Still, 3 days is just about enough time to see some of the city’s highlights.
With a mixture of ancient Aztec ruins and modern skyscrapers, Mexico City is the perfect city to explore a wide variety of things. The city is dense with museums, markets, and monuments, meaning by the end of these three days, you might need a rest — because I plan on packing this itinerary to the brim!
After narrowing down all of my favorite spots, I have come up with this epic three-day itinerary to Mexico City.
The heart of Mexico City, as seen from above the iconic Paseo de la Reforma 
A closer look at Mexico City, framed by the lush greenery of Chapultepec 
Get your bearings with a panoramic view from Torre Latinoamericana. 
A street preview seen from Roma neighborhood…
Discover the historic center: Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Bellas Artes are the top sights not to miss. Explore by yourself or join a guided walking tour
Is 3 days enough for Mexico City?
I know by now I probably have you thinking, “Is three days even enough time to see Mexico City?” and that’s fair enough. You could spend your whole life in CDMX and still not see it all, but for just the highlights, three days is a good amount of time.
The days will be pretty packed if you want to see the museums and ruins and check out the nightlife, but in this itinerary, I’ve tried to Tetris it all together so you aren’t running around like a mad person.
The sightseeing schedule below won’t leave that much time for, say, a random wander through the romantic Roma district or discovering a cute art shop in Juarez. To smell the roses a little more, you may want to cut one day of sightseeing from this template, or stay a bit longer.
If you want to take it slow and add some day trips too, you can check out my 7-day guide to Mexico City.
3 Day itinerary for Mexico City
With a mixture of ancient Aztec ruins and modern skyscrapers, Mexico City is the perfect city to explore a wide variety of things.
The city is dense with museums, markets, and monuments, meaning by the end of these 3 days, you’ll probably need a well-earned rest — because this itinerary is packed with activities!
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Mexico City:
So much to discover—are you ready?
Day 1: Begin at the heart of CDMX
On your first day in Mexico City, get familiar with city life and explore all the must-see tourist destinations in Centro Historico at the heart of CDMX. You’ll immediately notice the Spanish influence in colonial architecture here, while being surrounded by the warmth of Mexican culture.
Explore Zocalo Square & Metropolitan Cathedral
Start your journey in the Zócalo square, Mexico City’s beating heart and one of the largest public squares in the world.
Surrounded by colonial architecture, buzzing street life, and a constant rhythm of cultural events, the Zócalo will give you a nice preview of the city’s history and soul.
Just a short walk from the square is the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its gold accents and grand architecture, it’s a must-visit landmark in the city. Take some time to explore the interior and admire the stunning artwork and sculptures.
What makes these landmarks special?
The Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral sit side by side, packing a ton of history, culture, and meaning into one spot. The Zócalo has witnessed everything from Aztec ceremonies to presidential speeches. Right next to it, the Cathedral sits on top of what used to be a sacred temple, making it a pretty powerful symbol of how the city’s history has shifted over time..
Their proximity places them at the very heart of Mexico City’s cultural and political evolution.
Zocalo Square 
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
Visit Templo Mayor & other landmarks
Right around the corner is the Templo Mayor – an Aztec ruin site that will give you a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Mexico before Spanish colonization.
Since the Spanish conquerors razed the temple to the ground, you need some imagination to envision what it may have once looked like, but the displays do an excellent job of helping you do so.
The impressive adjoining museum showcases the Precolumbian history with an array of artifacts and cultural information. Relics, such as a skull rack, have only been excavated in recent years and new discoveries are continuing to be collected each year.
This guided tour to Templo Mayor gives you skip-the-line access to both the ruins and the museum, where you’ll see skull racks, ritual offerings, and the massive Coyolxauhqui Stone, uncovered exactly where Aztec legend said it would be.
- From $48/person
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And don’t miss the chance to visit the National Palace that overlooks the Zocalo. You’ll find some of the famous paintings by Diego Rivera here and can learn a little more about Mexican history. Grab some street food on a 15-minute walk to relax in Alameda Central Park and admire the beautiful gardens and fountains.
Visit Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes takes the cake for stunning architecture. In springtime, the purple jacarandas bloom for an impressive sight. But any time of the year, Palacio de Bellas Artes provides a spectacular ambiance at golden hour.
For a better view of its colorful dome, just pop inside the Sears department store and head up to the top floor.
Cafe Finca Don Porfirio has a terrace with the perfect angle onto the palace and park. You can also go up the Torre Laticoamericana for the view pictured on the side.
Palacio de Bellas Artes – captured from Torre Latinoamericana
Tip: Most museums are closed on Mondays, including the Popular Art Museum and Templo Mayor. Be sure to shift your itinerary around if necessary. Teotihuacán (see next section) is open on Mondays, so you can slot this in instead.
Day 2: Teotihuacan & wandering around Roma
Teotihuacan pyramids
While you could opt to stay inside the city, I recommend taking a day trip to Teotihuacan. However, my one tip is to start your day early because it’s located a little far from Mexico City.
From the northern bus terminal, it takes about an hour to get to Teotihuacán, but the total travel time can take twice that if you’re including potential traffic delays and getting to the bus terminal. An early start will ensure you’ll still have plenty of time to explore the pyramids
The ancient city was built by an unknown civilization, though it mixes characteristics of the Maya, Mixtec and Zapotec. It was founded around 200 CE and abandoned in 750 CE, and is known as “The City of the Gods”. Its epic pyramids are some of the most impressive ruins in all of Mexico.
The epic pyramids of Teotihuacan
The two main structures, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, are certainly awe-inspiring, (with the Pyramid of the Sun being the largest on the site at 210 ft tall), but keep in mind that you can no longer climb all the way to the top of these structures.
You can either admire them from the ground level, or you need to get up in the air to really see them in their full glory (more on this below).
Another way to experience the pyramids is by taking a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids. This doesn’t come cheap (balloon rides never do!), but watching the sunrise reveal the mountains and the temples is an unforgettable experience for sure.
What to expect: You’ll catch the sunrise lighting up the pyramids and mountains in a warm, golden glow — it’s the kind of bucket-list adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
BOOK THIS Hot Air Balloon TOUR
Roma and Condesa
Coffee and a cookie with a view Finding a slice of green in the heart of Roma
Visiting Teotihuacan should take about half a day. You can use your remaining time to explore the leafy and charming residential neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa.
These two hip areas are filled with trendy cafes, beautiful parks, international restaurants, and small galleries and shops.
Roma brings a certain hipster vibe to this metropolitan city. You’ll find unique shops and trendy restaurants, and cafes. Prices here are closer to U.S. standards, and English is widely spoken, so it’s a super tourist-friendly place to add to your Mexico itinerary.
Right next door is Condesa—leafier, trendier, and buzzing with energy. It’s perfect for evening strolls, people-watching, and laid-back nights out. You can expect tree-lined avenues, boutique stores, green parks, and plenty of locals jogging or biking around.
This private walking tour of Roma and Condesa takes you deep into the leafy boulevards, Art Deco buildings, hidden cafes, and corners you’d never find in a guidebook.
What makes this experience truly special?
It’s 100% customizable, which means your guide will tailor the day for you depending on your preferences and what you vibe with.
Day 3: cultural highlights & outdoor activities
Choosing what to do on your last day in Mexico City isn’t easy, as there are just so many great things to do.
So, I’m gonna give you a few of the best ways to spend your final day, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Option 1: visit Mexico’s Anthropology Museum & relax in Chapultepec Park
Mexican culture is remarkably diverse, with deep roots spanning ancient civilizations to modern traditions — and chances are, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore it further. If so, I highly recommend you visit the National Museum of Anthropology; it offers one of the most comprehensive and insightful overviews of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
This museum houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from around the country, covering the Maya, Aztec, Olmec, and other civilizations. It’s the most important museum to learn more about the country’s ancient history and indigenous cultures.
After exploring Mexico’s rich history and culture at the Anthropology Museum, take a break in the open air at Chapultepec Park, located just next door.
Chapultepec is the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America, spanning more than 1,700 acres.
Inside, you’ll find peaceful lakes, world-class museums, wooded trails, and even a historic hilltop castle with sweeping views of the city. It’s a perfect balance of nature, leisure, and cultural discovery all in one place.
A closer look at Mexico City, framed by the lush greenery of Chapultepec
Option 2: cruise Xochimilco’s canals & explore the Frida Kahlo Museum
For those feeling more festive, head to Xochimilco in the afternoon. This is one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City.
You’ll climb aboard a trajinera boat as it floats down the canals while boats float by playing mariachi music, selling food, and, of course, there will be loads of drinks.
Explore Xochimilco by trajinera 
Trajinera boats in Xochimilco
On your way back to Mexico City, stop in the Coyoacán neighborhood to visit La Casa Azul (The Blue House), famously known as the former home of Frida Kahlo. This vibrant and colorful house has been turned into a museum showcasing her life and art.
You can also join a tour if you also want to see Coyoacán, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and more, in addition to Xochimilco.
The highly rated tour by Amigo Tours can be booked easily on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Book now – GetYourGuide certified 
Frida Kahlo’s colorful former home, turned museum, in the heart of Mexico City
Tips for a smooth trip to CDMX
With limited time in Mexico City, you won’t want the travel logistics to ever get in the way. Here are some tips to keep your trip smooth and efficient.
Where to stay in Mexico City
There are a ton of different neighborhoods around Mexico City, and while some of them are really cool, you’ll want to stay in a central location to have easy access to the city’s most popular sites.
I recommend staying in either the Roma or Centro Historico neighborhoods. They’re not original choices by any means, but they’re tried-and-true and convenient — and so ideal for a first-time visit.
Roma is a much trendier neighborhood and will give you that “should I move here” feeling. Centro Historico is right in the middle of everything and among many of the city’s main attractions, so it can make for a convenient base.
How to get around Mexico City
To be honest, Mexico City is notorious for its traffic and crowded public transportation. However, there are still ways to get around efficiently without losing your cool.
Personally, Uber is my favorite way around the city because it’s cheap and safe. There is also a decent metro system in Mexico City, but you’ll want to avoid it at peak rush hour times. Around 7 am or 5 pm, you’ll want to avoid it at all costs—it’s a sardine can.
For day trips out of the city, it’s most efficient to book with a tour company. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you exactly where you need to be, so you’ll have no wasted time.
Tips and tricks
Saving time: To save precious time in Mexico City you’ll want to map out your days by location. The city is huge, so you don’t want to be bouncing back and forth. Luckily, most of the main tourist attractions are clustered in two or three areas, making it easier to plan your days.
Opening hours: Most museums are closed on Mondays, and just about all of them don’t open until 10 am on other days, and they close at 6 pm. I recommend picking out your must-see museums and maneuvering the three days in Mexico City around that.
Connectivity: Get a local SIM card (or get an eSIM for Mexico before you go). I know it’s only three days, but searching around for WiFi while trying to call an Uber
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