Is 5 days enough for Mexico City?

Yes, 5 days covers the major sights and 2-3 neighborhoods well. You could easily spend longer, but 5 days hits the highlights without rushing.

Should I book hotels in advance?

Book 2-3 weeks ahead for Roma Norte and Polanco hotels, especially March-May and October-December. Last-minute bookings mean fewer good options.

Is the metro safe for tourists?

Yes, Mexico City metro is safe during daylight hours. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm) when cars are packed. Women-only cars are available during peak times.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Most hotels provide bottled water. Restaurants serve safe ice and agua fresca.

How to Plan a 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary

Mexico City needs 5 days to cover the historic center, major museums, and neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Coyoacán. Plan 2 days in Centro Histórico, 1 day for museums, and 2 days exploring trendy neighborhoods. Book accommodations in Roma Norte or Polanco for easy metro access.

Choose your base neighborhood. Stay in Roma Norte for walkable cafes and restaurants, or Polanco for upscale hotels near museums. Both have metro stations. Avoid staying in Centro Histórico unless you want to be in the thick of tourist activity.
Map out your must-sees by area. Group attractions geographically. Centro Histórico: Zócalo, Cathedral, Templo Mayor. Chapultepec: Castle, Anthropology Museum. Coyoacán: Frida Kahlo Museum, local markets. Roma Norte: street art, cafes, nightlife.
Pre-book timed entries. Reserve Frida Kahlo Museum tickets online 30 days in advance ($15). Templo Mayor requires advance booking ($5). Anthropology Museum doesn't require reservations but go early to avoid crowds.
Plan your transportation. Get a Metro card on arrival ($1 for the card, $0.25 per ride). Download the Mexico City Metro app. Budget $5-10 daily for Uber rides to places metro doesn't reach well.
Schedule around meal times. Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner starts at 8pm. Plan museum visits for mornings, neighborhood walks for late afternoon. Don't schedule anything important during siesta hours (2-4pm) except eating.

Is 5 days enough for Mexico City?: Yes, 5 days covers the major sights and 2-3 neighborhoods well. You could easily spend longer, but 5 days hits the highlights without rushing.
Should I book hotels in advance?: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for Roma Norte and Polanco hotels, especially March-May and October-December. Last-minute bookings mean fewer good options.
Is the metro safe for tourists?: Yes, Mexico City metro is safe during daylight hours. Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm) when cars are packed. Women-only cars are available during peak times.
Can I drink tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Most hotels provide bottled water. Restaurants serve safe ice and agua fresca.