3 Days in Mexico City — Day-by-Day Itinerary
Three days covering six neighborhoods — Aztec temples, the Frida Kahlo museum, Xochimilco boats, a taco crawl through Roma, and Polanco's best restaurants. Hour-by-hour schedule with costs.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Tap any day to see the full schedule with times and costs.
History meets art — Centro Histórico in the morning, Coyoacán in the afternoon
Centro Histórico: The Ancient Core
El Corazón AntiguoBreakfast at Café de Tacuba
Desayuno en Café de Tacuba
Start your morning at this 1912 café beneath hand-painted ceilings. Order chilaquiles verdes or enchiladas suizas with café de olla (cinnamon-spiced coffee). The baroque interior alone is worth the visit.
Take it easy this morning — you're at 2,240m. Hydrate and eat a light-to-moderate breakfast.
Arrive before 9am to beat the tourist rush. Sit in the main dining room for the best ambiance.
Templo Mayor & Zócalo
Templo Mayor y Zócalo
Walk to the Zócalo — one of the world's largest public squares — then explore Templo Mayor, the excavated heart of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. The adjacent museum displays over 7,000 artifacts including the massive Coyolxauhqui stone disk.
The museum is included in your ticket. Don't skip it — level 4 has the most impressive sacrificial offerings.
Palacio Nacional (Rivera Murals)
Palacio Nacional (Murales de Rivera)
Free entry to see Diego Rivera's epic murals depicting Mexico's entire history — from Aztec mythology to the Spanish conquest to the revolution. The 'History of Mexico' staircase mural covers an entire wall and takes your breath away.
Book free tickets online at least 2 days ahead. Bring your passport — it's required for entry.
Coyoacán: Frida's World
El Mundo de FridaLunch at Mercado de Coyoacán
Almuerzo en Mercado de Coyoacán
Take the metro south to Coyoacán (Line 3 to Viveros). This covered market is where locals eat — try tostadas de tinga, quesadillas de huitlacoche (corn truffle), and agua de jamaica.
Look for the stands with the longest queues — that's where the best food is. Don't miss the esquites (corn cups).
Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum)
Museo Frida Kahlo
The cobalt-blue house where Frida Kahlo was born and where she spent her final years. Her paintings, personal belongings, garden, and the bed where she painted while injured — it's deeply personal and moving. Pre-booking is absolutely essential.
Book tickets at least 2 weeks in advance — they sell out. Wednesday is least crowded. The garden courtyard is the emotional highlight.
Wander Jardín Centenario & Churros
Jardín Centenario y Churros
Stroll through Coyoacán's main plaza, browse the artisan stalls, watch street performers, and end at Churrería El Moro for fresh churros dipped in chocolate, cajeta, or condensed milk.
First Night in CDMX
Primera Noche en CDMXDinner at Contramar
Cena en Contramar
One of CDMX's most celebrated seafood restaurants. The tostada de atún and the red-and-green grilled fish (pescado a la talla) are the dishes that made this place famous. Expect a buzzy, celebratory atmosphere.
Book via Resy, especially for weekends. Walk-ins still possible on weekday lunches — arrive by 1pm. Dinner is busier; reserve ahead.
Mezcal at Pare de Sufrir
Mezcal en Pare de Sufrir
End your first day with artisanal mezcal at this dimly-lit Roma Norte bar. The bartenders will walk you through smoky espadíns and wild tepeztaté. The name means 'stop suffering' — apt after a full day of walking.
Go easy on the mezcal — alcohol hits harder at altitude. Drink water between rounds.
How much will 3 days cost?
💡 The sweet spot. You can eat at excellent restaurants, stay in stylish Roma/Condesa hotels, and experience everything without thinking twice.
Essential tips for this itinerary
Altitude Matters
You're at 7,350ft. Day 1 is intentionally gentler. Drink lots of water, skip the mezcal on the flight, and don't plan anything strenuous until Day 2.
Book Ahead
Casa Azul (Frida Museum) and Pujol must be booked weeks in advance. Palacio Nacional needs free online tickets. Don't wing these — they sell out.
Getting Around
Use Uber or the Metro (5 pesos/ride!). Avoid street taxis. Metro Line 1 connects Chapultepec → Roma → Centro. Download Uber and CityMapper before arriving.
Water & Food Safety
Don't drink tap water — buy bottled. Street food is generally safe (high turnover = fresh). Look for busy stalls. Ask for 'sin hielo' (no ice) at street stands.
Language
Learn basic Spanish. 'Buenos días', '¿Cuánto cuesta?', 'La cuenta, por favor' go a long way. People appreciate the effort, even if your accent is terrible.
Money
Pesos only — don't pay in USD (bad rate). ATMs are everywhere. Withdraw from Santander or HSBC ATMs inside banks. Tip 10-15% at restaurants.
Related guides
Best Tacos
15 tacos you must eat in CDMX
🍽️Food Guide
Beyond tacos — the full food scene
🛡️Safety Guide
Honest safety ratings & tips
🚇Getting Around
Metro, Uber & transport guide
🏨Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods & hotels
🎒Packing List
What to bring & practical tips
🏔️Teotihuacán
Pyramid day trip guide
🚌Day Trips
Puebla, Taxco & more
📅Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather guide
Need more time? Go deeper.
Our longer itineraries add Teotihuacán, lucha libre, cooking classes, and neighborhoods off the tourist trail.