Mexico City is arguably one of the most dynamic and vibrant places in the world. The city is dripping with culture and becoming increasingly cosmopolitan with time. You’ll be taken through all the best attractions on this Mexico City itinerary.
The city is overflowing with amazing historical and cultural attractions that highlight the influences of both Aztec and Western heritage. There are incredible day trips from Mexico City that add further insight into the beautiful and complex history of the region. Mexico City is a must-visit destination before hitting the beautiful coast of Mexico!
The chaotic, energetic city promises a whirlwind of adventure and an incredibly enriching experience. If you find yourself spending three days in Mexico City or even three months, then we have you covered!
The following Mexico City travel blog shares all of the must-see Mexico City attractions, adds insight on where to stay in Mexico City, and gives golden nuggets of information that will have you exploring the city with confidence! If you want to delve a little bit deeper, you can also check out our comprehensive Mexico City blog.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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- A Little Bit About This 3 Day Mexico City Itinerary
- Where To Stay In Mexico City in 3 Days
- Day 1 Itinerary in Mexico City: Historical Centre
- Mexico City Itinerary Day 2: Trotsky, Kahlo & Wrestling!
- What To Do With More Than 3 Days in Mexico City
- Best Time To Visit Mexico City
- How To Get Around Mexico City
- What To Prepare Before Visiting Mexico City
- FAQ on Mexico City Itinerary
- Final Thoughts
- Buy Us a Coffee!
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Mexico City Itinerary Overview
This Mexico City itinerary has been carefully planned, timed and routed to ensure you can pack as much as possible into 3 days. Day 1 focuses on the historic, “centro” district whereas Day 2 is perhaps more cultured and looks at a different side of the city. The 3rd day is different and instead of offering a step by step by itinerary we have hand picked some great activities for you to choose from.
- Day 1 in Mexico City: Zocalo, Templo Mayor, Palacio Nacional, Chapultapec, La Condesa
- Day 2 in Mexico City: Xochimilco, Leon Trotsky’s House, Frida Kahlo Museum, Palacio De Bellas Artes, Lucha Libre
- Day 3 in Mexico City: Food Tour, Alameda Central, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, Mercado Roma, Metropolitan Cathedral
There are so many cool places to stay in Mexico City, that you may find it hard to choose! The city is sprawling, and so choosing the perfect spot can be intimidating, but the following areas are the best for various purposes!
If you are visiting for the first time, then the best place to stay in Mexico City is Roma. Previously the settling ground for wealthy Europeans, the area is home to many different art installations and is quite hipster-centric, with a wide variety of quirky restaurants and cool spots to visit.
If you are traveling on a budget, then you will want to be as central as possible and stay in Centro Historico. Mexico has the most museums in the world, and Centro Historico is home to many of them! From the Metropolitan Cathedral and the archeological site of Templo Major to the National Palace and Zocalo Square; Centro Historico is an incredibly enriching area!
Finally, if you are looking to enjoy the nightlife in Mexico City, then look no further than La Condesa! The area is bursting with epic cocktail bars, boutique shops, and entertainment venues! There are loads of amazing hotels and hostels in Mexico City to choose from, but here are our top choices!
Best Hostel in Mexico City – Casa Pepe
Casa Pepe is primely located in Mexico City’s center, surrounded by amazing restaurants, historical attractions, and musical venues! The rooms are spacious and have their own private bathrooms ensuring that you have optimal comfort!
As an added bonus, the hostel offers free walking tours which are a great way to see the city and make friends from all around the world!
Best Airbnb in Mexico City – Best Location, Stylish, New Apartment
Enjoy the heart of Mexico City in this stylish, new apartment located in Cuauhtemoc. It’s our top pick for where to stay in Mexico City if you’re traveling with a family or group.
There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a terrace with nice views of the quiet neighborhood.
Best Budget Hotel in Mexico City – Hotel Diligencias
If you want to be comfortable, central and experience excellent service, then Hotel Diligencias is the spot for you! The hotel offers a variety of perks such as an on-site restaurant and bar as well as free wifi. It’s also a stone’s throw away from some of Mexico City’s top attractions!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Mexico City has a deeply rooted and incredibly colorful history that blends modern-day traditions with ancient symbolism and customs. One day in Mexico City needs to be dedicated to hearing the story of the city’s fascinating history and culture!
9.00 AM – Zócalo
Zócalo is a vibrant square in the center of Mexico City. Officially called the Plaza de la Constitución, the popular square adopted the name Zócalo which means base in the 19th century. It has continued to be the heart of Mexico City, and it is proudly one of the world’s largest city squares and is a hive of activity.
Don’t be surprised if you waltz into the square and find it strangely familiar. It’s the square that was torn apart during a scene in the popular James Bond film, Sceptre.
Zócalo is flanked by other popular Mexico City attractions such as Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana and the city’s government offices. Take the time to stroll through the plaza and take in the beautiful surrounding architecture.
Also surrounding the square are tastes of the various cultural flavors. You’ll be sure to find hawkers selling jewelry, mementos and some of the world’s best street food, as well as traditionally-clad Aztec dancers and local drummers chanting in a cloud of smoke! The square often hosts events, so keep an eye out for any posters of festivals, concerts or gatherings around the time that you are in the city!
One of the best parts of Zócalo is that it is completely free to visit! You can stimulate all of your senses simply by walking through the square and absorbing all of the beauty and culture that it holds! For a truly spectacular moment, make sure that you are in the square at 8 am or 6 pm. This is when the Mexican army raises and lowers the giant Mexican flag.
- Cost – $4
- How long should I spend here? – 45 minutes
- Getting there – It’s a 5 minute walk from Zocalo
10.00 AM – Templo Mayor
Templo Mayor is one of the most enriching sights to see on your Mexico City vacation and the center of Mexican ancient heritage! The temple is made up of the remains of the ancient Aztec city called Tenochtitlán and an attached Museum.
These remains hold significant historical value as they were thought to be the exact spot where the Aztecs saw their symbolic eagle on top of a cactus with a snake in its beak. To this day, this is the symbol of Mexico and can be found on the Mexican flag.
The temple is one of the most sacred buildings in the city and offers incredible insight into the ancient history of the Aztec civilization, as well as how the culture has developed over the years. Make sure that you allocate yourself enough time to walk through the museum as well as stroll through the ruins.
Templo Mayor is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am until 5 pm. Normally, there is a small entrance fee of 70 Mexican Pesos (USD $4), but on Sundays, travelers can enter for free!
Most of the exhibitions inside the museum are in Spanish, but the stories are also beautifully told in a visual capacity, making it an incredible experience for all languages.
Insider Tip: Take a moment to have a look at the stones used to build the neighboring Cathedral. These stones were taken from Templo Mayor and represent a brilliant example of how the cultural heritage of the city has been combined in architecture!
- Cost – $3.20
- How long should I spend here? – 90 minutes
- Getting there – It’s a 5 minute walk from Zocolo
11.30 AM – Palacio Nacional
Palacio Nacional is a colonial palace that houses the offices of the Mexican president. Inside, the walls are adorned with historical paintings created by Diego Rivera which tell the fascinating story of Aztec life before the Spanish conquest in the 1500s. Simply follow the crowds to the top of the building and take in the storytelling murals that stretch across the walls!
The history of the building itself is truly fascinating.
It was first built by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II in the early 16th century but was destroyed in 1521 by Cortés who rebuilt it as a fortress with three interior courtyards. When the crown purchased the building in 1562, it was converted into a sign of Mexican independence.
The architecture of the palace itself is something to behold! We recommend that you allocate an hour or two to browse around the incredible building. The palace is closed on Mondays, but open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Palacio Nacional also houses a cathedral which has a famous bell at the top. This bell was rung when Mexico declared its independence in 1810!
If you are an avid history lover and want a truly enriching experience, we’d also suggest that you hire a guide who can add more context to your visit!
- Cost – Free
- How long should I spend here? – 3 hours for the Palace and gardens
- Getting there – It’s a 3 minute walk from Templo Mayor
2.30 PM – Lunch at Comedor Escondido
We bet you’re absolutely famished by now! Well fortunately sustenance is at hand and just a short walk from El Palacio Nacional we have Comedor Escondido. The restaurant offers decent typical Mexican food and has a lovely terrace so you can dine in fresh air. There is plenty of carnivorous fare as well as vegetarian options on sticks, cactus skewers, tofu, lettuce and mushrooms.
- Cost – $5
- How long should I spend here? – 1 hour
- Getting there –Walk from Palacio Nacional
3.30 PM – Chapultapec
Bosque de Chapultapec is a popular park in Mexico City and a great place to unwind after a busy day exploring the historical center. Measuring just over 686 hectares, Bosque de Chapultapec is one of the largest city parks in the world!
The park is divided into three sections, the first of which is the oldest and most popular among visitors. In this section are countless other attractions such as Chapultapec Zoo, the Museum of Anthropology and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.
So, if you still have some energy after resting under the beautiful shade, you can continue exploring the incredible history that the city has to offer!
Also in the first section of the park is Chapultapec Castle, which houses the National History Museum and is located at the highest point of Chapultapec Hill. From this point, you can marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
If you are a water baby, you can find some solace at Chapultapec Lake, an artificial lake also located in the first section of the park. Here, you can rent a pedal boat or rowboat and take a short paddle on the water, absorbing the scenery from a different perspective.
If you want to venture further into the park, there is a lot more excitement in store! The second section has a large amusement park, several impressive fountains and other museums. Even further, in the third section, you can find lots of natural wooded areas and wildlife.
- Cost – $7
- How long should I spend here? – 2 hours
- Getting there –The most efficient way is Uber – it’s very affordable in Mexico City
18.00 PM – La Condesa
After a wonderful day exploring, it’s time to party the night away in true Mexican style. La Condesa is a hub of activity both during the day as well as at night. So, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to sip tasty cocktails, dine on Mexican cuisine and party until the early hours in the morning!
Whether you are looking for a more relaxed night enjoying a strong drink on a beautiful roof-top terrace, or you want to dance the night away, La Condesa is the perfect area to enjoy Mexican nightlife.
If you want a truly unique experience, the Artic Bar serves ice-cold beverages in a -10° environment. From here, the drink slips into your bloodstream and begins warming you up before you hit the dance floor which is at normal room temperature.
If you love music and dancing, make sure that you bookmark Leonar, one of La Condesa’s hottest bars and dance clubs. The venue only opens at 11:30 pm, so you may want to explore some of the other venues before!
Heads up -La Condesa attracts a crowd of young professionals. If like me, you are more interested in a hipster-orientated night out, then Roma is also an incredible area to experience Mexico City’s nightlife.
- Cost – Drinks
- How long should I spend here? – 2 hours
- Getting there – 17 minute walk of 4 minute Uber from Chapultapec
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After a potentially wild night, it’s time to continue your weekend in Mexico City with a tranquil boat ride in Xochimilco before discovering what more the fascinating city has to offer with a two-day itinerary in Mexico City.
9.30 AM – Xochimilco
Photo: Arian Zwegers (Flickr)
For the best start on your two days in Mexico City, make your way slowly to Xochimilco. The city within Mexico City is about an hour from the center so it is best to tackle this activity while you are still fresh and have energy!
What waits for you is an amazing experience along the canals. While the remnants of the ancient canal is quite small today, it offers travelers a wonderfully authentic experience of floating along in a traditional trajinera boat to the sound of local mariachi.
The brightly-painted wooden boat is traditionally decorated to honor a Mexican family name and have years of stories behind their symbolism! Today, you’ll find some boats named after popular celebrities.
While cruising the canal and listening to various types of Mexican folklore is a memorable experience in itself, you should also take the time to visit the areas in Xochimilco surrounding the water! There are loads of beautiful flowers and wildlife to see and add to your memory bank!
- Cost – $3 for a shared boat $26 for privado
- How long should I spend here? – 2 hours
- Getting there – A 35 ride by Uber or Taxi from the centre
11:30 AM – Leon Trotsky’s House
Photo: Rod Waddington (Flickr)
Leon Trotsky was the Russian revolutionary that went head-to-head with Stalin in a political battle, only to run away to Mexico City. Although Trotsky sought refuge in Mexico City, he was still condemned to death and was eventually murdered in his home in Coyoacán.
Today, his previous home is open to visitors to explore. Everything is as he left it, up to the spot where his books lay on his desk.
The Leon Trotsky Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and is a historically fascinating spot to visit if you are trying to decide what to do in Mexico City.
The museum depicts the Mexican chapter in Trotsky’s life from his initial run from Ukraine in 1936 up until his death in 1940. This is a must-visit spot for anyone with an interest in history or politics.
The experience of visiting the museum is an easy one. There are not normally masses of crowds, and the atmosphere is calm, allowing travelers to walk through the house and take their time exploring.
Be aware that most of the displays are in Spanish with very little English translation. If you don’t understand the local language, you may want to download Google Translate! Regardless, the suffering and challenges that Trotsky faced are so palpable in his preserved house, that you can expect an intimate and enriching experience!
- Cost – $4
- How long should I spend here? – 1 hour
- Getting there – A 25 minute Uber ride from Xochimilco
12.30 PM – Lunch
There are quite a few good little diners and restaurants near Trotsky’s house. Our tips are Carmela Y Sal and La Vienet. The “Almuerzo Del Dia” or “Lunch of the day” is generally great value, delicious and filling.
- Cost – $3 per person
- How long should I spend here? – 3o minutes
- Getting there –Find something in walking distance
1.15 PM – Frida Kahlo’s Museum
Frida Kahlo’s Museum, otherwise known as ‘Casa Azul’ or the ‘Blue House’, is a must-see in Mexico City in 3 days. The powerful female artist is an iconic influence in creating art focused on gender, class, and race.
The blue house is a short walk from Leon Trotsky’s house and significantly busier. We definitely recommend that you book ahead to avoid the queues of people that prioritize the visit to the popular Mexico City point of interest.
The well-preserved, beautiful home shares special insight into the fascinating life led by the iconic Mexican artist. Frida shared a difficult life with her husband and fellow artist Diego Riviera.
We recommend that you set aside an hour to explore her house. Although it isn’t a very large home, you can expect to spend a significant amount of time to discuss the beautiful reflections of her ideologies. As the museum is Frida Kahlo’s former residence, you can expect very intimate glimpses into her life before her death. This is the sanctuary where she created many of her precious and priceless works of art.
Take note that the museum is closed on Mondays, and open from 10 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, except for Wednesdays when the museum opens at 11 am. To reach the museum, you can jump onboard the olive line of the metro and get off at Coyoacán station.
We recommend booking tickets in advance and paying to skip the line.
- Cost – $13 per person
- How long should I spend here? – 2 hours
- Getting there – It’s an 8 minute walk from Trotsky’s house
3.15 PM – Palacio de Bellas Artes
Palacio de Bellas Artes, called the Palace of Fine Arts in English, is considered to be the cultural center of Mexico City, and when you see it you’ll understand why! The spectacular building is made of marble and shines white under the bright sun. The central dome which makes up the roof glows orange from the tiles.
Travelers have described the renowned art gallery as one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico City.
The palace is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, and the gallery is open from 10 am to 7 pm from Tuesday until Sunday.
The exterior of the building’s stunning art-deco architecture is just the tip of the iceberg. Once inside, prepare to be blown away with a classic atmosphere. Browse through the many different exhibitions and art that tell the visual story of Mexican history.
There are also several famous murals inside the building, such as the work of famous Mexican artists Rufino Tamayo and Diego Riviera.
The museum itself not only houses wonderful artworks but also regularly hosts cultural events in the national theatre. Look out for any of the scheduled dance, operas, or theatre shows that tickle your fancy during your vacation in Mexico City!
- Cost – $3.70
- How long should I spend here? – 90 minutes
- Getting there –Uber again. 20 minutes
6.00 PM – Early Dinner at 5M
We hope you are hungry as once again it is time to eat. For tonights entertainment we are going to watch a Mexican wrestling spectacle so we suggest refreshing yourselves beforehand. 5M is a lovely Mexico city restaurant situated near(ish) to Palacio de Bellas Artes dishing out delicious local specialities.
I also suggest a few Cerveza’s to wash it all down ahead of tonights mayhem!
- Cost – $10 per person including a few beers
- How long should I spend here? – 60 minutes
- Getting there –Walk to Av. 5 de Mayo 10-A, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México
7.00 PM – Lucha Libre
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia (WikiCommons)
Lucha Libre is without a doubt one of the most entertaining and amusing experiences on offer in Mexico City. Also known as Mexican wrestling, Lucha Libre is an absolute must-do experience to add to your Mexico City trip itinerary!
Typically, a performance will involve a few guys, and even a couple of girls, in a ring where they will perform wild acrobatics in funny costumes. Spectators often get involved by cheering, shouting their support, and even buying the masks similar to their favorite wrestler!
There are three main arenas in Mexico City where you can catch this entertaining experience, the most popular of which is Arena Mexico in Colonia Doctores. This is the perfect night time activity to round off an incredible day exploring the wonders of Mexico City.
If you are looking for a unique theatrical performance, then this is the activity for you! The style of Lucha Libre mimics WWE wrestling but in a far more animated manner.
Buckle your seat belts and prepare for an oversized night of theatrical movements, beers, popcorn, and fun!
Insider Tip: Look out for any luchador (wrestler) who loses his mask in the process. When you lose your mask, you supposedly become significantly more vulnerable in the ring as your true identity is exposed!
- Cost – $24
- How long should I spend here? – 2 to 3 hours
- Getting there –There are main venues scattered across the city
Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Mexico City:
Roma
Roma is home to Mexico City’s quirky subculture and our recommendation for where to stay in Mexico City for first-timers. It was the original home of many wealthy Europeans who flocked to Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, and French-style mansions can still be found dotting the avenues and lanes.
For three days in Mexico City and more, there are countless activities to fill your time! Places to visit in Mexico City in 3 days extend from food tours to relaxing in the park!
Food Tour
One of the biggest pull factors to Mexico City is the outstanding cuisine! From cinnamon-dusted churros to fiery salsa and indulgent tacos, Mexico City offers some of the best traditional foods.
One of the best ways to experience food in the city is to join a food walking tour in Mexico City. These guided tours will take you to the best restaurants, pubs, and street food stalls.
There are a variety of food tours to choose from to best suit your needs. You can allocate a whole day to the activity and start early in the morning, or go for a pub food tour later in the day and combine several activities into your day in Mexico City.
Some of the best foods to look out for and taste include tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tortillas. A decadent churro is a perfect way to finish off a meal, before washing it down with a shot of tequila!
Alameda Central
Another one of the top Mexico City points of interest is Alameda Central, one of the city’s best green spaces. In addition to being incredibly beautiful and relaxing, the park also has a deep and meaningful history.
The park was originally constructed as early as 1592, after being a popular Aztec marketplace. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the park mimics a french-style design and offers a relaxing sanctuary for both the weary traveler and local Mexican alike.
The park has been a favorite for famous people throughout the years. Rumor has it that President Lopex de Santa Anna once demanded that the fountain be filled with alcohol, and that Empress Carlotta loved the park so much that she would plant roses in it from time to time.
The park is the pride and joy of Mexico City. A lot of time, energy, and money have been invested in maintaining the park’s beauty. For this reason, you’ll find that there are no public garbage bins, but there are several workmen pushing around bins!
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
Photo: Nan Palmero (Flickr)
The Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is perfectly located in the historic center of Mexico City, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Zócalo. If you can book a room at the hotel, you are in for a real treat. However, it is definitely worth a visit just to see the mind-blowing interior.
There are often busking saxophonists and classical players outside the hotel doors, setting the mood for the elegance that awaits inside. As soon as you walk in, the first perk you notice, apart from the fancily-clad doorman, is the expansive stained glass ceiling!
If you manage to move your attention away from the mesmerizing ceiling, you’ll note that the rest of the hotel is just as opulent.
There is a golden cage with little birds pecking at leftover croissants, and a metal elevator that takes guests up to the various floors. This is the same elevator that was used in the James Bond film!
If you are checking in to stay the night, take time to savor the complimentary glass of bubbly at reception. If you are just visiting, make sure that you head up to the rooftop terrace bar which offers a spectacular view over Zócalo square!
Mercado Roma
Photo: Nan Palmero (Flickr)
For a completely different Mexican cuisine experience, make sure that you head on over to Mercado Roma which serves the best artisanal flavors in an upmarket setting.
Stroll through the giant food hall and take your pick of cheeses, macaroons, and other gourmet nibbles. Mercado Roma is a great spot to go to enjoy a decadent lunch or dinner and immerse yourself in a world of fellow tourists and the Mexican bougie.
Choose a spot to sit (either indoors or outdoors) and treat your tastebuds to minisatellite puestos from restaurants across the city! Mercado Roma is open from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays; 9 am to 1:30 am on Thursdays; 9 am to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays; and 9 am to 7:30 pm on Sundays!
Metropolitan Cathedral
The history of the cathedral spans back over three centuries, which means that the style of architecture and design blends that of Baroque, Neo-classic, and Neo-renaissance. The building highlights the amalgamation of history that can be found in Mexico City.
Situated on the border of Zócalo square, the breathtakingly beautiful cathedral is also flanked by Templo Mayor, highlighting the contrast of cultures that have contributed to the city today!
The internal offerings of the cathedral are just as magnificent, housing multiple artworks, relics, and crypts. Also found inside are large, resounding organs, and gold-coated artefacts. All of this beauty can be seen and photographed for free!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Trying to decide when to visit Mexico City? While the city provides an unforgettable adventure regardless of when you visit, your trip to Mexico City can vary depending on when you choose to visit.
Mexico City has a subtropical climate, which means that the summer is hot and humid while winter is cool and mild. The temperature is pleasant throughout the year. The summer also brings a bit of rain, and so the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May (spring) when the weather is temperate and comfortable. This is peak season for Mexico City so the streets may be crowded, but the beautiful weather makes up for it!
When planning a trip to Mexico City, you need to consider the climate and season, especially if you want to enjoy being able to walk between attractions! Another important factor to consider is that the city has a high altitude and sits at about 7,382 feet above sea level, so you will definitely want to pack your water bottle and stay hydrated!
| Average Temperature | Chance of Rain | Crowds | Overall Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 55°F | Low | Calm | 🙂 |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | Low | Calm | 🙂 |
| March | 16°C / 61°F | Low | Calm | 😀 |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | Average | Medium | 😀 |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | Average | Busy | 😀 |
| June | 18°C / 64°F | High | Medium | 🙂 |
| July | 17°C / 63°F | High | Medium | 🙂 |
| August | 18°C / 64°F | High | Medium | 🙂 |
| September | 18°C / 64°F | High | Busy | 😐 |
| October | 17°C / 63°F | Average | Busy | 🙂 |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | Low | Busy | 😀 |
| December | 13°C / 55°F | Low | Busy | 😐 |
How To Get Around Mexico City
In order to make the most of your itinerary in Mexico City, you need to know how to get from point A to point B efficiently! If you stay centrally, you can walk to most Mexico City landmarks.
If you prefer private transportation, taxi and ubers are readily available, safe and pretty cheap. Remember that rush hour traffic can make some journeys a LOT longer than they need to be though. Be sure to organise an eSIM for Mexico before you travel so you can book an UBER whenever you need it.
If you are comfortable taking public transport, you’ll be happy to know that the metro is a quick and easy way to travel around the city. There are 195 stations that stretch across a route of 226 kilometers (140 miles) and 12 different lines. In addition to being super quick and efficient, the metro in Mexico City is also very affordable, with a ticket costing you as little as USD $0.3!
The lines operate from 5 am to midnight on weekdays, from 6 am to midnight on Saturdays, and from 7 am to midnight on Sundays and holidays.
You can easily take day trips to surrounding areas from the bus station. Which one you’ll go to depends on where you’re going. I stayed at cool hostels in Puebla (only 2 hours away!) and explored the surrounding state from there.
Mexico City offers a lively and borderline chaotic experience. It is incredibly busy and definitely not the place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing escape from the action. Largely because of this vibe, the city has earned a bit of a reputation as not being a safe destination to visit.
Unfortunately, Mexico City’s criminal reputation does hold some truth. The busy city comes with a fairly high level of street crime, and violent crime also exists in some areas. So, while this concern for safety is founded there are a few safety tips to consider so that you can explore the amazing city fear-free!
First and foremost, remain vigilant. As with most busy cities frequented by tourists, there is a lot of opportunistic crime. Keep your wits about you, and don’t wear flashy clothing and jewelry. Avoid walking at night, rather call an Uber or a cab. Be smart about where you go, for example, avoid certain neighborhoods such as Tepito. Also, avoid using the ATM at night time.
Another safety hazard to consider is the relatively high chance of earthquakes. Brush up on your knowledge about what to do in the instance of an earthquake, and perhaps even download their official earthquake app called 911 CDMX when you visit.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Mexico City
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FAQ on Mexico City Itinerary
Find out what people want to know when planning their Mexico City itinerary.
Final Thoughts
If Mexico City is not at the very top of your bucket list, it should be. It is one of the most vibrant, culturally rich cities in the world, and offers an unforgettable experience regardless of the type of traveler you are!
This itinerary should have you sorted for your first few days in Mexico City, but there is so much more to discover both in the city and in the surrounding area. While safety may be a concern for cautious travelers, if you keep your wits about you then Mexico City could be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life!
Full of history, tasty flavors, vibrant festivals, and friendly locals, Mexico City is an adventure waiting for you to take! Start packing your bags using our South American packing list!
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