Things To Do In Mexico City, Mexico, 5 day travel itinerary, brief history, weather – Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall – Bike Paths, Campsites

March 22, 2024

Brief History

Mexico City boasts a rich history dating back to the Aztecs. The former Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. The Spanish conquered the Aztecs in the 16th century and built Mexico City on top of the ruins of Tenochtitlan. The city has been a center of Mexican culture and politics ever since.

Weather

Mexico City has a spring-like climate year-round. Here’s a brief description of the weather by season:

Winter (December to February): The driest and coolest time to visit, with average highs around 68°F (20°C) and lows around 43°F (6°C).
Spring (March to May): Warm and sunny, with average highs in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) and lows in the mid-50s°F (mid-10s°C). This is considered the best time to visit.
Summer (June to August): The wettest season, with average highs in the upper 70s°F (upper 20s°C) and lows in the mid-50s°F (mid-10s°C). Afternoon showers are common.
Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, with warm and sunny days and cool nights. Average highs are in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) and lows are in the low 50s°F (around 10°C).

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Teotihuacan

Teotihuacan is an ancient city located about an hour northeast of Mexico City. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Day 2: Zocalo and Centro Historico

The Zocalo is Mexico City’s main square and the heart of the historic city center. Here you can see the Palacio Nacional, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple. Explore the nearby streets and alleys lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 3: Coyoacan and Xochimilco

Coyoacan is a charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and Frida Kahlo’s house, now the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its canals and colorful trajineras (boats). Take a trajintera ride through the canals and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Day 4: Chapultepec Park and Polanco

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. It has a lake, a castle, several museums, and a zoo. Explore the park by bike or rent a paddleboat for a ride on the lake.
Polanco is a posh neighborhood known for its high-end shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visit the Museo Soumaya to see its collection of Mexican and European art.

Day 5: Roma Norte and La Condesa

Roma Norte and La Condesa are two trendy neighborhoods known for their art deco architecture, cafes, and restaurants. Wander the streets, do some shopping, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes.

Bike Paths

Mexico City has a growing network of bike paths, making it a great city to explore by bike. Here are a few of the most popular bike paths:

The Paseo de la Reforma: This wide avenue runs through the heart of the city and is a great place to see some of Mexico City’s most famous landmarks.
The Bosque de Chapultepec: Chapultepec Park has a network of bike paths that wind through the park’s forests and gardens.