If you’re visiting Mexico City CDMX and looking for inspiration for your Mexico City 5 day itinerary, I have the perfect Mexico City itinerary for you. I recently visited Mexico City for 7 days as a solo female traveler and had the best time! High on my list was seeing art and design galleries as well as eating my way through Mexico City. This itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor to Mexico City.

The Perfect Mexico city 5 day itinerary 

Mexico City Itinerary Planning

To maximize your time in Mexico City, it’s essential to plan your itinerary by exploring the city neighborhood by neighborhood. With a population of around 8.5 million and notorious traffic congestion, a well-organized 5-day Mexico City itinerary will help you avoid wasting time in transit and allow you to fully immerse yourself in each area.

By focusing on one neighborhood at a time, you’ll minimize the time spent traveling between destinations and maximize your opportunities to discover the unique character, history, and attractions of each district.

This neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach to your Mexico City guide ensures a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience, giving you the chance to dive deep into the city’s culture, art, and cuisine without the stress of navigating long distances or battling traffic.

how many days in mexico city

Based on my recent 7 day solo trip to Mexico City, I would recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days in Mexico City to fully experience the city’s vibrant art scene, stunning design galleries, and incredible culinary offerings.

Here’s why 5 to 7 days is the ideal length for a first-time visit:

1. Ample time for museum-hopping: With world-class museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Jumex, and Museo Nacional de Antropología, you’ll want to dedicate a couple of days to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich art and history.
2. Leisurely exploration of neighborhoods: Mexico City’s distinct neighborhoods each have their own charm and character. Areas like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Coyoacán deserve at least a half-day each to stroll, shop, and soak up the local atmosphere.
3. A full weekend of design: Many of Mexico City’s best design galleries and studios are open by appointment only or have limited weekend hours. Planning your trip around a weekend ensures you can visit highly recommended spots like MASA Gallery, Studio IMA and Chic By Accident.
4. Unrushed culinary adventures: From world-renowned restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil to buzzing street food markets, Mexico City is a gastronomic paradise. With 5 to 7 days, you can space out reservations at must-visit spots while still leaving room for spontaneous taco stops and market grazing.
5. Mexico City Day trips and hidden gems: Having close to a week allows you to venture beyond the typical tourist circuit. Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán, the Aztec canals of Xochimilco or the cobblestone streets of Coyoacán. You’ll also have time to seek out under-the-radar art galleries, design shops and restaurants frequented by in-the-know chilangos.

Of course, Mexico City is the kind of destination you can return to again and again, always discovering new facets. But if you have the luxury of 5 to 7 days for your first visit, you’ll be able to cover the major highlights at a comfortable pace while still leaving room for serendipity – the magic ingredient of any CDMX itinerary.

Accommodations in Mexico City: Where to Stay in Mexico City

• Círculo Mexicano (2 nights): Chic boutique hotel in the heart of Centro Histórico

• Nima Local House Hotel (3 nights): Intimate B&B in a 1920s mansion in Roma Norte

RELATED: Where to Stay in Mexico City & Coolest Hotels in Mexico City

5 day Mexico city itinerary: 5 days in mexico city itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival, Historic Center & Nightlife

• Morning: Arrive at MEX, check into Círculo Mexicano, breakfast at Lardo
• Afternoon: Explore Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Bellas Artes, The Palacio Nacional (Mexico National Palace), Tile House

• Evening: Drinks at Círculo Mexicano rooftop, dinner at Rosetta , nightcap at Handshake Speakeasy

Tip: For the best view of Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) go across the street to the Sears and go up to the Cafetería Terraza Don Porfirio. One drink is required to stay for the views

Day 2: Condesa & Roma Neighborhoods

• Morning: Breakfast at Panadería Rosetta, street art and shopping along Álvaro Obregón
• Afternoon: Lunch at Contramar, explore Parque México and Parque España
• Evening: Dinner at Maximo, live music at Departamento

RELATED: Mexico City Travel Guide

Day 3: Chapultepec Park & Coyoacán

• Morning: Chapultepec Castle, Museo Nacional de Antropología, picnic lunch

• Afternoon: Frida Kahlo Museum, Leon Trotsky House Museum, Coyoacán market
• Evening: Dinner at Orinoco Tacos, drinks at La Coyoacána

Day 4: Teotihuacan Day Trip Or Day trip to Hot springs of Grutas De & Pujol Dinner

• Morning: Hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan pyramids, site tour alternative do a day trip to Grutas De Tolatontonga

RELATED: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Grutas De Tolontongo

• Afternoon: Lunch at La Gruta, gallery hopping in Roma & Juárez

• Evening: Tasting menu at Pujol, mezcal nightcap at La Nacional

RELATED: Ultimate Guide To Hot Air balloons over Teotihuacan pyramids

Day 5: Polanco & Departure

• Morning: Stroll through Bosque de Chapultepec and Museo Tamayo or Visit to Parque Quetzacoal

• Afternoon: Shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, lunch at Agua y Sal
• Evening: Dinner at Quintonil, prep for departure

RELATED: Mexico City Travel Guide

Best things to do in Mexico City

1. Palacio de Bellas Artes
2. Frida Kahlo Museum
3. Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral
4. Chapultepec Castle
5. Museo Nacional de Antropología
6. Teotihuacan Pyramids
7. Casa Luis Barragán
8. Palacio Postal
9. Templo Mayor
10. Xochimilco Floating Gardens

RELATED: Mexico City Travel Guide

Must-Try Foods in Mexico city & Mexico City Restaurants:

1. Tacos al pastor (El Vilsito, Taquería Orinoco)
2. Tostadas de atún (Contramar)
3. Mole (Pujol, Azul Histórico)
4. Chilaquiles (Lardo, Nudo Negro)
5. Tamales (Rosetta)
6. Stone crab (Máximo Bistrot Local)
7. Chiles en nogada (Nicos)
8. Insects (Quintonil, Limosneros)
9. Churros (El Moro)
10. Mezcal (La Nacional, Bósforo)

No matter the length of your stay, this itinerary covers Mexico City’s must-see sights and culinary delights. Adjust based on your interests and appetite, but always leave room for serendipitous detours and unexpected discoveries. That’s where the real magic of CDMX lies. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful adventure!