7 Days Trip in Mexico City on a Budget
Explore the culture, history, and cuisine of Mexico City without breaking the bank!
Take Your Itinerary With You
Download this complete 7-day Mexico City travel guide as a PDF for offline access during your trip.
Day 1 – Arrival & Coyoacan Charm
Morning
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) & Coyoacan
Arrival at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) & Check-in
Take the metro or an authorized airport taxi to your accommodation. Opt for an Airbnb in Roma Norte or Condesa for budget-friendly options.
Explore Roma Norte
Wander through Roma Norte’s streets, admiring its architecture and bohemian vibe. Grab coffee and pastries at a local panaderia.
Afternoon
Coyoacan
Travel to Coyoacan
Take the metro (Line 3) to Coyoacan. It’s a charming, historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
Explore Coyoacan’s Plaza Hidalgo
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Plaza Hidalgo. Street performers, vendors, and beautiful architecture make it a great starting point.
Evening
Coyoacan
Dinner at Mercado de Coyoacan
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Mercado de Coyoacan. Try quesadillas, tacos, and other local delicacies for a cheap and tasty dinner.
Drinks at a Pulqueria in Coyoacan
Sample pulque, a traditional fermented beverage, at a local pulqueria. It’s a unique cultural experience and a budget-friendly way to socialize.
Pro Tip:
Download the CDMX Metro app for easy navigation. Purchase a rechargeable metro card for convenient travel.
Day 2 – Teotihuacan Pyramids & Mezcal Tasting
Morning
Teotihuacan
Early Start to Teotihuacan
Take a public bus from Terminal del Norte to Teotihuacan (approx. 1 hour). Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.
Explore the Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon for breathtaking views. Explore the Avenue of the Dead and other ruins.
Afternoon
Teotihuacan & Roma Norte
Lunch near Teotihuacan
Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a restaurant near the pyramids. Look for restaurants offering set menus (comida corrida) for budget-friendly options.
Return to Mexico City
Take the bus back to Terminal del Norte and then the metro to your accommodation. Allow ample travel time.
Evening
Roma Norte
Mezcal Tasting in Roma Norte
Visit a mezcaleria in Roma Norte and sample different types of mezcal. Espadin is a good starting point. Share a tasting flight to save money.
Dinner at a Taco Stand
Enjoy authentic street tacos at a local taco stand. Pastor is a popular and affordable choice. Explore different taco stands for variety.
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water for your trip to Teotihuacan. The sun can be intense.
Day 3 – Xochimilco Canals & Lucha Libre
Morning
Xochimilco
Travel to Xochimilco
Take the metro and Tren Ligero (light rail) to Xochimilco. It’s a bit of a journey, so start early. Research the route beforehand.
Trajinera Ride on the Canals
Rent a trajinera (decorated boat) and explore the canals of Xochimilco. Negotiate the price beforehand and split the cost among your group.
Afternoon
Xochimilco
Lunch on the Trajinera
Bring your own food and drinks or purchase them from vendors on the canals. Enjoy a picnic lunch while floating through the waterways.
Explore Xochimilco’s Market
Before heading back, explore the local market in Xochimilco. Find souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts at bargain prices.
Evening
Arena Mexico
Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico
Experience the excitement of Lucha Libre wrestling at Arena Mexico. Purchase tickets in advance online or at the arena to guarantee entry.
Dinner near Arena Mexico
Grab a bite to eat at a fonda (small, family-run restaurant) near Arena Mexico after the wrestling match. Affordable and authentic options abound.
Pro Tip:
Bargain hard when renting a trajinera in Xochimilco. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right. Bring cash for vendors.
Day 4 – Hiking in Desierto de los Leones
Morning
Desierto de los Leones National Park
Travel to Desierto de los Leones National Park
Take public transportation (metro + bus) to Desierto de los Leones. It requires some research and may take 1.5-2 hours each way.
Hike in Desierto de los Leones
Explore the trails in the national park. The old monastery is a highlight. Pack snacks and water as options within are limited.
Afternoon
Desierto de los Leones National Park
Explore the Ex-Convento Desierto de los Leones
Visit the ruins of the former Carmelite monastery. Learn about its history and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Picnic Lunch in the Park
Find a scenic spot in the park for a picnic lunch. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Remember to pack out your trash.
Evening
Condesa
Return to Mexico City
Travel back to Mexico City by bus and
Dinner in Condesa
Explore the diverse culinary scene in Condesa. Find a restaurant that suits your budget and taste. Many affordable options are available.
Pro Tip:
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress in layers for your hike in Desierto de los Leones. The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Day 5 – Chapultepec Park & Anthropology Museum
Morning
Chapultepec Park
Explore Chapultepec Park
Visit Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Rent bikes or walk around to explore different areas.
Chapultepec Castle (Optional)
If interested in history, visit Chapultepec Castle for panoramic views and a glimpse into Mexico’s past (entrance fee applies).
Afternoon
Chapultepec Park & Polanco
National Museum of Anthropology
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the world’s best museums dedicated to pre-Columbian civilizations (entrance fee applies).
Souvenir Shopping in Chapultepec Park
Browse the souvenir stalls in Chapultepec Park. Find unique and affordable gifts to take home. Bargaining is expected.
Evening
Polanco
Dinner at El Turix (Cochinita Pibil)
Try Cochinita Pibil at El Turix in Polanco. It’s a famous hole-in-the-wall known for its delicious Yucatecan pork tacos.
Drinks in Polanco
Enjoy drinks at a bar in Polanco. Polanco is generally more upscale, so research happy hour deals for budget-friendly options.
Pro Tip:
The National Museum of Anthropology is vast, so prioritize exhibits to see beforehand. Allocate at least 3-4 hours for your visit.
Day 6 – Tlatelolco & Historic Center
Morning
Tlatelolco
Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Tlatelolco)
Visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas in Tlatelolco, a historical site where Aztec ruins, a Spanish colonial church, and modern buildings coexist.
Memorial 68 (Museo Memorial del 68)
Learn about the Tlatelolco massacre at Memorial 68, a museum dedicated to the student movement of 1968 (entrance fee applies, check schedule).
Afternoon
Historic Center
Historic Center Exploration
Explore the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio Nacional.
Palacio Nacional Murals
Admire Diego Rivera’s murals at the Palacio Nacional, depicting the history of Mexico (free entry, but may require ID).
Evening
Historic Center
Dinner at a Traditional Cantina
Experience a traditional cantina in the Historic Center. Many offer free snacks with drinks. Salón Corona is a popular option.
Evening Stroll in the Zocalo
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Zocalo at night. Street performers, food vendors, and illuminated buildings create a magical ambiance.