Hola, fellow travelers! After an incredible adventure in Oaxaca, my solo travels brought me to the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. I sure had a tasty week here filled with delicious food, and hidden speakeasies.
This was the last leg of my 77-day journey, and Mexico City left me with a multitude of reasons to return.
Find the link to my 37 Mexico City recommendations on Google Maps at the bottom of this post! 🥑
FIRST OF ALL! AVOID THIS MISTAKE WHEN ARRIVING IN MEXICO:
One mistake I made coming in here was that I did not realize there was 2 different airports. (I know right, how did I miss that? I blame travel burnout!) My journey from the airport was therefore planned from the other airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez - where you can easily uber 10 minutes to the city) and not from the one further away that I actually landed on. When I landed at Felipe Angeles Airport, NLU, there was a whopping 1 hour wait for a taxi - and it cost 1000 pesos! Uber is NOT available from this airport, and there were no trains.
The solution I found for this: Go to the bus station and pay around 130 pesos for a shuttle bus to take you to the other airport, and then uber from there. The bus is nice and clean and takes around one hour. Perfecto. OK, moving on!
Before I set out to visit Mexico City, many people warned me about safety issues.Â
As a solo female traveler, I took these concerns to heart but found that staying in a safe area and being mindful of my surroundings (as always) made all the difference. I felt perfectly at ease exploring this bustling city. From the moment I arrived, the warm and welcoming nature of the locals made me feel right at home. This city is surprisingly walkable so if you love exploring by foot, this is for you! They also have Uber (everywhere else but NLU airport), which worked perfectly fine.
Mexico City offers a ton of activities and sights. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there's something here for everyone. I must admit, after 70 days on the road, I did experience a bit of travel burnout, and so I rested more than usual and missed out on a lot of important sights I wanted to see like Frida Kahlo museum, hot air balloons or exploring Xochimilco. All great reasons to return later!
Despite my travel fatigue, the city's culinary scene was an absolute highlight. From street tacos to excellent pastry and high-end dining, every meal was an adventure for the palate. And let's not forget the speakeasy bars! I visited some of the best-hidden gems, each with its own unique vibe and expertly crafted cocktails. If you're a fan of nightlife, these speakeasies are a must-visit.
Highlights include Handshake bar, that is currently ranked no. 1 in North America by 50 Best, Hanky Panky - hard to find but lovely cocktails all named after cities (try the Oslo!) and Rayo where they serve you a cocktail in the elevator going up to the actual bar, and instead of a menu you get small drops of flavour to taste and choose your cocktail based on!
Mexico City proved to be a city that never sleeps and never ceases to amaze.
As my trip came to an end, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad to leave. However, the beauty of travel lies in the knowledge that you can always return. I now have a list of exciting reasons to come back to Mexico City and continue my exploration. There are countless museums, neighborhoods, and culinary delights still waiting to be discovered.
So, if you're considering a trip to Mexico City, don't let concerns about safety deter you. With a bit of caution and a spirit of adventure, this city offers an endless array of experiences.
Feel free to check out my curated Google Map with 37 hot food and drink spots in Mexico City. (Even a good gym and a co-working space, it is all about balance)
Until next time, happy travels!
XX Julie
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