Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Local Charm on a Budget

You were planning a layover — but Mexico City had other plans. Whether you’re a budget-conscious nomad, curious traveler, or culture chaser, this Mexico City 5-Day Itinerary hits the sweet spot: affordable, walkable, packed with history, flavor, and heart.

Day 1: Welcome to CDMX – Historic Core & Rooftop Views

• Where to Stay: Hotel Catedral
  • this is where we stayed – steps from Zócalo!
  • enjoy their breakfast buffet or grab a bite in the restaurant – both are good!
• Walkable Wonders:
  • Zócalo & evening flag ceremony (Free) – The Zócalo has been the ceremonial center of Mexico City since Aztec times
  • Metropolitan Cathedral & Tabernacle (Free)
  • Rooftop lunch: Balcón del Zócalo or Gran Hotel Ciudad
• Evening: Walk Av Francisco I. Madero, browse artisan shops, check out Palacio de Iturbide (Free)

For more options on where to stay visit our Mexico City Travel Guide

Day 2: Museums, Murals & the Soul of the City

• Morning:
  • Palacio Nacional (Free, Open Fridays only (it is a goverment building) – ID required)
  • Templo Mayor ruins
• Afternoon:
  • Bellas Artes Museum (lobby is free; 2nd floor murals plus Museum of Architecture ~$5)
  • Casa de Azulejos for coffee & tile photos
• Evening:
  • Sunset at Torre Latinoamericana observation deck
  • Stroll Alameda Central Park(Free)

Day 3: Day Trip to Teotihuacán

• Pyramids of the Sun & Moon (~$5 entry)
  • Book a Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Pyramids!
• Getting There:
  • Bus, guided tour, or private car
• Evening:
  • Light dinner & rest

Day 4: Art, Markets & Local Flavor

• Morning:
  • Mercado de San Juan or Coyoacán
  • Try tamales, tacos al pastor, fresh juice
• Afternoon:
  • Museo Frida Kahlo or Museo Nacional de Arte
• Evening:
  • Dinner near Parque México in Condesa

Day 5: Chill Day or Hidden Gems

• Option A:
  • Wander Roma Norte: bookstores, cafés, quiet plazas
  • Visit Templo de San Francisco (Church of San Francisco) (Free)
• Option B:
  • Xochimilco boat tour or Anahuacalli Museum
• Wrap-Up Meal:
  • Rooftop farewell dinner: try Arango Cantina, King Cole Bar or Supra Roma Rooftop

A Week in Mexico City Budget Break Down

For a budget-friendly week in Mexico City, plan on spending around $600–$850 USD. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, and some activities. A mid-range budget would be $850–$1,400 USD, allowing for nicer accommodations, more restaurants, and paid attractions.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Budget-Friendly (around $600–$850 USD):

• Accommodation: Hostels or budget hotels can cost $15-$25 per night, or $70-$175/week. Private Airbnb rooms may range from $20-$30 per night.
• Food: Eating street food and at local restaurants can keep your daily food costs around $10-$20, or $70-$140/week.
• Transportation: Metro and buses cost just $0.25–$0.30 per ride. Weekly public transport use adds up to $10–$20. Occasional Uber rides may add $10–$20 more.
• Activities: Many attractions are free or low-cost, and you can explore the city’s parks, plazas, and museums (some are free or charge just a few dollars). Budget $30–$60 for the week.

Mid-Range (around $850–$1,400 USD):

• Accommodation: Mid-range hotels or Airbnb rentals will cost around $50–$100 per night, or $350–$700/week.
• Food: You can enjoy a wider mix of local restaurants and sit-down meals at $20–$30/day, or $140–$210/week.
• Transportation: You can use taxis and Uber more frequently, which adds convenience but increases your transportation budget slightly, so figure $30–$70/week.
• Activities: Add guided tours, boat rides, museum entries, and cultural events. Budget $70–$140/week.

For couples, shared lodging can make the per-person budget even more manageable. But for solo travelers, these ranges are a solid starting point for realistic planning in 2025.

Pro Tip:

• Use ATMs to withdraw cash from local banks for a good exchange rate. 
• Explore local markets and street food for affordable and delicious meals. 
• Many free activities are available, such as visiting parks, historical sites, and exploring the city’s neighborhoods. 

*This is Budget breakdown for a week (7 days) in Mexico City – please adjust for your chosen itinerary

That’s a wrap!

Mexico City isn’t just a stopover. With this 5-day plan, it becomes a story—full of flavors, architecture, resilience, and rhythm. Stretch your pesos, avoid tourist traps, and walk your way through one of Latin America’s most dynamic cities.

Quick Links

• Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Mexico City
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: Our Visit
• Day Trip to the Pyramids
• Mexico City Hotel We Loved

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