How to Spend 2 Days in Mexico City

Two days in Mexico City gives you plenty of time to see top attractions, discover the city’s ancient history, and experience Mexican culture. Smart planning ensures you make the most of your time, while time-saving tours can help you see more for your travel budget. Here are a few ideas for two days in Mexico City.

Day 1: Mexico City: Past and Present

**Morning:**Maximize your time with an early access tour of Teotihuacan. Also known as the City of the Gods, it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, and it’s just outside Mexico City. To get the most out of your visit, opt for a guided tour and take in highlights such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Pyramid of the Sun, and Avenue of the Dead. 

**Afternoon:**Back in the city, explore the city’s historic center—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—starting with Zocalo square. A guided walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to get around, stopping at attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Palace of Fine Arts, and House of Tiles. Finish by picking up a few souvenirs from the La Ciudadela artisan market.

**Night:**Attend a lucha libre (masked wrestling) match and experience one of Mexico’s unique sporting traditions. Afterwards, head to Plaza de Garibaldi, where mariachi bands take to the streets to entertain passers-by. Grab a seat at one of the bars around the square to watch the action. 

Day 2: Markets, Museums, and Mariachi

**Morning:**Start the day with an early morning visit to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to Aztec times. Cruise around the Xochimilco canals and islands on a traditional trajinera boat. Afterwards, head to the nearby Coyoacán neighborhood, where the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum are top attractions. Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets as queues can be long.

**Afternoon:**A walking or Segway tour of Chapultepec Park is a fun way to explore Mexico City’s largest park. Many tours visit the hilltop Chapultepec Castle or stop at the National Museum of Anthropology, before continuing along the grand Paseo de la Reforma, past landmarks such as the Angel of Independence and Torre Mayor.

**Night:**The bohemian neighborhoods of La Condesa and Roma are the place to be after dark, with a huge choice of bars, cafes, and restaurants, where you can sample delicious Mexican cuisine. After filling up on tacos, tamales, and quesadillas, join the locals at one of the many nightclubs or live music venues—don’t expect an early night, as most of them stay late.