Despite people telling me about the incredible food scene and architecture I really wasn’t sure what Mexico City would be like.
Frankly, nothing could have prepared me for how beautiful Mexico City is. Not beautiful in a glossy, picture perfect way – but rather because of its contrasts. Stunning modern architecture and dilapidated old buildings. Fine dining and delicious street tacos. Beautiful parks and grimy city streets. The Zocolo and tiny hole in the wall joints to load up on tostadas and cervezas.
We stayed in La Condesa a gorgeous neighbourhood bordering Roma (yes where the recent Oscar winning film is set). Although it wasn’t walking distance to the city centre, it still felt central. I’d say it was a wealthy neighbourhood – there were some stunning homes, parks and plenty of restaurants. So many options to eat that you can get overwhelmed! I’d highly recommend Contramar for ceviche and margaritas.
Roma has lots of design stores and you can find bakeries and the Roma Markets if you want a selection of delicacies to choose from in one space.
I had been trying to up my Spanish game pre-Mexico to have some more genuine interactions with locals. Turned out that a horrific mixture of Spanish, Italian and French (with Aussie twang) bumbled out in reality! It was probably more confusing than if I’d just spoken English… but I don’t think it hugely hindered my experience, although of course being able to speak conversational Spanish would have been a huge plus! At least make sure you know how to order tacos and beer!
The best taco I’ve ever had in my life (and I ate at least 100 tacos during my time in Mexico, no exaggeration) was at Rico’s tacos on Calle Puente de Peredo. A bit off the beaten track, near Zocolo – but my gosh it’s the biznessss!
Architecture wise you must visit the Catholic Church that borders the Zocolo, just beautiful and apparently the largest church in Central America. Because it was built over a number of decades you can visually see at least three distinct styles of architecturaldesign from the ground up. The fact that it was built on a swamp and is slowly sinking is all the more reason to view it before any renovations have to begin.
For modern architecture and art please (please!) go to Museo Soumaya. It’s incredible facade of hexagonal tiles reflect the sunlight like a shimmering silver fish. Inside the museum there is an impressive Roudin collection and the interior design mimics the Guggenheim’s spiral interior except the spiral surrounds the exhibits (it’s ying to the Guggenheim’s yang). The top floor where you can see the structural engineering and the sunlight streaming in is very special and a reward for reaching the top.
Chapultepec Park is also a must. It served as a retreat for Aztec rulers including Montezuma (!). The Aztecs built an aqueduct in the park so that it had fresh waters sourced from surrounding areas. Very fascinating stuff. The massive park (one of the biggest and most visited in the world) swarms with locals on the weekends enjoying time with their families. You can also visit the castle at the top where you get an amazing view of the City and all its landmarks.
Also don’t forget that there are a lot of social and political issues in Mexico. We were lucky to have a local friend explain some of this to us. But do your research. Trafficking, drugs and corruption lie under the surface. I felt quite naive about my lack of knowledge and was happy that some of the gaps were filled in for me.
From eating 50 cent tamales on the street to having an extravagant meal, from Aztec history to modern design – Mexico City really had it all.
Pave & Pave Creative 