4 Days in Mexico City: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Looking for a 4 days in Mexico City itinerary? I headed there with a couple of my siblings and their significant others and I can tell the highlight for me was the Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour, which ended up being bucket list worthy! And the boat tour in Xochimilco was another highlight!
Mexico City was beautiful and charming, overstimulating and crowded. The traffic and driving was among the craziest I’ve experienced in this hemisphere or maybe ever?! The neighborhoods were charming, each with their own unique vibes. There was good food, though not always cheap.
I’m so glad I finally got to experience this diverse city! Here’s how we spent 4 days in Mexico City as well as some additional ideas and tips for your trip!
About Mexico City
Mexico City, or Ciudad de México (CDMX), is a vibrant, sprawling capital nestled in a high-altitude valley at 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level — higher than Denver! Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán, the city is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern energy.
It’s home to over 150 museums, more than any other city in the world except Paris, and sits on soft lakebed soil, causing parts of it to sink several inches each year (this is very noticiable at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral). With neighborhoods that feel like different worlds — from the leafy boulevards of Condesa to the canals of Xochimilco — Mexico City is one of the most culturally rich cities in the Americas.
Day 1 | Arrival + Exploring Polanco
I arrived early on our first of 4 days in Mexico City! Within minutes of being in the Uber, I knew Mexico City would not be one of the places I’d ever drive! Truly, the driving is WILD. Regardless, the driver got me safely to the Airbnb my brother booked in Polanco.
Polanco
After dropping off my luggage, I began exploring this posh neighborhood in Mexico City solo. The area is noticeably nice, but my only experience with Mexico City up to this point was the Uber ride from the airport. Nonetheless, the high end stores would also suggest this is a more posh area of Mexico City.
I walked for a bit through the beautiful Lincoln Park (Parque Lincoln), before making my around the half circle road of Calle Virgilio to decide on a place to eat. I settled on the casual Básico, which offered healthy bowls. While I enjoyed my meal, it certainly wasn’t cheap, and that ended up being true for most of the meals I had during my 4 days in Mexico City!
I continued exploring Polanco, enjoying the charm, shops, and cute corners of this posh neighborhood. Finally, I needed another coffee and decided to stop at Cafe Toscano, a coffee shop I had bookmarked. There is seating inside and outside and since the weather was beautiful, I chose a table outside. While I can’t speak to the chairs or table inside, my 5’9 frame felt very oversized!
Dinner at Hacienda de los Morales
My siblings arrived, but would be taken straight to dinner at Hacienda de los Morales. I was able to walk there from the Airbnb, but I did feel a bit exposed doing this alone in the dark!
I ordered the traditional Mexican dish called Chiles en Nogada. While it was unique, it wasn’t my favorite dish ever. However, I was glad to have tried it! Overall, this restaurant did not lack in charm and even had a band! It was a classy and authentic dining experience, and a great start to our 4 days in Mexico City together!
Day 2 | Explore the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
This day really exposed that not having a solid plan was tough, combined with crazy traffic and then throw in protests! The drive from the Airbnb in Polanco to the city center was supposed to take about an hour. However, we ended up walking about 30 minutes as the protests in the city were creating worse traffic conditions than normal and we had a reservation.
Balcón del Zócalo
We eventually made it to Balcón del Zócalo where we had a reservation. The views from this restaurant are ten of ten! It overlooks the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), the main square of Mexico City. The square is impressive from any angle, but even more so from this restaurant.
The food was good as well, so I recommend making a reservation here during your 4 days in Mexico City. Spoiler, we actually ended up coming back here hours later, but twice in one day is not necessary.
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Once our meal was finished, we made our way down to the Plaza de la Constitución to explore on foot. There was plenty of activity around! Vendors, locals, tourists and more tourists.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
We explored the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral which is impressive, but also a marvel. If you look closely at the columns or floor levels, you will notice the building is slanted. It’s not a trick of the eye!
The sinking or leaning is due to the fact that much of Mexico City was built on a former lakebed, and over the centuries, the soft, waterlogged ground has caused parts of the cathedral (and other Centro Histórico buildings) to sink unevenly.
While other things contributed to the leaning and sinking, this has been happening over centuries. Efforts are being made to restore it, but it’s worth a visit to this impressive church while you’re in this area and definitely look for the slant!
Calle del Carmen and Correo Mayor
The local in our group wanted to take us to some ruins she had seen on a previous trip at Templo Mayor Museum. We walked by them, but we never managed to find the entrance as the police presence was heightened due to the protests so various areas were blocked off.
In that process, we ended up on Calle del Carmen market area. It was absolute chaos! In some ways it reminded me of Chinatown in New York City, but significantly more crowded and overstimulating! People were yelling, trying to sell their items. There were people everywhere and packed far too close to be enjoyable. Cars were trying to drive on the street. We basically all just kept walking.
While this area was quite an experience, it was all too much for us. If you’re up for this, head to Calle del Carmen. One of my photos was take at the intersection of Calle Justo Sierra and Calle del Carmen and the other was on Correo Mayor, which is what Calle del Carmen becomes.
If you want to experience this Mexican hustle, then this chaos is worth checking out! There’s also Mixcalco Market close by, so I imagine the chaotic selling only intensifies.
Av Francisco I. Madero
We walked toward Av Francisco I. Madero, which I had read was a great shopping street to walk. We passed by more police and eventually saw the protesters!
By the time we got to Av Francisco I. Madero, my brother had experienced enough crowds and walking. However, I can confirm this street was definitely more my speed! The crowds were thinned, the buildings were impressive and overall would have been a better street experience for us.
Rooftop Break
Needing a break, we tried to visit a rooftop bar, but that didn’t pan out. However, I definitely recommend checking it out or considering it as an extra option. La Terraza is in Gran Hotel Ciudad de México. I can’t remember the reason we couldn’t go so book a reservation to be safe. Regardless, the hotel lobby itself is beautiful, so dip in here if you’re close by.
Since that failed, we actually ended up at Balcón del Zócalo again! Just as good the second time, and it was nice being above the chaos again!
Speak Easy
Someone in our group made a reservation at Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar. It’s a speak easy hidden within Fonda Turin. On maps, it shows these places on opposite sides of Calle Turin, but look for the casual Fonda Turin food spot pictured above!
If you’ve been around my blog before, you know I’m not much of a drinker. My brother actually finished my drink, but speak easy’s are fun and you feel transported. Hanky Panky was full of vibes, so check it out during your 4 days in Mexico City!
Michelin Star – Pujol
I’m not one to make restaurant reservations when traveling. I tend to put more emphasis on what I can see and experience, and just wing it when it comes to restaurants. There may be some research involved, but other than bookmarking options or asking locals, I just go with the flow when it comes to meals.
Traveling with my foodie brother and brother-in-law means reservations are a must! My brother booked a reservation for Pujol, a restaurant with two Michelin Stars! Pujol is the restaurant of celebrated chef Enrique Olvera and it’s located in Polanco, where we were staying.
Dinner
While this is not something I typically like to spend money on, I really enjoyed the dining experience. Ironically, the two foodies didn’t prefer the tasting menu setup and both said they like a menu and choice. Regardless, we enjoyed it overall!
The decor and environment is modern and earthy, creating a warm and classy environment! The food presentation and service was excellent, definitely something you’d expect from a pricier restaurant, but they delivered!
Overall, I really enjoyed this experience! My sister doesn’t prefer seafood and they made accommodations for her by exchanging certain courses. This request was made at the table since no one knew it was a tasting menu, but they were able to switch things up for her!
Due to our group size, I’m sure it was more difficult to find a good time for dinner and as a result, we were there at 11PM at night! Normally this would not be a bad thing, but we had a 4AM wake up call.
Day 3 | Teotihuacán Day Trip + Roma
Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour
With only a few hours of sleep, we woke up for what turned out to be the highlight of our 4 days in Mexico City! The Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour was incredible! I cannot recommend this experience enough! It is bucket list worthy and definitely increased my desire to visit Cappadocia, Turkey.
I go into detail about this experience in my post Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour | Soar Above the Pyramids. We booked the Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour and had a great time! The tour was very well run, with the only alarming part being the drive back to our accommodations after the experience. Let’s just say we caught air at one point!
Book the Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour
Sleep Deprivation Nap
The lack of a proper itinerary was definitely exposed with the dinner and hot air balloon tour. I typically would chug extra caffeine than waste daylight, but in this case we took a nap! My brother had come to Mexico City already sleep deprived, so this was a must.
I don’t think I managed to fall asleep, but the rest was enjoyed anyway! While I recommend both the restaurant and hot air balloon experiences, I do suggest you time it better than we did!
Roma Norte
After rest/nap time we headed to Roma Norte! I really loved this area overall! It was nice but felt more approachable and artsy than Polanco. We felt safe overall in Roma Norte and the area had more of a buzz as well! If you’re wondering where to stay in Mexico City, consider Roma Norte!
On our Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour, there was a solo traveler with us. She mentioned Roma was worth visiting and gave Cuina as a restaurant recommendation. We did stop here and got in line, but the wait was long and we ended up bailing. However, the pastries we tried were delicious and the restaurant itself looked beautiful and inviting!
Michelin Mentioned Tacos
My brother-in-law mentioned just getting tacos instead and we all agreed! He suggested the taco place we walked by and so we headed to Tres Galeones. Quick note: google maps does not show Tres Galeones in Roma so I linked María la Pescadora. I’m getting conflicting information and can’t tell for sure if Tres Galeones is closed in this location.
Right next to Tres Galeones (when we were there) is Cariñito Tacos, a Michelin mentioned taco stand. Since we wanted to try both spots, we checked with Tres Galeones and they said we could bring over our order from Cariñito Tacos.
I think I actually enjoyed Tres Galeones better, but both are definitely worth trying! I just typically prefer seafood to pork, and this was not an exception. Ironically, both foodies in the group enjoyed the tacos from both of these places more than the Michelin Star restaurant and commented on the price difference as well!
Cariñito Tacos is a taco stand, so there’s no seating. Tres Galeones was a casual a restaurant but we had a server. We all ordered drinks and food from Tres Galeones, and we also all tried tacos from Cariñito Tacos. If you’re in Roma Norte and want a casual but good taco experience, head to this area! Even if Tres Galeones isn’t there, María la Pescadora has good reviews and the Michelin mentioned Cariñito Tacos should still be there!
Shops and Markets
After our tacos, we explored Roma more! It was a Saturday so there were popup markets around, which were fun to explore.
Licorería Limantour
Some were ready for another break, so we ended up at Licorería Limantour. It’s often makes the list of the top 50 bars. The atmosphere was modern, but included warm tones making the environment refreshing and inviting. There are different areas to the bar, each with it’s own vibe as well!
I ordered a refreshing mocktail and everyone else enjoyed their drinks as well! Consider a stop at one of the top bars as part of your 4 days in Mexico City itinerary.
Dinner | Señora Tanaka Masaryk
Eventually we made our way back to Polanco for dinner at Señora Tanaka Masaryk. The food was good, but I can’t say it stood out more than sushi I’ve had in the States. However, it was an overall good experience.
Day 4 | Xochimilco Boat Ride + San Angel + Coyoacan Market
Xochimilco Boat Ride
While traveling solo in Fiji, I met another American and she recommended the Xochimilco boat ride if I ever make it to Mexico City. Once we decided to head to Mexico City, I put this on the list. It turns out, our Mexican American had never done this either.
We ended up winging it, because our Mexico City group member spoke Spanish. However, I would recommend booking a guided tour if you don’t speak at least a little Spanish as that process will be much easier! We drove to the area, and she organized a boat. The price is set per boat, so you don’t need to haggle. A two hour boat ride should cost under $80USD per boat! The boats can hold about 18 people, so you can definitely make it an affordable party!
You can also buy drinks before you go, as well as food and drinks while on the canals! There’s a band that will be on their own boat, but can join your boat for a personal concert if you’re willing to pay the fee. And what would a tourist experience be without people selling souvenirs!
When we first arrived, there weren’t many people there and it was actually too quiet. However, the canals did get livelier! Some boats were maxed out and the boat with karaoke was definitely amusing. I also loved seeing locals having parties, since we were there on a weekend day. We passed some beautiful homes in one area and absolutely creepy dolls in another! Overall, this is definitely an experience worth adding to your 4 days in Mexico City itinerary!
Bathroom Options on the Xochimilco Boat Ride
Bathroom situations are always worth mentioning, especially for us women! The bathroom before you leave the docks was better than the one on the canal (and the driver said he took us to one of the nicer ones). However, no bathrooms are free! You will pay a fee and then be given one piece of toilet paper!
I am not exaggerating. My younger sister tried to get more and they wouldn’t let her take it. She tried again and still no. I thought about trying to sneak some but the attendant was good at his job. At the docks, the toilets had lids, but on the canal, the toilets were only the bowls. The bathroom on the canal also didn’t have water connected, so in order to flush you had to get the water from the trough.
And yes, both bathrooms required a fee, with the one on the canal costing more than at the docks. Take your own toilet paper, as they will not let you have extra and be prepared for very basic bathrooms.
Tour Options for Xochimilco
While you can do this on your own and uber to Xochimilco, tours can be more economical if you’re a small group and make it more fun to meet others. If you don’t mind paying extra, some tours will take care of transportation to and from. Ultimately, either option is great, but I do recommend knowing at least a little Spanish if you go on your own.
Late Lunch | San Angel Inn
After the Xochimilco boat ride, we headed to San Angel. Since we had to get to San Angel to meet someone for lunch, we left to give ourselves plenty of time to make it since Mexico City traffic is rough!
Plaza San Jacinto in San Angel
We managed to arrive with a bit of time to spare so we stopped at Plaza San Jacinto in San Angel. There was a market with some vendors still set up. El Bazar Sábado happens every Saturday, but we visited on a Sunday so I’m not sure if they stayed for Sunday the weekend we were there or if that’s common practice.
In addition to the market, this area has some really cute shops! We also stopped at Museo Casa del Risco. There was a “donation” to enter and it included the bazar as well. We didn’t spend much time in the museum, so I can’t speak to it as a whole, but the stunning shell (Fuente del Risco) fountain is worth admiration! It’s made from broken porcelain pieces and reflects the ultra-baroque aesthetic—ornate, dense, and highly decorative.
Overall, I really loved the San Angel area and its old-world-charm! I loved the Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-covered walls and artsy vibe. Quieter and more refined than Roma, and with a small town feel in what is a very large and populated city.
San Angel Inn Restaurant
We headed to San Angel Inn Restaurant and the Spanish colonial feel continued. The restaurant has a beautiful courtyard with lush plants that immediately offers a peaceful presence. Some were dining in the veranda patio, some in the chapel turned dining room and we were in the main dining room.
This restaurant is absolutely beautiful! In terms of decor and overall feel, it was my favorite restaurant we visited. I enjoyed the food, but it’s really the ambience that won me over. The Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana and this restaurant honors this Mexican salad and prepares it at the table.
I definitely recommend adding a meal here during your 4 days in Mexico City. Also, don’t forget to add a couple hours in this neighborhood to really feel transported! Of course, you could elect to base yourself here, but just note it’s a bit far from the main attractions and with Mexico City traffic that is a significant deal breaker.
Coyoacán Market
Our next stop was the Coyoacán Market. After leaving the quieter San Angel area, the crowds felt a bit overwhelming! Lots of vibrant colors, food stalls, handcrafted goods, and some locals going about their day. However, on a Sunday afternoon there were also plenty of tourists as well!
We were there toward the end of the day, but you wouldn’t know it based on the crowds. If you enjoy getting souvenirs, this is a great place to shop! Since I tend to pack in a carry-on and I don’t buy a lot of souvenirs, I didn’t really shop. However, my sister bought a cute bag and there were beautiful rugs, cute jewelry shops, and even clothes and shoes! If there’s a shopper in your group, you could easily spend hours here!
Polanco
The rain clouds started to roll in, so we headed to the car. Since I was the only one in the group to explore Polanco, I suggested we head there next. We arrived to Polanco after a downpour and it was still raining lightly.
After dodging some puddles, we made it to the restaurant area on the half circle street of Virgilio. The foodies spotted the words “Michelin Mentioned” and we sat down. I wasn’t really hungry after the late lunch, so I didn’t eat much. However, Comedor Jacinta had some great things on the menu and everyone who ordered enjoyed what they got!
More Ideas for Mexico City
Easily my favorite experience was the Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City and I definitely recommend it! You can read more about my experience and what to expect on the tour here: Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour | Soar Above the Pyramids.
My other favorite experience was the Xochimilco Boat Ride. You can uber there, or book a tour to make things easier. We went on a Sunday, and I loved seeing the locals having parties on the boats as well! Showing me this isn’t just a tourist experience.
If you are looking for more ideas for your 4 days in Mexico City, I’ve listed more below. This city is huge, so one trip cannot really encompass everything. However, you may be interested in swapping out some of the below with parts of our itinerary!
More to Explore in the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
- Templo Mayor: Visit these ruins of the Aztec empire right in the heart of the city.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: An architectural gem known for its murals, art exhibitions, and performances.
- Pre-book a walking tour: Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Lucha Libre Night
- Head to Arena México for a high-energy Lucha Libre match (Mexican wrestling). It’s a fun and culturally immersive nighttime activity, especially if you’re looking for something totally different from sightseeing or dining.
- Pre-Book the Experience: Lucha Libre Tickets & Tacos & Beer & Mezcal – BEST NIGHT EVER!
Chapultepec Park + Museums
- Chapultepec Castle: The only royal castle in North America, with sweeping views and history.
- Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology): One of the top anthropology museums in the world—home to the Aztec Sun Stone and other fascinating artifacts.
- Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and Tamayo Museum are also inside the park for art lovers.
Visit La Condesa
- While Roma is a favorite, La Condesa has a chill, tree-lined vibe with Art Deco buildings, boutique shops, and Parque México.
- Great for a morning stroll, brunch, or boutique shopping.
Take a Cooking Class or Food Tour
- Experience a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, or do a taco crawl through different neighborhoods. Many tours include stops at local markets like Mercado de Medellín or Mercado San Juan (great for exotic eats and ingredients).
- Pre-book one of the top rated food tours: Polanco Food Tour: The Bestselling Food Adventure in Mexico City
Day Trip to Tepoztlán or Taxco
- Tepoztlán: A pueblo mágico known for its mystical energy, pyramid hike (Tepozteco), colorful market, and weekend energy. About 1.5 hours from Mexico City.
- Taxco: A charming hillside town known for silver jewelry, narrow cobblestone streets, and colonial charm. It’s a longer day trip (around 2.5 hours), but worth it if you like picturesque towns.
Day Trip to Tolantongo Hot Springs
- Grutas de Tolantongo is a breathtaking natural hot springs oasis nestled in a steep box canyon in Hidalgo, about 3–4 hours north of Mexico City
- Pre-book a tour: Early Tour & Avoid Crowds Tolantongo Hotsprings
See a Show at Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Beyond admiring the architecture, try to catch a performance—like the Ballet Folklórico de México. It’s one of the best ways to see Mexican culture brought to life on stage.
Rooftop Bars with a View
- Check out rooftop bars like Cityzen at Sofitel, Toledo Rooftop, or Downtown Mexico’s rooftop for panoramic views and drinks.
UNAM Murals + Sculpture Garden
- Visit the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The murals by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros are powerful and the Espacio Escultórico (sculpture garden) is stunning and lesser known.
Hidden Gems:
- Biblioteca Vasconcelos: A massive, futuristic library often called the “megalibrary” or “library of the future.”
- Parque La Mexicana in Santa Fe: A modern urban park great for sunset views and a contrast to the city’s older districts.
- Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones: For those wanting to hike or enjoy nature just outside the city without going too far.
Is Mexico City Safe?
Let’s chat about this, because I think Mexico gets unfair shake when it comes to safety. Will you be safe during your 4 days in Mexico City? We were! I even spent a day solo and walked to a restaurant at night solo. However, as with any big city, there is crime and there are precautions that should be taken.
As a whole, I think Americans tend to lump all of Mexico into one big, unsafe place and that’s just not the case. Here in the States, we also have crime, areas to avoid and big cities like New York and Chicago that you need to be extra careful and aware while walking around. I have yet to visit Chicago, but I’ve been to New York about four times and I felt about the same there as I did in Mexico City.
There were protests while we were there, but there were way more tourists and locals going about their day! Without a doubt, I’m sure there are places to avoid in Mexico City, but as a tourist sticking to the typical sights and neighborhoods, you should be fine taking normal precautions.
There are regions of Mexico, like in the Yucatan Peninsula, that are actually rated a 1 by the US Travel Advisory, which is the safest rating a destination can be given. So all of Mexico is not unsafe.
Final Thoughts on Mexico City Safety
Overall, we felt fine in Mexico City. Walking alone at night I was more nervous, but I’d have that same concern walking alone in any city at night. There was a guard stationed at the end of the street where our Airbnb was, which I’m sure is not the norm for every area. Other than that, the driving (riding) and traffic was the scariest part of Mexico City! The driving is WILD!
Check the latest advice as things can change, but Mexico City probably won’t get a better rating than a 2 on the US Travel Advisory site. It is a massive city after all. Generally, I don’t really concern myself too much unless a place is a 3 or 4, but ultimately you need to decide for yourself and know your comfort level!
The below tips are general and good things to consider when travelling anywhere, including Mexico City!
⚠️ Safety Tips for Mexico City
- Stick to well-known neighborhoods, especially after dark.
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls rather than street ATMs.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive-looking accessories.
- Keep your bag zipped and in front of you, especially in crowded areas.
- Be especially alert on public transportation and in busy markets — petty theft (like pickpocketing) can happen.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away or change course.
- When in doubt, take an Uber rather than walking unfamiliar areas at night.
How to Get Around Mexico City
Uber is one of the safest and easiest ways to get around — it’s affordable, reliable, and widely used by both locals and travelers. Public transit is cheap but can be overwhelming for first-timers. The Metro is fast and extensive but gets very crowded, especially during rush hours. The Metrobus and Ecobici bike-share are also great options for some areas. If you use public transportation, keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your bags. Ultimately, I think Uber is the best option!
Altitude Adjustment
At 7,350 feet (2,240 meters), Mexico City’s elevation can take a toll, yet surprisingly this sea level girl was fine. I have experienced a bloody nose in Colorado when at this elevation, but I was great in Mexico City. I wonder if it’s due to more humidity in Mexico City? Either way, it’s good to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol your first night, and take it slow if you feel lightheaded.
Food Safety Basics
As for food safety, I didn’t think much of it, but my sister was on high alert! In the end, we all were good for the entire trip! At the end of our 4 days in Mexico City, we found out there is a symbol that some restaurants will have on display. Look for the Distintivo H seal, which suggests the restaurant is committed to the highest quality food and water safety.
Overall, if you want to try street food stick to vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene. Peel fruits yourself, skip tap water (even for brushing teeth), and opt for bottled water. Many travelers also bring activated charcoal or probiotics as a precaution, but I did neither of those things.
Where to Stay by Area
Wondering what the best area in Mexico City to stay for your trip? I have a full detailed post if you’re ready to start booking. However, the below offers some basic insights as you gather information!
Best Area in Mexico City to Stay | Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
There are so many great areas to stay for your 4 days in Mexico City. Centro Histórico puts you in the heart of Mexico City’s history, near the Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and iconic cathedrals — perfect for sightseeing, though it can be noisy and crowded. Roma Norte is a hip, leafy neighborhood full of cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, ideal for creatives and foodies. Condesa offers a similar vibe but is a bit more relaxed, with Art Deco buildings and wide, tree-lined streets great for walking. Polanco is upscale and polished, home to luxury shopping, fine dining (including Pujol), and top museums like Museo Soumaya.
Coyoacán, while farther out, charms with cobblestone streets, a bohemian feel, and the Frida Kahlo Museum. However, I’d choose San Angel over Coyoacán, but both are far from most top sights so consider your itinerary before choosing either neighborhood.
We stayed in Polanco which was great, and I also loved Roma Norte!
Mexico City Weather Overview
Mexico City enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, thanks to its high elevation (7,350 ft / 2,240 m). Expect warm days, cool nights, and noticeable seasonal shifts in rainfall more than temperature. The dry season (roughly November to April) is sunny and pleasant, while the rainy season (May to October) brings short, heavy afternoon showers but still plenty of sunshine. Even during the rainy months, mornings are often clear. Pack layers for your 4 days in Mexico City, since temperatures can swing 20°F or more in a day.
Mexico City Weather by Season
| Season | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 70°F | 44°F | Low (0.3–0.5 in/month) | Dry, sunny, cool mornings and nights |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 77°F | 50°F | Increasing (up to 1 in) | Warm, sunny, very dry; air quality dips |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 74°F | 55°F | High (5–6 in/month) | Rainy season, with daily afternoon showers |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 72°F | 50°F | Decreasing (4 to 1 in) | Lush and green; showers taper off by Nov |
4 Days in Mexico City
I hope these travel tips help when visiting Mexico City! There is plenty to see and do, so it’s not hard to fill up your 4 days! There’s such a variety of things to do as well, which is really fun! Of course, the hot air balloon was more amazing than I expected and was truly bucket list worthy!
Well, I hope you have an amazing trip! Enjoy the culture, food, and personalities of Mexico City!
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