We recently got back from our first trip to Mexico City and I seriously rushed to the computer to write up this Mexico City 4 days itinerary because more people need to visit this incredible city. A city that is so closely situated to the United States that a long weekend is not only possible, but pretty easy.
Not to mention this city is great for budget travelers thanks to lower prices on accommodations and food and drinks. And that food and drink? Some of the best in the world. Mexico City, or CDMX (Ciudad de México) as it’s referred to online and by the local population, is one of the top destinations for foodies.
Planning a trip to Mexico City and wondering how many days to visit Mexico City? Four days is the sweet spot. It’s enough time to explore the vibrant neighborhoods, eat your weight in street tacos, and soak in the culture without feeling like you’re rushing through everything.
This 4-day Mexico City itinerary gives you a perfect blend of food, history, art, and, of course, a little chaos. We built and then personally followed this itinerary for Mexico City and fell in love with the city, and hope you enjoy it as well!
Here’s the tl;dr: if you have four days in Mexico, stay in Roma Norte and plan to Uber to the area’s top attractions. Book in advance for popular bars like Handshake and the Frida Kahlo house.
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Day 1: Welcome to the Madness!
Morning:
Touchdown in Mexico City! After navigating the busy international airport and passport control, grab your luggage, and head straight to your hotel in Roma Norte via Uber. As I mention in my Mexico City travel tips for first timers, Ubers are the preferred method of travel for most tourists rather than taxis.
- Roma Norte neighborhood is a super trendy neighborhood that gives a cool hipster vibe but is jammed full with quirky bars and cafes. We felt completely safe when we stayed there, even walking to the hotel later in the evening.
Here are the best places to stay in Roma Norte in my opinion:
- NaNa Vida CDMX – in the perfect location in Roma Norte, right in the heart of the artsy neighborhood! If you love boutique hotels (that aren’t crazy expensive), this is my favorite accommodation for you. Book your stay here now since they fill up fast (you can always select free cancellation options if your plans change).
- Hotel Denidorm – If you’re looking for a simple, comfy spot in Mexico City, Hotel Benidorm is a solid pick and is well-situated about 10 minutes away from the best restaurants and cafes in Roma Norte. It’s a nice stay that is also easy on the budget—grab your room through this link and start exploring!
- Hotel Marbella – the cheapest option, while still being a really solid choice. We found this to be a decent value stay, in a safe area and only 10 minutes to some of the coolest spots in Roma and 15 minutes to nearby Condensa. Book your stay here!
Condensa is also a great neighborhood to stay in, though in my opinion it didn’t have as much character as Roma Norte.
Lunch at Tacos Orinoco
Now that you’re settled, it’s time for food, and what better way to start your trip than with some tacos? Tacos Orinoco is legendary amongst locals and visitors with a ton of locations around the city. The Pirata Taco is a must, and don’t be shy to load up on all of the salsas they bring to your table.
Afternoon: Stroll Through Roma Norte
Roma Norte is the perfect place to shake off any jet lag. Walk around and explore the colorful murals, hidden art galleries, and boutique shops. You’ll also find plenty of quirky spots to grab a coffee or mezcal, depending on which one you need more of after your morning of travel.
One of my favorite stops was Cafebrería El Péndulo Roma. While most of the titles are in Spanish, they actually had a decent selection of books in English and the vibe was straight out of Beast’s library from Beauty and the Beast. They’re also a cafe, so you can cozy up with your new book and blend in with the locals for an hour or two.
Mezcal Cocktail Making Class
No visit to Mexico City is complete without getting acquainted with mezcal, tequila’s cooler, smokier cousin. Sign up for a mezcal cocktail-making class in the neighborhood. We signed up for this one and had a great time learning about the beloved Mexican drink.
I’ll readily admit that Mezcal isn’t my favorite liquor, but this particular class did an excellent job of teaching everyone how to customize their cocktails so that they were perfect for each person’s own pallet. And by that I mean, the guide helped me make the fruitiest and sweetest drinks possible for myself while everyone else in class crafted more distinguished concoctions.
Dinner at Sartoria
For dinner, head to Sartoria, an upscale Italian spot known for its wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. Yes, you’re in Mexico City, but if you’re visiting there, by now you probably have realized that the city is famous for its top-notch cuisine, not just Mexican food (in fact the international cuisine is one of the top 10 reasons to visit CDMX).
My husband would not stop moaning with each bite of his pasta, which, while a little embarrassing at the time, is definitely a mark of how this place is. It’s a good idea to get reservations earlier that morning.
Drinks at Hanky Panky
Mexico City has 4 of the Top 50 Bars in the world, one of them being Hanky Panky (#12). This speakeasy is a little tricky to find, but once you’re inside, it’s like stepping back into a 1920s cocktail lounge. Perfect for capping off your first night. You’ll need reservations ahead of time (at least a week in advance, if not more).
Day 2: Bikes, Castles, and Luchadores
Morning: Explore Condesa by Bike
Kick off your second day with a leisurely walk from Roma Norte to the neighboring Condesa district. Condesa is like Roma’s artsy cousin, with tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and a park vibe that makes you forget you’re in a massive city.
Then, it’s time for a half-day bicycle & food tour. It’s the perfect way to explore different parts of the city while tasting a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. Your guide will take you to the best spots. Tacos, tamales, aguas frescas, churros—you name it, you’ll eat it.
We are so glad we did this tour, as we got to eat at places we never would have found on our own, and learned a ton about the city as well. We felt super safe on the bikes the whole time with our guide.
No promises that you won’t need a nap afterwards with how full your belly is. Book here.
Afternoon: Castillo de Chapultepec
Once you’re done with the tour, hop in an Uber and head to the Castillo de Chapultepec. Perched on a hill in the middle of Chapultepec Park, this historic castle is all about jaw-dropping views of the city and the amazing stained glass that you’ll see all over Instagram (I’m totally guilty of this).
Castillo de Chapultepec has a pretty interesting past beyond the stunning architecture and manicured gardens. Built in the late 1700s, it started as a colonial palace before becoming home to Emperor Maximilian I during Mexico’s short-lived Second Empire. After that, it housed Mexican presidents and played a key role in the Mexican-American War when U.S. forces stormed it in 1847.
It’s also a great place to take a breather from the city buzz. Make sure to get there before it closes at 5 pm. And fair warning: it is a long walk up to the castle after you get your tickets. There’s an elevator for those with mobility issues though, so don’t let it fully deter you. Entrance is approximately $5 USD.
Dinner at Café de Nadie
After wandering through the castle, head back to Roma Norte for a chill dinner at Café de Nadie. The cozy atmosphere and Mexican-Mediterranean fusion menu make it the perfect spot to relax before your night of action. Their drink menu is enclosed in an old school CD case, which will hit you right in the nostalgia.
After all of the Mexican food you ate in the morning, you might want to cleanse your pallet and let me just unabashedly gush that the hummus was the best hummus I’ve ever had.
Evening: Lucha Libre Madness
If you’re in Mexico City on a Friday or Saturday night, Lucha Libre is a must. Uber to Arena México or another local venue in the area, and get ready for some outrageous wrestling action.
Buy your tickets at the door and ignore the scalpers selling tickets outside of the building. Tickets are less than $10 USD a person for decent seats to this spectacle. And let me assure you, it is a spectacle.
Prepare to laugh, gasp, and maybe even cheer for masked wrestlers flipping each other around the ring. This was my husband’s addition to our Mexico City itinerary and I had no idea what to expect. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor after the first 20 minutes, but then I got really into it and can safely say it is a must do activity.
Day 3: Art, History, and Floating Markets
Morning: Breakfast at Rosetta Bakery
Start your day with a light but delicious breakfast at Rosetta Bakery. Get there early, as this spot is super popular with locals and visitors, thanks in part to how dang cute it is. Their pastries and coffee will fuel you for a busy day ahead. I’d recommend trying the conchas (Mexican sweetened bread rolls) if you didn’t already sample them on your trip.
Late Morning: Frida Kahlo Museum
After breakfast, take an Uber about 30 minutes to Coyoacán, a picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone streets and a bohemian vibe. The highlight here is the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul (the Blue House). The famous Mexican painter was born here, lived here with her painter husband Diego Rivera, and ultimately died there.
This is the highlight of many people’s visits to CDMX. Make sure you’ve bought your tickets in advance, because they sell out fast. (I don’t want to talk about why I know this because I’m still disappointed, but trust me on this.) Inside, you’ll get a glimpse of Frida’s life, art, and the creative energy that still buzzes in the air.
Lunch: Street Food in Coyoacán
After visiting the museum, stick around Coyoacán for lunch. Grab some street food from one of the many vendors selling everything from blue corn quesadillas to elote (grilled corn). The area is full of artisanal markets too, so you can shop while you eat.
Don’t miss my full list of foods to try in Mexico City to make sure you don’t skip any of the region’s most popular cuisines.
Afternoon: Xochimilco or Bazaar Sábado
Next, you’ve got two options: if it’s Saturday, head to the Bazaar Sábado in Plaza San Jacinto. This colorful outdoor market showcases local artisans selling everything from jewelry to paintings. It’s a perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir. We purchased a hand painted decanter and shot glasses for all of the mezcal we’re now going to drink after that cocktail class.
If it’s not Saturday or you’re looking for something more lively, head to Xochimilco for a totally different experience. Rent a colorful boat and float through the canals of this ancient Aztec region. You can even hire a mariachi band to play while you drift along. Don’t forget to grab some snacks from one of the many boats selling food!
If you’re traveling with a group of people, this especially a fun activity as you can join a group that has drinks, bingo, and karaoke like this tour. Drinks are unlimited and so are the vibes.
Evening: Drinks at Handshake Speakeasy
To wrap up the day, head back to the city and grab a cocktail at Handshake Speakeasy. Hidden behind an unmarked door, this spot serves some of the best craft cocktails in the city. We got seated at the bar and ordered way too many drinks because each one they crafted looked better than the last. Their twist on a Piña Colada is a must in my opinion.
Reservations open two weeks in advance and depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll definitely want to reserve a spot in advance. It’s so popular that you’re limited to 90 minutes unless the people after you don’t show.
Day 4: Culture and Churros Before You Go
Morning: Museum Time
For your last day, take it easy and dive into some of Mexico City’s rich history. Visit either the National Museum of Anthropology or the Museum of Modern Art. Both are located in Chapultepec Park, and both are excellent options depending on your interests.
The Anthropology Museum is perfect for history buffs, while the Modern Art Museum will satisfy any contemporary art cravings.
If your last day is on a Monday, neither of these will be an option as they are both closed on Mondays, so you may need to rearrange things in this Mexico City 4 day itinerary if your fourth day is Monday.
Lunch at El Califa
Once you’ve had your cultural fill, Uber to El Califa for tacos. This local favorite serves up some of the best tacos in the city, second maybe to Orinoco. Whether you’re a meat lover or prefer something veggie-friendly, El Califa has got you covered. They’re known for their cheese crust tacos and you should not skip out.
Afternoon: Churro Making Class
Before you head back to the airport, squeeze in one last Mexican experience—a churro-making class. Yes, you’ll learn how to make these delicious, cinnamon-sugar treats from scratch. And yes, you get to eat them all when you’re done. Not to mention the homemade chili chocolate dipping sauce and Mexican coffee.
This was one of our favorite things to do in Mexico City. The host is amazing and will go above and beyond to make sure you fall in love with the city and the culture (he even helped get us into a jazz club later that night). We had a blast, not to mention how delicious they were. Book the experience in advance here and thank me later.
Departure
With a belly full of churros, it’s time to head to the airport for your departure. And maybe track down some Tums if your stomach is anything like mine.
Four days in Mexico City might not feel like enough once you’re here, but this itinerary for Mexico City will make sure you hit all the highlights and leave you with a fondness for the city.
If you have an extra day in CDMX, head out of the city to the Pyramids at Teotihuacan. They’re located an hour or so outside of the city and you can join a guided tour to really get the most out of your experience. If we had more time, I was eyeing this particular tour, as it included a hot air balloon option over the pyramids that was a steal for the price.
From food tours and art to lucha libre and mezcal cocktails, this 4-day itinerary for Mexico City will have you experiencing the city like a local—with plenty of surprises along the way. And if you are trying to blend in like a local, don’t miss my packing list for Mexico City.
No promises that you won’t think 4 days in Mexico City isn’t enough time for all that there is to see. Don’t worry, it’s a quick enough flight from the States that you can always go back
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