5 Days in Mexico City - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: An Art-Centered Tour of Mexico City

Mexico City is overflowing with character and beautiful art, and this creative itinerary introduces you to its finest. Perfect for first-time visitors eager to uncover Mexico City's highlights and hidden charms, you'll be treated to guided tours of Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, the Modern Art Museum, and the murals of Diego Rivera, among other attractions. Add to this a thrilling lucha libre match, a mezcal tasting session, and a traditional Oaxacan dinner, and you'll leave with a profound appreciation for the truly unique culture of Mexico City.

Welcome to Mexico! Upon landing, your adventure gets off to a stress-free start with a booked transfer straight from Mexico City airport to your hotel. Settle in for a four-night stay and refresh before venturing out to explore at your leisure, perhaps checking out the historic Templo Mayor or tasting your way through the La Ciudadela Market. Delve deeper into the city's history the following morning during a boat tour through the canals of Xochimilco and round off the day with a hearty dinner featuring Oaxacan cuisine. 

Next, spend a day strolling between galleries and colorful cafés in the San Ángel neighborhood and admiring works at the Museo Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art). Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete with a mezcal tasting experience, which is exactly what's on your agenda for the morning of Day 4. Afterward, head to the Arena Mexico, where a thrilling lucha libre fight will soon be taking place. That evening, squeeze in a guided exploration of the Centro Histórico (Historic Center) before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: A Food-Focused Trip to Mexico City

Mexico's bold cuisine has become a beloved staple across the world, but there's no better place to delve into its fresh flavors than in Mexico City. This flavorful foodie tour brings you on an indulgent journey—from hip cafés and upscale restaurants to tucked-away street food stalls—each of which will introduce you to culinary traditions and regional ingredients. In between, refresh your appetite with guided walks through Centro Histórico and the San Ángel and Coyoacán neighborhoods.

Let's hope you've arrived hungry, as your foodie adventure through Mexico City begins with a full day of dining. Start with a lunch of your choice, perhaps at a trendy café in Roma Norte, and when dinner time rolls around, head to Plaza Garibaldi for a delightful evening dining at Salón Tenampa. Next, experience a different side of the capital's cuisine during a Centro Histórico street food tour, complete with visits to the Palace of Fine Arts and the sprawling Zócalo. Then, when you can't squeeze in another bite, walk off your indulgences while exploring Chapultepec Park or the Museo de Antropologia independently. 

Day 3 is less focused on gastronomy, but you'll still have plenty of opportunity to sample street food classics while exploring the San Ángel and Coyoacán neighborhoods. With a guide leading the way, uncover landmarks dating back to the ancient city of Tenanitla, visit Frida Kahlo's home, and discover delicious churros at Plaza Coyoacán. Then, don some stretchy pants, as next on your itinerary is an ultimate taco crawl. Eat your way through tacos dressed with cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), carne asada (grilled beef), and pescado (fried fish) before enjoying your last sleep in Mexico City. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Romantic Getaway to Mexico City

Crafted especially for couples, this relaxed Mexican getaway features romantic strolls, unhurried dinners, and an intimate canal cruise. Most days, planning and navigating are left to your guides, allowing you to enjoy stress-free, quality time together. Delve into a perfectly prepared tasting menu, roam the stunning Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, and spend a day imagining bygone times amid the UNESCO-listed splendors of ancient Teotihuacán.

After arriving in Mexico City and transferring to your hotel, pause to refresh and dress in your finest, as tonight, dinner reservations at Tezontle await. This romantic setting is the perfect place to slow down, tuck into a tasting menu, and enjoy the company of your significant other. The following morning promises more quality time together, with a boat cruise through the floating gardens of Xochimilco on the agenda. Afterward, join a private guide for an insightful tour of the Coyoacán neighborhood, home to Casa Azul and Jardín Hidalgo, and round off your day with dinner at Los Danzantes.

Your stay in Mexico City continues with a visit to San Ángel, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined Plaza San Jacinto. Then, spend the afternoon pondering Diego Rivera's impressive works at the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli. Your final full day promises to be equally as delightful, and you'll want to wake early to make the most of your time at Teotihuacán. Led by a local guide, explore the ruins of this ancient Mesoamerican city and partake in a sacred cave ceremony before capping off the day and your trip with a decadent buffet lunch featuring pre-Hispanic specialties. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Mexico City: Pyramids, Culture & Volcanoes

Split your time between city highlights and nearby natural and ancient wonders on this active exploration of Mexico City. Ideal for those who enjoy keeping on the move and including a bit of fitness in their travels, you'll dedicate full days to exploring the ruins of Teotihuacán and hiking amid Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. On either side, get to know Mexico City's deep-rooted culture through walking tours and a cruise along Xochimilco's beautiful canals.

Kick off your adventure with a self-guided tour of Mexico City's bustling neighborhoods, ancient sites, and culinary treasures. Admire the Paseo de la Reforma's monuments, meander through Bosque de Chapultepec, and top off the day with dinner in the Centro Histórico. Then, wake early for a captivating visit to Teotihuacán, where a guide will lead the way between ruins and into a local cave for a sacred ceremony. While in this ancient Mesoamerican city, you'll also be treated to an indulgent buffet lunch featuring pre-Hispanic specialties like sopa Azteca (tortilla soup) and roasted prickly pear cactus.

The following morning, another early wake-up call is on the agenda, this time for a journey into the mountains of Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. Here, a private hiking guide leads the way to Paso de Cortés, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic peaks. Then, after two days of exploring the city's surroundings, you'll again focus on the highlights of the capital. Start the day with a cruise through the canals of Xochimilco, which will ensure you're refreshed and ready for a delightful end-of-adventure walking tour through Coyoacán. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Highlights of Mexico City & Cholula

Venture farther afield on this whirlwind adventure featuring the historical wonders of Mexico City and Cholula. Crafted especially for history enthusiasts, highlights include a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, a cruise through ancient canals, and a bike and walking tour amid Teotihuacán's ruins. In addition, join a guide for an immersive visit to Cholula's towering pyramid and get hands-on during ceramic and tortilla-making classes.

Your short but immersive adventure begins in Mexico City, and with a two-day stay planned and lots to see and do, you'll be eager to make great use of your time. Pause for a quick refresh at your hotel before filling your afternoon with a stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of Roma, visits to San Ángel's art galleries, and, if time allows, a stop by the National Museum of Anthropology. Leave the navigation to the experts the following day, starting with a guided boat cruise along the beautiful canals of Xochimilco. Then, continue to Coyoacán to tour Frida Kahlo's house-turned-museum. 

On the morning of Day 3, your attention shifts to Teotihuacán, where you'll explore its ruins, temples, and pyramids by bike and on foot. Afterward, continue to the enchanting city of Cholula and celebrate your arrival over dinner at a local restaurant. Beyond its flavorful cuisine, Cholula is renowned for its magnificent Tlachihualtépetl and Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church, both of which you'll visit during a five-hour tour. Then, dedicate the evening to learning the art of tortilla making and ceramics crafting before returning to Mexico City the following morning to catch your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other five-day Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.