Mexico City 5-Day Classic In-Depth Tour
A complete itinerary for first-time visitors to Mexico City, covering the Historic Center, National Museum of Anthropology, Teotihuacan, the Blue House, and the canals.
Based in the Roma-Condesa area as a fixed base, this itinerary explores the city by district: the Historic Center, Chapultepec, Teotihuacan, and Coyoacán & Xochimilco. Visiting the National Museum of Anthropology before the ruins provides a more coherent understanding. With no hotel changes and a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-timers. Out-of-town overnight stays are omitted, leaving surrounding towns for other routes.
Most museums are closed on Mondays, so avoid scheduling them then. Afternoon showers are common during the rainy season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Zócalo & Historic Center
Mexico City（Zócalo / Metropolitan Cathedral、Templo Mayor、National Palace、Palacio de Bellas Artes、Torre Latinoamericana）
Take the metro or a taxi to the Zócalo. Explore the old town entirely on foot, and return to the Roma area in the evening (about 20 minutes).
You must bring an ID to visit the National Palace. It is closed on Mondays; confirm the schedule in advance.
Stay: Roma–Condesa
Day 2 · National Museum of Anthropology & Chapultepec Castle
Mexico City（National Museum of Anthropology、Chapultepec Castle、Paseo de la Reforma & Angel of Independence）
Take the metro or a taxi to Chapultepec. Budget about 4 hours for the museum, head up to the castle in the afternoon, and return along Paseo de la Reforma.
Both the museum and the castle are closed on Mondays; do not schedule this day on a Monday.
Stay: Roma–Condesa
Day 3 · Teotihuacan & Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico City（Teotihuacan、Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe）
Take a bus from the Terminal de Autobuses del Norte (about 1 hour) to the ruins. Spend about 4 hours in the archaeological zone, and stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the way back.
Climbing the pyramids is currently not allowed. Arrive as soon as the park opens, as there is very little shade at the ruins.
Stay: Roma–Condesa
Day 4 · The Blue House, Coyoacán & Xochimilco Canals
Mexico City（Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)、Coyoacán、Xochimilco）
Take the metro or a taxi to Coyoacán. In the afternoon, take a 40-minute taxi ride to Xochimilco to ride a trajinera (colorful boat), and return by taxi at night.
You must book tickets for the Blue House (Frida Kahlo Museum) online several weeks in advance. It is closed on Mondays.
Stay: Roma–Condesa
Day 5 · Stroll in Roma & Departure
Mexico City（Roma / Condesa、La Ciudadela Artisan Market）
Stroll around your accommodation in the morning, take a taxi to a handicraft market, and then take a taxi to the airport depending on your flight time.