The ultimate itinerary for a long weekend in Mexico City

With a rich Aztec history, a fascinating cultural scene, and lots of colorful murals by famous artists, Mexico City is a travel lover’s dream.
Wondering how to spend a long weekend in Mexico’s capital? From exploring ancient ruins at the Teotihuacán Pyramids to indulging in world-class Mexican cuisine, three days is just enough time to experience the city’s best. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventurer, this Mexico City weekend itinerary helps maximize your time.Get ready for mindblowing performances at the Palace of Fine Arts, the fascinating Frida Kahlo Museum, the Xochimilco party boats, and more.

Know before you go to Mexico City

Why you should go: Ancient Aztec ruins, some of the best Mexican dining in the country, and a unique cultural scene with music, performances, and local markets.

Don’t miss: The Zócalo, Historic Center, Chapultepec Park and Castle, Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), Xochimilco UNESCO World Heritage, Teotihuacán Pyramids, Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, and Lucha Libre shows at Arena México.

Best way to get around: The Metro and Metrobus services are affordable and efficient, while Uber and Didi provide safe and convenient taxi services. Areas like the Centro Histórico, Polanco, and Coyoacán are walkable. You can use the EcoBici bike-sharing scheme to explore neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.

Best time to go: March to May is the best time to visit Mexico City for pleasant weather and cultural events. October to November is ideal for cooler temperatures and Día de los Muertos celebrations.

Weekend highlights in Mexico City: Admission to many museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología, is free on Sundays. The Xochimilco boat parties are at their liveliest on weekends.

Day 1: Experience the history and culture of Mexico City

Morning

Start your day in the Centro Histórico

Start with a traditional Mexican breakfast — hot chocolate and chilaquiles (fried tortillas with salsa and cheese). Then, head to the Zócalo, the city’s main square, to explore Mexico City’s most significant landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Templo Mayor. Don’t miss the Palacio Nacional, the president’s official residence and home to stunning Diego Rivera murals that capture Mexican history.

Explore the Palace of Fine Arts and Alameda Park

Check out the Palace of Fine Arts, or Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of Mexico City’s emblematic landmarks. It’s a masterpiece of art nouveau and art deco architecture featuring white Carrara marble, a Tiffany stained-glass curtain, and murals by Diego Rivera and other Mexican artists. Next door is Alameda Central Park, Mexico’s oldest public park. With fountains, sculptures, and shady paths, it’s ideal for a relaxing stroll.

Afternoon

Wander the streets of Roma and Condesa

Stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, known for their unique bohemian vibe and art deco architecture reminiscent of Amsterdam. Want to get lost in nature? Explore the peaceful Parque Río de Janeiro, Parque México, or Parque España. The culture and art exhibits of Casa Lamm and the food stalls of Mercado Roma are perfect stops in between.

Stop for a Mexican coffee

Treat yourself to a cup of Mexican coffee at Buna or Almanegra. Known for its smooth, chocolatey taste with hints of nuts, it’s a must-try. Sample Café de Olla, made with ground coffee, cinnamon, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), or café con Leche, strong coffee mixed with hot milk.

Evening

Watch the sunset at Torre Latinoamericana

No Mexico City weekend itinerary is complete without a magical sunset from Torre Latinoamericana, one of the city’s tallest buildings. From the terrace, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views across Mexico City. See the sights from a unique perspective as the city lights up for the evening.

End your day with cocktails and live music

Wrap up the first day of your weekend in Mexico City with cocktails and live music at Licorería Limantour, ranked as one of the 50 best cocktail bars in the world. Try a Batanga, made with tequila, lime juice, and Mexican Coke, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass, or sample a spicy Michelada.

Day 2: Art, markets, and the magic of Xochimilco

Morning

Begin your day in Coyoacán

Start the second day of your long weekend in Mexico City in the Coyoacán neighborhood. Grab breakfast at Café Avellaneda or Los Amantes or sample Mexican street food snacks like churros, elotes (grilled corn on the cob with a creamy spread), or tostadas (deep-fried tortillas) at Mercado de Coyoacán, a historic two-story market. Then, relax in the scenic surroundings of Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario, the central plazas of Coyoacán.

Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

One of the highlights of Coyoacán is Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Housed in her former home, this bright-blue museum showcases her artwork, personal belongings, and traditional Mexican dresses. Buy your tickets in advance, as they often sell out.

Afternoon

Take a trajinera boat ride in Xochimilco

Head to the Xochimilco neighborhood next, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by metro or bus. Hop on a decorated wooden boat called trajinera and travel through ancient Aztec canals while listening to mariachi music. The weekends are lively here, so it’s the perfect time to indulge in tasty Mexican food and drinks from local floating vendors.

Visit UNAM’s Central Campus

Explore the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) next, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mexico’s largest university. With stunning murals, modernist architecture, and attractions like the Central Library, the 1968 Olympic Stadium, and the Universum Science Museum, this free-to-visit attraction is a must during your weekend in Mexico City.

Evening

Enjoy a traditional Mexican dining experience

Mexico City is home to some of the best Mexican cuisine spots, bursting with bold flavors and spices. Try tacos al pastor (marinated pork tacos), tlacoyos (stuffed corn cakes), or barbacoa (slow-cooked lamb wrapped in maguey leaves) in the Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, and Polanco. Whether you opt for street food or upscale dining, this is the perfect end to the second day of your Mexico City itinerary.

Experience Lucha Libre at Arena México

For a truly unique experience, head to Arena México for a Lucha Libre wrestling show. Watch as luchadores perform high-flying acrobatics in colorful masks, embodying characters of superheroes or villains. It’s a thrilling spectacle, so book your tickets in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique experience.

Day 3: Discover ruins, parks, and pyramids

Morning

Visit the incredible Teotihuacán Pyramids

Start the final day of your Mexico City weekend itinerary with a trip to the Teotihuacán Pyramids, an awe-inspiring archaeological site. With massive pyramids, ancient ruins, and insights into pre-Hispanic history, this is a must-see for history buffs and adventurers alike. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon for breathtaking views. Then, explore the Avenue of the Dead and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent for ceremonial tombs and ancient ruins.

Have breakfast in a cave restaurant

After a busy morning of exploring the pyramids, indulge in breakfast at La Gruta, a unique cave restaurant nearby. This natural cave serves traditional Mexican food in a magical atmosphere — be sure to reserve a table on weekends.

Afternoon

Stroll through Chapultepec Park and the Castle

Return to Mexico City and get lost in Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Explore the historic Chapultepec Castle, known for its European-style gardens and 19th-century rooms. Discover Mexican history from Aztec times to the Mexican Revolution, and enjoy impressive murals by famous Mexican artists.

Discover pre-Hispanic history

Close to Chapultepec Park, you’ll find the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology), Mexico’s top museum. Explore exhibits like the Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar), giant Olmec heads, and various Mayan artifacts for a deep dive into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Bear in mind that the museum closes on Mondays, if your long weekend in Mexico City starts on a Saturday.

Evening

Watch the sunset at the Revolution Monument

Wind down your weekend in Mexico City with a final sunset from the Monumento a la Revolución. Head to the observation deck for panoramic skyline views, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the city’s landmarks like Chapultepec Castle, Torre Latinoamericana, and more.

End the day with a folkloric ballet performance

Finish your weekend in Mexico City with a folkloric performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México at the Palace of Fine Arts. Showcasing Mexico’s rich cultural traditions through music, costume, and dance, this is an experience to cherish. Relax to live mariachi, marimba, and indigenous drumming in the exquisite surroundings of Mexico City’s most awe-inspiring theater.