zocalo, starting at 15$usd for a dorm and 32 $usd for a private room!
- Hotel Villa Condesa (Condesa): if you are looking for a romantic hotel in Mexico City, this is a little oasis in the heart of La Condesa. It is an elegant house with small green terraces and tastefully decorated rooms. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is very good and the service is particularly attentive. Around 160$usd per night!
- Casa Goliana (Roma Norte): high-end hotel with the best value for money in its category, located in an early 20th century house, typical of the Roma area. Rooftop terrace, comfortable rooms, very attentive staff, and good breakfasts. Around 190$usd per night
- Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City (Juarez): this 5 star hotel is one of the best hotels in Mexico City, ideal for a business trip or a romantic stay. Located on Paseo de la Reforma between Colonia Juarez and Roma Norte. A large indoor garden, gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar, Around 640$usd per night!
Is Mexico City Safe?
Well, the answer is not as simple as yes or no.
I have been living here for five years and I have never experienced any serious crime or violence.
However, that doesn’t mean that Mexico City is completely safe. Like any big city, it has its share of risks and challenges.
You need to be careful where you go, especially at night, and avoid flashing expensive jewelry or gadgets. You also need to be aware of scams, pickpockets, and taxi drivers who might try to rip you off (That’s why I never take taxis from the street and always use Uber or Didi).
By following these basic precautions, you can make the most of your 4 days in Mexico City and experience its amazing culture, food, and history without any worries.
Rent a car in Mexico City
Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Mexico and make the most of your stay!
While it’s not super useful to visit the city, having a car is a must to discover the rest of the country.
To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:
- You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
- Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
- Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort
Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:
How to find the best price for your flight ticket
Mexico City Airport officially named Benito-Juárez International Airport receives a lot of national and international flights. It is the most important airport in Latin America!
If you want to save money on flight tickets for your four-day visit to Mexico City, you can use our flight comparator for Mexico, in partnership with Skyscanner: it’s the guarantee to pay the best price for your international and domestic flights!
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book entrance tickets and guided visits
🏄 Book your sports activities
🌍 Take a travel insurance
🙎 Book a tour
✈️ Book your flight
You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.
- Mexico City: The 45 Best things to Discover
- 1 Day in Mexico City – How to spend just 24h in the Mexican capital
- 2 Days in Mexico City – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
- 3 Days in Mexico City – The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
- Where to stay in Mexico City? – Best areas and hotels for all budgets!
- Mexico City on a Budget: Guide + All my Best Tips to Save Money
- The Definitive Guide to 40 Best Free Things to Do in Mexico City
- Teotihuacan (Mexico City): The Definitive Guide + Tips
- How to Visit Xochimilco (Mexico City): The Ultimate Guide
- Coyoacán (Mexico City): the Best Things to Do in Frida Kahlo’s Neighborhood
- Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Info, Tickets and Opening Hours
- Day of the Dead (Mexico): How to Celebrate Día de Muertos Like a Local
- 40+ Wifi Cafes in Mexico City that Every Digital Nomad Should Know About
- Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
- Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
- Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
- Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
- Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
- Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
- Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
- Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
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