Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mexico City?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mexico City?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Mexico City during their visit. After all, the colorful city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene.
While most vacationers head to the beach towns in Mexico, those that want to experience the heart of the country will go to Mexico City. This huge metropolis is filled with history, architecture, and culinary delights. There are beautiful squares and plazas, as well as parks and diverse neighborhoods.
Do you have one or two days to visit Mexico City? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Mexico City?
Mexico City is a fun city that is somewhat popular with tourists because of its great list of sights and attractions. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the colorful city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 5 days to fully enjoy the city. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
How to spend a day in Mexico City
Mexico City is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for families. Known for housing extensive pre-Hispanic Mexican artifacts such as the Aztec Sun Stone and exhibits on Indigenous cultures of Mexico, entry is $85 MXN.
It's worth around 2 hours for Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). Entry is approximately 250 Mexican Pesos for adult admission, with discounts available for students, seniors, and children.. It's known for being the former home and collection space dedicated to the life and works of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
It's worth around 2 hours for Diego Rivera Murals at Secretaría de Educación Pública. Entry is admission costs around 70 Mexican pesos for adults, with discounts often available for students and children; some tours may include the visit as part of their package. It's known for its extensive and historically rich murals depicting Mexican culture and history, painted by Diego Rivera.
It's worth around 2 hours for Museo Soumaya. Entry is free. It's known for its extensive art collection spanning centuries and its striking modern architecture.
Palacio de Bellas Artes is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its beautiful architecture, impressive murals, and diverse performing arts events, entry is $100 MXN.
It's worth around 2 hours for Palacio Nacional. Entry is free. It's known for its magnificent Diego Rivera murals and status as the presidential residence and government building.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), which is MXN$80. It's great for families and is known for its historic architecture, role in Mexican history, stunning views of Mexico City, and being the National Museum of History.
You'll want to have around 3 hours for Xochimilco Canals. It's a nice activity for families and are known for colorful trajinera boat rides, lively mariachi music, and unique floating gardens called chinampas. It's around 500 MXN for a boat rental, prices vary by group size and duration; additional costs for food and music vendors on board may apply.
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Torre Latinoamericana. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its panoramic observation deck offering spectacular views of Mexico City and its impressive earthquake-resistant design. It's approximately 150 Mexican pesos for adults, with reduced rates for children and seniors; ticket prices may vary slightly..
You'll want to have around 2 hours for Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It's a nice activity for families and is known for the tilma of Juan Diego featuring the image of the Virgin Mary and being one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Frida Kahlo VIP [Museum Tickets Included] Walk, Markets & Churros ($74)
- Frida Kahlo VIP-Walk, Market and Churros Museum Tickets Included ($74)
- Guided Tour of Coyoacan and Leon Trotsky Museum ($72)
The delicious food of Mexico City is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.
A few tour suggestions include:
- A Mexican Cooking Class ($190)
- Private San Angel Tour & Cooking Class in Mexico City with Lucia ($134)
- Street Food Tour with Friends ($75)
Public transit in Mexico City is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Mexico City?
A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the colorful city of Mexico City, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, dine out at amazing restaurants, and take advantage of the local nightlife. Many tourists set aside at least 3 or as many as 5 days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Mexico City below.
Mexico City
How to spend 2 days in Mexico City
With a weekend (two to three days) in Mexico City, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
With its diverse attractions, Mexico City awaits with plentiful neighborhoods, attractions, and activities. Set aside a day to explore the city's historical and cultural sites as well as the special neighborhoods that give the city its own personality. It is a huge metropolitan area with a colorful culture and a diverse range of activities and neighborhoods.
It's worth around 4 hours for Coyoacán Historic Center. Entry is free. It's known for its vibrant colonial architecture, artistic heritage, lively markets, and connection to famous Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The best and most complete PRIVATE CITY TOUR through the Historic Center ($64)
- Mexico City Tour And Xochimilco ($62)
- Xochimilco Boat PartyTemptation + 18 with open bar and cleats ($49)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Mexico City Pub Crawl ($23)
- Zona Rosa Mexico City Nightlife of Magic LGBT+ And Bar Tour ($75)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Mexico City, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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