Are you a family who’s been dreaming about exploring exciting cultures and immersing yourself in fascinating history? Mexico City A 3 Day Itinerary offers the perfect opportunity for just that! From ancient Aztec traditions to vibrant, modern-day art and food scenes, this capital city is an amazing place to explore. Here, we will discuss the must-dos of your three-day itinerary in Mexico City so you can make sure your family experience is the best it possibly can be.
Day One – Mexico City’s Historic Center
During your Mexico City 3 Day itinerary be sure to enjoy walking around the heart of this metropolis with a day at the historic center. You can start at the Zocalo, or Constitution Plaza to see the grand colonial architecture started by the Spanish when they conquered the Aztecs centuries ago.
The National Palace, or Palacio Nacional, is the seat of the Mexican government, and the president of Mexico. But this government building is also known for its beautiful gardens, 14 courtyards, fountains, and Diego Rivera murals (all painted between 1929 and 1951). You will love Rivera’s most famous mural, “The History of Mexico,” highlighting the story of the country.
Catedral Metropolitana, or Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico, is a place of worship that holds five altars and 14 smaller chapels. Of note are the beautiful pieces by Spanish artists such as Bartolome Esteban Murillo and Jeronimo de Balbas.
Once the capital of the Aztec empire this ancient city center was destroyed and buried during the Spanish conquest. And until the 1970s it remained hidden from the world. Museo Templo Mayor uncovers a small piece of that centuries-old metropolis. Recent excavations have elevated this to one of the most important rediscoveries in all of Latin America.
You can read more with our detailed post about how to spend an entire day exploring all that the historic center of Mexico City has to offer.
Day Two – Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park
Visiting the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, or the National Museum of Anthropology, is an amazing experience. The extensive indoor exhibits with detailed explanations are complemented by spectacular outdoor installations making this one of the best museums in the world.
Tickets should be purchased in advance and are 90 MXN for adults. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. You can get a guided visit free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday at 10 AM and 12 PM. Sundays are free for Mexico residents so avoid that day unless you enjoy crowds. Note that taking pictures is free of charge but there is a service fee if you wish to record video. This can be paid for when you purchase your ticket.
The museum hosts over half a million artifacts. Still, you will not want to miss seeing the Aztec Sun Stone. This huge stone slab with detailed carvings was rediscovered during the construction of the Catedral Metropolitana which was built over the ruins of Tenochtitlan’s capital city. Here you will also find the formal headdress of Moctezuma II. Stop to check out the model built to scale of Tenochtitlan that allows visitors to better understand the architectural wonder that the Aztecs built and flourished around.
The museum covers the human experience across Mexico and currently includes a temporary exhibit called Teotihuacan Project which explores the challenges that the government encountered in undertaking the monumental task of preserving the ruins of this once glorious city. You can get more information about how to visit these ruins yourself after your visit to the museum with our detailed guide on a day trip to Teotihuacan.
Ongoing exhibits include explorations of various indigenous groups and cultures across Mexico. The displays thoughtfully explore each culture’s contributions to and influence on modern Mexico.
You can also enjoy outdoor exhibits such as the Ball Court. This famous game is highlighted in huge ball courts at the ruins of Chichen Itza and on a smaller scale at the ruins of Coba both on the Yucatan Peninsula. You can see the replica here as you walk out to enjoy the courtyard.
Don’t miss the outdoor art installation called El Paraguas. This water display spills from a column at the entry to the central courtyard of the museum.
Day Three – Mexico City neighborhoods and Frida Kahlo
On Day Three of your Mexico City 3-day itinerary grab an Uber and head to the Coyoacan neighborhood. The area was once an independent town until Mexico City grew to surround it. Its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and markets feel like a world outside of the modern-day urban life of the metropolis that engulfed it.
Visit the San Juan Bautista church and pick up a red tram from the square for an enjoyable way to explore the area.
Be sure to spend some time at the Frida Kahlo Museum, or the Blue House as it is sometimes called. You can buy tickets online for 250 MXN. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with various opening and closing times depending on the day so be sure to grab your timed entry ticket online ahead of time.
Mexico City is an excellent choice for your next city trip! With historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Consider adding a day trip to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan! Or with just a short bus ride you can visit the historic Puebla! You can read more about how to do this with our post, Teotihuacan A Detailed Guide. Don’t wait – start planning your Mexican getaway today!
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