Mexico City (CDMX) is a high-altitude, high-energy metropolis that somehow manages to feel like a collection of cozy villages. In 2026, it is arguably the culinary capital of the world.

Here is how to structure 5 days to see the best of the city without burning out.

Day 1: The Heart of the Empire (Centro Histórico)

• Morning: Start at the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace to see Diego Rivera’s massive murals.

• Afternoon: Explore the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, sitting right in the middle of the city. Walk to the Palacio de Bellas Artes for that iconic gold-domed photo.

• Evening: Head to the Madero pedestrian street for shopping and grab dinner at Azul Histórico, where you can eat under the trees in a colonial courtyard.

Day 2: The Green Lung & Art (Chapultepec & Polanco)

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology. It is massive, so focus on the Aztec and Mayan rooms. Afterward, walk through Chapultepec Park to the Chapultepec Castle for views over the Reforma skyline.

• Afternoon: Walk into Polanco (the upscale “Beverly Hills” of CDMX). Visit the Soumaya Museum for its futuristic architecture and Rodin collection.

• Evening: Book a table in Polanco for world-class dining. If you can’t get into Pujol, try Quintonil or Entremar.

Day 3: The Colors of Frida (Coyoacán & Xochimilco)

• Morning: Head south to Coyoacán. Visit Casa Azul (The Frida Kahlo Museum).

  Note: You must book tickets online weeks in advance for 2026.

• Afternoon: Take a short Uber to Xochimilco. Rent a Trajinera (colorful boat) for 2 hours. Bring your own drinks or buy tacos and micheladas from the passing boats.

• Evening: Return to Coyoacán’s main plaza for churros and coffee at El Jarocho.

Day 4: Ancient Giants (Teotihuacán)

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Go early (8:00 AM) to beat the heat and the bus tours.

• Afternoon: Have lunch at La Gruta, a famous restaurant located inside a massive volcanic cave near the pyramids.

• Evening: Head back to the city and explore the nightlife in Roma Norte. Visit a “Speakeasy” like Hanky Panky or Handshake Bar (frequently ranked top 10 in the world).

Day 5: Slow Living (Roma & Condesa)

• Morning: Spend your final day wandering the tree-lined streets of Roma and Condesa. Grab breakfast at Lardo or Panadería Rosetta (the guava roll is legendary).

• Afternoon: Visit Parque México to watch the famous dog trainers and local skaters. Do some boutique shopping on Colima Street.

• Evening: Do a “Taco Crawl.” Start with Tacos al Pastor at El Vilsito (a car mechanic shop by day, taco stand by night) and end with late-night churros at El Moro.

   

💡 2026 Travel Quick-Tips

• Transportation: Uber is incredibly cheap and safe here. Avoid “street taxis.” For the adventurous, the Metro is fast but very crowded during rush hour.

• Water: Never drink the tap water. Even locals don’t. Stick to bottled or filtered water (even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach).

• Altitude: Mexico City is at 2,240m (7,350ft). You will get tired faster and alcohol will hit you harder. Stay hydrated!