Three days in Mexico City can feel like a blink of an eye, but with the right plan, you can squeeze in a lifetime of experiences. From exploring ancient pyramids to indulging in culinary delights, here’s how to make every moment count. So grab your walking shoes and an appetite, because this city has a lot to offer.
Day 1: From ancient ruins to historic streets
Morning: Start your adventure at the impressive Teotihuacán. Leave your hotel around 8 AM and head to the bus terminal for an hour-long ride to these ancient pyramids. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun for breathtaking views and contemplate life’s big questions, like why you didn’t get that extra taco at breakfast. Spend about three hours here, soaking up history and trying to channel your inner archaeologist.
Afternoon: Return to the city and grab lunch at a local taqueria. Try Tacos al Pastor at El Huequito—you’ll thank yourself later. Then, head to the Centro Histórico. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Don’t forget to snap a few photos—it’s like Instagram was invented for these places. Spend about two hours wandering the streets and admiring the architecture.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Cardenal. Their hot chocolate and conchas are a must-try. Make sure to leave room for dessert because the churros at El Moro are calling your name. After dinner, stroll around the Zócalo and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere; you might even catch a street performer or two. Call it a night around 10 PM, because tomorrow is another big day.
Day 2: Culinary delights and art explorations
Morning: Sign up for a cooking class that starts at 9 AM. You'll learn to make traditional dishes like mole and tamales. It’s a great way to meet fellow food lovers and get a hands-on lesson in Mexican cuisine. Spend about four hours here, and try not to eat all the ingredients before they make it to the pot.
Afternoon: After the class, stroll over to the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Spend a couple of hours exploring the life and works of this iconic artist. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Post-museum, head to Coyoacán for lunch at La Casa de las Enchiladas. Their enchiladas are like a warm hug on a plate.
Evening: Make your way to the Palacio de los Deportes for a Lucha Libre match. It’s wrestling, but with more drama and colorful masks. Grab a couple of tacos from the stands and enjoy the chaotic energy. After the match, end your day at Casa de Toño for some late-night pozole. You’ll need something warm to soak up all that excitement.
Day 3: Markets, canals, and unwinding
Morning: Start your last day at the Mercado de La Merced. Arrive by 9 AM to experience the hustle and bustle of this enormous market. Grab a fresh fruit cup and immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit; it’s all part of the fun. Spend a couple of hours here wandering through the colorful stalls.
Afternoon: Head to Xochimilco around noon. Take a vibrant trajinera (boat) ride through the canals. Bring some snacks and drinks because you’ll be floating for a while. Enjoy the relaxing scenery and maybe even join in on a mariachi song or two; your off-key vocals are welcome. Spend about two hours here before heading back to the city.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. This place houses some of the most important artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history. Allocate around two hours for this; you’ll want to soak it all in. For your farewell dinner, head to Pujol, one of the top restaurants in the world. Reservations are a must, so be sure to book ahead. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that will leave your taste buds dancing.
As your time in Mexico City comes to an end, you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and perhaps a few extra pounds from all that delicious food. Whether you climbed ancient pyramids, cooked traditional meals, or danced on a boat, you’ve made your three days count. So, what’s next on your travel bucket list? Or is it just more tacos? Either way, Mexico City has set the bar high for your next adventure!
