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Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis with a rich tapestry of history, culture and gastronomy,
Did you know that the historic center of the Mexican capital is considered one of the largest in Latin America? Its extensive size may be overwhelming at first, but don’t worry; with a little organization, it is possible to visit it easily. Let me convince you to embark on a 3-day in Mexico City, where you will immerse yourself in a captivating mix of tradition and modernity.
To help you during your stay, I will show you this itinerary with the best things to see in Mexico City. Don’t miss any details!
The Ultimatum 3-Day in Mexico City Itinerary
Day 1: Visit the historic center of Mexico City
This is the right article for those who like tours through big cities. Through its Historical Center, Mexico City will transport us with its emblematic places on an imaginary journey towards the pre-Hispanic past the ancestral and religious culture, and then move forward in time and enjoy the modernity of its shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Welcome to one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Yes, we are talking about the historic center of Mexico City. Declared by UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.
But what can we see if we tour the historic center of CDMX? The site comprises around fifteen hundred buildings, including museums, cultural centers, theaters, galleries, commercial stores, and temples.
What would be the essential monuments of Mexico City?
Undoubtedly, the Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most popular, perfectly combining Gothic, Baroque, Churrigueresque, or Neoclassical styles. Furthermore, it is considered one of the greatest exponents of Latin American architecture.
In the same place where the cathedral is located, you will find the emblematic Plaza de la Constitución, known as Zócalo. You can see the National Palace, the old City Hall, and Mexico City’s government building.
Likewise, in the historic center, you can also visit the Palace of Fine Arts, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, and enjoy a mariachi show in Garibaldi Square.
If you have time, in addition to getting to know the city’s downtown area, you can explore the northern area to visit the Basilica of Guadalupe, one of the most revered temples in Mexico City. Located at the foot of Tepeyac Hill, this religious site comprises buildings from different periods, ranging from the 17th century to the most modern, from the late 20th century. It will surprise you!
A suggested itinerary for visiting these attractions may be seen on the map below.
Centro Historico Map of Sights in Mexico City,
Click Here 👆🏻
Day 2: Take a day trip to Teotihuacan.
The second day of our 3-day Mexico City itinerary is all about the ruins and forests!
Teotihuacan
Get up early because we’re going to Teotihuacán! Don’t worry if you don’t know how to get to Teotihuacán from Mexico City. It’s easy and economical, approximately $8.00, and it will take about two and a half hours to get there. Many buses leave from the Central Norte station to Teotihuacán. The entrance fee is $4.50, and the hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. It is open every day of the year. We recommend visiting during the week because it is very crowded on weekends. The option of visiting by balloon, although it is somewhat expensive.
The archaeological complex has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To fully appreciate the site’s beauty, you must take advantage of the incredible views of the Pyramid of the Sun from the Pyramid of the Moon. Other notable attractions include the Causeway of the Dead, the Palace of Quetzalcóatl, and the Jaguars.
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Chapultepec Forest
Would you like to breathe some fresh air? For the afternoon, we have planned a visit to the Chapultepec Forest, which you can reach in less than an hour by public transportation. You can only leave Mexico City by visiting this beautiful 4-hectare botanical garden, full of museums, fountains, and works of art. You can also visit the citadel’s craft market.
Inside the park is the National Museum of Anthropology, located in Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in all of America. Inside, you can enjoy works of art that illustrate how they lived during the colonial era.
🇲🇽 Mexico City Travel Tips: While Mexico City is usually safe for visitors, you’ll want to use Uber at night in Centro Historico.
See a play at the Fru Fru Theater.
To end this day, we recommend enjoying a play from the Fru Fru Theater, a place full of stories and mysteries. You can get here from Chapultepec Forest in 40 minutes by public transportation. In addition, this area has a total of bars and restaurants where you can dine and drink after the performance.
Another option is to walk through the Zona Rosa, one of the most lively and modern in the city.
Day 3: Mexico City, Xochimilco, Coyoacán and extras
And we arrive at the third and last day of our 3-day in Mexico City. To this day, we have left the southern area, where the neighborhoods of Coyoacán and Xochimilco are located. Are you ready to get to know the most bohemian and humble side of Mexico City?
Coyoacan
In 40 minutes by bus, we reach the city’s most picturesque and bohemian neighborhood, Coyoacán. You can spend the whole day here since it is full of museums and areas of tourist interest. The tour we have prepared for you does not last more than an hour on foot so that you can enjoy the neighborhood peacefully.
La Casa Azul will be our first stop in the Coyoacán neighborhood. It is the house where Frida Kahlo lived with Diego Rivera. Here, you can explore the entire universe of the Mexican artist. It is closed on Mondays and the rest of the days, and the hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission costs approximately $6.98.
After your visit, walk along Ayende Avenue towards the Parish of San Juan Bautista; on the way, you will find the Coyoacán Market, where you can buy some souvenirs.
The parish is an old convent founded at the beginning of the 20th century. During the Spanish conquest, XV is an architectural jewel you will love.
Crossing Centenario Park and continuing along Francisco Rosa Avenue, we will reach the Santa Catarina neighborhood, where we will visit the National Sound Library, an 18th-century building of Moorish and Mudejar influence.
To conclude, we suggest that you enjoy the nightlife of Coyoacán and take a tour of the cocktail bars and theaters in the area.
🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Facts: Coyoacan means “a place of coyotes” in the Nahuatl Aztec language.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a stunning neighborhood located at a short distance, easily accessible through public transport. The neighborhood is renowned for its scenic canals and islands, which you can explore by riding on the typical decorated boats and trajineras. We highly recommend visiting the Madre Selva flower market, an incredible place to experience Mexico’s traditional and local culture.
Are you curious about where the Best Places for a Dynamic Lifestyle will be in 2024?
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This concludes your 3-day Mexico City itinerary.
From street tacos to five-star restaurants, from ancient Aztec history to world-class museums, there is a wide range of experiences to be had in this city. Mexico City is a unique and unforgettable city to experience. There are many other fascinating places, and three days here barely scratch the surface. If you are planning a short trip, I hope this 3-day Mexico City itinerary helps you plan your perfect vacation.
