6 minute read
Things to Do in Mexico
Things to Do in Mexico
Words and photos by Mark Garcia
My dad and I took a trip to Mexico City—a place that neither of us had on a bucket list, but shared equal curiosity for. Before the pandemic, we had taken yearly trips together, so we decided to get the gang back together in late 2022 to try something new. For us, this has been a great way to continue sharing experiences together as times get more busy.
With no expectations in mind, we were pleasantly suprised by all this city had to offer.
Jenni's Quesadillas
On the corner of Colima and Merida in Roma Norte, is where you'll find queen Jenni at her throne. The famed quesadilla lady posts up around 10am and serves a variety of fillings and toppings. Take your order to go, or eat communal style with plate in hand while standing and people watching with other passerbys and locals.
Restaurante Rosetta
For the special day, endulge in a Mexican cuisine experience unlike anything you've ever seen. Seamlessly blending in with the enviroment, Restaurante Rosetta is an eclectic mansion-turned-restaurant, giving a hospitable ambiance. Elena Reygadas, named Latin America's Best Female Chef in 2014, centers the menu around seasonal ingredients, challenging herself to reinvent traditional Mexican dishes by using ingredients that nature is offering. Reservations are required, so plan ahead and make sure to order the sourdough bread with chicatana ant butter...if you're brave enough.
Panadería Rosetta
After much success with Restaurante Rosetta, Elena Reygadas opened the doors to the charming bakery, Panadería Rosetta. Grab a seat or take your pastry for a walk around Plaza Rio de Janeiro where you can listen to live music and shop with local vendors.
Luis Barragan Architecture Tour
Whether you have an eye for architecture or interior design, or you're someone who puts their TV on the floor, this small group architecture tour will have you rethinking homes forever. The Traveling Beetle is a private tour company focused on Mexican arts, that transports you around Mexico via Volkswagen Kombi Bus. Luis Barragan, Pritzker Prize recipient, is a world renowned architect whose work is made available to the public all over Mexico City. His deep respect for regional materials and use of natural lighting offers a unique perspective of the importance of the home.
Teotihuacán Hot Air Balloons
"There's no need to be scared" is not something I thought I'd be telling my Dad, who often did dumb and reckless things when I was a child. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity begins at the crack of dawn, making the view even more surreal once you're up over the Teotihuacan ruins with 50 or so balloons in the distance. The experience is very peaceful besides the landing which is little bumpy; however, that was made up for with a celebratory glass of champagne.
La Cuidadela
One of the many markets you will come across while exploring the city is La Ciudadela. You can find just about anything you want from these markets, from rosaries to lucha masks to massive blankets. Surely there's gifts for every family member and friend, so there is no excuse to come home empty handed. I opted for some postcards, which I sent to friends from Mexico. Unfortunately, delivery took longer than expected, so my friends wondered why I was back in Mexico three monhs later.
Gran Hotel Cuidad de Mexico
Although we did not stay here, the Gran Hotel is definitely a sight worth visiting for its ornate stained glass ceiling. The hotel was built in 1899 as a department store, but now draws in guests for its art nouveau interior and rooftop bar which overlooks the Zocalo. Take a break at the bar, and ask for a ride on the antique elevator, the first in Mexico City made of iron and concrete.
Xinú Perfumes
An experience that suprised us was visiting this low-profiled perfumery located in the Polanco neighborhood. Upon walking up the tight all-black staircase, you enter a labratory of a mad, but incredible smelling, scientist. Each scent was broken down by ingredients on the table, and provided different ways to smell the perfume based on how it's applied. The perfumes are gender-neutral, and make a great gift for someone special.
Chapultepec Castle
Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Forest, is considered the largest city park in Mexico spanning over 1800 acres. The park features several lakes, museums, forest land, and even the residence of the President of Mexico. Among the many attractions, visitors may explore the Chapultepec Castle which also houses the Museum of Natural History. This castle was completed in 1864 as a summer house for the Viceroyalty of New Spain, and later assigned as the official residence of the president up until 1934. Wind through fascinating hallways, and make your way to the top for an incredible cityscape view.
National Museum of Anthropology
Ask anybody from Mexico City and they will tell you the Musuem of Anthropology is something you have to see when visiting. Unlike other popular museums like the Soumaya or the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Museum of Anthropology boasts around 1.5 million visitors per year, making it the most visited museum in Latin America. The museum has preserved a vast amount of archaeological pieces housed in 22 rooms that take you through the timeline of Mexico's history.
Beyond the reccomendations here, there is so much more that Mexico City has to offer. We frequently interacted with kind locals who were willing and happy to assist. Unlike other metropolitan cities, the soul of Mexico City thrives with a perfect blend of architecture and nature. It is a city I plan to visit again, and a city I will continue to persuade others to visit.
The best thing my Dad and I did was our excursion on the first day. We simply walked around and got lost in the city with no destination in mind. By observing and exploring, we better acclimated to our surroundings and felt more comfortable in a new city.
