Mexico City 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Mexico City Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on historical sites and cultural experiences. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Center Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) or Mexico City International Airport (MEX). Take an authorized taxi or Uber/DiDi to your hotel in the Centro Histórico (Historic Center).

  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Zócalo, the heart of Mexico City.

    • Must-sees: Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor (Aztec Ruins), and the charming local markets.

  • Where to stay:

    • Budget: Hostel Mundo Joven (modern & social hostel with good reviews)
    • Mid-Range: Hotel Histórico Central (boutique hotel in the historic district)
    • Luxury: Hotel Palacio de Cortés (historic charm meets modern luxury)

  • Where to eat:

    • El Cardenal: For traditional Mexican cuisine, try their mole poblano.
    • Mercado de la Merced: A vibrant market with plenty of delicious and affordable street food options.

  • Things to do:

    • Take a walking tour to learn about the history of the city and its surrounding areas.
    • Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) for an extensive collection on Mexico’s indigenous past.
    • Explore the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the ancient Aztec temple.
    • Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine at a local restaurant near the Zócalo.

  • Things to know:

    • The Historic Center is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets, especially in busy areas like markets.

  • Tips:

    • Stay hydrated: Mexico City’s high altitude can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
    • Try street food: The city is renowned for its delicious and affordable street food.

Day 2: Art & History Day

  • Morning: Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) in Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Explore the local restaurants and cafes afterwards.

  • Afternoon: Spend time in the historical center of the city. The Museo Nacional de Historia (National Museum of History) is a great option for learning more about Mexico’s rich history.

  • Where to stay:

    • Museo Frida Kahlo: For a unique experience, book a room at a boutique hotel in Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood with a vibrant art scene and plenty of history.
    • Coyoacán: Stay in a traditional Mexican guesthouse or a modern Airbnb for a comfortable and convenient stay.

  • Tips:

    • Book your tickets in advance: Some museums and attractions require pre-booking.

Day 3: Aztec Ruins & Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) and learn about her life and work.

  • Afternoon: Take a cooking class focusing on Mexican cuisine.

  • Coyoacán: Experience the cultural charm of this historic neighborhood, with its markets, restaurants, and museums.

    • Coyoacán Market: Enjoy authentic Mexican food for lunch.
    • Coyoacán: Explore the historical buildings and visit the local markets for a taste of Mexican culture and delicious street food options.

  • Market Food Tours: Consider joining a food tour to explore the rich culinary landscape of Coyoacán and learn about the history and cultural significance of each dish.

  • Where to eat:

    • El Moro Churrería: Explore the neighborhood’s famous churros and chocolate spot for a traditional treat.
    • Mercado de Medellín: Indulge in a street food adventure by trying local delicacies like quesadillas, tamales, or esquites.

Day 4: Ancient History & Modern Art

  • Morning: Visit the Museo Nacional de Historia (National Museum of History) and explore the history of Mexican art and culture.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sample the street food offerings in a local market.

Things to do:

  • Museo Nacional de Antropología: This museum is a must-visit for its stunning collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including those from the Aztec period.

  • Coyoacán Market:

    • Explore the local art scene: Check out the galleries and shops in the charming neighborhood.
    • Enjoy a traditional meal: Sample Mexican staples like tamales and mole poblano.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion & Relaxation

  • Morning: Wander through the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) and admire its stunning Art Deco architecture and art collection.

  • Coyoacán:

    • Immerse yourself in the history of Mexico at the Museo Frida Kahlo:**
    • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the gardens and murals of the Museo Nacional de la Cultura Popular, which celebrates Mexican folk art.

  • Things to do:

  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum: Learn about the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist through her personal belongings, artwork, and vibrant garden filled with traditional plants and flowers.

  • Explore Coyoacán’s Plaza Hidalgo: Relax in this beautiful square, enjoy the street performers and local vendors, and try some delicious street food.

  • Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum (Coyoacán): Discover her childhood home and studio, explore the history of her life and art, and learn about the impact she had on Mexican culture.

  • Enjoy the culinary scene:

    • Coyoacán Market: Visit for the local food, but enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and murals of the Frida Kahlo museum.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Mercado de Coyoacán: This bustling market is a great place to experience the local culture and try delicious Mexican food.

  • Wander through the streets and admire the architecture: Check out the surrounding plazas, cafes, and restaurants near the Casa Azul and enjoy the unique charm of the neighborhood.

  • Try traditional dishes:

    • Coyoacán: Enjoy a meal at El Cardenal, a restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

  • Enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the city: Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Coyoacán, which is known for its traditional restaurants and markets.

Day 6:

  • Explore the National Museum of Anthropology: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Mexico.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a final taste of Mexican cuisine: Visit the local market or try a restaurant in the neighborhood for a delicious and memorable last meal.
  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Explore the vibrant gardens and immerse yourself in the life and work of Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist.

Things to remember:

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

  • Currency: Use pesos for most transactions.

  • Money exchange: Exchange money at official banks or currency exchange bureaus.

  • Bargaining: It’s common to bargain with vendors in the markets, but be respectful.

  • Transportation:

    • Public Transportation: Utilize Mexico City’s extensive public transportation network.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historical and cultural significance of Frida Kahlo’s childhood home:

Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) in Coyoacán, a vibrant neighborhood that celebrates traditional Mexican culture.

  • Enjoy the delicious and affordable food stalls: Explore the local cuisine with a variety of street food options.
  • Explore the National Museum of Anthropology: This museum is a must-see for any art or history enthusiast.

Day 6:

  • Visit the Coyoacán Market: Immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural offerings of the historic neighborhood.

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and traditional Mexican food: Enjoy a final meal at one of the many restaurants or street vendors offering authentic local cuisine.

    • Explore the surrounding plazas and streets: Discover the charming character of the neighborhood with its vibrant markets, cafes, and restaurants.

Transportation options:

  • Take a taxi or Uber/DiDi: For convenient transportation within the city, these are safe and readily available options.

  • Use public transportation:

The metro system is efficient and affordable for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.

  • Explore the local bus routes: “Peseros” (shared minibuses) are a cheap and cheerful way to experience Mexico City.

Things to enjoy in the market:

  • Authentic Mexican food: Try traditional dishes like tacos, quesadillas, tamales, or esquites.

  • Coyoacán’s vibrant culture: Explore the local markets for delicious street food and unique souvenirs.

  • Enjoy the ambiance:

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city’s bustling markets.

Day 7: Departure Day: Enjoy a final morning in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, exploring the plazas and taking in the atmosphere. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine for breakfast and explore the surrounding streets and shops.

  • Transportation tips:

    • Purchase a “Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada” (TMI) for convenient travel on the metro system.

  • Purchase a “Tarjeta de la Ciudad”: This card allows you to use public transportation in Mexico City, including buses and the Metrobus.

Enjoy your last day:

Take a final stroll through the Coyoacán market, enjoying the vibrant colors and smells. Visit a local cafe for a delicious breakfast and a cup of traditional coffee.

  • Coyoacán: This historic neighborhood offers a variety of local delicacies, so be sure to explore the restaurants and sample some authentic Mexican food.

Things to consider:

  • TMI cards are available at most metro stations.
  • The “Tarjeta de la Cultura Popular” is a great way to experience local culture in Mexico City.

Remember:

  • Bring cash for small purchases and tips: While many places accept the TMI, smaller vendors and street stalls may not.

Things to do:

* Bring your own reusable bag
  • Carry a water bottle with you: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases: “Hola” (hello), “gracias” (thank you), and “por favor” (please) will go a long way.

Enjoy the history of the neighborhood: Explore the vibrant art scene, including the galleries showcasing local artists’ works.

  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the iconic artist.

  • Enjoy the culinary experience: Indulge in delicious and affordable street food before you leave.

  • Embrace the vibrant atmosphere:

Remember to savor the unique charm and energy of local markets as a final taste of Mexico City.