How to Make a Epic Mexico City Itinerary in 5 Steps

Since starting this travel blog I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with several readers who have made a trip to Mexico City. While each had their own extraordinary experience, one common frustration is making a Mexico City Itinerary.

Things seem to start late and end early here.
Everything is closed on Monday.
Many of the most famous attractions have little to no context in English to tell you what you’e looking at.

These problems come from the fact that Mexico City really isn’t a tourist town. This has its advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage is that there is no industry focused on ripping off foreign tourists like in all the beaches in Mexico.

Tourists in Mexico City are free to go about their business and blend in with the locals. But in order to do that you’ll need some guidance. That’s what this post is focused on.

Here I’ll show you that there is so much to do here in Mexico City. But yes, every activity has its own time window. With the right information, you’ll be able to maximize what you’re able to experience here.

This blog is focused on gay travelers, but I think there are some real gems that everybody can benefit from. I am an expat who has been living in Mexico City for 5 years, and I have a lot to share on planning a perfect trip to Mexico City.

I think the most worthy parts of Mexico City are

Its one of a kind gay culture, that places gay sex front and center, like being in NYC back in the 60’s. Cruising, casual sex among friends.
There is also a fascination for foreign people, which makes this a great vacation if you like being chased by men wanting to get to know you.
It’s history and unique artistic aesthetic
World Class Cultural Destination

Mexico City Itinerary Guidelines

When to eat in Mexico City

In the United States we usually eat breakfast first thing in the morning, followed by lunch between noon and 2 (max) with dinner happening between 6-8.

In mexico the main meal of the day happens around 2:00. It can be as late as 5.

I have adjusted by sleeping in and eating breakfast around 1030, eating my lunch at 2-3 and then dinner around 8

If you’re an early bird you can have your breakfast wen you wake up, and you’ll want to sneak in something light around 12. Mexico has plenty of options for this hour. It’s called almuerzo. You can buy good salads on the street at this time, as well as cuernos and other sandwiches.

What to do on a Monday In Mexico City

Monday’s are a great day to arrive or depart from Mexico City. Sometimes with international travel, you end up loosing a day to travel and Monday’s are a good day to loose.

If you find yourself in Mexico City on a Monday, don’t despair it won’t be a wasted day. We actually have an entire blog post about How to Plan a Monday in CDMX.

I’ll also link to an Art Gallery Walk through Mexico City’s San Miguel Chapultepec. I had Mondays in mind when I created this tour and it explains why.

What to do In Mexico City on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday

These are the days when everything is happening. We just mentioned that Mondays can appear sleepy to tourists, and weekends have their own vibe. But Tuesday – Friday is when everything will be open, so it’s important to make the most of these days.

Historic House in Mexico City's San Miguel Chapultepec

If you want to wander around and contemplate, it’s best to do this on Monday or on the weekend.

Below I list my #1 recommendation for each day. I recommend you do the #1 recommendation as soon as it opens. Since we’re still in the post COVID Mexico City, I have not listed the hours of any place as they are still changing.

In General, these days are great for exploring the wonderful Museums of Mexico City.

What to do on a Tuesday in Mexico City

My recommendation for Tuesdays is my number one recommendation for newcomers to Mexico City.

Tracey Parker’s Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Mexico City, El Zocalo

If you know nothing about Mexico City and you want a real life crash course, you need to go straight to the Museo Templo Mayor. This is the only Museum that tells the story of the fall of Old Mexico and the cultural, religious, and physical reconstruction of Mexico City in the image of the Spanish Conquistadores.

The following walk through the chaotic Centro Historico will give you a taste of the real experience of the 20,000,000 Mexicans who call this Modern Metropolis their home.

Follow the tour closely because Downtown Mexico City can be a maze that you can get lost in. This is not the neighborhood to take a spontaneous unguided trip and get lost and see where you end up.

Many locals would suggest that you avoid it. But if you stick to the path outlined above, you’ll experience the essence of Mexico City, and it will live in your memories forever.

What to do on a Wednesday in Mexico City

While my number 1 recommendation for tourists in Mexico City is el Museo Templo Mayor (see above), my number 2 recommendation for tourists is Chapultepec Castle.

See my guidelines for spending a day in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park, so you can make the most of your day there and enjoy some fabulous complementary attractions to the Castle. I’m proud to say that my guide to Chapultepec is the only one that takes food into consideration.

Chapultepec Park is a bit of a food desert. Don’t waste your money on bad food, or your time searching for restaurants.

What to do on a Thursday in Mexico City

Mexico City provides so many opportunities to connect with Mexico’s Ancient Heritage. All the travel blogs will tell you to go to

Teotihuacan Pyramids
Museum of Anthropology

Both of these attractions have their pluses. But I have another way for tourists to discover Ancient Mexican Heritage on the south side of Mexico City. See my Alternative to Teotihuacan, self Guided Uber Tour of Mexican Aztec Heritage for a far less touristy and pleasant experience.

Starting the day with my Aztec tour will allow you to get to know other southern landmarks in Mexico City in the evening such as Coyacan and Mexico’s National University, UNAM.

I recommend doing this on Thursday because Thursday’s are the best night to enjoy UNAM’s Central Cultural Universitaria. Theater, Symphony Orchestra, and Contemporary Dance are all performed at this cultural center for $60 pesos.

For this reason many students attend this night and it makes for a really exciting atmosphere.

What to do on a Friday in Mexico City

All of the above activities can be done on Friday’s as well. This is a great day to go to the Museum or Museums of your choice. Here is a list of my favorite Museums in Mexico City.

What to do on the Weekend in Mexico City

The neighborhoods of Mexico City really come alive on the weekends. Saturday or Sunday are the perfect time to enjoy Tracey Parker’s Self Guided Tour through Mexico City’s famous Roma Norte.