How Many Days In Mexico City Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Mexico soon? You might be wondering how many days in Mexico City are enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.

If you’re interested in exploring the region, we suggest spending at least two or three days in Mexico City.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Mexico has to offer, such as visiting Cuernavaca, the City of Eternal Spring, or visiting Peña de Bernal with some wine tasting.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Mexico City might be enough for you.

But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Mexico City instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Mexico City you’ll need. You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Mexico City’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Mexico City

Deciding how long to spend in Mexico City can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Mexico City, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Mexico City you’ll need.

That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Mexico City.

Are you planning on staying in Mexico City, or do you want to use Mexico City as a base to explore the region?

Mexico City can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what is your Mexico bucket list.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.

If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.

If you want to get to Mexico City early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.

Activities In Mexico City And its Surroundings

Mexico City is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time immersed in history and seeing the ancient Aztec ruins.

The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as visiting archeological sites, going on day trips to nearby cities, and having hot air balloon rides.

You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your Mexico City itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Mexico City you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 4 days in the Mexico City area will definitely suit you better than 2.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus?

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Mexico City.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

That said, if you’re going to Mexico City directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.

Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

What To Do In Mexico City Area

Here are some of the best sights and experiences to enjoy in Mexico City, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo museum has to be the first thing you do when you visit Mexico City. The museum is located in the renowned Mexican painter’s former home, also known as the Blue House.

This was where Frida Kahlo spent her entire life, she lived here with her family in her early days and later with her husband, Diego Rivera.

Through visiting the museum, you can learn about Frida’s art and life and explore the gardens of the iconic house. This museum opened in 1958, a few years after Frida Khalo passed away and left her home to the people of Mexico to enjoy.

Suggested duration: 1 hour

Tenochtitlan

During your time in Mexico City, and to get a real feel for the history of the area, you must visit the archaeological site of Teotihuacan.

Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec Empire and was founded around 1325 C.E. This began as a religious center and then became a thriving city pre-Colombia. 

Mexico City itself was founded on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. You can go on a tour from the city around 30 miles away to explore these fascinating ruins.

Here you can marvel at the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon and walk through the Avenue of the Dead.

This is an area absolutely filled with history and culture and is truly a must-see while you’re here.

Suggested duration: 7 hours

Lucha Libre Wrestling Night

For a completely unique experience while in Mexico City, you have to attend an iconic Lucha Libre wrestling night.

It’s well known for its colorful masks worldwide and it is an incredible adrenaline-filled spectacle to watch.

This is a legendary part of Mexico City culture and an extremely fun experience to be part of. You will be close to the action of this display of acrobatics while soaking up the party atmosphere in the arena.

With this tour, you will get your own Lucha Libre mask and a shot of tequila.

Suggested duration: 3.5 hours

Mexico City Walking Tour

We highly recommend you take a walking tour of Mexico City. It really is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new place and to get to know the area.

You will have the chance to hear stories and facts from a local guide who will bring you around the downtown area of Mexico City. You will see famous landmarks and hear all of the history associated with the area.

During this walking tour, you will get the chance to see Zocalo square, the stunning post office building, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

You will also get to taste some local cuisine when the tour guide brings you to a traditional Mexican bakery.

Suggested duration: 3 hours

Final Thoughts On Mexico City Getaways

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Mexico City is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting any time!

Mexico City is a great destination to relax and explore the historic Aztec culture.

Before traveling to Mexico, check out our guide to the best North American SIM cards.

Traveling to Mexico soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Is Mexico City worth visiting
• How many in Cancun is enough
• Cancun or Tulum
• Mexico FMM