KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
THE BASICS GO A LONG WAY
Here are a few quick and dirty pointers to help navigate your time in the big city.
- Don’t drink tap water. Or all you’ll be seeing on your trip is your bathroom.
- Your understanding of spicy is probably not spicy in CDMX. Tread lightly.
- Don’t forget some warmer layers. Daytime is mild, and it’s sneaky cold at night. You’re not at the beach anymore.
- Credit cards are widely accepted. Even hole-in-wall taquerias usually (not always) take everything, Amex included.
- Ubers are cheap, Ubers are safe, Ubers are everywhere.
- Learn your neighborhoods. There are some areas that are still big no-gos.
Stay Safe = Stay Smart
Mexico can freak people out. The presence of the cartels continues to be a thorn in the side of the major Mexican beach spots. Thankfully, their influence in CDMX has waned in recent years (at least on the face of things). The likelihood of you coming up against any gang violence in the capital is very low. Cops are everywhere, including armed patrols, and the tourist areas are super safe.
With that said, practice the usual common sense behaviors. There are still high levels of petty crime, so don’t try and actively stick out too much, don’t advertise your valuables, and only carry what you need. And maybe avoid the metro system at night, especially if you’re alone
THINGS TO DO
Hit museums, or all 150 of them
Mexico City has an unbelievable number of museums for visitors to enjoy. Just remember, they’re all closed on Mondays. The city has gone through a lot in its time, and the history of the Mexican people is complex. There’s no better place to start than the National Museum of Anthropology. It’s a world-class attraction with huge exhibits spanning the region’s entire history. If you can’t separate your Aztecs from your Toltecs, start here. You’re going to need a few hours, though. Other brilliant museums include the Frida Kahlo Museum which is built inside the house she lived and died in; the University Museum of Contemporary Art; and the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes where you’ll find some of the world’s most striking murals adorning the walls. The National Museum of the Revolution is worth it just for the towering arch it’s built under. |
VISIT THE PYRAMID
An hour outside of CDMX lies the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The centerpiece of this 2000-year-old metropolis is their gargantuan pyramids. Outdating the Aztecs by over a Millenium, the city is still shrouded in mystery. Whether you’re a history buff or not, these jaw-dropping structures are more than worth the bus trip. Entry is only 80 pesos ($4 US) a person, and there are plenty of English-speaking guides if you don’t feel like reading up yourself. The Temple of the Sun is the star of the show, and although visitors can no longer climb to the sacrificial altar, standing at the bottom of the stairs is a humbling enough experience. There’s plenty else to see, including the Avenue of the Dead, a 1.5-mile long road lined with ancient homes and temples. And while you’re there, buy a jaguar whistle. Just do it. |
HAVE A CRAZY NIGHT WATCHING LUCHA LIBRE
Whatever you do, don’t pass Lucha Libre off as a gimmick. Sure, grown adults masked and dressed in insane outfits pretending to fight each other sounds the wrong side of absurd. But get yourself down to the 17,000 seater Arena Mexico, and you’ll be hollering obscenities in Spanish in minutes. The stadium can fill to the brim, and the Mexicans take their second favorite sport seriously. Pick your hero, pick your villain, embrace the flamboyance, and you’ll have the time of your life. Fridays are the busiest, but they also have events on Tuesdays. Some brilliant AirBnB experiences combine Lucha events with local food and history. Don’t forget to pick up your mask on the way out. |
WHAT TO EAT
Delectable street food and exquisite high-end dining: Mexico City has it all. Frankly, throwing the city’s culinary scene into one block is an insult to food, but it’s what we’re working with. At the high end of the spectrum, CDMX is home to some of the greatest restaurants on the planet. Pujol, currently ranked ninth in the world, is as much an experience as a meal. The main attraction in both of its tasting menus is the 7-year-old mole, but the entire menu is nothing short of perfection. It’s not cheap, but a comparable meal in the US could cost double, making the splurge a little more worth it. On the opposite side are the endless taco-pportunities (sorry). It’s entirely possible you’ll have the best taco you’ve ever eaten for 70 cents. Again, listing the city’s best taco joints could be an entire section in and of itself. For El Pastor, grab a Gringas taco at Selene. Feeling carnitas? Head to Tacos El Capote Azul. And for the prettiest tacos you’ve ever eaten, head to any of Tacos Orinoco’s locations. |
With so much love
Bombon
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