Mexico City Itinerary : Perfect 2 Days In Mexico City
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Planning a trip to Mexico City? We have the perfect Mexico City itinerary that will help you make the most of your short visit. Read on for the best things to do, where to stay and more insider tips.
For the love of Mexican art, modern architecture, culture and food, you must visit Mexico City at least once. Mexico City is the largest city (area-wise) in North America. That is not it, the culture and captivating history of this city are also vibrant. There is no shortage of fabulous things to do in Mexico city. It might seem difficult to explore this city when you are there for a short trip or a weekend. Make sure that you plan ahead of your trip to experience the best of Mexico City.
Here is a 2 days in Mexico City itinerary for your short visit to this cultural land. We bet; you won’t want to miss this one.
Mexico City Itinerary : Top Things To Do In 2 Days
DAY 1 : Chapultepec Castle, Chapultepec Park, National Museum of Anthropology, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zocalo
Morning – Afternoon
Tour The Chapultepec Castle
This Castle tells the tale of the war between Mexicans and Americans. The fact that it is built on the hill, might require some time out of your schedule to reach there. You will also get to marvel on the beauty of the city from the top of the hill and it will all be worth it. The castle is huge and is built with neoclassical, gothic and neo-romantic styles of architecture.
There are barely any buildings in this part of the world that would constitute all these styles altogether which makes it unique. Hence, it is also known as the European sovereign of Mexico. The marble cladding garden makes for a magnificent entry. The golden dining room, with beautiful chandeliers, the malachite room with the green door and frescoes, and the blue bedroom, and stained-glass windows would take you on a tour of its magnificence, even if you are not interested in history.
For those who are, there is the monument of Nino’s heroes in the background, that you might love to witness. There is a museum adjacent to the palace that has a collection of artilleries from the war and other documents.
- Opening Hours : The museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.
Click here to get your tickets for Chapultepec Castle.
Visit The Chapultepec Park, the lungs of Mexico City
You already know the significance of this place by the name. It is a park on the grounds of Chapultepec Castle, but that is not it. The greenery of these trees has always provided a scenic view of the castle as well as the city. And, lush green trees provide a soulful breath and a place to relax to whoever, native or visitor by providing shade. Here, you can simply find yourself relaxing in these forests.
You would love the fresh air as well as a water brook going by the forests. You can find fun things to do like boating, and having food in these forests. You can click a lot of pictures or simply organize a picnic while you just relax here.
Visit The National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology is known worldwide for its richness in its collection of objects and ancient sculptures that have witnessed the birth of this part of the world. The history and literature of cultures that thrived on this land, centuries before modern humans took their place can be found here. The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the must visit spots in your Mexico City itinerary that you should not miss out.
The documents of Aztec culture, the ancient coins, equal to the size of the modern truck wheel and the details inscribed on them would leave you amazed and aghast. The National Museum of Anthropology is the most popular museum located in Chapultepec Park. It is also the most visited museum in Mexico City.
- Opening Hours : The museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.
Click here to get your skip the line tickets for the National Museum of Anthropology.
Admire Creativity At Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace Of Fine Arts)
From the museum to a magnificent palace, the next stop in your Mexico City itinerary is Palacio de Bellas Artes, which is grandiose in size and beauty. The high white walls, as well as the golden entrance, add to the magical beauty of the palace. You would realize time is a mere hoax once you enter this place. Though, this palace has been home to many cultural events like music, dance and other concerts.
Many exhibitions, art shows and galleries also take place here. There are creations by other notable artists that will welcome you to the place, like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siquieros, Roberto Montenegro and Jose Clemente Orozco. There is a theatre and an opera house built inside the palace so if you want a royal, luxurious day all by yourself, you are most welcome here.
- Opening Hours : Palacio de Bellas Artes remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 AM to 5 PM. It remains closed on Mondays.
Post Lunch (After 3 PM)
Zocalo or Plaza de la Constitución
Would you want to stand on the same land where people gathered and celebrated or discussed important matters influencing society since Aztec times? Zocalo would be that place for you in Mexico City. By this time, you will witness the sun slowly transforming into twilight. The lights of the Zocalo or Plaza de la Constitución, as it is called in the local language, make this place look like a carnival that is about to happen.
The flag of Mexico City in the middle of the place as well as red, golden lights against the lavender skies gives it a magical look that you would love to capture in your presence. This is the place that you would love to be a part of no matter what because of its beauty and heritage. The cultural and modern buildings surrounding this place would make you realize the time through which this city has lived and the time through which this city is thriving. The main tourist attractions that you must visit in Zocalo are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and the Aztec remains at Templo Mayor.
Located very close to Zocalo is La Casa de Los Azulejos also known as the House of Tiles. It is a very picturesque spot and a must visit in the vicinity.
Evening
Bon Appetit
Mexican food and Mexican drinks have lovers all around the world. But we all know that is not how the actual Mexican cuisine tastes like. To get the real taste of the place and to explore more about Mexican food in Mexican style, you must explore street food in Mexico. There are many high-end restaurants in Mexico City like Condimento Restaurant, Restaurante Condimento Emporio Reforma and Parrilla Urbana Division del Norte where you can experience the best Mexican culinary services. Baja Street food is also known for its seafood cuisines. It is located at a short distance of 5 kms from Zocalo.
DAY 2 : Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Soumaya, Polanco Neighborhood
Morning
Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe
Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe or the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the ancient catholic church whose architecture shows the perfect amalgamation of modern art and ancient Mexican renaissance altogether. It is also one of the most visited religious sites in the world. The old giant walls of the basilica remind you of the sixteenth century, when it was built for the first time. You will find a lot of pilgrims and other tourists here as you explore the place who have come to pay their homage to the lady of Guadalupe.
- Opening Hours : 9 AM to 6:30 PM daily.
Afternoon
Frida Kahlo Museum
Your second day in Mexico City must also start with some art. And who would better be named about art than Frida Kahlo herself who spent her life redefining art and its beauty? It would be unfortunate if you miss out on this one. Because the museum is not just a big blue building. Yes, this is the place where Frida herself resided once. And it is where she gave birth to all the phenomenal pieces of art that are still talked about and auctioned for millions.
As once you step into the blue house, you would be entering the Universe of Frida herself. Straight from the museographer Carlos Pellicer, himself, you would find, “remarkable art pieces, pre-Columbian sculptures, photographs, documents, books and furniture.” Apart from all of these, you would also find an exhibition of Frida’s dresses.
- Opening Hours : Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM. The Frida Kahlo Museum remains closed on Mondays.
Click here to get your skip the line tickets for Frida Kahlo Museum.
Museo Soumaya
After getting your mind blown away from the past, get ready for a futuristic ride again at the Museo Soumaya. This building would make your jaw drop and once you realize its architecture, you would be not any less than amazed. Two museums are a part of this building. The insides of the Museo will transport you to a futuristic kingdom.
There are certain pieces of art around the museum about which you might have only heard about. The Museo does not only have a collection of pieces from Mexico but from around the world. No matter which field of creativity you belong to, you will find something of inspiration here. The museum does not charge any fees to the visitors. Visiting Museo Soumaya is one of the most amazing things to do in your Mexico City itinerary.
- Opening Hours : 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily.
Evening
Stroll Through The Streets Of Polanco Neighborhood
Polanco is a posh, glitzy and upscale neighborhood, amusingly also known as the Beverley Hills of Mexico city. Museo Soumaya is located very close to this neighborhood. There are many galleries, boutique stores, restaurants, greenspaces and malls in Polanco. One of the most prominent churches of Mexico City, the San Augustin Church is located here. It has a unique and impressive architecture which will certainly capture your attention.
General Information : Mexico City Itinerary
Where To Stay In Mexico City?
The best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City are either Polanco or Paseo de la Reforma. These places are very closely located to many attractions such as the Chapultepec Castle and Chapultepec Park. There are a wide variety of restaurants, shopping centers and cafes available in these neighborhoods. Centro Historico surrounding the Zocalo square is another popular neighborhood in Mexico City. However, we do not recommend this area because being the cultural center of the city, it is very crowded.
Below are our top recommendations for a delightful and comfortable stay in the Mexico City;
Budget (upto $50) : Located close to the Reforma Avenue, in San Rafael, Hotel Astor offers an affordable stay to budget travelers in Mexico City. The hotel features air conditioned rooms that are well fitted with basic amenities. The rooms are also clean and comfortable. The staff at the hotel is very friendly and helpful. The Benito Juarez International Airport is just 8 kms away from Hotel Astor. Other facilities include free WiFi, free parking and an onsite restaurant. Click here to book your stay in Hotel Astor or to check its availability.
Mid Range ($50 – $100) : Suites Kepler features amazing facilities for guests at a fair price. It is located very close to attractions like the National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Castle. The rooms at the hotel are boutique styled, spacious, cozy and comfortable. The rooms are also very well equipped and have balcony where you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful city views. Family rooms are available too. The hotel is located at a distance of 10 kms from the Benito Juarez International Airport. WiFi access and parking area is available free of cost for the guests. Click here to book your stay in Suites Kepler or to check its availability.
Luxury ($100+) : Camino Real Polanco is an architectural wonder in Mexico City. This luxury hotel was imagined as a hotel-museum by renowned architect Ricardo Legorreta and was specially built for the 1968 Olympics. The rooms in the hotel are beautifully decorated and well fitted with ultra luxurious amenities. The hotel also boasts facilities like complimentary breakfast, swimming pool, gym, spa, babysitting/childcare services, onsite restaurants, sun deck and garden. The hotel is located at a distance of 10 kms from Benito Juarez International Airport. Staying in Camino Real Polanco is an experience in itself. Click here to book your stay in Camino Real Polanco or to check its availability.
How To Get Around Mexico City?
Mexico City has a very well connected metro system. It is the most convenient, fastest and cheapest mode of transportation in the city. Almost all major tourist attractions can be reached by metro. Alternatively, you can also hire cabs via Uber app. This is another very cheap, safe and easy mode of transportation in Mexico City.
Here you have it, our 2 days in Mexico City itinerary for you. We are sure you will have a fantastic time in this vibrant and lively city. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to write to us in the comments section below. Happy and safe travels!
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