48 Hours In Mexico City – 2 Day Itinerary

This two-day itinerary looks at the best that Mexico City has to offer in just 48 hours. From old-school cantinas, museums, inspired dining restaurants, ancient canals, art deco buildings and heritage sites – Mexico City promises unmissable sights and activities for everyone.

Mexico City boasts of modern and old-school heritage. As you stroll the city, you’ll be surrounded by Aztec heritage and Spanish colonial architecture, specifically at Mexico City’s Zócalo – the main square once the epicentre of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán.

The Frida Kahlo Museum and Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) showcase Kahlo’s iconic works and offer a comprehensive collection of artefacts that delve into Mexico’s indigenous cultures.

Taste authentic Mexican food and drinks from mouthwatering tacos al pastor and spicy tamales to mezcals and tequilas. 

The best time to visit? During the dry season, typically from November to April. However, remember that Mexico City’s elevation can lead to higher humidity levels during these months, so pack accordingly. 

Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods are popular among travellers and first-timers when choosing accommodation. These areas are known for their tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, and trendy cafes, offering a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to many of the city’s attractions.

Whether captivated by ancient history, intrigued by modern art, or simply craving a culinary adventure, two days in Mexico City is enough to tease you to come back for more.

Overview Of 2 Days In Mexico City Itinerary

Here are some ideas of what you’ll see and do in two days in Mexico City:

Day 1 in Mexico City

• Traditional Mexican breakfast at Cafe de Tacuba
• Explore Mexico City’s Zocalo
• Admire murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Lunch at Hosteria de Santo Domingo
• Stroll around Chapultepec Park
• Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
• Early dinner at La Ventanita
• Watch a Lucha Libre Match
• Midnight street food hunt at Polanquito

Day 2 in Mexico City

• Quick breakfast run at El Hidalguense
• Visit and explore Teotihuacan
• Late lunch at Entremar
• Check out the Basilica de Guadalupe
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum 
• Listen to a Mariacrchi Ensemble at Plaza Garibaldi
• Dinner at Mercado Roma 
• Sunset cocktails at Roma Norte

Day 1 in Mexico City

Traditional Mexican Breakfast at Cafe de Tacuba

With only 48 hours in Mexico City, best you dine at one of the oldest and longest-running dining places, Cafe de Tacuba. Tucked away in the city’s Centro Historico, this restaurant takes you inside Mexico’s colonial past with window-stained double doors and antique furnishings. 

Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast, from chilaquiles to enfrijoladas. There are plenty of other options, as the menu offers almost all of Mexico’s regional delicacies.  Arrive early, or you might have to queue since the cafe does not take bookings. 

Explore Mexico City’s Zocalo

First stop after breakfast is the iconic Zocalo, the main square of Mexico City. Also known as Plaza de la Constitution, it is situated at the historic centre of Mexico City. It’s easy to spot with the massive flagpole bearing the Mexican flag, and is a meeting point for tour groups.

This historic plaza is steeped in both Aztec and Spanish colonial history. You can marvel at the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, where you can admire Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting Mexico’s history. The Zocalo is also a vibrant hub of activity, with street performers on every corner and vendors selling handmade souvenirs. 

Admire Murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes

Another must-see is the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This magnificent art nouveau and deco building houses a renowned cultural centre where you’ll find the National Theatre Company, the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra and much more.

It is also where murals by famous Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo can be seen. These murals are essential to Mexico’s history because they depict history, culture, and social issues, offering a visual feast for art enthusiasts.

Lunch at Hosteria de Santo Domingo

Hosteria de Santo Domingo is a go-to dining place for locals and tourists strolling the historical centre of Mexico City. 

A local cantina, Hosteria de Santo Domingo is known to serve great chiles en noagda – a dish made with meat stuffed with green poblano pepper, some white nut sauce, and red pomegranate. This favorite is normally reserved for Mexican Independence Day but has become a staple dish at Hosteria de Santo Domingo. 

Stroll around Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is not just your ordinary park. It is massive, so best you research before visiting so you don’t get lost. From the main entry gates stroll down paths towards one of its prominent landmarks – the Chapultepec Castle, which is divided into two sections, the Museum of Anthropology and the Alcazar. 

The Alcazar showcases various rooms decorated with 19th-century furnishings and art. During the same period, the castle was occupied by emperors Maximiliano and Carlota and, after that, President Porfirio Díaz and his wife, Carmen Romero Rubio. Other places to see inside the park include the Memorial Squadron 201, Cincalco Cavern, Audiorama, and Petrogrifo de Moctezuma. Walking tour options are available if you have the time.

Visit the National Museum of Anthropology

While at Chapultepec Castle, visit the Museum of Anthropology, which houses over 600,000 collections of art, archaeological artefacts and ethnographic exhibits, providing insights into Mexico’s diverse indigenous cultures.

With several exhibitions inside, you can check out the iconic Aztec Calendar Stone, colossal Olmec heads, and delicate ceremonial dishes or ornaments. It also houses a school, library, film archive and public auditoriums. 

Early Dinner at La Ventanita

For an early dinner before more exploring, head to La Ventanita, a charming restaurant near Chapultepec Park specialising in traditional Mexican cuisine. 

Enjoy dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and spices) or tamales with savoury fillings. The cosy atmosphere and authentic flavours will make for a memorable dining experience.

Watch a Lucha Libre Match

Your weekend in Mexico City will not be complete without a live lucha libre match – a Mexican version of wrestling that features high-energy and highly-skilled luchadores performing acrobatic moves and thrilling manoeuvres with colourful masks.

Matches usually happen on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, so best to plan and book in advance. We suggest booking online to avoid long queues and disappointment.  

Tour Pick

Lucha Libre Experience

• 4.5 hours 
• Mezcal tasting 
• Souvenir Luchador Mask

Check Price

Midnight Street Food Hunt at Polanquito

If you still have the energy after watching a lucha libre match, then head to Polanquito to try out some local street food. Polanquito – a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary scene – is where you can find most of Mexico’s street food vendors open till midnight. 

Get to sample an array of delectable treats, from mouthwatering tacos and quesadillas to delicious churros and elotes, and don’t forget to pair with local beer. 

Day 2 in Mexico City

Quick breakfast run at El Hidalguense

To kickstart your second day in Mexico City, try a quick to-go breakfast from the famous El Hidalguense. Known for its delicious barbacoa or queso asado, the vibe is lively and crowded. Plus, they are only open from Friday to Sunday, so get there real early.

Visit and Explore Teotihuacan

A few hours outside Mexico City you’ll find the ancient city of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’ll need to dedicate the entire morning to this tour. 

Teotihuacan is renowned for being home to massive pyramids known as the Sun and the Moon. It is also where you’ll find the Avenue of the Dead. For the more adventurous, there’s also a chance to hop aboard a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the ancient city. 

Or, simply go on a walking or bike tour and explore this archaeological wonder that offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s pre-Columbian history.

Tour Pick

Teotihuacan Day Tour

• 9 hours 
• Entrance to Teotihuacan
• Tequila tasting

Check Price

Late Lunch at Entremar

After your Teotihuacan adventure, head back to Entremar in Mexico City for lunch. Entremar is a seafood restaurant known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. 

From ceviche to grilled octopus, indulge in various seafood delicacies prepared with a modern twist. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail made with mezcal as you enjoy the vibrant ambience of the restaurant. 

Check out the Basilica de Guadalupe

Basilica de Guadalupe – one of Mexico’s most important religious sites – is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. 

This massive Catholic church houses the famous cloaks containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which has become an important pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide. You don’t have to be Catholic to admire and marvel at the building’s architectural style. 

Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum 

Art enthusiasts will have heard of the famous Frida Kahlo Museum. Frida Kahlo is a renowned Mexican artist known for creating vibrant portraits and art that depict social issues. 

The Frida Kahlo Museum is her former residence with her husband, Diego Rivera. Also known as Casa Azul (Blue House), this museum has several colorful rooms adorned with Kahlo’s artworks, personal belongings, and memorabilia. 

As you go on a self-guided tour inside the museum, gain insight into the iconic artist’s life, struggles, and creative genius. There’s also a garden inside where you can take a break in between while exploring the museum. 

Tour Pick

Ticket Frida Kahlo Museum

• 2-4 hours 
• Skip the Line

Check Price

Listen to a Mariacrchi Ensemble at Plaza Garibaldi

Before heading for drinks and dinner, enjoy the sounds of a Mariachi Ensemble at Plaza Garibaldi during your 48 hours in Mexico City.

Plaza Garibaldi is where you’ll find several Mariachi playing traditional Mexican music, and as the evening sets in, the square comes alive with mariachi bands dressed in traditional attire. Enjoy the band’s enchanting melodies and live performances. Something to remember Mexico City by! 

Dinner at Mercado Roma 

Capping off your two days in Mexico City, have dinner at one of the city’s most famous food courts, Mercado Roma. Mercado Roma offers something different as the restaurants serve gourmet food, offering a wide range of culinary delights. Explore the stalls and choose from an array of international and Mexican cuisine. 

Cocktails at Roma Norte

If you’re staying in Roma Norte for your 48 hours in Mexico City, then you know by now that this neighborhood of CDMX is the place to enjoy some drinks and the nightlife scene. 

At Roma Norte, find several rooftop bars or terraces to enjoy sunset cocktails while you admire the panoramic view of the city from the rooftops. Some places to check out at Roma Norte for excellent drinks are La Nacional, Biergarten, Traspatio and El Deoposito. 

Tours in Mexico City

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Teotihuacan is a famous destination for tourists, and while this is a few hours from the city, by booking a tour you’ll have fewer worries about transportation and food since breakfast will be provided. 

This tour is not just a casual walking tour around the ancient city; you’ll hop aboard a hot air balloon ride in the morning, enjoying the old town and nearby areas from a different perspective.

Xohimilco Boat Party 

Got some spare time? Then visit Xochimilco, where you can find hundreds of floating trajineras in a water canal. 

On this tour you’ll hop aboard a trajinera, much like a boat, and enjoy a party with the rest of your tour group. As you cruise along Xochimilco’s floating canals, you’ll be provided with beer, tequila, mezcal and some snacks. 

Mariachi music will make the cruise more lively, and you’ll be able to stop by the replica Island of Dolls and Handicraft Market at the end.

Night Food Crawl

Mexico is not Mexico without its tacos! If you’re a foodie and want to enjoy the best of Mexico City’s gastronomic food scene, then best you join a night food crawl. Lasting for three hours, you’ll hunt down the city’s best tacos and even mezcal, with the help of a local guide.

2-Day Itinerary for Mexico City Wrap-up

There you have it – everything you need to know, do and see for a jam-packed 48 hours in Mexico City. So what are you waiting for? Pack your things and head to Mexico City for a fun 48 hours! 

Recommended tours in Mexico City

• Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco & Tequila Tasting Tour
• Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour
• Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City
• Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City
• Historic Downtown Walking Tour
• Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour from Mexico City
• Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit in Mexico City
• Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting in Mexico City

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• Best Day Trips from Tulum
• The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Mexico
• Places to stay in Merida

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