A Glimpse of Mexico City - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Optional Activities

Welcome to Mexico! You'll arrive in the heart of the action: Mexico City. The nation's exuberant capital is home to around nine million people and abounds with history, art, music, culture, and of course, some of the best cuisine in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in or near the city center. After checking in, you'll be free to head out and explore.

 

If you like, visit bohemian Roma, a neighborhood filled with Art Deco architecture and excellent restaurants. Or head to San Ángel, known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés. For some history, you can visit the National Museum of Anthropology, considered one of the best in the world. Just remember to pace yourself—this is a high-altitude city (7,349 ft/2,240 m), so try not to overdo it on your first day.

Day 2: City Walking Tour, Folk Dance Performance

In the morning, you'll head out on a half-day tour to visit some of the city's most historic sights. It begins in the Centro Histórico, home to many colonial and Aztec landmarks. You'll stroll the pedestrian-only Madero Street and the Plaza de la Constitución, better known as Zócalo. This massive public square is home to historic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral (built over 250 years beginning in 1573), the 16th-century National Palace, and the ruins of the 14th-century Templo Mayor, once a principal temple of the Aztec Empire.

 

You'll also stop in at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This white-marble concert hall was built in 1905 and to this day remains one of the most vital cultural centers in the city. On a one-hour tour, you'll learn about the history of the palace including its first iteration as the National Theater of Mexico back in the 19th century.

 

In the evening, you're in for a treat when you return to the historic center to witness Guadalajara de Noche—a one-of-a-kind music and dance spectacular. Folklórico (folk dancing) is one of the most traditional and colorful expressions of Mexican culture, and during this 1.5-hour performance, you'll see dances from the different states of Mexico. Accompanying the dancers are ranchero and mariachi singers plus the traditional floreo de reata (lasso-spinning exhibition).

Day 3: Teotihuacán Balloon Ride, National Museum of Anthropology

After an early breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour drive north of the city to one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico: Teotihuacán. Known as the "City of the Gods," this 8-square-mile (20 sq km) site was founded as early as 400 BCE, meaning it long pre-dates the Aztecs. During its heyday (around 500 CE), it was home to 200,000 people and over 2,000 buildings, making it the largest city in the Western Hemisphere.

 

Rather than taking a walking tour of its wide pathways, you'll experience Teotihuacán a bit differently—from a hot-air balloon. Upon arrival at the departure site, you'll hop in the basket and gently ascend and soar over one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in Mexico. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of not only the pyramids but the entire valley surrounding Teotihuacán.

 

Once you've landed back on earth, you'll transfer back to the city and continue the adventure through Mexico's Indigenous history with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology. Inaugurated in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of the country's most important archaeological objects. Throughout its 23 rooms are pre-Columbian sculptures and ethnographic exhibits about Indigenous groups. Highlights include the Aztec Calendar, the Olmec colossal head (a giant stone head carved out of basalt), and the jade Mask of the Zapotec Bat God.

Day 4: Frida Kahlo Museum & Leon Trotsky House, Visit Xochimilco

Head to the southern end of Mexico City and Coyoacán, a neighborhood famous for its cobbled streets, shady plazas, and colorful homes. Aside from its 16th-century church, its most famous building is La Casa Azul, the house where Frida Kahlo spent much of her life. Today it's a museum displaying works by Kahlo and Diego Rivera, which you'll see on a tour.

After Casa Azul, you'll head a couple of blocks over to the Leon Trotsky House Museum. Here, Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky lived with his wife Natalia after he was banished from the Soviet Union in 1929. This house is also the site of one of the 20th century's most controversial murders, as it was here that Trotsky was murdered in 1940. On a tour, you'll learn about the life in exile of one of history's most compelling political figures. 

Next, travel farther south to Xochimilco. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been settled since pre-colonial times. It's known for its tranquil canals—remnants of the rivers that once crossed Mexico's valley and were used by the Aztec for transport. You'll get to travel down the canals on a trajinera (painted gondola). As you float down the channels, you'll nibble on antojitos (Mexican snacks) and learn about Mexican history as boats filled with mariachi musicians float past and serenade you.

Day 5: Barragán House, Chapultepec Castle & Taco Tour

After breakfast, you'll visit Casa Luis Barragán, the iconic home of the legendary Mexican architect. The house, built in 1948, merges traditional design elements with artistic and even philosophical flourishes, cementing the man's legacy as a major influence in global architecture. It's so impressive that it was even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the only individual property in Latin America to enjoy such a distinction. You'll get to experience it all on a full tour of the home.

Later you'll head over to nearby Chapultepec Park. At 1,695 acres (686 ha), this is one of the largest urban green spaces in the world. It's also one of the oldest, as back in 1428, it was a summer retreat for Aztec rulers. Besides lakes and gardens, the park contains nine museums, a zoo, and an amusement park. One landmark you'll visit on this hour-long tour is Chapultepec Castle, which dates to 1785 and is located atop the park's hill. Once the residence of the Viceroy of New Spain, today it's the National Museum of History, home to a magnificent collection of historical artifacts and murals.

 

In the evening, you're off to discover some of the most delicious taquerías (taco vendors) in the city. On a guided tour, you'll visit taco stands and cantinas run by folks who've been serving up Mexico's most famous street food for decades. Delicious tacos you'll enjoy include volcanés (flame-grilled tortillas smothered in cheese and peppers), suadero (a lean cut of beef), and of course, the famous al pastor (pork shoulder roasted on a spit). Wash it all down with a traditional beverage like mezcal or pulque, an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey (agave) plant.

Day 6: Depart Mexico City

Unfortunately, your six-day tour of Mexico City has come to an end. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Until next time!

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