Mexico Family Travel

4 Day Mexico City Itinerary: 15 Best Ideas For 4 Days In Mexico City

July 29, 2023

Mexico City is a vast and magnificent city with so much to offer visitors. If you have 4 days in Mexico City to spend during your Mexico vacation, you’ll want to make sure you create the best 4 day Mexico City itinerary possible.

Fortunately, you've come to the right place! This post is full of fun ideas for your family to do while visiting Mexico City. Whether you're looking to experience ancient ruins, stunning architecture, bustling markets, or world-class museums, you'll find something to enjoy in Mexico City. 

Families at Xochimilco

With these itinerary ideas, you can experience the best vacation in Mexico with kids during your 4 days in Mexico City!  


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Where to stay in Mexico City

When thinking about where to stay in Mexico City, choose a location that’s safe yet convenient to places you plan to visit. Most hotels are centralized around the Centro, Juarez, and Roma Norte neighborhoods. But you can also find hotels in La Condesa, Hippodromo, and Escandon neighborhoods too.

Alebrijes sculptures in Mexico City

If you’re planning on staying at a vacation rental during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, you’ll be able to find these all throughout the city. Try to choose a hotel or vacation rental close to a Mexico City subway stop so you don’t have to walk very far. And if you have kids, look for lodging that’s close to a park. That way, you can spend an afternoon at the park if you are in need of some down time.

Exe Alameda Reforma

Located conveniently in downtown Mexico City, Exe Alameda Reforma is a great place for families to stay during their 4 day Mexico City itinerary. Our family personally stayed here, and we enjoyed it! The hotel is located close to sites like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. There are also several restaurants conveniently located within a 1-3 minute walk from the hotel.

Exe Alameda Reforma has rooms that can accommodate families of 3-4 people. Rooms have air conditioning, WiFi, and TVs. The hotel has an indoor pool and parking, for those who plan to drive in Mexico City. Breakfast is available for a small fee.

Marquis Reforma Hotel and Spa

If you're in the mood for a splurge during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, consider staying at the Marquis Reforma Hotel and Spa. This hotel has a full-service spa, pool, and gym. They also offer assistance for organizing tours, as well as babysitting services for a fee.

While the hotel is located further away from the city center, there are attractions like Chapultepec Park and the Angel of Independence Monument located within a 10 minute walk. Families will enjoy the clean rooms that offer air conditioning, WiFi, in-room safe, and city views. Rooms can accommodate families of 3-4 people.

City Centro Ciudad de Mexico

For a chic boutique experience, consider staying at City Centro Ciudad de Mexico during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary. This hotel is located within a 10 minute walk from the Zocalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes. City Centro Ciudad de Mexico offers a pool, gym, and on-site restaurant. Bicycle rentals are also available for guests.

Rooms at City Centro Ciudad de Mexico can accommodate families of 4. The rooms have TVs, WiFi, in-room safe, and travel cribs for families who need it. Breakfast is available for guests for a fee.

Use this map to find the perfect place to stay during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary
Posing at the CDMX sign during our 4 day Mexico City itinerary

How to choose what to do during 4 days in Mexico City

Mexico City is a great family vacation destination, whether you're traveling to Mexico for Christmas or for a summer vacation. When deciding what to do in Mexico City in 4 days with your family, be sure to take into account the needs of your family for your four days in Mexico City. 

The Mexican flag

If you’re traveling with a toddler, you may not want to do activities during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary that will involve a lot of walking. Or if your kids are not interested in museums, you might want to incorporate more active experiences instead.

Take these suggestions and tailor them to your needs. Don’t feel compelled to squeeze in everything into your Mexico City trip. Instead, pick the suggestions that are most appealing to you.

Must-see spots for a Mexico City itinerary

No 4 day Mexico City itinerary would be complete without a visit to one of these iconic Mexico City spots. From famous homes to ancient sites, these places offer the quintessential 4 days Mexico City experience for travelers.

The CDMX sign at Juarez Park, Mexico City

1. Frida Kahlo house

One of Mexico’s most famous artists is Frida Kahlo. And if you’re planning to spend 4 days in Mexico City, you should definitely visit the house where she grew up: Casa Azul.

The Museo Frida Kahlo, called the Frida Kahlo Museum in English, allows visitors to walk through the home where Frida Kahlo spent the majority of her life, including when she was married to Diego Rivera. Visitors can see rooms as they were, as well as see special exhibits and gardens of the home.

Frida Kahlo's art studio

The Frida Kahlo Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10/11am to 6pm. So take that into account when putting together your 4 day Mexico City itinerary. 

Tickets cost 250-270 pesos (roughly $12.50-$13.50 USD). Buy your tickets in advance if you don’t want to wait for hours in line. The museum is located in the Coyoacán neighborhood.

If you want a guide to help make your visit to Museo Frida Kahlo more enriching, book this tour for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

Frida Kahlo Museum - Tour

2. Teotihuacan

Another must-see archeological site to visit during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is Teotihuacan. This site is located just outside of Mexico City, so it would make a good road trip for the day. 

Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city with many architecturally significant pyramids. The city was a religious center in the Mexican Highlands that became the largest and most populated city in the pre-Hispanic Americas.

Pyramids at Teotihuacan

Today, Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by millions of tourists a year. The most popular structures are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. These two pyramids are connected by a long stretch known as Avenida de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead).

Entrance to Teotihuacan is 80 pesos (roughly $4.25 USD). The archaeological site is open Mondays to Sundays from 8am to 5pm. If you have 4 days in Mexico City to spend during your vacation, this site needs to be on your list!

If you don’t want to visit Teotihuacan on your own, book one of these guided tours to make the most of your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

Small-Group Teotihuacan Pyramids from Mexico City

Teotihuacan: City of the Gods Private Tour From Mexico City

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City

3. Xochimilco

On the outskirts of Mexico City lay ancient canals from the pre-Hispanic city of Xochimilco. These canals were part of an interconnected lake and canal system that transported goods and people among cities within the Valley of Mexico.

Boats at Xochimilco

Today, Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors come daily to ride boats along the canals. 

During your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, spend an afternoon along the canals of Xochimilco. You can rent colorful canal boats, called trajineras, by the hour for 500 pesos (roughly $25 USD). Drinks and snacks are available for sale from vendors who come by on boats.

If you don’t want to hassle with visiting Xochimilco on your own, book one of these city tours for your 4 Mexico City itinerary. These tours include a visit to Xochimilco:

Private Tour: Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City

Xochimilco & Coyoacán Private Tour

Prepare for your trip to Mexico with these travel tips.

4. Templo Mayor

Another historic place to visit in Mexico City during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is Templo Mayor. Located near Zocalo, Mexico City’s historic center, Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Mexica people in their pre-Hispanic capital city of Tenochtitlan. Today it is a set of ruins and a museum that visitors can walk through and learn about Mexican history.

Model of the pyramids at Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm. Entrance fee is 85 pesos (roughly $4.25 USD). Children under 13 are free. It’s an easy way to learn about pre-Hispanic history if you only have 4 days in Mexico City.

If you want to visit Templo Mayor as part of a tour, book one of these tours for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

Mexico City's Historical Center Icons

Historic Center of Mexico City Private Walking Tour

5. Palacio de Bellas Artes

No 4 day trip to Mexico City would be complete without a visit to Palacio de Bellas Artes, located near Alameda Central park. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is an iconic cultural center in Mexico City. 

The palace, built in the early 1900s, has a mixture of architectural styles, but is principally Art Nouveau and Art Deco. It has hosted many notable events in music, dance, theater, opera and literature and is often referred to as the “Cathedral of Art in Mexico.”

The Palacio de Bellas Artes, a must-see for a 4 day Mexico City itinerary

For families planning to visit during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, note that the museum at the palace is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Admission is 80 pesos (roughly $4 USD), and there is a photography fee of 30 pesos (roughly $1.50 USD) if you are planning to take pictures.

If you’re interested, in general, in watching a performance of Mexican folkloric dance, book this experience for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

Small Group: Discover the Folkloric Ballet of Mexico

Parks and public spaces to visit on a Mexico City itinerary

Cities in Mexico are often full of public plazas (public squares) and parks where people can hang out and spend an afternoon or evening. And Mexico City is no exception. During your 4 days in Mexico City, you’ll likely notice many people on the streets and in the squares.

Dancers in front of a cathedral at Zocalo

The best way to get a taste of Mexico’s community-focused culture during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is to visit one of these parks or plazas.


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    6. Zocalo and Plaza de la Constitution

    Spending time in public spaces is an important part of Mexican culture. And in Mexico City, one of the main public spaces is the Plaza de la Constitution. More commonly called Zócalo, Plaza de la Constitution is the main square in central Mexico City and has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times. 

    The Zocalo in Mexico City, a must-see for a 4 day Mexico City itinerary

    Since the Zócalo is also located close to many central government buildings, it is often used for protests and political rallies. On any given day during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, you are sure to find an activity or event happening at the Zocalo.

    For a unique tour and a chance to learn about Mexico City’s LGBTQ history, book this tour for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

    Gay Side of History at Heart of Town, Zócalo - Santo Domingo

    7. Plaza Garibaldi

    Also located in the historic center of Mexico City is Plaza Garibaldi. The plaza is a public square in Mexico City known for its mariachi music. In the 1920’s, nearby Salon Tenampa was a popular place to hear mariachi music. Today, you can still catch mariachi performances from time to time at there.

    The Tequila Museum at Plaza Garibaldi

    Nearby Plaza Garibaldi is the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal, also known as the Tequila and Mezcal Museum in English. It’s a small museum where visitors can learn about how tequila and mezcal are distilled. There’s also a cantina, terrace, and store, so you can purchase tequila and mezcal, while sampling Mexican food. This is a fun way to experience tequila or mezcal during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

    8. Chapultepec

    For a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, head to Chapultepec during your 4 days in Mexico City itinerary. Often called Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Forest in English, it is a large park in Mexico City that has been inhabited and considered a landmark since the pre-Hispanic era.

    Chapultepec Castle, a great idea for a 4 day Mexico City itinerary

    Chapultepec Park is divided into 4 sections, with the oldest and most popular section containing the park's main attractions. Here, you’ll find the Chapultepec Zoo, the National Anthropology Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. 

    This private walking tour is a good one to book for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary. It offers visitors a chance to visit Chapultepec Castle as well as the Anthropology Museum:

    Chapultepec Castle and Anthropology Museum Private Walking Tour

    Also located in Chapultepec Park is the Papalote Children’s Museum. This fun children’s museum has interactive exhibits geared towards children, so it’s a great kid-friendly activity to include in your 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

    Unique museums and attractions for a Mexico City 4 day itinerary

    Mexico City is full of amazing museums, both large and small, encompassing all kinds of topics from history, politics, art, and culture. Make sure your Mexico City itinerary includes at least one of these unique museums.

    Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe

    9. Chocolate Museum

    For an interesting museum experience, head to MUCHO: Mundo Chocolate. Known as the Chocolate Museum in English, it’s a museum in Mexico City that showcases chocolate. Exhibits include artifacts from Mexico, other parts of the Americas, Europe, and Asia. And the museum itself teaches visitors about the history of chocolate and its production.

    Chocolate exhibit at MUCHO Mundo Chocolate

    MUCHO is located in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. The museum is open everyday from 11am to 5pm and costs 75 pesos (roughly $3.75 USD) to enter, so it’s a great option to include in your 4 day Mexico City itinerary. Guided tours are offered Thursdays to Mondays.

    10. Museum of Memory and Tolerance

    Want something more serious to experience during your 4 days in Mexico City? Head to Museo Memoria y Tolerencia (El MyT), also known as the Museum of Memory and Tolerance in English. This museum is one of the most unique and thought-provoking museums to visit in Mexico City, and makes for an interesting addition to your 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

    Visiting El MyT with kids

    El MyT is dedicated to showcasing the importance of tolerance, non-violence, and human rights. Exhibits cover various genocides and crimes against humanity throughout history, as well as World War II. 

    Some of the content in the museum may be too mature for young kids. However, there is a special section of the museum that’s dedicated just for kids aged 4-10 called Isla MyT. Using Sesame Street as its theme, the interactive exhibits in this part of the museum focuses on helping kids develop empathy.

    El MyT is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Entrance fee is 105 pesos (roughly $5.25 USD). Entrance fee with a guide is 125 pesos (roughly $6.25 USD)

    11. KidZania

    For families looking for a fun activity to do during 4 days in Mexico City, a visit to Kidzania is a must. KidZania is a kid-sized replica city where children can work in various activities modeled after real-life jobs. It’s a fun learning experience for kids.

    Driving a scooter at KidZania

    Originally started in Mexico, there are now at least 28 KidZania locations in cities around the world. The KidZania locations in Mexico City are in the Santa Fe mall (their flagship location) and in Cuicuilco.  

    KidZania is open on Fridays from 2pm to 7pm and on weekends from 11am to 6pm. Tickets cost 395 pesos (roughly $19.75 USD) for kids aged 1-16 and 199 pesos (roughly $9.95 USD) for adults over 16. Be sure to include a visit to KidZania in your 4 day Mexico City itinerary if you’re looking for things to engage young kids.

    12. Other museums and attractions for a 4 day Mexico City itinerary

    Per capita, Mexico City is said to have the most museums than any other city in the world. Additionally, there are a number of other unique sites and landmarks that are worth visiting. 

    What this means is that you have a lot of options for your 4 days in Mexico City! If you’re interested in alternative places to visit during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, take a look at these places:

    The mural at Museo Mural Diego Rivera

    Soumaya Museum: an art museum with a large collection of art from around the world spanning 30 centuries.

    Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela: a traditional Mexican artisan market located in the Ciudadela neighborhood that specializes in the sale of Mexican handcrafts and folk art.

    Museo Mural Diego Rivera: this museum houses the famous painting, Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central, which means Dream of a Sunday afternoon at Alameda Central in English, painted by Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.

    Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: a Catholic church and national shrine in Mexico City that houses a cloak containing the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

    Parque Masayoshi Ahira: a Japanese style garden located in the Coyoacan neighborhood at the Colonia Country Club.

    More fun experiences not to miss in 4 days in Mexico City

    A visit to Mexico City isn’t just about seeing sites and attractions, it’s also about doing things and experiencing the culture of Mexico! The following activities are must-do experiences for any visitor to Mexico City.

    Mexican flag at Zocalo

    13. Cooking class

    Taking a cooking class is a great way to get to know Mexican culture. Not only will you get to learn how to make delicious dishes (as well as sample them!), you’ll also learn the history of those dishes. 

    A cooking class usually also includes a trip to a local market, so you can really see where your food comes from.

    Tortilla soup at a Mexican cooking class

    Book one of these cooking classes for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

    Mexican Cooking Class with Food Market Visit in Mexico City

    Authentic Mexican hands-on Cooking Class and Market Tour

    Mexican Cooking Lesson in a Local Home

    14. Lucha Libre match

    Lucha libre is a form of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico and has developed its own unique style. It’s characterized by colorful masks, which wrestlers never take off during a match. Lucha libre matches are loud, boisterous, and dramatic events. It’s worth watching a match if you have time during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

    Lucha Libre masks for sale

    The main place to watch a lucha libre match is at Arena Mexico, located in the La Romita neighborhood, just west of Centro. If you want some fun entertainment during your 4 days in Mexico City, then definitely watch a lucha libre match. You can buy tickets to a match online or at the ticket booth.

    If you want to get an inside look at lucha libre culture, book this walking tour led by a former luchador (wrestler) for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary. The tour includes mezcal tasting (your luchador guide can highly recommend their favorite mezcal for you!) and tickets to a lucha libre match at Arena Mexico. Note that the minimum age for this tour is 13.

    Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting in Mexico City

    15. Bus tour of Mexico City

    A great way to see a city in one go during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is to take a bus tour. And in Mexico City, the hop on hop off bus tours from Turibus allows you to see many sights throughout the city. 

    Angel of Independence status in Mexico City

    Turibus offers four tour routes in Mexico City, with varying amounts of stops. The route with the most stops is the Circuito Centro Historico, which has 16 stops including Palacio de Bellas Artes, Plaza de la Constitution, and the National Anthropology Museum.

    You can buy your Turibus tickets at the Zocalo, or you can book them online through Viator here for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

    Hop-on Hop-off City Tour CDMX

    Bonus: Take a bike tour of Mexico City

    Taking a bike tour of Mexico City allows you to experience the city from a different perspective. Plus, it gives you a chance to enjoy some exercise too! 

    Grand Cathedral of Mexico City

    If you’re planning to do a bike tour with kids during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary, make sure your kids are comfortable with riding a two-wheeled bike. And also contact the tour company ahead of time to make sure they have smaller bikes for kids. 

    Book one of these fun bike tours for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

    Mexico City Bike and Cultural Tour (Diego Rivera’s Murals/Papantla Flyers Show)

    Mexico City Bike Tour: Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo Museum

    Street Food Tour with Friends

    URBAN GALLERY Mexico City Street Art Bike Tour

    Read about other destinations in Central Mexico.

    Useful information for a 4 day Mexico City itinerary

    As you're preparing for your Mexico City itinerary, be sure to research some logistical details to ensure that your trip is as memorable as it can be. Here are some useful travel tips on where to stay in Mexico City, how to get around the city, and also how to stay safe while visiting Mexico City. 

    Getting to Mexico City

    Mexico City is serviced by Mexico City International Airport, officially known as Benito Juarez International Airport. The airport is located close to the heart of the city about 30 minutes east of the Zocalo.

    Airplane at the Mexico City airport

    International destinations that service Mexico City International Airport include San Francisco, New York City, London, Tokyo, Madrid, and Lima. Major international airlines include Air Canada, American Airlines, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa. The airport also services many domestic destinations too.

    Transportation for Mexico City itinerary 4 days

    Taxis and Ubers can help Mexico City travel easy and convenient. One advantage of using Uber is that you can book and pay for your ride all through the app, so you won’t have to carry cash. However, if Uber is not available, taxis are always a reliable form of transportation, especially if you’re in the city center. Be sure to brush up on some Spanish language phrases in order to give directions to the driver.

    Taxis and buses in Mexico City

    An alternative to taking taxis and Ubers during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is to rely on the Mexico City subway system. Mexico City’s subway is quite convenient and easy to use. All stops have their own unique icons. So even if you don’t know how to read, you can identify what stop you’re at by the icon. There are special designated cars for women and children to keep them safe while riding the subway.

    Is spending 4 days in Mexico City safe?

    While Mexico City is not necessarily one of the safest cities in Mexico, it can be safe for families to visit. Just like in any major city, when you’re doing Mexico travel, stay aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings. Make sure your kids are aware of how to safely cross streets or walk on sidewalks.

    Mexico Mi Amor sign in Mexico City

    One way to stay safe during your 4 day Mexico City itinerary is to avoid staying out too late in the night. Make note of police stations in your area on Google maps or any other map app you use. If there is an emergency, you can dial “911” just like you do in the United States and Canada.

    Find out why Mexico City is also one of the most romantic cities in Mexico!

    Creating the best Mexico City 4 day itinerary

    Despite being a sprawling metropolis, Mexico City is full of so many beautiful things to see and wonderful places to visit. Families can truly experience the many sides of Mexico - its history, culture, resilience, and vitality.

    If you’re looking for an amazing family vacation destination, look no further than Mexico City. With so much to see and do, your family will have a blast experiencing your 4 day Mexico City itinerary and enjoying everything this vibrant city has to offer. 

    4 Day Mexico City Itinerary: 15 Best Ideas For 4 Days In Mexico City | Mexico Family Travel

Pinterest image of Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de Mexico at Zocalo in Mexico City with text overlay.

    Be sure to check out these other posts on Mexican destinations for more inspiration on where to go next on your Mexican vacation!

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