5-Day Mexico City Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Mexico City packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — ancient aztec ruins, world-class museums, and street taco perfection. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Centro Histórico — Zócalo, colonial buildings, and Aztec ruins. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Templo Mayor Aztec ruins for your first taste of what makes Mexico City special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Centro Histórico — Zócalo, colonial buildings, and Aztec ruins area. Try Tacos al Pastor — spit-roasted pork with pineapple on corn tortillas — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Chapultepec Castle. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Condesa — hip cafes, parks, and nightlife along Amsterdam avenue neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Tlacoyos — thick blue corn masa stuffed with beans and topped with nopales at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit National Museum of Anthropology — one of Mexico City's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $8 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Polanco — upscale dining, luxury shopping, and Chapultepec Park district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Tamales — steamed corn dough filled with meat or cheese in banana leaf or corn husk. Expect to spend around $18 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Biblioteca Vasconcelos — stunning futuristic megalibraryopen to the public — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Desierto de los Leones — forested national park with a ruined monastery, 45 minutes from the city. The Coyoacán — bohemian village feel with Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Mexico City's nightlife scene — Roma and Condesa — mezcalerias, cocktail bars, and rooftop terraces.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Mercado de San Juan — exotic food market with gourmet ingredients and insect tastings or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Ciudadela Market — handicrafts from across Mexico under one roof — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Mexico City Metro is one of the cheapest in the world at 5 pesos per ride
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $70 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers — mornings and evenings are cool at altitude You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Greet with a handshake or a single cheek kiss in social settings
• Safety: Stick to well-traveled neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Centro

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$25	$70	$250
5-Day Total	$125	$350	$1250

Final Thoughts

Five days in Mexico City is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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