Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
How many days in Mexico City? A 3-4 day itinerary
Discover how many days in Mexico City are ideal for a great trip. Explore our 3-4 day itineraries, from historical sites, delicious food and more.
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis, perfect for a short break that can be adapted to your travel style and available time. From ancient historical sites to world-class Mexican food and rich history, this vibrant city offers an unforgettable adventure.
With such a big urban space to explore, how many days do you need in Mexico City? Below, we’ll advise how many days are ideal and offer itineraries for two specific durations to help you plan your perfect short trip and the ultimate Mexico packing list. This way, you can explore the city in your own way. We also show you how to stay connected so you can share your Mexico City memories using a Holafly travel eSIM.
Count memories, not data
Never lose connection with unlimited data eSIMs from Holafly.
How many days in Mexico City is enough?
Generally, three to four days in Mexico City is enough to experience its main highlights, depending on your type of travel. Enjoy a thorough yet manageable exploration of this city’s rich culture by breaking down your trip. For example:
- Three days in Mexico City: You can cover places like “El Centro”, Chapultepec Castle and park, and the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán.
- Four days in Mexico City: There’s time to add a day trip with a four-day itinerary, perhaps to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan.
An extra day can take the pressure off and help you discover more unique fun facts about Mexico.
How to spend 3-4 days in Mexico City
This section will guide you through a three-day Mexico City itinerary so you can make the most of your visit. The daily activities breakdown balances Mexican history, insider tips, and local experiences. This is the perfect three-day Mexico City travel guide!
Day 1
On your first day in Mexico City, immerse yourself in its historical heart. Start your morning in the historic district, or “El Centro” at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square. The square is one of the largest plazas in the world and the largest plaza in Latin America. You’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, home to some grand works by the painter Diego Rivera.
Don’t forget to look for the Aztec Templo Mayor (Aztec temple and other ruins) archaeological site right next door—a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past.
For lunch, grab some street tacos, people watch at a nearby coffee shop, or find a traditional local restaurant for authentic Mexican cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an architectural masterpiece that houses murals by prominent Mexican artists and hosts various cultural events. Afterwards, walk a few blocks up to Avenida Madero, a pedestrian street with shops and historic buildings.
This busy first day will give you a great introduction to how many days in Mexico City are needed for your travel style.
Day 2
Day two is perfect for diving into Mexico City’s cultural scene. Begin at the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park, located on the massive Paseo de la Reforma avenue. This museum is a must-visit, offering an incredible journey through Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history and indigenous cultures. You could spend hours here and still not see everything!
After the museum, explore Chapultepec Park itself and the well-known Chapultepec Castle. It’s one of the largest city parks in the world, with lakes, botanical gardens, and local vendors selling souvenirs.
For lunch, consider a café in the park, or head to two of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, Roma Norte and Condesa. Known for their trendy eateries and colorful colonial style homes and buildings. Browse through boutiques and stop by one of the many quaint modern art studios. These activities highlight the deep cultural contributions of this incredible city.
Day 3
By day three, you’ll have a clearer idea of how long to spend in Mexico City, as you delve into some truly Mexico City experiences. Start with a visit to Coyoacán, a charming colonial neighborhood. Explore the colorful tree-lined streets, visit the famous Frida Kahlo Museum, La Casa Azul (book tickets in advance!), and browse the local markets and chat with street vendors. The atmosphere in Coyoacán is arty and communal – and a much slower pace than the rest of the city.
Head to Xochimilco for a traditional Trajinera boat ride through ancient canals in the afternoon. This lively experience with mariachi music and floating food vendors offers a glimpse into Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic past. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy a different side of this mega metropolis.
This third day highlights how many days are needed in Mexico City to ensure you have diverse experiences.
Day 4 (optional extra day)
If you have four days in Mexico City, consider a day trip to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Located about an hour outside Mexico City, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, along with the Avenue of the Dead. It’s an inspiring archaeological site that offers a deeper understanding of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in the city, dedicate your fourth day to exploring more of Mexico City’s diverse neighborhoods. For example, head to Polanco for glamorous high-end shopping and dining. The flexibility of a fourth day answers the question of how many days in Mexico City is enough for your personal preferences.
How many days to spend in Mexico City for slow travelers?
If you’re a slow traveler, you can extend your stay in Mexico City to seven days or even longer. This allows for a deeper exploration of the city and more time to uncover hidden gems and maybe master some of the transportation in Mexico. Below are a few extra ideas if you want to extend your stay:
- Museo Soumaya: Visit this museum for a unique and visually stunning art experience with a vast private collection.
- Mercado de San Juan: This local market offers an adventurous food market experience, known for its exotic meats, guided food tours, and nearby street food.
- Street art tours: A walking tour of the city’s local art scene explores the vibrant street art in neighborhoods like Doctores or Downtown Mexico City.
- Cooking classes: Taking a cooking class and preparing traditional Mexican dishes is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
- Lucha libre: Experience the spectacle of Mexican wrestling and head to one of the many Lucha Libre matches in the city.
- Day trips: For a change of scenery, explore nearby towns like Puebla or Tepoztlán. These are two of the best day trips from Mexico City, are easy to get to, and are less than two hours away by car or public transportation.
This extended approach helps you understand how long to visit Mexico City if you enjoy a more relaxed travel style.
Stay connected every day in Mexico City with Holafly
Reliable internet is needed to navigate the busy streets of Mexico City. From booking tours, checking attraction times and ticket prices, and finding the best eateries, connection is key. Instead of relying on public WiFi or worrying if your phone will work in Mexico, get an eSIM for Mexico from Holafly. It instantly activates when you land, giving you unlimited data at super affordable prices.
Match your data plan to the duration of your Mexico City trip:
- 3-day trip to Mexico City: $12.90
- 4-day trip to Mexico City: $16.90
- 7-day trip to Mexico City: $29.90
Holafly Plans may be better if you extend your travel or work remotely. Holafly Plans is a monthly eSIM subscription service that covers 170+ destinations worldwide, including Mexico City. Monthly plans start from 10 GB to unlimited data and hotspot sharing, with prices ranging from $39.90 to $64.90/month. Select a plan that suits your needs, stay connected, and cancel at any time with no hidden fees.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Plans that may interest you
I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.
