Classic Mexico: 7-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Explore the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor ruins
• Lunch: Street food in the centro -- try tlacoyos and quesadillas at a market
• Afternoon: Visit Palacio de Bellas Artes for the murals, walk along Avenida Madero
• Evening: Dinner in the Roma Norte neighborhood, explore its tree-lined streets and cafe culture

• Morning: Museo Nacional de Antropologia -- allow 3-4 hours for this world-class museum
• Lunch: Polanco neighborhood for upscale Mexican cuisine
• Afternoon: Chapultepec Castle for panoramic views and the National History Museum
• Evening: Plaza Garibaldi for live mariachi music, or catch a Lucha Libre match

• Morning: Frida Kahlo Museum (book tickets in advance), explore Coyoacan's plazas
• Lunch: Coyoacan market for tostadas and traditional food
• Afternoon: Xochimilco -- float through the ancient canals on a trajinera
• Evening: Dinner in Condesa neighborhood

• Morning: Fly to Oaxaca (approximately 1 hour) or take an early bus (6 hours)
• Afternoon: Market tour through Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre markets
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant near the Zocalo, try mole negro and mezcal

• Morning: Monte Alban archaeological site -- allow 2-3 hours
• Lunch: Back in the city at a local comedor
• Afternoon: Mezcal tour visiting artisanal palenques in the valley, or a cooking class
• Evening: Mezcalerias and live music in the centro

• Morning: Early bus from Oaxaca to Puebla (approximately 4.5 hours)
• Afternoon: Explore Puebla's historic center -- the Cathedral, Biblioteca Palafoxiana, and Capilla del Rosario
• Evening: Dinner featuring mole poblano and cemitas, walk the illuminated centro

• Morning: Visit a Talavera pottery workshop, explore the Barrio del Artista
• Lunch: Chiles en nogada (if in season) or more Pueblan specialties on Calle de los Dulces
• Afternoon: Return to Mexico City by bus (2 hours) for your departure flight

Practical Information

• Budget estimate -- $80-150 USD per day for mid-range travel (accommodation, food, transport, activities). For a full breakdown, see our Mexico travel costs guide.
• Transport -- Domestic flights between CDMX and Oaxaca are affordable if booked in advance. ADO buses are comfortable for all routes. See our getting around Mexico guide for more on buses, flights, and ride-hailing.
• Packing -- Check our Mexico packing list to make sure you have everything you need.
• Best time -- October to April for dry weather. Late October for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.