4-day Mexico City essentials

Day 1 – Historic centre

Zocalo, Cathedral, Templo Mayor

Morning at Zocalo and Metropolitan Cathedral. Templo Mayor museum. Afternoon Palacio de Bellas Artes and Alameda. Evening street food in Centro or Roma.

Tips:

Historic centre is dense; wear good shoes. Try tacos al pastor and elote.

Day 2 – Chapultepec and museums

Chapultepec Castle, Anthropology Museum

Full day in Chapultepec: Anthropology Museum (allow 3–4 hours) and Chapultepec Castle. Evening in Polanco or Condesa.

Tips:

Anthropology Museum is world-class; do it in the morning when fresh. Castle has great city views.

Day 3 – Coyoacan and Frida

Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacan market

Morning Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul); book ahead. Afternoon Coyoacan market and square. Evening in Roma Norte or La Condesa.

Tips:

Frida tickets sell out; book online. Coyoacan is lovely for a relaxed afternoon.

Day 4 – Xochimilco or Teotihuacan

Xochimilco boats or Teotihuacan pyramids

Option A: Xochimilco trajinera boats. Option B: Teotihuacan (Sun and Moon pyramids). Last lunch and departure.

Tips:

Teotihuacan is 1 hour north; go early. Xochimilco is half-day; colourful and fun with a group.