How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City

Did you know that Mexico City is the largest city in all of North America? Neither did I before I looked into planning a trip to this metropolis. The capital city of Mexico is even larger than New York, and there’s just as much to do! I only scratched the surface on my recent trip to Mexico City. It quickly became my favourite place that I’ve visited in the country (no offence to the Yucatan which was also incredible), surpassing my expectations in every way. There’s so much history to take in through spectacular museums, delicious food to stimulate your taste buds and cultural charm to bask in. There’s something for everyone in this multi-faceted and brilliant city, much more than you can experience than in 3 days in Mexico City.

You could easily spend weeks here. But how do you decide what to see if you’ve only got 3 days in Mexico City? That’s where this guide comes in. After covering the basics, I’ll take you through my ideal itinerary for 3 days in Mexico City.

The Best Time for 3 Days in Mexico City

Mexico City can be visited any time of year. While geographically, you might be expecting a tropical climate (and the seasonal weather patterns that come with it), the elevation of the city at over 2,200 metres above sea level means that the capital enjoys a more temperate climate throughout the year. There is a short rainy season that lasts from June to October, which is actually when I was in the city (August), but for the most part this just means isolated bursts of downpours in the late afternoon and evening. I got drenched a few times on the way to dinner, but for the rest of the time I enjoyed perfect weather.

With Mexico City’s huge population, the city’s attractions can be crowded, particularly on weekends. One notably quiet time in the city is the Semana Santa (Easter week). During this week many locals leave the city, though this also means many attractions and restaurants close. On the flip side, if you want to see Mexico City at its most vibrant, consider heading to the city around Dia de los Muertos (the Mexican Day of the Dead festival).

How to Get to Mexico City

Most visitors to Mexico City will fly into the Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). As the main airline hub in Mexico, this large airport (the largest in Latin America) consists of two terminals and is located about 7 kilometres east of the city centre. Over 20 airlines provide international service to Mexico City and you’ll find direct flights here from major destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. The airport also operates flights to various destinations all over Mexico.

You should always check official entry requirements before travelling to another country, however citizens of most countries won’t need a visa to visit Mexico. Obviously you’ll need a valid passport. Upon entry, you’ll receive an entry travel permit for 180 days. You’ll also be handed a card, called the Forma migratoria multiple (FMM). You’ll need to hold onto this physical card and return it when departing the country. Keep it some place safe, as if you lose it, you’ll have to pay for replacement before exiting Mexico.

Once you’re through customs, the best way to get into the city is using Uber. Its extremely affordable in Mexico City (and unlike in the Yucatan is quite reliable). Prices will generally be cheaper than official taxis. It should only take around 30 minutes to get downtown. I strongly advise you not to hail a random cab from the airport (or anywhere else in Mexico City). While the city is mostly safe, rare kidnappings by unofficial taxis do take place and tourists can be targeted.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Being the large, sprawling city that it is, Mexico is full of places to stay, and the best part is that there are options that suit every budget. Overall, Mexico City (as with much of the country) is a very affordable place to travel – the dollar stretches quite a bit here. As a rough guideline, you can expect to pay the following prices per night for a double room in high season:

• Budget: less than $800 MXN
• Mid-range: $800 MXN to $1600 MXN
• Luxury: more than $1600 MXN.

There’s so many different neighbourhoods you could stay in when visiting Mexico City. Popular districts include Roma and Condesa, which are known for being Mexico City’s hippest residential districts. There are tons of boutique properties and budget friendly bed and breakfast options in this part of the city. As a first time visitor with only 3 days in Mexico City howevever, I recommend basing yourself somewhere central, and that means either in the Centro Historico (the old town) or neighbouring Alameda Central neighbourhoods. Staying here will put you in walking distance to a number of attractions, as well as Paseo de la Reforma, a major thoroughfare in the city.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Hotel Plaza Revolucion, which was just off Reforma and a short walk from the Centro Historico. This mid-range hotel is extremely affordable and contains all the modern amenities you might need. It comes highly recommended if you’re looking for a place to stay when spending 3 days in Mexico City!

How to Get Around over 3 Days in Mexico City

I didn’t have any problems getting around Mexico City during my stay. When it comes to the sites around the Centro Historico and Alameda Central neighbourhoods, you can get anywhere you need on foot. I think its also worth walking when getting out to Bosque de Chapultepec, as you’ll get to see the monuments along the Paseo de la Reforma on the way.

When venturing to the neighbourhoods further away, you could use Mexico City’s metro system. Its very large and affordable, but also gets really crowded, especially during peak hours. I didn’t use it at all during my stay. Uber was my best friend for getting further out in Mexico City. Its just so affordable compared to anywhere I’ve been. Its also safe and convenient. Between Uber and my own pair of feet, Mexico City was a breeze to navigate.

Other Things to Know

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso ($MXN). ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Its worth carrying cash around as needed. While many businesses will accept major credit cards, I found that it is helpful to have cash on you, especially for minor purchases and paying for admission to museums and other attractions.

As a country in Latin America, it should come as no surprise that Spanish is the official language of Mexico. I highly recommend learning a few basic phrases at the least as it will make general transactions in stores and restaurants that much easier. While there is usually someone around that will have some knowledge of English, you can’t expect that everyone in the city will speak it, even at major tourist sights.

A few basic phrases in Spanish include:

• Hola = hello
• Que tal? = how are you?
• Estoy bien = I am well
• Disculpe = excuse me
• Gracias = thank you
• Si = yes
• No = no
• Habla ingles? = do you speak English?

If you’re interested in learning Spanish, I highly recommend the language podcast course offered by Coffee Break Languages.

While I heard lots about Mexico City before travelling there, overall, I found the city to be extremely safe. I was never uncomfortable at all, but like in all big cities, you need to exercise some common sense when out and about. You definitely want to stay in the areas that this itinerary will keep you to, as there are some shady neighbourhoods. Some of these include Tepito and Iztapalapa. You also don’t want to hang around Xochimilco after dark (though its fine during the day).

As I mentioned above, the main thing to remember is never to hail a cab off the street. Use Uber or call for a registered taxi. The kidnapping stories are real. Other than that, be alert to your surroundings, don’t eat from street stalls that don’t have high turnover, and don’t drink the tap water!

Spending 3 Days in Mexico City

3 days in Mexico City is just enough time to see all the landmark sites that are essential to any first time visitor to the Mexican capital. There’s much more to do, so you’ll definitely have the urge to return when you leave, but this itinerary will give you the perfect taste of what the city has to offer.

Day 1: Historic Capital(s)

Your first day will take you through the history of the great cities that have stood at the site of Mexico City and its surrounding areas. You’ll be starting that with a trip outside of the city itself to see the pyramids of an ancient civilisation, before returning to Mexico City proper. There you’ll dive into Mexico, both as the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, and the Historic District that marked the Spaniards settlement in this New World. Both now sit at the very core of the modern capital of Mexico.

Teotihuacan

• Where? 5580 San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico
• When? 8.00am to 5.00pm daily.
• Admission: General admission to the site costs $80 MXN.
• Website: https://www.teotihuacan.inah.gob.mx/

It might sound strange to be heading outside the city on your first morning in Mexico City, but we’re starting things off with one of the most fascinating sites in the region. Just an hour or so north of the capital are the ruins of the ancient city of Teotihuacan. Known for its massive pyramids, the structures in this city are believed to have dated as far back as 100 BC, and by the 4th century, Teotihuacan was a major power in Mesoamerica. Over 150,000 people called the city home, at one point in time making it the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, prior to its 7th century decline. Today, the ruins are the most visited archeological site in Mexico.

Its best to arrive at Teotihuacan as early as possible. The site opens at 8.00am, so set your alarm, grab a quick bite to eat, then get an Uber ride out. It should only cost around 600 pesos, though you’ll also have to pay your driver about 80 pesos for the highway toll (in cash). Once at the site, you’ll be able to take in all the key monuments such as the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Citadel and the Quetzalpapalotl Complex, all while making your way along the Calzada de los Muertos. Its a huge site with little shelter, making early morning the best time to beat the heat. You’ll even find an on-site museum containing a few artefacts excavated from the ruins. Note that you can no longer climb the pyramids at Teotihuacan.

Count on spending about 3 hours the ruins. Stay hydrated and if you’re hungry, consider an early lunch at the nearby La Gruta cave restaurant before getting an Uber back to Mexico City. If you’re back by early afternoon, you’ll have more than enough time to get through the rest of the day’s itinerary.

• Considering a day trip to Teotihuacan? Read more HERE.

Zocalo

Returning to Mexico City, you’ll be kicking things off in its very heart. As with so many cities founded under the Spanish, Mexico City is built around a Zocalo or Plaza Mayor (main square). The history of this square actually goes back to the days of the Aztec Empire, as they founded their own city here in 1325. Today, you’ll always find something going on in the Zocalo, ranging from street performers to demonstrations. The highlight of the square is the absolutely MASSIVE Mexico flag that flies from the flagpole in the middle.

The Zocalo is lined by some major buildings, some of the most important in the city. We’ll visit the gigantic cathedral later, but along the east side you’ll see the Palacio Nacional. This building houses the office of the Mexican President and Finance Ministry today, though it was originally the Palace of one Hernan Cortez and the Spanish Viceroys during the colonial era. The Palace was closed to guests during my stay in Mexico City last year, though if you get the chance, its worth heading inside to see the evocative mural paintings of Diego Rivera in the main stairwell. They were illustrated from 1929 to 1951 and convey the history of Mexico.

When you’re ready to continue on to the next destination, head to the north east corner of the square.

Museo del Templo Mayor

• Where? Semario 8, Cento Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
• When? 9.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $90 MXN for adults
• Website: https://www.templomayor.inah.gob.mx/

Time for more ruins! The ruins of the Templo Mayor are much more recent than the pyramids you saw earlier in the day, though they still date back to 1325. The Templo Mayor was an important site of worship in the middle of the Aztec capital. Tenochtitlan stood here prior to the arrival of the Spanish, and legend tells of the Aztecs settling here after witnessing an eagle perch on a cactus with a snake in its beak at this site (an icon depicted on the Mexican flag to this day). The Templo Mayor was the most significant complex of Tenochtitlan, originally consisting of two temples prior to its sacking in the Spanish Conquest of the 1500s.

The two temples that comprised the Templo Mayor paid respects to the deity of war and sun (Huitzilopochtli) and rain and agriculture (Tlaloc). The on-site museum is rather small, though it does contain various relics excavated from the site, along with other displays. The highlight is the ability to walk across a series of platforms through the foundations of the former temple and seeing just how enveloped it has become by the city of today. Many of the stones used in the Templo Mayor were repurposed by the Spanish to create new structures (such as our next stop). Visiting Templo Mayor will truly make you to appreciate that Mexico City is a city built on another city.

• You can read about the Templo Mayor and all it has to offer in my post HERE.

Catedral Metropolitana

• Where? Plaza de la Constitucion, Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
• When? 8.00am to 8.00pm daily
• Admission: Free
• Website: https://catedralmetropolitana.mx/

Finally, its time to go inside the massive cathedral that you’ve certainly noticed while hanging around the Centro Historico. The Catedral Metropolitana dominates the northern edge of the plaza and is the biggest church in all of Latin America. Construction first dates back to 1524, and the church took almost three centuries to be completed. As a result, its design consists of an amalgamation of different architectural styles. Interestingly enough, the Catedral Metropolitana is also sinking, owing to it being built on the top of Lake Texcoco (along with the rest of Mexico City).

Entry to the Catedral Metropolitana is free, but you won’t be able to enter (for tourist purposes) during mass services. Inside there are plenty of elaborate altars and golden shrines to take in, including the Altar de los Reyes. You can wander freely inside the church, but obviously you need to be respectful in this place of worship. I’m not sure if its because I arrived late in the day, but I wasn’t able to access the crypt or towers. Normally you can pay to visit both, with the latter offering supposedly spectacular views across the Zocalo.

• Want to take a more detailed look inside Catedral Metropolitana? Check out my guide HERE.

When you’re finished with the Catedral Metropolitana, its time for dinner. There are so many restaurants in the Centro Historico. Delicious and affordable Mexican cuisine is the name of the game in Mexico City, so take your pick and enjoy those tacos al pastor!

Day 2: History and Culture

On your second of 3 days in Mexico City, you’ll be visiting some of the best museums that the city has to offer. You’ll visit a castle, climb a tower and see tons of artefacts and artworks, all while spending some time outside along the way. After breakfast, you’ll want to make your way in the general direction of Bosque de Chapultepec, the largest park in the city. To get there, we’ll be taking a morning stroll along Mexico City’s most famous street.

Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma is a 3.5 kilometre long artery connecting the centre of Mexico City to Chapultepec. Its built like the wide boulevards of European cities, which makes sense considering it was commissioned by the Habsburg emperor Maximilian during his brief reign over Mexico in the late 19th century. Originally lined with fashionable houses of the upper class, Reforma today is surrounded by chain hotels and commercial towers. The main reason to take a stroll down Reforma is to see the historical monuments spread out along the route.

The walk to Chapultepec park should take around an hour. Along the way you’ll pass a plethora of monuments and statues that recognise key dates in Mexican history. The most well known of these is the Monumento a la Independencia (Angel of Independence). Dating back to 1910, it commemorates the struggle against Spanish rule and the centennial anniversary of Mexican independence. Another monument worth taking a quick diversion to see is the Monumento a la Revolucion Mexicana. Its famous dome offers views across the city (though access was closed on my visit) and remembers the Mexican Revolution.

When you reach the main gate to Bosque de Chapultepec, continue along the main path beyond the Monumento a los Ninos Heroes. Once you get to the castle, you’ll learn about the story behind the monument, as six army cadets leapt to their death here rather than surrendering to US forces in 1847. That castle is our next stop.

Castillo de Chapultepec

• Where? Bosque de Chapultepec Primera Seccion, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico
• When? 9.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $85 MXN for adults.
• Website: https://mnh.inah.gob.mx/

The fact that Castillo de Chapultepec is the only castle in North America to ever house royalty should be reason enough to visit this beautiful castle on a hill overlooking much of the park bearing the same name. Originally built as a residence for Spanish royalty in 1775, the castle has been put to many uses since, ranging from a military college during the War of Independence to the palace of both Emperor Maximilian of the Habsburg Dynasty and later President Portifirio Dias. Today, the castle is open to the public and contains the Museo Nacional de Historia.

The Museum does an excellent job providing an overview of Mexican history, chronicling the nation’s story through extensive murals, artefacts, paintings and documents. This is only half of the attraction however, as once you go upstairs, you’ll see a series of rooms preserved and furnished as they would have been across various periods of the castle’s history. From the upper terrace, you’ll also have some of the best views in Mexico City, across the tree tops of Chapultepec towards the skyscrapers in the distance. It was during my visit here that I first appreciated just how beautiful Mexico City is. Speaking of beauty, don’t leave without seeing the stain glass windows and picturesque gardens on the upper floor of the castle. All up, count on spending at least an hour or two here.

• Want to learn more about the Castillo de Chapultepec? You can read more HERE.

Museo Nacional de Anthropologia

• Where? Paseo de la Reforma and Cazalda Gandhi, Bosque de Chapultepec Primera Seccion, Miguel Higaldo, Mexico
• When? 10.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $90 MXN for adults.
• Website: https://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/

There’s an even bigger museum a short walk away from the castle. Located on the north edge of the Primera Seccion of Chapultepec Park, the National Anthropology Museum is my favourite museum in all of Mexico. I doubt I’m the only person with that opinion. This place is INCREDIBLE. Comprised of two levels, spend most of your time doing a counter clockwise loop of the first floor throughout your visit. As you go through the halls, you’ll embark on a tour through time while encountering the various pre-Colonial civilisations that existed in Mexico, including the Olmecs, people of Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltecs and more.

The highlight of the museum is the massive hall dedicated to the Aztecs, the original inhabitants of Tenochtitlan. You’ll come face to face with the massive Piedra del Sol (Aztec Calendar Stone) along with depictions and sculptures of their various gods here. Other impressive displays in the museum include a scale model of Teotihuacan and actual Mayan tomb reconstructions outside. You’ll spend hours soaking up everything this museum has to offer. I was museumed out by the time I got through the first floor, but if you’re up for more, the upper level focuses on various aspects of Mexican culture. If you get hungry while exploring, the on-site restaurant serves really good quality cuisine from all over Mexico, making it perfect for lunch.

Alameda Central

• Where? Bordered by Avenues Juarez, Hidalgo, Eje Central and Paseo de la Reforma, Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
• When? Open 24 hours daily.
• Admission: Free
• Website: http://www.alamedacentral.cdmx.gob.mx/

You’ve covered a lot of Mexico’s history so far on your 3 days in Mexico City, so now its time for a reprieve in the outdoors. You’ll double back through Chapultepec Park on the way to the next destination. You could stay here (after all, its larger than Central Park in New York and has lots of natural beauty to offer), but there’s a smaller park at the other end of Reforma just a few steps away from one of Mexico’s most beautiful buildings.

The Alameda Central is the oldest public park in North America and also the largest green space in the Centro Historico. Its nowhere near the size of the park you were just in, but considering you’ll have to pass it, stop and admire the greenery and fountains before pressing on to the next stop. While you’re here, don’t miss the Hemicyclo de Benito Juarez monument, another commemoration of Mexican independence.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

• Where? Corner of Avenues Juarez and Eje Central, Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
• When? 11.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $70 MXN for adults
• Website: https://palacio.bellasartes.gob.mx/

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is probably the most beautiful, and also most famous building, in all of Mexico City. Construction of this masterpiece took 20 years, with work starting in 1904, only to be interrupted by the Mexican Revolution. Today, the palace houses a world class theatre hosting cultural performances and art exhibitions. If you have more than 3 days in Mexico City to spare, you might consider catching a show here, but on a short trip to the city, its still worth going inside.

The second and third floors of the Palacio de Bellas Artes contain an art gallery. During my visit, there were a number of temporary exhibitions. The highlights however are the permanent works of historic artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiro and Diego Rivera. One of Rivera’s pieces on display, El Hombre Contralor del Universo was actually commissioned for New York’s Rockefeller Center, only for that to be famously scrapped over the mural’s depiction of Lenin.

As much as there is to see inside the Palace though, you can’t get past just how beautiful it is from outside. If you’ve got time, you might want to head up to the cafe in the SEARS Building across the road for excellent views from the level of its domes. If not, you’ll have some pretty spectacular views to come anyway at the day’s final stop. Consider grabbing some dinner in the Centro Historico before continuing onwards.

Torre Latinoamericana

• Where? Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 2, Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
• When? 9.00am to 10.00pm daily
• Admission: $180 MXN for adults
• Website: https://www.miradorlatino.com/

If there’s a tower in a city that offers spectacular views, I’m going up it. Thankfully, Mexico City has the Torre Latinoamericana. While the tower’s facade looks pretty outdated today (it was built in 1956 and withstood major earthquakes in 1957 and 1985), its one of the most distinctive features of Mexico City’s skyline. The main observatory is on the 44th floor and the viewing area extends out onto an open air rooftop, which make for spectacular panoramic shots. On clear days, you can even see the volcanic mountains beyond the city’s outer limits.

Try to get to Torre Latinamericana prior to sunset so that you can take in views of Mexico City at both day and night. Don’t worry about not having enough to fill in your time while you wait, as there’s a surprising amount to do in the Tower beyond the main observatory. As with most towers like this around the world, there’s a cafe and bar that you can stop by. There’s also a reasonably comprehensive museum however that goes into the history of the tower and the rest of Mexico City. Its nowhere near as spectacular as the museums you’ve already visited, but to fill in some time until sunset, its a solid option.

• I’ve written a post about my experience at Torres Latinoamericana HERE.

Once the sun goes down, spend as long as you like on the Observation deck before calling it a night, ready for your final of 3 days in Mexico City.

Day 3: Coyoacan and Xochimilco

On your last of 3 days in Mexico City, you’re heading south to some quieter neighbourhoods with just as much to offer. We’ll start things out with a visit to the charming neighbourhood of Coyoacan and drop by the homes of some of its more famous historical residents. Afterwards, we’ll leave the tranquil neighbourhood behind to embark on an adventure on the water with a boat ride on the remnants of Lake Texcoco.

Coyoacan

The neighbourhood of Coyoacan is about 12 kilometres south of Mexico’s Historical Center. Getting there by public transport is a bit of a hassle (it involves a few transfers), so I recommend getting an Uber to take you here. It will take about 20 minutes and shouldn’t cost you more than 150 pesos. Once you arrive, you’ll be among tree lined avenues, colonial architecture and a quaint atmosphere. Coyoacan was originally its own small town before being engulfed by Mexico City’s sprawl, and the difference is noticeable when you spend some time in the neighbourhood.

The heart of Coyoacan is the Jardin Centenario, a shade covered plaza by the main square. In the middle of the garden is a circular fountain containing two coyote statues. The coyotes are a reference to the name of the district, as Coyoacan means “Place of the Coyotes” in the Nahuatl language. Its one of the most popular photo spots in the area, so head here before enjoying breakfast at one of the many cafes nearby.

Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul)

• Where? Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacan, Mexico
• When? 10.00am to 6.00pm Tuesday and Thursday to Sunday, 11.00am to 6.00pm Wednesdays (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $250 MXN for adults (weekdays), $270 MXN on weekends.
• Website: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll north through the suburb to reach Casa Azul. The dark blue house contains the Museo Frida Kahlo and actually served as the home of the legendary artist. The museum contains some of Frida’s most notable works, while also chronicling her life and legacy, right up to her death in the same house. Chances are you know Frida’s story, but if not I highly recommend watching the 2002 film Frida before your visit. Frida broke her back in traffic accident after being suffering from polio as a child. Going on to marry Diego Rivera, she created provoking and incredible paintings, inspired by her own tumultuous life experience.

The Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Mexico City. Its pretty much essential to book your ticket in advance (one of the only attractions in the city where this is necessary, or possible). Tickets do sell out, so I recommend getting them from the official website a few weeks before your visit. You’ll have to reserve a timeslot, but once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like. Count on spending an hour or so in the Museum. You can wander freely around the gardens, but the actual museum component is fairly linear, tracking the evolution of Frida’s work.

• Want to learn more? Read about my visit to Museo Frida Kahlo HERE.

Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky

• Where? Av Rio Churubusco 410, Del Carmen, Coyoacan, Ciudad de Mexico
• When? 10.00am to 5.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Admission: $40 MXN for adults
• Website: http://museotrotsky.org.mx/

The Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky is just around the block from Frida’s. Its another small house that has been turned into a museum about its famous inhabitant. The house holding this museum served as the final resting place of the infamous political exile, Leon Trotsky, who fled from the Soviet Union in 1929, following the rise of Stalin. In 1937, Trotsky sought asylum in Mexico, subsequently settling in Coyoacan with his wife. The couple originally lived with Frida and Diego at the Casa Azul, only to relocate to their own residence in 1939. The following year, Trotsky was assassinated by pick axe in his study, and the room is preserved exactly as it would have been that day.

The Trotsky Museum is quite small and doesn’t draw anywhere near the crowds that Frida’s does. You’ll probably be able to walk right in and purchase your ticket, so if you’ve got a later reservation at Casa Azul, you could swap these two stops around. I spent less than an hour in Trotsky’s Museum, but found it to be an interesting experience overall. Note that many of the museum’s displays are only signed in Spanish, so it may be helpful for you to know a bit about Trotsky before your visit. Nonetheless, the artefacts, photographs and room furnishings provide a visual experience.

Xochimilco

• Where? Arrive at Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, Calle del Mercado 133, San Jeronimo, Xochimilco, Mexico
• When? Boats (trajineras) depart between 8.00am to 8.00pm daily
• Admission: Expect to pay $500 MXN per trajinera per hour.

Get back in an Uber for another 25 minute drive south to Xochilmilco, one of the most vibrant and exciting places in Mexico City. Located on the city’s edge, this neighbourhood contains a small segment of the once massive canal system that served the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. You can explore those canals aboard trajineras (traditional flat bottomed rafts) being paddled along by boatsman. As you leave the dock, you’ll pass countless others doing the same thing and be offered the opportunity to buy snacks and hire entertainment from Mariachi performers all while floating downstream. Its the quintessential Mexico City experience, and a popular weekend activity for locals.

An afternoon on the water in Xochimilco is tons of fun, especially with a group of friends. Stock up on some cervezas and take it all in from your trajinera as life passes by. Note that some boatsmen will try to barter with you for a price. By far and large this will result in you paying more than you need. The set fee is 500 pesos per boat per hour (not per person), so just go with the first person that offers you that rate.

You won’t get beyond the main canal in an hour, but its enough to experience what Xochimilco is all about. If you want to get out further, you’ll have to pay for another hour or two. Considering how much fun you can have here, its a worthwhile investment. Do a little shopping at the dock before heading back to the city when you’re done. Dinner and drinks await.

Finishing up your last of 3 days in Mexico City, there’s plenty more you can do. I didn’t get to see any lucha libre in Mexico, but its at the top of my bucket list next time I get to the city. There’s also so much more food and tequila to enjoy, not too mention museums aplenty. Mexico City is one of my favourite cities in the world. I hope this itinerary for a brief stay helps you fall in love with it just as much as I did.

For those that have been to Mexico City, are there any places you’d recommend that I’ve left out. Let me know how you would spend 3 days in Mexico City!