Mexico · 2026 itinerary
Ciudad de México 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Ciudad de México: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The main square of Mexico City, second-largest public plaza in the world after Moscow's Red Square. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and old government buildings.
🕐 Always open (square); National Palace Tue–Sun 9am–5pm, closed Mon
Free entry💡 Check the National Palace for free Diego Rivera murals – entry is free with ID (passport). The Zócalo itself is always open and free. Best light for photos is early morning before 9am.
Hotels near Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) →Massive urban park three times the size of New York's Central Park – lakes, boating, a castle, zoo, and miles of walking paths. Entry to the main park is free.
🕐 Daily 5am–7pm
Free entry💡 Skip the crowded Sunday zoo. Instead, walk up to the Castillo de Chapultepec ($6 USD entry, free on Sundays) for killer views over the city.
Hotels near Chapultepec Park →La Estación · ££
Barracuda Diner · ££
Deeper Into Ciudad de México
One of the world's great archaeology museums, housing the Aztec calendar stone and vast halls of pre-Hispanic artefacts. The entrance fee is roughly $5 USD, but Sundays are free for Mexican residents
🕐 Tue–Sun 9am–6pm, closed Mon
💡 Go on a Sunday if you can show Mexican residency, or visit after 1pm on weekdays when it's quieter. The garden outside has free outdoor exhibits.
Frida Kahlo's bright blue home in Coyoacán, preserved exactly as she lived – filled with her folk art, clothing, and personal objects. Entry is about $12 USD, but free on Tuesdays for Mexican resident
🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–5:45pm, closed Mon
💡 Book online at least a week ahead – walk-ups rarely get in. Instead of paying, visit the free 'Frida Kahlo garden' across the street and browse the Coyoacán market for cheap souvenirs.
La Biela
Cavi
Final Favourites & Departure
Enormous ancient city with the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon – you can climb both. Entry is about $5 USD. Not central, but the highlight of any tri
💡 Take the bus from Terminal del Norte (Gate 8) – leaves every 15 min from 7am. Arrive by 9am to beat crowds and heat. The site is free for Mexican residents on Sundays.
Chili's
La Strega
Getting Around Ciudad de México
Cheaper than official taxis. Walk to the 'Ride-App Pickup' zone just outside Terminal 1—clearly signposted. Avoid surge pricing by booking 10 minutes after landing. Cash is accepted but card is smoother.
Use the official 'Transporte Terrestre' counter inside arrivals before leaving the restricted area. Avoid independent drivers outside the terminal—they're unregulated and charge double.
Take Línea 5 direction Pantitlán to La Raza, switch to Línea 3 direction Universidad, and exit at Centro Médico. Walk 10 minutes north via Avenida Cuauhtémoc to Querencia. Not recommended with large luggage—station crowds get tight at peak hours.
This is a slow but cheap option. San Lázaro stop is a 5-minute walk from Terminal 1. After exiting at Buenavista, take a short taxi or walk west along Avenida Insurgentes to Roma Norte. Best with light luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Ciudad de México?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Ciudad de México?
See our full best time to visit Ciudad de México guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Kali Escandón, Hotel Mexicali, Casa del Estudiante Duranguense. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.