Mexico City Itinerary; The Perfect 2 day Itinerary for Cultural Immersion

Mexico City Itinerary by a backpacking architect

Hello blueprinters, if you are one of the hardcore architecture lovers who comes back here to read my thoughts in and around architecture and how to explore it, then you may have seen me write about the perfect 2 days in Mexico City via the post 'Mexico cities pyramids'. I have dedicated a post to it to make it easier to find, below you can see a cheat sheet for the itinerary (which you can download in PDF form to keep on your phone!) The full details are below in the drop downs 👇.

Mexico Itinerary-4-MEXICO CITY CHEAT SHEET.pdf

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🇲🇽 How I Picked the Mexico City Itinerary

If you are not a regular reader then, hello 👋🏻 my name is Jack, and I am a backpacking architect who explores places for there architecture, history and culture. I attempt to provide insights to the history of the places we explore and provide my own insights and observations. I do this because of my love for the subject matter. Architecture is something that effects us all, even if we are not aware of it. It can make us feel safe, scared, happy or sad or leave us in total awe. In that vein, for me, the most enriching way to explore places is through getting a deeper understanding of its past, its present and even by looking forward to the challenges and how they are being addressed and architecture is a fantastic window to these musings.

If you are now thinking to yourself 'that sounds like me' then I have super exciting news for you, because the itineraries you are about to read I truly believe you will love.

Mexico City is the sort of place that is entrenched in complex clashes of culture from the Aztecs to the Spanish conquistadors to more modern political turmoil, surrounding it all you find changes in architecture and monuments that have lasted the test of time. This clash can be found at one point of Mexico above all others, 'Plaza de las Tres Culturas'. It is not the most beautiful or exciting architectural points in the city, however it is a patch of land that has witnessed vast changes in the story of humans in Mexico City. You can read more about this in my blog that points towards an interesting day trip offering. One which takes you from the Plaza de las Tres Culturas to and Aztec site Teotihuacan before visiting the site of Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe. I will drop it here, its one for the architectural purists, even if you do not take the day tour, the blog has a bit about the history and architecture of each site and the importance of obsidian in Mexican culture so have a read.

Lets get into the more curated itinerary for Mexico city for you intelligent explorers.

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The Perfect 2 Day Mexico City Itinerary for the Intelligent Explorer

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Below you will find links to the Backpacker's Blueprint recommend tours for an immersive cultural journey into the Aztec, Spanish and the modern architecture of Mexico City. You will also find the very best and safest places to stay for small, medium and large budgets. You can mix or add in and take out base on how long you are going to be in Mexico City.

Reserve the options in advance below to make sure you do not miss out but with all the security of a cancellation and pay later policy.

Day Itineraries for Mexico City

Day 01 - 5:30am Start

Teotihuacan

$140USD - Teotihuacan Breakfast & Sunrise Hot Air Ballon Tour

Experience the site in golden light with an expert guide. After the balloon tour you will have the option to explore Teotihuacan (85 Pesos entry) or head back to the city centre.

$50USD - Teotihuacan guided tour only

If early mornings and heights are not your thing, or if you are keeping an eye on your budget, then fear not you can still get an early start with a guided tour. You will get an extra hour in bed to keep you fresh as this will be a long but fruitful day.

Early Afternoon - 12:30pm

Palacio Bella Artes

This place is a true stunner and a must visit for you architecture lovers. The art work internally changes with some staple mural pieces, which I loved, however the art in the building is not the only thing to be looking at, the art deco interior is absolutely gorgeous. The entry price here is $95.00 MXN per person, you will need to queue for a ticket. Spend an hour or 2 milling about and have some time walking around the park to take in some sculptures and fountains and some street performances, Make sure to take the weight off your feet in preparation for the next activity.

Take note of the metro station, you will see art nouveaux (french inspired) metal railings and font types, really beautiful. You will learn more about this during the walking tour.

Also use this time to grab some lunch and a coffee, the best place to do this is down Av Francisco I. Madero. This is main pedestrian walk way diagonally opposite the Palacio Bella Artes, down here you will find everything from cafes to fast food options.

Afternoon - (2:15pm)

Historic Centre Walking Tour

$10+ USD - Mexico City Walking Tour - The Best Introduction (Kactus Tours)

A walking tour of the historic centre of Mexico City is a vital piece of the intelligent explores itinerary. You will learn of Aztec, Spanish and even french architecture as well as modern interventions. Enjoy the tour and relax knowing you have a knowledgable guide showing you around the City Centre.

Early Evening - 4pm to 5pm Dinner

Dinner before sunset views

I am going to suggest here that you talk to your guide and ask for a local recommendation for a dinner spot before heading to our next location.

Evening - 6pm or 8pm - Check Sunset Time

Head across to the Torre Latino Americano and buy a ticket for the museum and viewing deck ($230 Pesos). After a day of learning about Mexico City you do not have to worry about this building sinking as its foundation design is extensive. Head up to the viewing platform to watch day turn to night over Mexico City.

Head back to your hotel or hostel for a well earned drink and get ready for another busy one tomorrow.

Early Afternoon - 12:30pm

Day 02  - 8am or 9:30am Start

Museo de anthropology

Goooood morning and welcome to day two. We can have a little bit more of a leisurely start today, grab breakfast in your accommodation and book an Uber in to get you to the Museo de anthropology for either 8:50am or 10:20am. Purchase you ticket for the museum ($100 Pesos). Then team up with your guide and get ready to discover Mayan and Aztec history.

$73.17USD - Tour with Historian (later start - 10:20am)

$29USD - Group guided tour (early start - 8:50am)

Look, the truth is you could spend 2 days in this place which is why a guide is going to be vital to success but lets say 3 hours here and then add half an hour on to grab some food and a coffee from the on site cafe, you are going to need it to fuel your brain as you will be inundated with the history of Mexico and we are about to take a walk.

Noon

Chapultepec Castle

Once you have finished in the Museo de anthropology, we are going to walk over to Chapultepec Castle. Winding your way through the park and then up the hillside Chapultepec Castle is a Navy museum, but also a stunning piece of architecture. Up on the hilltop you are able to get beautiful views back over the commercial district of Mexico City.

Afternoon - 3:oopm

Frida Kahlo Museum

Time for your next Uber. Once you are finished at the castle the next must stop (and I select this knowing there are two incredible art museums in walking distance here), however for me as a must visit to keep you immersed in the best of Mexico culture, head across to the Frida Kahlo Museum. This is an absolute must book in advance as it is small and extremely popular. The best place to book tickets here is straight at the source (usually up to a month in advance). This ticket also gives you access to the Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli Museum in

Coyoacán. This one is more artefact based so almost like coming full circle, both close at 6, if you are short on time, spend it at Frida and call it a day.

Early Evening - 6:00pm

Dinner and bed

A stroll through Roma Norte and some dinner. Head across to Roma Norte and you will find yourself in the 'bohemian' part of Mexico City. Here you will find cute bars, and restaurants in tree lined avenues. The best place to head to get dropped off is the Río de Janeiro Plaza. Here you will be surrounded by some beautiful and some famous buildings. If you want more on Roma Norte or if you fancy an evening stroll you can take on my Roma Norte self guided walking tour. If you are feeling the effects of a long day then you will find everything from Japanese to Italian to a humble burger. You can have dinner a casual glass of something and head back to your bed for the evening orrrrrr .....

Late Evening - 6:00pm (Tue/Fri/Sat only)

Dinner and wrestling!

The Mexicans love their wrestling or lucha libra. You may or may not, however its actually a super fun way to spend an evening. Book onto a guided event you will get to meet people, your dinner in this scenario will be tacos and Mezcal! Before heading across to watch some wrestling. This only takes place on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

$79USD - Mexico City: Lucha Libre Show with Tacos, Beer, and Mezcal

Uber home and sleep like a baby knowing you have just spend two unbelievable and culturally enriching days in Mexico. Thats a weekend you tell the grandchildren about.

Save this page to your favourites and share with friends visiting Mexico City and don't forget to subscribe at the Backpacker's Blueprint homepage to stay up to date as we release more Architecture and culture focused Itineraries to help you explore.

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