The Perfect 7 Day Mexico City Itinerary

In this post, we share our perfect 7 day Mexico City itinerary, including the best neighbourhoods to explore, sights to see, the tastiest food, and must-do day trips.

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About Mexico City

A massive metropolis, the capital of Mexico is an assault on all your senses.

One of the world’s most vibrant and monumental cities, Mexico City is brimming with energy and culture. Add in a fascinating clash of historic and modern, and some of the country’s best food, and you haven’t experienced Mexico if you didn’t visit Mexico City.

I wouldn’t consider us ‘city people’, but we both absolutely adored CDMX. We fantasised many times about living here, and fell totally in love with the leafy green parks, cheap and delicious food, rich history and amazing architecture.

🚊 Wondering how to get around a city this size? Check out our Mexico City transport guide

Planning a Mexico City itinerary

Working out how to see a city of this size can be a challenge, and the first thing to understand is that you will not see it all!

No matter how long you stay – days, weeks, months or even years – there will always be hidden parts of Mexico City that remain undiscovered.

But to help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a 7 day Mexico City itinerary that covers all the must-see sights and experiences.

We found a week in Mexico City to be a perfect amount of time. We were able to do all the touristy things, both in and around the city, but still have plenty of relaxed time to stroll aimlessly around and attempt to experience the city as the locals do.

You certainly won’t be bored in one week, and any less would be sacrificing some major sights and neighbourhoods, in our opinion. In this post, we’ll share exactly what to do in Mexico City for a week!

Mexico City Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1 – Step into the past in Centro Historico

The beating heart of Mexico City, the 668-block Centro Historico is the most culturally significant neighbourhood. Home to ornate colonial buildings, vast plazas and throngs of tourists and locals alike, Centro Historico is a must-visit. Home to the largest concentration of historical monuments, and built on top of the site of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, get ready for a jam-packed day of sightseeing.

🇲🇽 Read our in-depth Centro Historico neighbourhood guide

Day 1 – Morning

Start day one of your Mexico City itinerary as the locals do – with food! Enjoy breakfast at one of the two most well-known restaurants in the city, El Cardenal or Pasteleria Ideal.

If you’re on a budget, Pasteleria Ideal is the cheaper option. A CDMX icon operating for almost 100 years, this bakery is filled with delicious pastries and baked goods as far as the eye can see. You grab a tray, and self-serve from the hundreds of different snacks lined up all over the store. Good luck choosing, as someone who struggles to make quick decisions (especially when sweets are involved!) I had a very hard time here.

If you’re looking for a fancier breakfast, El Cardenal is a traditional Mexican restaurant in the heart of Centro Historico. Suited waiters wander around with trays of pastries, hot chocolates and coffee, and the kitchen whips up some of the city’s best chilaquiles in a grand and historic setting.

After breakfast, make your way to the city’s main square, the Zocalo. Officially known as Plaza de la Constitucion, this massive central plaza has been a gathering place for centuries and continues to host frequent political and social protests. It’s impossible to miss the Mexican flag flying high above the square, one of the largest in the world!

The Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) looms over the square and is actually the largest cathedral in all of Latin America. Showcasing a range of different architectural styles, it’s possible to go inside and take a look at the ornate ceiling and stained glass windows.

Also bordering the Zocalo is the Palacio Nacional (National Palace), which is where you’ll find Diego Rivera’s world-famous mural ‘The History of Mexico’. Going inside is more complicated than it used to be, and you’ll need to coordinate a free guided tour (read how here).

Head across the plaza to the Templo Mayor (Main Temple).

The Templo Mayor was once the main temple of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, which Mexico City is literally built on top of. The ruins of the temple have been excavated by archaeologists, and you can wander around and see what remains. Be sure to set aside some time for the on-site museum too, which is enormous and so much more interesting than we expected. I would plan for at least an hour here, even if you’re not a big history buff!

Whilst you don’t necessarily need a guide, it can help immensely to understand what you’re looking at. The ruins come to life when you have stories and historical information painting a picture of what the temple would have been like at its prime. This tour includes a skip-the-line entry and approximately 90 minutes at the site with a local guide.

Be warned, they don’t allow any type of food or drinks inside the ruins or the museum, and they check bags on entry. So if you have any snacks from Pasteleria Ideal left, I would suggest eating them in advance. And don’t go and buy any water before going in, they will take it off you.

Day 2 – Afternoon

You’ll no doubt be getting hungry by now, so head towards lunch, with some stops along the way.

Exit the Zocalo and walk down the pedestrian-only Avenida Madero, home to shops, markets, and street vendors, frequently packed with tourists. Be sure to stop at Casa de Los Azulejos (House of Tiles) for a photo in front of the ornamental tiles.

For an authentic Mexico City lunch on a budget, you have to try Taqueria Los Cocuyos. Recommended by Netflix’s Taco Chronicles and also by the culinary king Anthony Bourdain, these tacos are damn good! An inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall taqueria, obvious only from the lines crowding outside, expect to find juicy, fatty and delicious meat tacos.

If you’d prefer to sit down to eat, try Sanborns. Now hear me out, I know eating at a department store might sound like the last thing you want to do in a gastronomic destination like Mexico City. But the location of this one is worth it, housed in the picturesque House of Tiles.

Once you’re refuelled, head for the Palacio Postal (Postal Palace) to marvel at what has to be the world’s most beautiful post office! It’s definitely worth going inside to see the stunning Art Nouveau interior. And make sure you look up from the marble staircases to the stained glass ceiling. There is a separate entrance for those simply looking, and you can avoid the lines of locals actually waiting to use the postal services!

Now it’s on to one of the most iconic images of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bella Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This opulent marble building is dedicated to the fine arts, housing a concert hall and arts centre. It’s possible to go inside for a small fee, but the best view is from the outside. Head to the 8th floor of the adjacent Sears building to Finca Don Porfirio and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate overlooking the Palacio.

Take some time to wander around the leafy Alameda Central, which is one of Mexico City’s oldest parks. If you’re there during springtime, the park turns a beautiful shade of purple when the Jacarandas bloom.

Ascend to the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana (Latin America Tower) for a birds-eye view of the sprawling metropolis from the viewing deck. You can leave and re-enter on the same day, which is perfect for also catching a nighttime view of the city lights. Or, you can avoid the viewing deck altogether, and head to Miralto, the bar on the 41st floor and spend your pesos on a drink instead of an entry ticket.

If you’re feeling up to it, squeeze in a quick visit to Mexico City’s Barrio Chino (Chinatown). Although not the world’s largest or most impressive Chinatown, this small area centring around Calle Dolores is not far from Torre Latinoamericana, and is worth a wander. The streets are lined with colourful lanterns and umbrellas, and you can pick up some delicious steamed buns if you’re feeling peckish.

Day 1 – Evening

It’s no doubt been a long and tiring day, and I can guarantee you’ve clocked up the steps. For the perfect way to close off a great day in Centro Historico, head to Terraza Catedral. A great rooftop bar overlooking the plaza and cathedral. Grab a drink, and enjoy the sunset.

For a quick and casual dinner before heading home for the evening, try Tacos El Huequito. If you’d prefer something a bit more romantic, book a table at Azul Historico.

If you still have the energy, Plaza Garibaldi is famous for being the home to the city’s many Mariachi bands. One of the best things to do in Mexico City at night is to witness the well-dressed musicians belting out traditional Mexican songs.

An experience not to be missed, it’s important to note that the plaza is next to one of the city’s poorer neighbourhoods, and locals don’t recommend visiting alone. Taking a tour to visit the plaza with a local guide is a safer option, and a guide will show you around the place and ensure you get to sing and dance along with plenty of mariachi!

Day 2 – Explore the hipster haunts of Roma Norte and Condesa

The leafy neighbourhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Centro Historico. Once a hangout for hipsters and bohemian types, these two areas have grown into the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. Still retaining their alternative, laidback feel, at times it’s hard to believe you’re in a city of 22 million people. Think cute cafes, tree-lined streets and colourful casas, all with the backdrop of birds chirping. Roma Norte and Condesa are right next to one another, so you can easily combine both neighbourhoods in one day.

🇲🇽 Read our in-depth guides to Roma Norte and La Condesa

Day 2 – Morning

Start your day in Roma Norte. The best way to explore the neighbourhood is on foot, or by bike. You can rent a bike from the city’s bike share scheme Ecobici, and there are a number of different collection stations in Roma Norte. You’ll quickly see why this is such a popular neighbourhood for cyclists, with wide boulevards and dedicated bike lanes.

Although there are a few key sights to see in Roma, the best way to experience the neighbourhood is really just to stroll or pedal around aimlessly, soaking up the vibe.

Before you really get started on the day, fuel up with some breakfast. Roma Norte is full of funky cafes, and brunch is the thing to do in the area. It felt more like our home in Melbourne than Mexico!

Lalo! is a super popular cafe with colourful murals on the walls and a great menu with plenty of breakfast favourites. Our tip? Order the French toast! Or if you’d prefer to eat and walk, head to Panadería Rosetta instead. This bakery is a Roma institution, baking up some of the tastiest bread and pastries in the whole city.

After breakfast, take a stroll down Avenida Alvaro Obregon. This is the main street in Roma Norte and is lined with cafes, boutique shops and tree-lined sidewalks. Keep your eyes out for street art, and admire the beautifully restored colonial houses.

Many of the famous sightseeing spots are located in neighbouring Condesa, but be sure to wander through the leafy Plaza Luis Cabrera and Plaza Río de Janeiro, as well as the Fuente de Cibeles (Fountain of Cybele).

Day 2 – Afternoon

It’s time to head over to neighbouring Condesa. Start at Parque España, a beautiful green space that is home to hundreds of dogs on weekdays. The dogs are cared for by trainers and dog sitters while their paw-rents are at work, and hang out in the dedicated off-lead enclosures.

You’ll see others lined up along the paths in the park, not moving a muscle, in the midst of some intense training! It’s incredible to see so many dogs being so still and well-behaved. And it was hilarious watching different dogs get sick of the routine and try and break the line, with the trainers descending on them with no more than a stern look before they sheepishly sat back down again! If you love dogs, you’ll be in heaven and definitely want to spend some time just watching the dynamics of so many pooches together!

Before you leave the park, hunt out the Parque España Audiorama. In a hidden corner of the park, this community area is managed by the city and is designed to be a quiet space for people to come throughout the day. There are books you can borrow to read, plenty of lounges and chairs (including ultra-comfortable hanging egg chairs), calming meditative music playing and a strictly enforced silence policy. This was the perfect place to sit down and rest our feet, and we spent half an hour reading our books.

It’s time for lunch, and we highly recommend Koku. This Japanese restaurant has a gorgeous courtyard hidden at the back of the restaurant, and their rice bowls were delicious. If you’re still on the taco train, try El Tizoncito. Making the enormous claim of being the creators of the iconic al pastor tacos, this casual taco spot has two branches in Condesa.

Next up on your Mexico City itinerary, visit Parque Mexico. Offering a similar experience to Parque España, you’ll see more dogs, another quiet audiorama and dense, tree-lined paths in this lush park.

From here, branch out to Avenida Amsterdam. This oval-shaped avenue is the centre of the Condesa neighbourhood, getting its shape from its former life as a horse racing track. The avenue loops around Parque Mexico and has a central pedestrian area lined with greenery.

Wander back into Roma Norte and stop in a Cafebreria El Pendulo for an energy boost. This chain of bookstores-cum-cafes is found in multiple places around the city, and they’re perfect for a rest while sightseeing.

Day 2 – Evening

Dinner tonight is at Mercado Roma. This funky modern take on a food market features a range of different international and Mexican stalls, as well as bars serving up delicious cocktails. Wander around the stalls to choose what you like, or head upstairs to the rooftop bar for a drink.

If you’re looking to kick on, Roma Norte and Condesa are very popular areas to party, hosting some of the city’s best bars and clubs. A must-do is salsa dancing at Mama Rumba. This Cuban salsa bar offers dance classes to beginners on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm, before the music gets going and the crowds roll in.

Late-night tacos are a quintessential part of any Mexico City experience and Taqueria Orinoco is open all night long! Cheap, quick and reliable, they serve up three types of classic meat tacos – pastor, arracherra or chicharron.

Day 3 – Cycling the city and cruising the canals of Xochimilco

If it’s possible, we would suggest trying to coordinate this day to be on a Sunday. Switch up your itinerary if you need to, to make sure this day lands on a Sunday – for a few different reasons! You’ll be pedalling the pavement on Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s largest avenue that is closed to cars each Sunday morning. And exploring the surrounding Juarez neighbourhood, before cruising the famous Canals of Xochimilco, on a colourful gondola-style boat.

🇲🇽 Read our complete guide to the Canals of Xochimilco

Day 3 – Morning

Each Sunday morning, the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the busiest roads in the city, is closed to cars. It’s an initiative of the city to encourage people to get out and about, walk, run, ride bikes or even rollerblade with family, kids, dogs and friends. Known as the Muevete en Bici in Mexico City, this type of program is common in many other cities around the country.

You can rent bikes from a number of stalls set up specifically on Sunday, or you can just grab one of the EcoBici bikes. There are multiple stations along Paseo de la Reforma, just check the app in advance to make sure there are still some left! It is such a great initiative, and it’s a really lovely vibe to be part of this local activity. We had a ball cruising along the leafy avenue, dwarfed by the skyscrapers.

Paseo de la Reforma is a wide avenue that runs diagonally through the heart of the city linking Centro Historico to Chapultepec Park. It is Mexico’s version of the Champs-Élysées in Paris and is well worth exploring. The road is huge, with leafy pedestrian areas on either side, as well as in the centre, and bike lanes. The majority of the road runs adjacent to the Juarez neighbourhood and is home to the tallest buildings in the city.

There are a number of key monuments along the road to take a look at, such as the gold Angel De La Independencia (Angel of Independence) statue and the Fuente de la Diana Cazadora (Diana the Huntress Fountain).

If for whatever reason you can’t participate in the Muevete en Bici, you should still set aside some time in your Mexico City itinerary to see Paseo de la Reforma, and the Juarez neighbourhood.

After your bike ride, do as the locals do and go for Sunday brunch in Juarez. Jardín Chapultepec does a weekend brunch in their lovely garden, or head to favourite local haunt Farmacia Internacional for coffee, bread and pastries.

Day 3 – Afternoon

Just outside central Mexico City is a small network of canals, known as the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco. Located in a neighbourhood of the same name, these canals are the last remaining evidence of the complex system of waterways built by the Aztecs back when Mexico City was the ancient city of Tenochtitlán.

Cruising along these canals in a colourful gondola-style ‘trajinera’ boat is a fun and festive activity for both locals and tourists.

If you’d prefer the ease of a tour, there are plenty out there that will transport you from your accommodation in the city centre, and take care of organising the trajinera.

This tour specifically focuses on the canals, including transport and lunch. However, most standard group tours like this one combine Xochimilco with other attractions in the Coyoacan neighbourhood (which you will visit on day 6 of this Mexico City 7 day itinerary).

But it is super easy to DIY. You can get to Xochimilco by Uber, or for something cheaper and quicker, use public transport. You need to take the metro to Tasqueña station, and then switch to the Tren Ligera (light rail) that runs to Xochimilco station.

Once you arrive, make your way to any of the embarcaderos (piers) in Xochimilco, where colourful trajineras and their captains will be waiting to whisk you along the canals. It really doesn’t matter which one you go to, you will end up in the same place on the canals. We were recommended to go to Embarcadero Belem and book in advance with a local trajinera company (get all the details of that here).

If you haven’t pre-arranged anything, you will need to negotiate the cost of the trajinera, which comes with a captain. The cost is supposedly capped by the government at 600 pesos per hour, so if anyone tries to charge you more than that, you’re being ripped off! But the final price will depend on your bargaining skills! Two to three hours is plenty of time, and be sure to bring along some snacks, drinks and a speaker if you have one.

The atmosphere on the water is buzzing, especially on the weekends, which is why we suggest visiting on a Sunday. The canals will be jam-packed with colourful trajineras, full of friends and families celebrating various occasions. Vendors row up alongside your boat to serve up micheladas and snacks. And there are even mariachi bands on the canals, ready to climb aboard and sing you a song!

Day 3 – Evening

After you’ve returned to the city, head back to the Juarez neighbourhood to finish exploring it in the evening. The Paseo de la Reforma looks completely different all lit up at night, and there are some fantastic restaurants in the area.

Juarez is very well-known for its Korean and Japanese restaurants. Wan Wan Sakaba offers delicious authentic Japanese food, from ramen, rice bowls and sushi, everything is good! Or, if you’d prefer tacos, try Taqueria La Palmera. A dirt cheap, typical Mexican taco restaurant, exactly how it should be with a huge al pastor trompo (spit) smoking out the front welcoming you in.

If you’ve got the energy, the Zona Rosa (pink zone) in the Juarez neighbourhood is a popular nightlife spot in the city.

Day 4 – Discover posh Polanco

Mexico City’s upper-class neighbourhood, Polanco is the place to see and be seen. Filled with world-famous restaurants, luxury boutiques and glitzy malls, Polanco is a stark contrast to the city’s rougher Centro Historico.

Day 4 – Morning

Take it slow this morning after three busy days in the city. Have breakfast in or around your accommodation, before making your way to Polanco. You can grab an Uber, or take the metro to Polanco station.

Polanco is one of the wealthiest areas of Mexico City and is the perfect place for some people-watching or pretend house hunting.

Start in the main park, the long, leafy Parque Lincoln, before heading towards the area’s main road, Avenida Masaryk. Lined with opulent stores, fancy restaurants and plenty of luxury cars, it has a completely different feel to other parts of the city.

The roads in Polanco are all named after famous authors, so be sure to wander down some of them. You’ll find flower-filled alfresco dining areas and leafy streets that feel more like Europe than Mexico! 

Polanco is also home to the Insta-famous ‘Mexico Mi Amor’ neon sign, and you can find it out the front of the TANE jewellery store.

Day 4 – Afternoon

Polanco might be famous for its fine-dining restaurants, but lunch today is quite the opposite – albeit just as good! Taqueria El Turix is a hole-in-the-wall taco place famous for its Cochinita Pibil. This slow-cooked, marinated pork is traditional to the Yucatan area, but I promise it was even better from Taqueria El Turix! You can have the meat on a standard taco, but I would suggest trying it on a panucho which is a fried tortilla stuffed with refried beans.

Wander through Parque America en route to the next stop of your Mexico City itinerary, Museo Soumaya. One of the most iconic buildings in Polano, it is worth a visit even just to admire the unique architecture from the outside. The museum is huge, with six floors displaying artworks from around the world. The museum is owned by Carlos Slim Helú, one of the richest men in the world, but admission is free!

You’ve earnt a treat, and there is no better place than Churreria El Moro. You’ll most likely come across this iconic chain during a week in Mexico City, and a visit is essential at some point! This chain has been serving up mouthwatering churros and hot chocolates in the city for almost 100 years and is undoubtedly a local favourite. There are two branches in Polanco to choose from.

Day 4 – Evening

Polanco is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, and even if you’re on a budget, we would encourage you to treat yourself! The Michelin restaurant guide doesn’t extend to Mexico, but if it did, Mexico City would have at least two restaurants in there! Other global restaurant rankings consistently list a few of the city’s best restaurants.

Pujol is considered the best restaurant in the city and currently sits at #13 in the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants‘ list. Pujol offers a tasting menu that changes seasonally, but the renowned mole is a permanent fixture.

Nearby, restaurant Quintonil is run by a former chef of Pujol, and it’s recently overtaken it in the rankings, at #9. It also offers a tasting menu with a focus on traditional Mexican ingredients served with a modern twist.

Bookings are absolutely essential at both of these restaurants, ideally weeks or months in advance!

Day 5 – Escape the concrete jungle at Chapultepec

Mexico’s answer to Central Park, Bosque de Chapultepec is the city’s largest green space. Covering over 4 sq km, it is considered the lungs of the city. More than just a park, this expansive area is home to world-famous museums, historic attractions and some epic city views and deserves a dedicated day during your week in Mexico City.

Day 5 – Morning

After breakfast, head towards Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest). There is a metro station at the front of the main entrance (Chapultepec station), or we would suggest jumping on an EcoBici bike and riding up Paseo de la Reforma into the park.

Spend some time exploring the park on foot, or continue cycling around on your bicycle. There are miles of paths, different styles of gardens and plenty of places to sit down for a rest.

Head uphill to Castillo Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle). The site atop Chapultepec Hill was important for the Aztecs. The castle was built in the 18th century and has housed a range of Spanish and Mexican royalty, including the Mexican Emperor Maximilian I. It’s now a museum, and you can explore the grounds and learn about the castle’s eventful history. The best part of the castle is the stunning views from the checkered tile balcony. The contrast of the green park, compared with the expansive city skyline is beautiful!

For a classic Chapultepec experience, rent a swan-shaped pedal boat on Lago de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Lake) and pedal around the small waterway.

Day 5 – Afternoon

The lake is right next to the Zona de Comida (food zone) where you will find a number of local restaurants and food stalls for lunch.

Once you’re fuelled up, it’s time for the star of today – the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropology Museum). Even if you’re not a museum lover, this fascinating museum is absolutely worth a visit to learn more about the ancient civilisations in Mexico, such as the Aztecs and the Mayas. 

You will need the entire afternoon to really see the museum. We were there for around three hours and didn’t even make it to the second floor! The museum chronologically documents the history of Mexico and the different periods of civilisation. There are plenty of interesting artefacts, interactive exhibits and audio guides to keep you entertained. The museum is well-signed, although some are in Spanish. Bring along your phone and use Google Translate to take photos of anything in Spanish to convert to English. Don’t forget the museum is closed on Mondays.

Day 5 – Evening

Tonight it’s time for an authentic Mexican cultural experience – Lucha Libre! Lucha Libre is Mexican wrestling, but it’s much more fun and entertaining than anything you’ve seen before. Complete with colourful masks and costumes, plenty of acrobatics and die-hard fans, you are in for a hilarious night.  

Wrestling matches are held in two arenas, Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo. Lucha Libre happens multiple nights per week and usually starts later in the evening. You can check the schedules online on the arena’s websites. Tickets can be bought online in advance, on the night from the ticket office, or you can organise to visit with a guided tour, which will take care of the tickets for you and include transport to/from the stadium.

Both the stadiums are located in sketchy neighbourhoods. Whilst the event itself is generally safe, avoid walking around before or after the game. If you don’t want to join a tour, use Uber directly to and from the stadium.

Day 6 – Stroll through colourful Coyoacan 

Coyoacan is a quiet, green suburb located a short distance from the centre of the city. A rainbow of colonial-style buildings lines leafy cobblestone streets in this bohemian neighbourhood, with an artsy vibe and gentle pace.

Day 6 – Morning

This morning you should take an Uber or catch the metro (Coyoacan station) to the neighbourhood of Coyoacan. If you haven’t had your coffee fix yet, stop by Terra Garat for a coffee or hot chocolate, using Mexican coffee beans and cacao.

The area is famous for the Casa Azul (Blue House) where renowned Mexican artist and feminist Frida Kahlo lived with her husband Diego Rivera. Nowadays, the house has been converted into the Museo Frida Kahlo (Frida Kahlo Museum), your first stop of the day. The museum displays many of Kahlo’s personal belongings and some of her artworks.

To visit Casa Azul, you need to reserve your tickets online in advance and select the day and time you want to visit. Again, it is closed on Mondays. 

The rest of the area is worth wandering around on foot, and there are plenty of other gorgeous colourful houses to see. Head towards the centre of Coyoacan, to see Plaza Hidalgo and Jardin Centenario.

Day 6 – Afternoon

When you’re hungry, beeline to Mercado Coyoacan. Inside the market is a famous food stall called Tostadas de Coyoacan, which makes what they claim to be the best tostadas in the city!

Use the rest of the afternoon how you like. You might want to return back to your favourite neighbourhood, relax in one of the city’s parks or simply have some time out in your accommodation.

Day 6 – Evening

Tonight it’s time for a food tour! Tacos, tortas, tamales and more, the food of Mexico City is some of the tastiest in the country, and the best way to see it is with a local. Be accompanied through markets, down backstreets and into small street food stalls to discover some of the most delicious local dishes and learn more about the cuisine of the city.

This tour is all about Mexico City’s tacos, and you’ll get to try a variety of popular tacos all over the city, as well as sample some mezcal, Mexico’s other popular spirit.

I can guarantee you’ll be ready to roll yourself into bed after all that food, and you have a very early start tomorrow morning too!  

Day 7 – Fly over the Ancient City of Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located a short distance from the centre of the city. The site is home to some of the largest pyramids in the world, and a visit to the impressive city is a must. But seeing it from above on a hot air balloon is a true bucket list item on any Mexico City itinerary.

🎈 Read our in-depth guide to Teotihuacan

Day 7 – Morning

The final day of your Mexico City 7 day itinerary is going to start very early. But we promise it will be worth it when you’re watching the sunrise as you fly over 2,000-year-old pyramids in a hot air balloon.

There are a number of reputable hot air balloon companies that offer flights over Teotihuacan. We can personally recommend Flying Pictures and were thrilled with the entire experience.

All the hot air balloon companies offer transportation from the city, and you’ll be collected around 4:30 am for the drive to Teotihuacan. Once you’ve arrived at the port, have some morning coffee, and watch the colourful balloons fill and slowly rise, to the sound of the flames blasting.

When your balloon and captain are ready, you’ll be called to jump in the basket and get ready to ascend. For the next 45 – 60 minutes, you’ll soar effortlessly over the ancient city. Your captain will navigate the balloon over all the major sights, such as the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon). A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is simply mindblowing to see such well-preserved history from above, in a sky filled with colourful balloons. I definitely had some tears in my eyes!

When your captain expertly navigates back to land (ours even landed us directly on the back of the waiting trailer!), you will celebrate the flight with a champagne toast. From there, most companies include a buffet breakfast at a nearby restaurant.

Day 7 – Afternoon

Be sure to coordinate your return transport for later in the day, so you have time to visit Teotihuacán on foot and see it from a different perspective. 

Very little is known about the people who lived there, and it remains a mystery who built this spectacular city. It is often incorrectly assumed that Teotihuacán was an Aztec city. But this isn’t true, and the Aztecs only discovered the city once it was well and truly abandoned. They gave it the name Teotihuacán, meaning the place where the gods were created.

Whoever it was that constructed Teotihuacán so long ago, it is incredibly preserved and offers a fascinating insight into one of the earliest Mexican civilisations.

The city doesn’t seem that large, but the Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead) runs for over 2 km down the centre of the city. It connects the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon) at one end, with the Templo de Quetzalcoatl (Quetzalcoatl Temple) at the other. Two to three hours is a good amount of time to explore the city.

Whether you do the hot air balloon flight or not, the site itself is a must-visit, and seeing the impressive structures that were built so long ago is incredible. If you have time before returning to Mexico City, have lunch at La Gruta. This unique restaurant is set inside a cave (gruta), and is dimly lit by candles. The menu features traditional pre-Hispanic dishes, using ingredients that were most likely very important to the inhabitants of Teotihuacan.

Day 7 – Evening

The final evening of your Mexico City itinerary is free to do whatever you like! Return to a favourite restaurant, spend some time wandering around some of the popular neighbourhoods by night, or do a bar hop around some of the city’s best bars.

Where to stay in Mexico City

In a city this size there is no one perfect place to stay! As you can see from the itinerary, you will be constantly moving around the city. Attractions are spread far and wide and there are many different neighbourhoods that are worth visiting. But you have to choose a home base, and a few areas are more common than others for this purpose.

💦 Mexico City is currently experiencing a water shortage crisis in 2024. This has been an ongoing issue for years, but it’s at a critical point, with depleted reservoirs and ongoing droughts. Please be very mindful of your water usage, and if you are staying in basic hotels or hostels, be aware that water may be intermittently unavailable.

Roma Norte/Condesa

These two neighbourhoods are a natural extension of one another and are considered by many the best place to stay in Mexico City. You can enjoy being close to great food, cafes and bars, whilst enjoying a quiet, slower pace than the hectic Centro Historico.

I’ve got a lot more recommendations in each neighbourhood’s respective guide: Roma or Condesa.

• Boutique Hotels:
  • Casa Luciana (Condesa)
  • Casa Decu (Condesa)
  • La Valise (Roma Norte)
  • Nima Local House (Roma Norte)

• Mid Range Hotels:
  • AR 218 by ULIV (Condesa)
  • Nido Condesa (Condesa)
  • Jardin Roma (Roma Norte)
  • Nowness (Roma Norte)

• Budget Hotels and Hostels:
  • Casa Lalique (Condesa)
  • Casa Pancha (Condesa)
  • Hotel Marbella (Roma Norte)
  • U-Co Roma (Roma Norte)

Juarez/Reforma

Whilst Juarez isn’t home to any top-rated attractions, this neighbourhood is a great place to stay due to its central location. Situated almost evenly between Centro Historico, Roma Norte/Condesa and Chapultepec, you will have an easy jump-off point for the day’s explorations. Food options are aplenty, and there are a number of great Airbnb apartment-style accommodations that work as a comfortable base.

• Boutique Hotel: Hotel Geneve
• Mid Range Hotel: Casa Los Arcos
• Budget Hotel or Hostel: Wanderlust District

Centro Historico

If you like to be in the heart of the action, there are a number of great accommodations for all budgets in Centro Historico. Although the area is busier, a bit rougher around the edges and borders some of the more dodgy neighbourhoods of the city, it is undoubtedly the beating heart of Mexico City. I’ve got more hotel recommendations in my Centro Historico guide too.

• Boutique Hotel: Circulo Mexicano
• Mid Range Hotel: Casa Lomah
• Budget Hotel or Hostel: Hotel Templo Mayor

Getting to Mexico City

The main airport serving Mexico City is MEX – Mexico City International Airport (or Benito Juárez International Airport). The city is a major international airport, with connections all over the world, and within Mexico.

The airport is approximately 30 minutes from the centre of the city, and there are a number of ways you can make the trip:

• 🚕 Taxi – There are counters inside the arrivals hall where you can organise and prepay for your taxi. This is straightforward, with no need to haggle or negotiate. It’s the most expensive way to get to the city, expect to pay upwards of 300 pesos.
• 🚙 Uber – If you have service on your phone, Uber is a cheaper option that is just as simple. Drivers are allowed to pick you up from the airport, and there is a dedicated ride-share waiting area. Expect to pay around 200 pesos.
• 🚐 Airport transfer – If you prefer to have everything booked in advance (and don’t have to worry about having pesos to pay anyone when you’ve just arrived), you can book a transfer. This private transfer is great for larger groups. If you’re a solo traveller or couple, share the cost with this shared transfer.
• 🚍 Metrobus – Metrobus departs from Gate 7 in Terminal 1 and Gate 2 in Terminal 2. Line 4 runs directly into the Centro Historico. You must have a metro card, and you can buy one right near where the bus departs.
• 🚊 Metro – It’s worth mentioning there is a metro station inside the airport, however, suitcases are prohibited onboard. So this only works if you are travelling light. There are also no direct lines straight into the city, so it’s not the quickest or easiest option.

Mexico City is also well connected to other parts of the country by bus. There are four main bus stations in the city – north, east, south and west. Which station you arrive at will depend on where you are coming from, and generally aligns with the compass direction. Some bus stops also have metro stations attached where you can easily transfer and get into the city. From others, it can be easier to jump in a taxi or Uber.

Hundreds of buses branch out in all directions from Mexico City, connecting you to many places around the country. BusBud is an easy way to search for different routes and find out which company runs the journey, schedules and costs.

One week in Mexico City: Complete

And that concludes our 7 day Mexico City itinerary! Although we wouldn’t normally consider ourselves ‘city people’, we both really loved Mexico City. Much more than Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara. It is big enough and diverse enough to give you a taste of everything, and we felt like a week was the perfect amount of time to see a good chunk of it. You could easily choose to spend another 7 or 70 days here, and still not explore every nook and cranny of this mega-metropolis! But we hope after one week, you’ll have gotten a good feel for Mexico City and a taste of all the wonderful things this city has to offer.

OUR MEXICO CITY POSTS

• The Perfect 7 Day Mexico City Itinerary
• Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon: Flying Over Ancient Pyramids
• How to Visit the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Mexico City
• Ultimate Guide to Centro Historico, Mexico City
• The Concise Guide to Roma Norte, Mexico City
• The Concise Guide to La Condesa, Mexico City
• Best Way to Get Around Mexico City as a Tourist
• El Patio 77: Sustainable Bed and Breakfast Mexico City