4 Days in Mexico City: Your Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Experiencing Día de Muertos

Visiting Mexico City for the first time, especially during the vibrant celebration of Día de Muertos, is an experience that promises to be unforgettable. Over the course of four days, you’ll dive into a city rich with history, culture, and obviously DELICIOUS food , all while witnessing the unique beauty of a holiday that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. From stunning altars adorned with marigolds to lively street parades and traditional festivities, every corner of the city pulses with life.

In this guide, I will help you navigate the must-see sights, cultural rituals, and hidden gems that make both Mexico City and Día de Muertos a perfect blend for your visit in just 4 days! Get ready to create lasting memories in the heart of CDMX <3

Mexico City had been on my bucket list for awhile! Not just to experience one of the most populous cities in the world (9.2 million people!), but also a celebration that is near and dear to my heart and culture Día de Muertos. I’m so excited to walk you through how to spend 4 amazing days in Mexico City during this time of year!

FYI

Mexico City is HUGE and the traffic… some of the worst I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend breaking this city up into sections and keeping to those sections for the day so you are maximizing your time. Ubers are easy to grab and not too expensive but the driving is crazy and traffic is horrendous lol something to keep in mind when setting up your itinerary. Also if you are going to Mexico City for Dia de Muertos book hotels way in advance.

Day 1 (October 30th)

Day 1 is always about taking it easy and kicking off your adventure. Depending on the time of day you arrive in Mexico City I would recommend checking out Centro Historico or exploring the neighborhood your hotel is in. We stayed in Roma Norte which is foodie heaven (although most of CDMX is!), Condessa and Polanco are the best neighborhoods to stay in for first time visitors. Day 2-4 will be booked and busy morning to night so take it easy on day 1 😉

Hotels I recommend

• Four Seasons: When I come back to Mexico City, I will be staying at the four seasons. This hotel is absolutely beautiful and in a great location. Luxury at its finest.
• Hotel Maison Mexico Roma: This is the hotel we stayed at and it was great! A boutique hotel with only 25 rooms in the heart of Roma Norte.
• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma: Another gorgeous luxury hotel with a stunning views of The Angel of Independence. Great choice for first timers in CDMX.

Activities

• Explore Neighborhood Near Hotel (Roma and Condessa): We arrived in Mexico City at night time so we used this time to explore a little around our hotel in Roma Norte. Nearby you also have Condessa which is a great place to shop and a popular spot for food.
• Palacio de Correos de México: A historic neoclassical building in Mexico City, completed in 1907. Known for its ornate facade and grand interior, it serves as the city’s main post office and is a cultural landmark. Its architectural beauty, including a stunning glass dome and gilded details, makes it a must-see in the Centro Histórico.
• Casa gilardi:a modernist house in Mexico City designed by Luis Barragán in 1976. Known for its iconic pink exterior, striking use of light and color, and integration with nature, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of Barragán’s architectural style. Book tickets in advance because they do sell out! (You have to email them and pay via PayPal)

Food

• Taquería Orinoco: We grabbed dinner here on our first night. This was a highly raved and talked about taco spot in Mexico City with 4 locations, we went to the one in Roma Norte. I have to say I was a little underwhelmed for the amount of hype this place got. Don’t get me wrong the tacos are GOOD, however the service was less than pleasant (we sat outside and got water dumped on our food from someone living above the restaurant) and I wasn’t happy with the way they handled the situation. Good tacos but you will find better in this city.
• Contramar: So sad we didn’t get to try this place as I have heard amazing things and I LOVE seafood, must try in Mexico City.
• Rosetta Panaderia: You probably saw this place all over TikTok and instagram but they really do have some of the softest Pan Dulce I’ve ever had (go early in the morning and try to get the Guava roll they sell out fast)

Day 2 (October 31st)

Day 2 you’re going to wake up nice and early and head on over to get some breakfast. There are so many places to choose from but my go to is always grabbing a pan dulce and hitting the road. I give some breakfast recommendations below 🙂

Activities

• Chapultepec Castle: A historic hilltop castle in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City. Once a royal residence, it now houses the National History Museum and offers stunning views of the city. Its architecture and gardens make it a key cultural landmark. If you want to avoid the ticket line, book in advance.
• Xochimilco: Truly such a unique experience going to the canals of Xochimilco. We went at about 1pm on a Thursday and again the traffic was pretty bad lol (~1 hour to get there from Central Mexico City). No need to book anything in advance you can pick up a trajinera when you get there. Price is per BOAT not per person, don’t get scammed. You can purchase drinks and snacks on the canals or bring your own stuff. Such a great experience!
• Lucha Libre: After spending the day exploring, end the day with attending a luche libre fight

Food

• Rosetta: Bringing a touch of Italy to Mexico City, using locally sourced ingredients in innovative Italian dishes. Rosetta is housed in a beautiful colonial house in Roma with a stunning interior perfect for dinner.
• Café Nin: Elegant ambiance and delicious breakfast and brunch. Located in the trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, be prepared to wait about 30-45 minutes but the time goes by fast and you can go into their cafe and order coffee while you wait. The interior is beautiful!
• Taverna: Another brilliant restaurant capturing you with the beautiful decor and aesthetic. Focusing on Mediterranean cuisine, make reservations in advance!

Day 3 (November 1st)

November 1st is when the dia de muertos celebrations really kick off (although some things start early October November 1st & 2nd are the true days of celebration). On this day explore Coyocan that has so many markets and places to visit especially when visiting for dia de muertos.

Activities

• Explore Coyocan: Explore the Coyocan neighborhood including the Arsenal Mercado, get lost in this cool market and neighborhood.
• Frida Kahlo Musem: Visit Casa Azul when in Coyocan, book tickets for this in advance they sell out quickly! I also recommend doing some research before or get a guide to learn about the extraordinary life of Frida Kahlo
• Explore Polanco: The upscale neighborhood of Mexico City, my favorite place to visit here was the Cafebreia Pendulo, a beautiful coffee shop/book store truly stunning and a good place to take a coffee break.

Food

• El Moro: A cafe known for their churros and hot chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Street Food: Of course while strolling around Mexico City you will pass a number of street food vendors. Look for clean, popular vendors typically with long lines… that’s how you know they reputable.
• Mastro Taquero: We really enjoyed our dinner here. The tacos with bone marrow were soooo good, be prepared to wait a little but no worries they give you a beer while you wait. A great spot for anyone looking to experience gourmet tacos with high-quality meats and fresh tortillas in a comfortable, casual setting. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a more elevated, but still authentic, taco experience in Mexico City

Day 4 (November 2nd, dia de muertos)

This is the day we have been waiting for! Dia de muertos, a way to celebrate our loved ones who have passed. The city is vibrant with flowers, parades, ofrendas, papel picado, every inch of the city expressing the love our culture has for the remembrance of our loved ones. If you are visiting during any other time during the year, I have included some more activities as well.

Activities

• Parade: So the parade schedule is a little tricky and hard to plan for. They usually don’t announce the schedule or route until a week or so before. This year 2024, it started at 2pm going from going from Chapultepec park to el Zocalo. We got there at about 12pm and we were at the end of the parade
• Ofrenda en el Zócalo: The Mega Ofrenda is a free event that welcomes everyone—both locals and visitors—to take part in this meaningful celebration. It serves as a moment to honor and remember loved ones who have passed, providing an opportunity to celebrate life and the memories of those who are no longer with us.
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: The Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of Mexico City’s most iconic buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a hub for arts and culture.
• Bibloteca Vasconselos: The building is a modern architectural gem, with vast open spaces and an impressive collection of books. So beautiful, must vist!

Food

• Mi Compa Chava: A great choice for anyone looking for delicious, comforting Mexican food in a lively and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, tortas, or tamales, this restaurant delivers an authentic taste of Mexico with a modern twist. Also their seafood looks great too, will deff check this place out next time I come to Mexico City.
• La Casa De Toño: We were recommended this place by one of our uber drivers. Its a chain restaurant in Mexico City but the food was really good with every Mexican dish you can possibility thing of. Our favorite thing was the pozole!
• Gran Hotel Terrazza: For drinks and great views of the Zocalo

Final Thoughts

Mexico City was everything I hoped for. Rich culture, history and good food! Everything time I visit any part of Mexico I have a sense of pride to be Mexicana and celebrate our people. Spending four days in Mexico City during Día de Muertos is a truly special experience I will never forget. The city transforms into a colorful celebration of life, love, and remembrance, with stunning altars, lively parades, and a prideful sense of community. Even if you’re visiting during a different time of year your will have a wonderful time.

From wandering through the green filled streets of Roma, to soaking in the vibrant energy of Xochimilco, you’ll find that this holiday isn’t just about remembering the departed—it’s about honoring them with joy, music, and tradition. Whether you’re indulging in pan de muerto or admiring the intricate ofrendas set up throughout the city, Día de Muertos offers a deeper connection to Mexico’s rich cultural roots. In short, Mexico City during this time (or any time really) isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re lucky enough to visit during this season, let yourself be swept up in the magic of it all.

If you’re looking to get inspiration for your next Mexico vacation, check out my Cabo blog post <3