Cultural Treasures of Mexico City - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City, Dinner at Los Danzantes

¡Bienvenidos a México! Your driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in Mexico City. One of the largest urban centers in the world, Mexico's capital traces its roots back to the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which the Spanish built from in the 16th century. Today, the sprawling metropolis overflows with lively neighborhoods, historical sites, and culinary delights.

 

After settling in, you'll have time to explore the city independently. Immerse yourself in the local culture in neighborhoods like Roma, where you'll find Art Deco architecture and excellent restaurants, or San Ángel, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés. Relax in the green spaces of Chapultepec Park or Alameda Central before digging into the city's famous gastronomy. 

Tonight, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner in the charming Coyoacán neighborhood at the restaurant Los Danzantes. Since 1995, this special spot has combined ancient Mexican culinary traditions with contemporary flavors in every bite, featuring specialties from the country's diverse regions, such as Oaxacan mole sauce. 

Day 2: Historic District Tour with Street Food, Visit the Museo del Templo Mayor

Meet up with your local guide this morning for a four-hour tour of the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Mexico City. Learn about the city's beginnings at Aztec ruins, and visit one of the largest cathedrals in South America, as well as the gorgeous Palacio de Belles Artes and the Palacio Postal. You'll also stop at local food stalls and restaurants to taste traditional Mexican food, including tacos al pastor, tamales, esquites (spiced street corn), and churros. It'll only take a few bites to see why Mexican gastronomy is considered an "Intangible Cultural Heritage" of Mexico.

 

After your tour, head to the Museo del Templo Mayor, formerly the main temple of the Aztec city, Tenochtitlan, and now dedicated to exhibiting the area's archaeological findings. The collection shows the political, military, and aesthetic relevance of the city that dominated Mesoamerica before the Spaniards arrived. Explore the ruins and the on-site museum, both constantly updated with new findings as the site excavation continues to this day. 

Day 3: Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria & Ruins of Teotihuacán

Today you'll discover two of the most visited and sacred places in Mexico City, starting at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Millions of pilgrims visit the basilica each year, with over half visiting on the days around December 12, the Virgin of Guadalupe's Feast Day. On the grounds surrounding this church are the remaining buildings of the ex-convent of the Capuchin nuns, a basilica museum, and several other small chapels.

 

Later in the day, head outside of Mexico City to one of the country's most important archaeological sites: Teotihuacán. The ruins of this ancient Mesoamerican city, also known as "The City of the Gods," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 100 BCE (or thereabouts). Walk along the Calzada de los Muertos (Causeway of the Dead) and visit essential buildings such as the Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl, famous for its murals (don't miss the Mural de Puma!), as well as the famous Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon). 

Day 4: Cruise in Xochimilco, Coyoacán Neighborhood Tour

Discover the remnants of the Aztec Empire's vast water transport system at the Floating Garden of Xochimilco. Spend several hours traversing the beautiful and festive canals aboard a traditional trajinera (typical canal boat) with an expert guide. Learn all about the history and culture of the canals as the colorful gondola-esque boats take you past floating food vendors, artisans selling their crafts, and mariachi bands.

 

Your tour along the canals will also take you to several different chinampas, small islands built into the canal that make up an agricultural system, known as the most efficient and sustainable in the world. Visit the local ecotourism center to learn about the production of vegetables on the islands, and visit the wildlife refuge dedicated to preserving the famous Mexican salamander, the axolotl, endemic to the area.

Later, head to the south of Mexico City for the picturesque, bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, characterized by its cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture. Head to the lovely Jardín Hidalgo, the borough's central plaza, and get lost among craft stores, art events, churches, and galleries. Around the plaza, explore the famous Casa del Risco, now the Isidro Fabela Cultural Center. Meanwhile, the Parroquia San Jacinto is on the west side, along Juarez Street, known for its gorgeous, landscaped atrium.

Day 5: Tour the National Museum of Anthropology & Chapultepec Castle

Spend the day exploring two of the most important sites in Mexico City, beginning at the National Museum of Anthropology. Dating back to the 1960s, these 22 rooms designed to preserve Mexico's rich Indigenous heritage make up one of the most important museums in Latin America and the world. Tour the museum's main collections while learning about the history of pre-Hispanic cultures. Visit some of pre-Columbian Mexico's most important pieces, such as the Aztec Calendar, the Olmec Colossal Head, and the famous Mask of Pakal.

 

Later in the day, you'll visit the iconic Chapultepec Castle, perched on a hilltop in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park. Explore the castle's opulent rooms, each housing a treasure trove of historical artifacts and artwork, once home to various Mexican emperors and presidents. Stand on the castle's terraces for panoramic vistas of Mexico City, spying landmarks such as Paseo de la Reforma, and wander the serene surroundings of the park, with its lush gardens and picturesque lakes.

Day 6: Visit the Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli & Museo de Frida Kahlo

Immerse yourself in the worlds of two of Mexico's most celebrated artists, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, at their respective museums. The Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli (which translates to "surrounded by water" in the local Nahuatl language) is a temple to the arts designed by the muralist himself. The museum serves as a work of architecture, a studio, and a shrine, which showcases Rivera's collection of pre-Hispanic art and exhibits dedicated to contemporary Mexican artists. 

 

Finish the day at Casa Azul, also known as the Museo de Frida Kahlo, where the famed Mexican painter was born, spent most of her life, and eventually died. The house, which remains similar to how it was upon her death in 1951, is now dedicated to her life and art. The 10 rooms, including her bedroom and studio, contain Mexican folk art, personal mementos, traditional Mexican housewares, Kahlo's personal art collection, works by Diego Rivera (Kahlo's husband), and much of Kahlo's work. The museum also preserves her beautiful garden courtyard, plus a small café and gift shop. 

Day 7: Depart Mexico City

It's time to say goodbye to Mexico City! Your driver will take you to the airport, where you'll board your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other Mexico itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Mexico, or discover the best time to visit Mexico.