Mexico City Travel Itinerary Guide

Four to five days in Mexico City is usually enough to explore its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and culinary scene without feeling rushed. Here’s how you can plan your visit:

Day 1: Historical Center and Landmarks

• Explore the Zócalo, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Nacional with its Diego Rivera murals.
• Visit the Templo Mayor ruins and museum.
• End the day at Alameda Central and the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Day 2: Museums and Culture

• Spend the morning at the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the world’s best.
• Stroll through Chapultepec Park and visit Chapultepec Castle.
• Explore the trendy Roma or Condesa neighborhoods for dinner and nightlife.

Day 3: Day Trip to Teotihuacan

• Take a guided tour of the Teotihuacan Pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside the city.
• On the way back, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious sites in Latin America.

Day 4: Art and Neighborhoods

• Dive into the artsy vibe of Coyoacán by visiting Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and enjoying the local markets.
• Stroll through the colorful canals of Xochimilco and take a trajinera (boat) ride.
• Wrap up with a visit to San Ángel for its colonial charm.

Day 5: Culinary and Markets (Optional)

• Take a food tour to discover authentic Mexican cuisine, from street tacos to mole.
• Visit La Merced Market or San Juan Market for unique local experiences.

Journey Connected can craft a custom Mexico City itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your time with tailored recommendations and hassle-free travel bookings. From arranging accommodations to guided tours, we’ll make your Mexico City adventure seamless and unforgettable!

Walking around Mexico City at night can be safe in certain areas, but it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Here’s what you need to know:

Safer Neighborhoods for Nighttime Walking

• Polanco: An upscale area with high-end shops and restaurants, generally considered safe for evening strolls.
• La Condesa and Roma: Trendy neighborhoods known for their vibrant nightlife and dining scenes, where many people are out and about after dark.
• Coyoacán: A historic district with a bohemian atmosphere, offering a pleasant environment for nighttime activities.

Areas to Exercise Caution

• Centro Histórico: While rich in cultural sites, it’s advisable to avoid walking here at night due to reduced foot traffic and increased risk of petty crime.
• Tepito and Doctores: These neighborhoods have higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially after dark.

Safety Tips for Nighttime Walking

• Stay in Well-Lit, Busy Areas: Stick to streets with good lighting and active establishments.
• Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep jewelry, electronics, and large amounts of cash out of sight to deter potential thieves.
• Use Reliable Transportation: For longer distances or if you feel uncomfortable, opt for registered taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber, which are considered safe in Mexico City.
• Travel in Groups: If possible, walk with companions, as there’s safety in numbers.

By staying vigilant and choosing your routes carefully, you can enjoy Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife safely.

Mexico City is full of diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions. The nicest parts of the city are often considered to be:

1. Polanco

• Why It’s Nice: Polanco is an upscale area known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and beautiful parks. It’s home to iconic attractions like the National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park.
• Highlights: Avenida Presidente Masaryk (Mexico’s version of Rodeo Drive) and cultural landmarks like the Soumaya Museum.

2. Roma and Condesa

• Why It’s Nice: These trendy, tree-lined neighborhoods are the heart of the city’s artsy and bohemian vibe. They’re filled with hip cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
• Highlights: The Parque México, Parque España, and a thriving food and drink scene.

3. Coyoacán

• Why It’s Nice: Known for its colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and cultural significance, Coyoacán is home to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and vibrant markets.
• Highlights: Plaza Hidalgo, Jardin Centenario, and a relaxed, traditional vibe.

4. Santa Fe

• Why It’s Nice: A modern, business-oriented area with luxury hotels, shopping malls, and skyscrapers. It’s perfect for those who enjoy contemporary architecture and high-end amenities.
• Highlights: Centro Santa Fe, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America.

5. Centro Histórico (Historical Center)

• Why It’s Nice: While bustling, the Zócalo and surrounding areas offer stunning colonial architecture, cultural landmarks, and a rich history.
• Highlights: The Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Journey Connected can help you discover the best parts of Mexico City with a customized travel plan tailored to your interests. As a full-service travel agency, we handle all bookings and curate expert-crafted itineraries, ensuring you experience the nicest and most unique aspects of the city seamlessly. Let us make your trip unforgettable!

It’s generally better to pay in Mexican pesos (MXN) when in Mexico City. Here’s why:

1. Avoid Higher Exchange Rates

• Paying in pesos ensures you get the official conversion rate.
• If you pay in USD, businesses often use their own exchange rate, which may be unfavorable and cost you more.

2. Accessibility

• Most local businesses, markets, and small vendors only accept pesos.
• Larger establishments, like hotels and upscale restaurants, may accept USD, but it’s less common and could involve additional fees.

3. Convenience

• Using pesos simplifies transactions and avoids confusion. Having small denominations of pesos is particularly useful for tipping, transportation, and street food.

Tips for Managing Currency in Mexico City

1. Use ATMs: Withdraw pesos from local ATMs for the best exchange rates. Opt for machines at banks or well-lit areas for safety.
2. Bring a Credit Card: Cards with no foreign transaction fees are widely accepted in restaurants and shops.
3. Exchange Some Cash Before Arrival: If you prefer to arrive prepared, exchange a small amount of USD for pesos at your bank or currency exchange before traveling.

Journey Connected can provide you with detailed travel tips and help you plan every aspect of your Mexico City trip, from accommodations to currency advice. Let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience!

The best time to visit Mexico City is during the spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural events. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Spring (March to May)

• Why Visit: Warm, sunny days (70s-80s°F) and cool evenings make this an ideal time to explore outdoor attractions like Chapultepec Park or the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.
• Events: Festival del Centro Histórico and colorful Easter celebrations often take place during this season.

Fall (September to November)

• Why Visit: The rainy season tapers off in September, leaving clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It’s also less crowded than summer.
• Events: Experience the vibrant Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in late October and early November, one of the city’s most iconic festivals.

Other Seasons

• Winter (December to February): Dry and cooler, with daytime highs in the mid-60s°F. Great for avoiding rain but pack layers for chilly mornings and evenings. Perfect for cultural and indoor attractions.
• Summer (June to August): Warm but rainy, with daily afternoon showers. Despite this, the city remains lively and full of festivals, but it’s a busier time for tourists.

Journey Connected can help you choose the perfect time to visit Mexico City based on your interests, from enjoying cultural festivals to exploring outdoor landmarks. As a full-service travel agency, we handle your flights, accommodations, and expert-crafted itineraries, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.