Five days lets you cover Mexico City's historic centre, its design-forward neighbourhoods, and at least one major day trip without feeling rushed — and given the altitude, a slightly slower pace than usual is worth building in regardless. Days 1 and 2 stay in the historic centre. The Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, sits directly above the excavated ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor — a genuinely striking visual of two civilisations stacked on top of each other, and worth slow, careful viewing rather than a quick walk-through. The Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes round out the area, both within easy walking distance. Use your second day to explore further into the historic centre's surrounding streets, where colonial architecture and small museums reward unplanned wandering more than a strict itinerary would. Day 3 moves to Roma and Condesa, Mexico City's design and food districts. There's no single must-see landmark here — the point is the tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, and a café and restaurant scene that genuinely rivals any design capital in the world. Spend the day without a fixed plan, and let lunch and coffee stops dictate the pace rather than forcing a checklist. Day 4 is for Coyoacán, a former village neighbourhood now absorbed into the city but retaining a distinct character. The Frida Kahlo Museum, her former home, is the headline stop and benefits from booking ahead, since timed entry is common. The surrounding market, plazas, and mariachi performances make Coyoacán worth a full afternoon beyond just the museum visit. Day 5 is best spent on the Teotihuacan day trip, about an hour outside the city. This is one of the largest ancient cities in the pre-Columbian Americas, and climbing the Pyramid of the Sun for views over the entire complex is the clear highlight — go early to avoid both the heat and the crowds that build through the day. A few practical notes: the altitude (2,240 metres) can cause mild fatigue or breathlessness in the first day or two — hydrate well and don't overschedule your arrival day. Use official airport taxi booths or rideshare apps rather than hailing taxis on the street. And the Metro, while extremely cheap, gets genuinely crowded at rush hour — plan around peak times if your schedule allows the flexibility.