Mexico · 5-day itinerary
5 days in Mexico City
Tacos, murals and one of the world's great art scenes. Here's a 5-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into Mexico City
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in Mexico City
Check in at your stay in Roma Norte.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
Day 2
Layers of history
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. · Chapultepec · ~$9
National Museum of Anthropology
Aztec, Maya and Olmec treasures, including the Sun Stone.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. · Xochimilco · ~$36
Xochimilco trajinera ride
Colourful boats, mariachi and floating gardens.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Churros at El Moro
Day 3
A taste of the city
1:40 p.m. – 4:40 p.m. · Chapultepec · ~$7
Chapultepec Park and Castle
A huge urban park with a hilltop castle.
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. · Roma Norte · ~$64
Mezcal bar hop
Small-batch mezcal tasting with a pro.
Day 4
Layers of history
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. · Centro · ~$7
Zócalo and Templo Mayor
The cathedral, the Aztec ruins and the Diego Rivera murals in the Palacio Nacional.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. · Roma Norte
Roma and Condesa stroll
Art deco streets, galleries and boutiques.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Tlacoyos at a street market
Day 5
Farewell, Mexico City
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wander Mexico City
Unscheduled time for cafés, rest, or the discovery you didn't plan.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart Mexico City
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · A tasting menu at a world-famous kitchen
Where to stay in Mexico City
Shoestring
Centro Histórico
Historic, affordable and next to the big sights.
Hotels in Centro HistóricoComfort
Roma Norte
Leafy streets, cafés and the city's best restaurants.
Hotels in Roma NorteLuxury
Polanco
Upscale hotels, fine dining and the museum district.
Hotels in Polanco
What to eat in Mexico City
Tacos al pastor
Spit-roasted pork with pineapple, born in this city.
Chilaquiles
Tortilla chips in red or green salsa, the breakfast of champions.
Mole poblano
Dark, complex sauce of chillies, spices and chocolate.
Tlacoyo
Blue-corn masa stuffed with beans and topped with nopales and cheese.
Esquites
Corn in a cup with mayo, chilli and lime from street carts.
Chiles en nogada
Stuffed poblano in walnut sauce with pomegranate. Seasonal (August–September).
Where locals send visitors
Contramar $$$
Seafood · Roma Norte · Best for lunch · Reserve ahead
Tuna tostadas and red-and-green grilled fish; the classic long lunch.
ReviewsEl Huequito $
Taquería · Centro Histórico · Best for lunch
Al pastor specialists since 1959.
ReviewsTaquería Orinoco $
Taquería · Roma Norte · Best for dinner
Northern-style tacos with a crispy chicharrón option, open late.
ReviewsLos Cocuyos $
Taquería · Centro Histórico · Best for dinner
Tiny late-night stand famous for suadero and campechano tacos.
ReviewsEl Cardenal $$
Mexican classics · Centro Histórico · Best for breakfast
Hot chocolate, conchas and seasonal dishes in an elegant dining room.
ReviewsChurrería El Moro $
Churros · Centro Histórico · Best for breakfast
Churros and chocolate since 1935.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Getting around: Don't hail taxis on the street. Use a ride app or an authorised taxi stand (sitio), including the prepaid booths at the airport.
- Safety: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres during the day, and keep your phone out of sight on busy streets.
- Safety: The city is at 2,240 m. Take it easy on day one, drink water, and go light on alcohol.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Use Uber or Didi rather than hailing taxis.
- Many museums close on Mondays.
- Altitude is 2,240m; take it easy on day one and hydrate.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$83 |
| Comfort | ~$192 |
| Luxury | ~$576 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this Mexico City trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.