4 Days in Mexico City: How to Experience the Best of CDMX

Let me start by saying: if you’re spending just 4 days in Mexico City, you’re going to want to strategize. CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico) is an incredible city and I’ve now been five times for about six months in total (to say I’m in love would be an understatement). There are high rise building and quaint neighborhoods, incredible food, world-class art, ancient history, and, yes, some of the best tacos you’ll ever eat.

When I first visited CDMX, I didn’t really know how I wanted to spend my time. How many nights in Mexico City do you actually need? What were the “must-see” highlights? What was a tourist trap? Could I eat the street tacos and live to see the next day? (Yes, if you follow a few guidelines).

If you’re currently in the rabbit hole of trying to plan the perfect Mexico City trip, I’ve got you covered. I’ve included a lot of my favorite local spots (coffee shops, restaurants, and bars) and I’ve limited to ~2 activities a day (besides meals), because I feel like three a day gets out of control.

Feel free to take and leave exactly what you want and I’ll also note what you need to make a reservation for and where you can just walk in. From activities to restaurants to bars, here’s the perfect 4-day Mexico City travel guide that hits all the highlights, includes plenty of tacos, and still leaves time to sip a mezcal (or two).

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4 Days in Mexico City Itinerary: a Custom Google Map!

In order to make things easier for you, I’ve created a custom google map, separated by day, of all the activities below as well. Please feel free to use it! You can explore it below or see a list separated by day here.

To set expectations, I spend most of my time in the neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma Norte, so that’s where most of my recommendations will be. There are tons of other amazing spots in Mexico City you should feel free to explore. Wondering where to stay or why I love those neighborhoods so much? Check out where to stay in Mexico City for the best neighborhoods and hotels.

🏛️ Mexico City Day 1 | Theme: History | Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology museum

4 days in mexico city coffee at quiasmo coffee bar — Quiasmo’s Cardamom Latte

4-days-in-mexico-city chapultepec castle red room — Quiasmo’s Cardamom Latte

Let’s start strong with some of the best, and most beautiful, history in Mexico City. You’ll want to explore these spots before you do the pyramids tomorrow to give you some context of the history you’re walking through. Between the grandeur of Chapultepec Castle and the fascinating exhibits at the Anthropology Museum (plus the layout of the museum itself) this day is all about uncovering the layers of Mexico’s past.

Morning Coffee: Start your day with a cardamom mocha at Quiasmo Coffee Bar – this is one of my favorite spots and I often work from here. They have a cute little to-go window as well 🙂 Any Blend Station outpost is a great coffee option also (and the food is incredible if you have time).
Daytime Activity: Personally, I like having a guide to actually get to know a place, so I’d recommend joining an affordable, guided tour of both Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology. Chapultepec Castle (found in Chapultepec park) is perched on a hill with sweeping views of the city. Once sacred to the Aztecs, this castle became home to Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota during their short reign. You’ll wander through marble staircases, sunlit halls, and ornate rooms dripping in elegance.

Then you’ll head to the National Museum of Anthropology, widely regarded as one of the best museums in the world (and it truly is a stunning museum architecturally). The exhibits will give you great context ahead of the pyramids tour on day 2.

You can certainly do these activities without a tour if you’d like as well, but I would recommend picking up an audio guide at the museum! You’ll get much more out of the incredible exhibits with a little bit more context.
Dinner: Head home, relax for a bit, and then wrap up the day with a meal at Marmota – one of my absolute FAVORITE restaurants in Mexico City (I go every trip). Picture small plates, craft cocktails and open, earthy vibes. Make a reservation if you can.
Nightcap: If you’re not too tired, stop by Ladina Bar. It’s divey, but still has excellent cocktails. I recommend the Last Word.

☀️Mexico City Day 2: | Theme: Adventure | Teotihuacán Pyramids & Tacos

mexico city pyramids — Very happy, and very sunny, at Teotihuacan

Pyramids? In Mexico City? Oh yes, and they’re amazing. You’ll definitely want to go with a guide, and I have a complete article on the best Mexico City pyramids tour here if you want to dive deeper. This is an early rise day (trust me it’s worth it), so I’m leaving dinner pretty relaxed (but feel free to hit the town instead, if you’d like! I recommend Jardín Paraíso for dancing 💃🏻).

4 days in mexico city itinerary mojitos — Ridiculous Mojitos

Morning: Start early (like, set-an-alarm early) and head to the pyramids. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hot air balloon tour provides stunning views and this tour has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews. Else, I recommend an early morning small group tour (this is the one I took and loved) so you can beat the crowds and learn from the guide. Don’t forget water and sunscreen—the sun is no joke.
Evening: After a long day, skip anything fancy and grab a casual dinner at El Sirloin de la Roma. They’ve got incredible tacos and ridiculous mojitos complete with gummy sharks (be warned, they’re very sweet). Alternatively, you can go to one of the other restaurants or take a cooking class I recommend in the FAQ section at the end of this article.

🤼 Mexico City Day 3 | Theme: Wander & Enjoy | Explore Roma, Condesa & Lucha Libre

I like to have one day that isn’t jam packed, but just meant for wandering and exploring the city. On day three, we’ll slow things down and explore Roma and Condesa, two neighborhoods known for their leafy streets, cool shops, and endless food options. In my opinion, this is where the best restaurants, shops and bars in Mexico City are. I love this area so much (though it’s definitely touristy now) and I’m constantly amazed by how beautiful and calm somewhere can be while also being in the midst of a major city. Explore the parks, pop into shops, and just enjoy CDMX a little.

Morning: You can never go wrong with breakfast at Lardo (though there will probably be a wait). If you’re not feeling the wait (very fair), snag a flaky, fluffy, buttery pastry at their to-go window and continue on. Then wander through Parque México, enjoy the greenery, and stop at some of my favorite spots, or anywhere else you see, along the way:
- Proyecto Rufina for shopping (this is my favorite local clothing store).
- Nevería Postre-Frut for a maracuya (passionfruit) popsicle (if it’s a Wednesday they’re 2×1!).
- Viejo Amor Boutique Condesa for more shopping.
- Alternatively, if you’re looking to branch out of the Roma/Condesa area, you could explore the Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitucion, which is the historic center of Mexico City. This tour covers the cathedral, the Aztec ruins, the infamous post office building, and a bakery visit (you can never have too much food in CDMX!).
Lunch: El Pez Azul offers fantastic seafood tacos. It’s casual but top-tier—don’t skip the margaritas.

Evening Activity: This is where it really gets good with CDMX Lucha Libre. I was skeptical about seeing a mexican wrestling show and I’m happy to admit I was wrong. It was so fun I’ve now been twice and would happily go again. Check out my guide to the best Lucha Libre in Mexico City here. You can go on your own, but I would recommend doing this tacos, mezcal and lucha tour so you can explore the street food as well.
- Pro tip: Avoid cilantro. Eating fresh vegetables is where things can get dicey in CDMX, and it’s just not worth the risk, in my opinion. I eat street food all the time when I’m there, just not with anything fresh on top that doesn’t have a skin (“con cebolla, sin cilantro por favor!” = “with onions, without cilantro please!”)
Late Night: Still have energy? Head to Mama Rumba for salsa dancing and cocktails.

🎨 Mexico City Day 4 | Theme: Art & Culture | Frida Kahlo, Coyoacán & Xochimilco

Your final day is a mix of culture and fun. Frida Kahlo is an incredibly famous and celebrated local artist and walking through her house (aka the Frida Kahlo Blue House) is a truly unique experience. Tickets to the museum sell out quickly (and the line is horrifying) so you’ll need to get them ahead of time.

Xochimilco is a series of canals topped with colorful, fun gondolas complete with music and drinks. You can do these activities independently, but having someone who knows their way around Xochimilco is a plus (they can help you rent speakers for music, get drinks, and explain the history). This is the best Frida Kahlo and Xochimilco tour that combines both of these activities (and churros)!

Morning: Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. Even if you’re not a big art person, this house-turned-museum gives you a glimpse into Frida’s life—and it’s fascinating. Afterward, wander Coyoacán’s charming streets and markets.
Afternoon: Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a colorful trajinera. There’s music, snacks, and all the vibes you need to close out your trip.
Dinner: End your adventure with a beautiful meal at Migrante. It’s elegant, intimate, has an exceptional tasting menu and is the perfect place to toast to an unforgettable trip. Perhaps it’s not as fancy as Pujol, but I still think it’s one of the best restaurants in Mexico City. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance.
Nightcap: If you’re up for one last mezcal, head to Tierra Seca Mezcaleria (look for the red light out front!). Even though it’s tiny, the selection is amazing, and the atmosphere will have you dreaming of your next trip back.

FAQ: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Mexico City

Is 4 days in mexico city enough? What isn’t included in this mexico city travel guide?

Oh my gosh, so much. It’s really impossible to do it all in just 4 days in Mexico City (but you can do a lot, so don’t let that deter you! Four days is definitely enough time for most people). For a list of my favorite bars and restaurants in Mexico City check out my complete guide to CDMX here, and I keep a personal list on Google Maps here that I consistently add to and love sharing! Some other meal-related activities I highly recommend are:

Aura Cocina Mexicana – This is one of the best Mexico City cooking classes around (featured in Forbes!). I love taking cooking classes when I travel so I would definitely do this.
Nogal Nogal – This is an incredible meal cooked by a spectacular CDMX chef in a local apartment. It pained me to not include this in the main guide.
Entremar – This is under the same ownership as the celebrated Contramar, but it’s far easier to get a reservation. Go to either!

When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. The weather is mild, with sunny days and cooler evenings—perfect for exploring.

If you visit in March, you’ll see stunning jacaranda trees in bloom (I absolutely love these), blanketing the city in a sea of purple. The sight is especially magical in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and near Paseo de la Reforma.

What Should I Pack for 4 days in Mexico City?

As mentioned, Mexico City’s weather is mild year-round, but mornings and evenings can be cool. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes—this is a city where you’ll be on your feet a lot and the weather can change dramatically! I have a Mexico City packing list here of the essentials I bring each time (including Immodium, you can never be too safe 😂).

If you do visit the Teotihuacán pyramids, bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water . If you’re visiting in May – September, expect afternoon thunderstorms (these usually clear within an hour) so you’ll want a raincoat and/or umbrella.

Is Mexico City Safe?

Yes, but like any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. I personally find Condesa and Roma neighborhoods very safe, even at night, but I recommend being cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

For events like Lucha Libre, take an Uber to and from the show. While I’ve never had any issues, the surrounding area can feel a bit sketchy, especially after dark.

Can I Drink the Water in Mexico City?

Short answer – no. Stick to bottled water or filtered options (many restaurants and hotels have filtered systems). Ice in drinks at reputable bars and restaurants is usually fine since they use purified water. There’s also a major water shortage right now, so be respectful and conservative with your showers.

What’s the Tipping Culture in mexico city?

Tipping is common and expected in most places. Here’s a quick guide:

Restaurants/Bars: 10-15% of the bill.
Tour Guides: $10 USD per person for a group tour or more for private tours.
Taxis/Ubers: Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up is appreciated.

How Do I Get Around mexico city?

Walk or bike short distances using the EcoBici app (you’ll see bike ports all over the city – and I love biking through the beautiful, and more importantly flat, streets).

For long distances, Uber is great. It’s reliable, affordable, and much safer than hailing a random taxi. Public transportation like the metro is efficient, but it can be crowded and overwhelming if you’re new to the city.

What’s the Best Way to Pay in mexico city?

Many places accept credit cards, but having pesos on hand for smaller vendors, street food, or tips is essential. You’ll find ATMs in most neighborhoods, but stick to those inside banks for added security.

4 Days in Mexico City: Why This Itinerary Works

This itinerary hits all the highlights while leaving room for spontaneous fun and casual strolls through tree-lined streets (because let’s be honest, that’s the best part of travel). From tacos to pyramids to mezcal, 4 days in Mexico City is enough to fall in love with the palce—but I guarantee you’ll leave wanting more (I always do).

Cheers to your next adventure! ✈️🥂