Mexico City is one of the biggest and liveliest cities in the world, with ancient ruins beneath its streets, grand colonial squares, world-class museums and a food scene that ranges from street tacos to some of the best restaurants anywhere.
It sits high in the mountains, so allow a day to adjust to the altitude.
How many days: 4
Four days covers the historic centre, the museums, a neighbourhood or two and the pyramids outside the city. Three is enough for the highlights.
Plan one area each day, and use ride-hailing to travel between them.
What to do in Mexico City
- Walk through the Zocalo and historic centre
- A giant public square with the cathedral and national palace, surrounded by colonial streets.
- Visit the anthropology museum
- One of the greatest museums in the Americas, with the finest collection of pre-Hispanic art. Give it several hours.
- Explore Coyoacan
- A leafy, colonial neighbourhood of markets, plazas and cafes. The area includes a famous house museum, so book ahead.
- Visit Teotihuacan
- A vast ancient city with giant pyramids outside the city. Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Walk in Chapultepec Park
- A huge park with a castle, lakes and museums. A popular weekend destination.
- See the floating gardens at Xochimilco
- Brightly coloured boats float along old canals, often with music and food.
- Browse a food market
- Large covered markets sell fruit, flowers and local dishes. Eat where it is busy.
- Walk through Roma and Condesa
- Tree-lined streets with cafes, galleries and shops. A good place for a slow afternoon.
- Visit the Palace of Fine Arts
- A grand marble theatre and gallery, known for murals by great Mexican painters.
- Take a food tour
- A guided tour is a good way to try street food safely and learn about local dishes.
- Explore the Condesa and Roma architecture
- Art deco apartment blocks and leafy plazas make for a good walk.
- Watch lucha libre
- Mexican wrestling is a colourful, noisy, family evening out.
- Visit a rooftop for sunset
- Several rooftops in the centre look over the cathedral and plaza. A good way to end the day.
What to eat and drink
- Tacos al pastor
- Marinated pork shaved from a spit, with pineapple and onion. A local classic.
- Tamales
- Steamed corn dough with fillings, a traditional breakfast.
- Chilaquiles
- Fried tortillas in sauce, with cheese and egg. A hearty breakfast.
- Mole
- A rich sauce with chilli, spices and chocolate, served over chicken.
- Churros and hot chocolate
- A sweet snack, often eaten at a late-night cafe.
- Mezcal and agave spirits
- Smoky spirits, served neat with orange and salt.
- Quesadillas and tlayudas
- Cheese or meat in large tortillas, often grilled on the spot.
- Fresh fruit and juices
- Look for fresh fruit cups with lime and chilli.
- Fruit with chilli and lime
- A cooling street snack sold from carts.
- Late-night tacos
- Taquerias open late, and are part of the city's nightlife.
Getting around
The metro is cheap and fast but can be very crowded. Ride-hailing apps are cheap and convenient for most trips.
Walking is good in the central neighbourhoods.
Taxis from the street are less reliable. Use apps or hotel-arranged cars.
Good to know
- The altitude can cause headaches and tiredness on the first day. Drink water and take it easy.
- Drink bottled water, and eat where the food is busy.
- Take care of valuables, and avoid walking in quiet areas after dark.
- Rainy-season showers are common on summer afternoons.
- Check entry rules and current travel advice before you go.
- Spanish is the main language, and a few phrases go a long way.
- Dress in layers, as mornings and evenings are cool and midday is warm.
- Earthquakes are a fact of life, so follow the guidance at your hotel if one happens.
- Sundays are good for cycling, as many main avenues close to traffic.