How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City

Explore the vibrant heart of Mexico with our exclusive Mexico City itinerary and Mexico City tour. Photo by: Ramiro Reyna Jr.

Are you in search of an incredible three-day itinerary for Mexico City? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! 

Mexico City may appear overwhelming due to its sheer size. It has a population exceeding 20 million. Fully exploring this captivating capital might take a while. However, immersing yourself in a 3-day adventure is sufficient to glimpse the city’s abundant historical and cultural tapestry. Dive into this 3-day, postcard-worthy, and walk-friendly Mexico City itinerary!

Are three days enough for your Mexico City tours?

Mexico City Angel de la Independencia

Three days may not allow you to fully explore each corner of Mexico City. However, it can still give you an enjoyable and meaningful experience. The city, vast and culturally rich, boasts a myriad of attractions. With careful planning, 3 days are enough to cover key landmarks and cultural sites. You can also taste the local cuisine in three days.

For a meaningful and enjoyable 3 day Mexico City tour, you need to consider the following tips:

  1. Prioritize must-see attractions: Concentrate on the must-visit attractions that align with your interests. Therefore, your Mexico City itinerary must cover some of the city’s highlights.
  2. Efficient planning: You should efficiently organize your days. For instance, take into account the proximity of attractions to optimize/maximize your time. We recommend using public transportation or guided tours to streamline your movement in the city. This will save time. 
  3. Local experiences: You should allocate time for local experiences. That could mean trying street food, exploring markets, or attending cultural events. These activities can offer a more authentic feel of the city.
  4. Flexible schedule: Stay open to adjusting your itinerary based on interests and unexpected discoveries. Sometimes, the best experiences happen when you least expect them.
  5. Consider return visits: If there are specific areas or attractions you couldn’t cover in three days, consider it an opportunity to plan a return trip to Mexico City.

The Perfect 3-Day Mexico City Itinerary

Mexico City Itinerary: Day 1

Your first day in Mexico City should be spent familiarizing yourself with city life and exploring the historical and cultural highlights in the city. There will be lots of great walking tours. This will allow you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. The good thing is that you can easily find your way between the best attractions!

Here is the Day-1 Mexico City itinerary that you can use for your tour in this city:

Places to visit in Mexico CityTime to visitMexico City what to do (activities)
Zocalo and Historic CenterMorningStart your day at the Zocalo, explore the Metropolitan Cathedral, and visit the National Palace.
Templo Mayor and Anthropology MuseumAfternoonDive into Aztec history at the Templo Mayor archaeological site.
Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Anthropology to understand Mexico’s diverse cultures.
CoyoacánEveningHead to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán for dinner. Explore the central square and visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) if time allows

Mexico City Itinerary: Day 2

While you may decide to spend your second day within the city, we recommend going further afield to the iconic Chapultepec Park. You should get an early start as you may need more hours to dive into the parks, art, and local flavors.

Start your second day in Mexico City with the following itinerary:

Places to visit in Mexico CityTime to visitMexico City what to do (activities)
Chapultepec Park and CastleMorningSpend the morning in Chapultepec Park, visiting Chapultepec Castle for panoramic views of the city.
Soumaya Museum and Jumex MuseumAfternoonExplore the striking Soumaya Museum and the nearby Jumex Museum, both known for their impressive art collections.
Lucha Libre ShowEveningExperience the excitement of Mexican wrestling with a Lucha Libre show in the evening.

Mexico City Itinerary: Day 3

Choosing what to do on your third day in Mexico City is not easy because there is a vast range of great things to do. Here are some of the best ways to spend your last day in Mexico City, depending on what you are in the mood for:

Places to visit in Mexico CityTime to visitMexico City what to do (activities)
Mercado de la MercedMorningImmerse yourself in the local culture at Mercado de la Merced, one of the largest markets in the city.
Xochimilco Mexico CityAfternoonTake a boat ride in Xochimilco Mexico City, enjoying the colorful canals and lively atmosphere.
Roma or CondesaEveningConclude your trip with a delicious dinner in the trendy neighborhoods of Roma or Condesa.

If you need help creating your three-day Mexico City itinerary, we can create a tailored itinerary for an unforgettable tour in Mexico City.

Places to stay for your 3-day Mexico City tour

Roma Norte Mexico City
Roma Norte neighborhood

There are many different places to stay around Mexico City. Most of these neighborhoods are cool. However, you should stay in a central place for easy access to the most popular sites in the city. 

We recommend staying in either Centro Historico, Roma Norte, or Condesa neighborhoods. They have plenty of hostels ideal for a first-time visit, especially if you are staying on a budget.

Centro Historico is at the heart of everything and among most of the main attractions in Mexico City. This makes for a convenient base for easy traveling and access to main attraction sites. Roma Norte and Condesa are trendier neighborhoods. They will give you a feeling of, “Should I move here?”

We know the city better than anyone, so do not hesitate to contact us to help you find the best places and villas to stay.

How to get around in Mexico City for your 3-day tour

Mexico City is notorious for its high traffic and crowded public transportation. However, you will still find a way to get around efficiently/easily without losing your cool.

Personally, Taxi is my favorite way to navigate around Mexico City because it is safe and cheap. You can use authorized taxi stands for a safer and more regulated experience. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps, such as Uber.

Public buses are the other affordable option that covers a vast network of routes throughout Mexico City. However, the extensive network can be confusing for first-time visitors. You can also use the decent metro system. However, you will want to avoid using it at peak rush hour times.

Additionally, many areas of Mexico City, especially in the central neighborhoods, are pedestrian-friendly. So, walking will allow you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Another option is to hire a tour company. They will give you a comfortable and customized experience, especially if you have specific destinations in mind. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to your predetermined destination. This means you will have no wasted time.

Need help moving around in Mexico City? Our experienced and knowledgeable team can organize a tour guide. Reach out for a consultation today!

Wrap-Up: Unforgettable 3 Days in Mexico City

In conclusion, Mexico City’s dynamic blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy makes it an ideal destination for a three-day tour. Whether exploring the historic heart, wandering through art-filled parks, or navigating the lively canals of Xochimilco Mexico City, each day promises a unique adventure. Let this curated itinerary serve as a roadmap for an unforgettable 3-day tour in one of the world’s most captivating metropolises.

Now you know how to spend your three-day Mexico City tour, you can start planning your trip with us. Contact our team to tailor-make your experience.