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How many days in Mexico City? 4 days: Aztec ruins, murals, markets and Teotihuacán
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the world's great food and museum cities, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan at 2,240 metres above sea level. Four days covers the Centro Histórico, Chapultepec with the National Museum of Anthropology, the leafy neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa, Coyoacán and Xochimilco in the south, and the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Take it easy on the first day: the altitude makes many visitors tired and short of breath.
Short answer
Three days covers the historic centre, Chapultepec and Teotihuacán. The fourth adds Coyoacán, the Frida Kahlo Museum and the boats of Xochimilco.
The 4-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Centro Histórico
Morning. Start at the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world, with the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor (about MXN 100; closed on Mondays), the excavated main temple of Tenochtitlan with its museum. Visit the Palacio Nacional for Diego Rivera's murals of Mexican history (free with ID; hours vary).
Afternoon. Walk along pedestrian Madero Street to the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) and the Palacio de Bellas Artes (about MXN 90), an Art Nouveau palace with murals by Rivera, Siqueiros and Orozco. Go up the Torre Latinoamericana (about MXN 150-200) for the view.
Evening. Have churros with chocolate at El Moro (since 1935), then tacos al pastor at a downtown taquería, or watch lucha libre wrestling at Arena México (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday nights).
The Palacio de Bellas Artes' Ballet Folklórico performs on Wednesday and Sunday; book ahead.
Day 2: Chapultepec, Roma and Condesa
Morning. The National Museum of Anthropology (about MXN 100; closed Mondays) in Chapultepec Park is one of the world's great museums: the Aztec Sun Stone, Olmec heads, the Maya rooms. Allow 3-4 hours.
Afternoon. Walk to Chapultepec Castle (about MXN 100), the only royal castle in the Americas, home to Emperor Maximilian, with views down the Paseo de la Reforma.
Evening. Walk through Condesa and Roma Norte, with Art Deco buildings, tree-lined avenues and parks (Parque México, Plaza Río de Janeiro), and have dinner in one of their restaurants or mezcal bars.
Many museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays. Put markets, walks or Teotihuacán on Monday.
Day 3: Teotihuacán
Morning. Go early (about 1 hour by bus from the Terminal del Norte or by tour) to Teotihuacán (about MXN 100), the 'City of the Gods', which was one of the largest cities in the world around AD 500. Walk the Avenue of the Dead between the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Climbing has been restricted on parts of the pyramids.
Afternoon. Visit the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in the Ciudadela and the site museum, then lunch nearby, often in a cave restaurant such as La Gruta.
Evening. Return to the city. Many visitors book a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise over the pyramids (about US$150-250), which needs a pick-up around 5:00.
Teotihuacán is at 2,300 metres with no shade. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and arrive at opening.
Day 4: Coyoacán and Xochimilco
Morning. Book the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) in Coyoacán online (around MXN 270-320 for foreigners; closed Mondays), the blue house where Frida was born and died. Then walk Coyoacán's cobbled streets, its Mercado de Coyoacán (for tostadas) and the Leon Trotsky House Museum.
Afternoon. Go to Xochimilco, 30-40 minutes south, for a ride on a colourful trajinera boat along the canals of the Aztec floating gardens. Boat prices are fixed per boat per hour (roughly MXN 600-800); mariachi bands and food boats come alongside.
Evening. Return north for a last dinner: a mole at a classic restaurant, or tacos and mezcal in Roma.
Xochimilco is best with a group to share the boat, and busiest and liveliest on weekends.
Only have 3 days?
With 3 days, do Days 1, 2 and 3. You lose Coyoacán and Xochimilco.
Got extra days?
With more time, visit Puebla (about 2 hours) for its tiled churches and mole poblano, the silver town of Taxco, or Tepoztlán with its hilltop pyramid.
Where to stay in Mexico City
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Centro Histórico | Cheapest hotels in colonial buildings, walk to the Zócalo. | MXN 900-1,500 |
| Mid-range | Roma Norte / Condesa | Leafy, safe and walkable, the best restaurants and bars. | MXN 1,800-3,500 |
| Mid-range | Juárez | Central, between Reforma and Roma, many new hotels. | MXN 1,800-3,200 |
| Comfort | Polanco | Upscale hotels near Chapultepec and the museums. | MXN 5,000-12,000 |
Getting around
Use Uber, DiDi or authorised taxis; they are cheap and safe. The Metro costs only a few pesos but is very crowded at rush hour; the Metrobús runs along Reforma and Insurgentes. Use a rechargeable transport card. From the airport, Uber or authorised taxis take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic; Metrobús line 4 runs to the centre.
What to eat in Mexico City
Mexico City is a taco city: tacos al pastor (marinated pork from a vertical spit with pineapple), suadero, barbacoa at weekend breakfasts and tlacoyos and quesadillas from street stalls (MXN 20-40 each). Try chilaquiles for breakfast, pozole, mole, tamales with atole, and churros at El Moro. Markets such as Mercado de San Juan and Mercado de Coyoacán are great for eating. Mexico City also has some of the world's best fine-dining restaurants. Tip 10-15%. Drink bottled water.
Best time to visit
March to May is warm and dry (highs of 25-27°C), with purple jacaranda trees in bloom from about February to April. The rainy season, June to September, brings short afternoon storms. Día de Muertos (around 1-2 November) fills the city with altars, marigolds and a large parade. Winter is dry and sunny, but nights are cold.
Month-by-month weather for Mexico City →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | MXN 500 | MXN 1,300 | MXN 4,000 |
| Food & drink | MXN 350 | MXN 800 | MXN 2,000 |
| Sights & tours | MXN 200 | MXN 600 | MXN 2,500 |
| Local transport | MXN 60 | MXN 250 | MXN 600 |
| Total per person, per day | about MXN 1,100 | about MXN 2,950 | about MXN 9,100 |
Approximate 2026 prices in Mexican pesos (about MXN 20-21 to €1). Mexico City charges a small lodging tax, usually included or added at checkout.
Before you go
Common questions
Is Mexico City safe?
The main tourist neighbourhoods (Centro by day, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán, Polanco) are generally safe with normal precautions. Use Uber at night, avoid flashing valuables and stay aware in crowded places.
Will the altitude affect me?
At 2,240 metres, many people feel tired or short of breath for a day or two. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and plan a lighter first day.
Is street food safe?
Mostly yes at busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit if you have a sensitive stomach, and drink bottled water.
Should I book the Frida Kahlo Museum ahead?
Yes: tickets sell out days in advance and are sold only online for specific times.
Is Teotihuacán better with a tour?
A tour is easiest, but the public bus from the Terminal del Norte is cheap and simple. Arrive early to beat heat and crowds.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Mexico trips. Prices are approximate for 2026 in pesos; confirm on the official INAH (Teotihuacán, Templo Mayor, Anthropology Museum), Museo Frida Kahlo and Bellas Artes websites before booking.
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