Mexico City Itinerary 5 Days

5 Days in Mexico City - Perfect Vacation Guide

As the capital of Mexico, the Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, is best known for its topsy-turvy complexities. The city lies in the Anáhuac Valley, surrounded by the mighty mountain ranges with two magnificent snow-covered volcanoes guarding the city. Back in the city, like any other metropolis, Mexico City has its share of touristy attractions, shopping avenues, gardens, cafes & restaurants.

If you are planning a 5-day Mexico City tour, here are some of the things that you can do while here.

What to see in Mexico City in 5 days?

Top attractions in Mexico City

The heart of the city, every tourist comes here at least one. The birthplace of constitution, Zócalo is located right at the centre of the city. As a tribute to the Aztecs, one must visit the Templo Mayor and the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlán. One of the oldest and largest churches in the western hemisphere is located right here. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María) with its gorgeous bell towers is one of the top attractions in the city. Other popular tourist attractions in the city are The National Palace, Parque Alameda Central, The Square of the Three Cultures and Santiago de Tlatelolco, Paseo de la Reforma and the Angel of Independence, Chapultepec Park, and The Palace of Fine Arts.

Adventurous things to do in Mexico City

Of the many adventurous things to do in Mexico City, you can go hiking on the Iztaccihuatl Volcano - Mexico’s third highest mountain, or hike at Nevado de Toluca – the country’s fourth tallest peak. The nature lovers can enjoy an ATV ride in the Metepec while admiring its beautiful landscapes. Or visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary to see the butterfly migration.

Free things to do in Mexico City

For those on tight budget, or the ones backpacking, Mexico City has many free things to do which are just as cool! You can go bike riding along the Avenida Reforma, watch some wildlife at one of the world’s most visited zoos - Chapultepec Zoo, check out the Rivera Murals in the Palacio Nacional, visit free museums, or climb up the Ángel de la Independencia.

Shopping in Mexico City

From daily needs to fresh spices & chillies, from gothic clothes to metal DVDs, from handicrafts to lacquered boxes & black pottery, Mexico City has many markets that would keep you on toes if you are shopping person. Check out its many markets like Mercado de la Merced, Tianguis Cultural del Chopo, Centro de Artesanías La Ciudadela, Mercado de Sonora, and Fonart while you are here.

Non-touristy things to do in Mexico City

One of the highlights of the Santa María la Ribera neighbourhood, the Kiosco Morisco has sparked a thousand rumours right from its inception. Go off the beaten path and explore this landmark on your next visit to Mexico City. If you love museums, you can check out some niche exhibits at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. And while most travellers come to Mexico to enjoy the chapulines, some may even want to dare to eat the edible insects. Mercado de San Juan is one such place where you can try the many ‘bugs.’

Hipster things to do in Mexico City

Whether it is spending an afternoon at a bookstore, or meeting with the dog lovers in Mexico City, this city has its share of cool things to do. Condesa and Roma in Mexico City are said to be two of the hippest neighbourhoods in Mexico City. These neighbourhoods have numerous amazing cafes and restaurants offering every type of cuisine you can imagine along with many hipster-run bars. The geeky ones can visit Cafebreria El Pendulo for its part café – part bookstore – part forest ambience or head to the City of Books at Biblioteca Vasconcelos a mega-library.

Unusual things to do in Mexico City

If you want to witness something ‘disturbing,’ you must head to La Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls). Located about 25 kilometres south of the city, this island is full of hundreds of hanging, decomposing, and decapitated dolls. Superstitious? You can head to Mercado de Sonora to see its large esoteric market. Want something creepier? You can also visit the Santuario Nacional del Angel de la Santa Muerte – a Mexican church dedicated to the skeleton saint.