4 Days in Mexico City: A Complete Itinerary

Four days covers Mexico City's historic center, its best museums, and an easy half-day trip to Teotihuacan without rushing. This itinerary groups stops geographically to minimize crosstown backtracking.

Day 1: Centro Historico

Start at the Zocalo and the Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera's murals before the midday crowds build. Cross to the Metropolitan Cathedral and, next door, the Templo Mayor ruins and museum. Spend the afternoon wandering the surrounding pedestrian streets before an early dinner in the neighborhood.

Day 2: Chapultepec and Polanco

Spend the morning in Chapultepec Park, climbing to the castle for its history museum and city views. In the afternoon, walk into neighboring Polanco for upscale shopping and, if art is a priority, the Museo Soumaya or Museo Jumex.

Day 3: Teotihuacan

Head out early for the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, roughly an hour from the city — climb the Pyramid of the Sun and walk the Avenue of the Dead before the afternoon heat and crowds build. Return to the city for an evening in Roma or Condesa.

Day 4: Coyoacan

Spend the day in Coyoacan, starting with the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) — book tickets in advance. Wander the neighborhood's cobblestone streets and central plaza afterward, and stop at Mercado Coyoacan for lunch.

Getting around

The Metro connects Centro Historico, Chapultepec, and Polanco efficiently; Coyoacan and Teotihuacan are easier by rideshare or organized tour. Budget extra time for rush-hour crowds on the Metro.

What to pack

Comfortable shoes and layers for the altitude's cool mornings and evenings matter in any season — see our Mexico City travel guide for the fuller packing breakdown and more on choosing where to stay.