Why I Fell in Love With Mexico City After Hating Travel

Admin
Admin September 28, 2025 • 54 views
Why I Fell in Love With Mexico City After Hating Travel

Why I Fell in Love With Mexico City After Hating Travel

Introduction: My Unexpected Change of Heart

I never liked traveling to Mexico. The crowded beaches. The tourist traps. The same old resorts. It felt boring. Then I visited Mexico City. My whole view changed. This city surprised me. It showed me real Mexico. Rich culture. Amazing food. Friendly people. This is my story. How one city made me love a country I thought I disliked.

Mexico City is huge. Over 21 million people live there. It is the largest city in North America. Many tourists skip it. They go to beaches instead. That is a big mistake. Mexico City has history. It has art. It has life. I went there with low hopes. I left with great memories. Let me tell you why.

First Impressions: Arriving in Mexico City

My flight landed at Benito Juárez Airport. I took the Metro to my hotel. The subway is clean. It is efficient. It is very cheap. A ride costs only 5 pesos. That is about 25 cents. I stayed in Roma Norte. This neighborhood is trendy. It has cool cafes. Art galleries. Beautiful parks.

Finding My Hotel

I booked a small hotel online. It was not expensive. About $50 per night. The room was nice. It had a comfortable bed. Good wifi. A helpful staff. The area felt safe. People walked dogs. They drank coffee outside. It felt like Europe. But with Mexican flavor.

Overcoming Language Barriers

My Spanish is not good. I know basic phrases. Hello. Thank you. How much? Most people spoke some English. Especially younger people. They were patient. They helped me. I used Google Translate too. It worked well. Do not worry about language. You will manage.

The Food Scene: A Culinary Paradise

Mexico City has incredible food. Street tacos. Fine dining. Everything in between. I ate so well. And I spent little money. Food is affordable here. A great meal can cost just a few dollars.

Must-Try Street Foods

You must try street food. It is safe if you choose busy stalls. Look for places with lines. That means the food is fresh. My favorites:

  • Tacos al Pastor - Spicy pork with pineapple
  • Elotes - Grilled corn with mayo and cheese
  • Tamales - Steamed corn dough with fillings
  • Churros - Fried dough with sugar

Best Restaurants for Every Budget

I also ate at nice restaurants. Some were fancy. Some were casual. All were delicious. Top picks:

  • Pujol - World famous. Expensive but worth it.
  • Contramar - Great seafood. Moderate prices.
  • El Huequito - Best tacos. Very cheap.

Cultural Treasures: Museums and History

Mexico City has over 150 museums. That is more than any other city. I love history. So I visited many. The best part? Most are free on Sundays. Or very cheap.

Top Museums to Visit

You cannot see them all. But do not miss these:

  • National Museum of Anthropology - Huge and impressive. Shows Mexico's history.
  • Frida Kahlo Museum - In her blue house. Very popular. Book tickets early.
  • Palacio de Bellas Artes - Beautiful building. Art shows inside.

Ancient Pyramids Nearby

Just outside the city are ancient pyramids. Teotihuacan is the most famous. You can climb them. The view is amazing. I went on a tour. It cost $30. That included transport and guide. Well worth it.

Neighborhood Explorations: Beyond the Tourist Zones

I spent days just walking around. Each neighborhood has its own character. Some are modern. Some feel old. All are interesting.

Roma and Condesa

These areas are hip. Full of young people. Great restaurants. Nice parks. Perfect for walking. I felt safe here day and night.

Coyoacán

This is where Frida Kahlo lived. It has a village feel. Cobblestone streets. Colorful houses. A lovely central square. I spent a whole day here. Just relaxing.

Centro Histórico

The historic center is busy. But full of life. The Zócalo is the main square. It is huge. The cathedral is beautiful. There are always events happening.

Practical Tips for Your Mexico City Trip

Planning a trip? Here is practical advice. These tips will help you enjoy your visit.

When to Visit

The best time is dry season. That is November to April. The weather is nice. Not too hot. Not too cold. I went in March. It was perfect.

Getting Around

Use the Metro. It is easy. And very cheap. Taxis are safe if you use apps. Uber works well here. Or use official taxi stands. Do not hail cabs on the street.

Money Matters

Use pesos. Not dollars. Many places take credit cards. But street vendors need cash. ATMs are everywhere. Use bank ATMs. They are safer.

Safety Tips

Mexico City is safe if you are smart. Do not flash expensive items. Watch your bag in crowds. Stay in well-lit areas at night. I never had problems. But be aware.

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Perfect Day

Here is how I would spend a perfect day in Mexico City:

  1. Breakfast at a local cafe. Try chilaquiles.
  2. Visit the Anthropology Museum. Spend 2-3 hours.
  3. Lunch at a market. Try several street foods.
  4. Walk through Chapultepec Park. See the castle.
  5. Late afternoon coffee in Condesa.
  6. Dinner at a nice restaurant. Maybe seafood.
  7. Evening walk in Roma. Ice cream for dessert.

FAQ: Common Questions About Mexico City

Is Mexico City safe for tourists?

Yes, very safe. Use common sense. Stay in tourist areas. Do not walk alone late at night. I felt safer here than in many US cities.

How expensive is Mexico City?

Not expensive at all. You can eat well for $10 per day. Hotels start at $30. Attractions are cheap. It is great value.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No, but it helps. Many people speak English. Learn basic phrases. People appreciate the effort.

What should I pack?

Comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot. Light jacket for evenings. The city is high. It gets cool at night.

Can I drink the water?

No. Drink bottled water. Even locals do. Use it for brushing teeth too. Restaurants serve purified water.

How many days should I spend?

At least 4-5 days. There is so much to see. I stayed 7 days. I still did not see everything.

Is the altitude a problem?

Mexico City is high. 7,300 feet. Some people feel tired at first. Drink water. Take it easy the first day.

Real Examples: My Favorite Moments

Some moments really stood out. These made me love the city:

The Mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi - I went at night. The square was full of musicians. They played beautiful music. I sat for hours. Just listening.

Lucha Libre Wrestling - This is Mexican wrestling. The masks are colorful. The crowd is loud. It is so much fun. Even if you do not like sports.

Sunday Bike Ride - Every Sunday, they close many streets. For bikes and walkers. I rented a bike. I rode for miles. Through beautiful areas. With thousands of locals.

By the Numbers: Mexico City Statistics

Some interesting facts about the city:

Conclusion: My New Love for Mexico

Mexico City changed my mind. I thought I did not like Mexico. I was wrong. I just had not found the right place. This city has everything. Culture. Food. History. Friendly people. And it is affordable.

I plan to return soon. There is still more to see. More food to try. More neighborhoods to explore. If you think you do not like Mexico. Give Mexico City a chance. It might surprise you too. It is not like the resort towns. It is real. It is vibrant. It is wonderful.

Start planning your trip today. Check flight prices. Look at hotels. Read more guides. Your adventure awaits. Mexico City is waiting to welcome you. Just like it welcomed me.