Mexico City Part II: D.F. Highlights

posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Photos by: Olivver Simon

I love looking at this set of photos because I get to teleport back to Mexico City days with my hunny. He's seriously such an amazing travel companion. And because of life and responsibilities, these photos will have to do until our next adventure. CAN'T. WAIT.  

Definitely had some D.F. highlights that I want to share. So to elaborate more on my previous post, here are some traveling recommendations from me to you!

Restaurants, Cafe's, Taco Stands, Oh my!
There is definitely no shortage of places to get your grub on. It can almost be overwhelming. But when it comes to food, I welcome the challenge. One of my favorites was Mercado Roma. If you live in LA, it has a very similar vibe to Grand Central Market. There are many mini-kiosks that have everything form burgers to tapas to macarons. Basically an indecisive eater's dream! For a little caffeine fix check out Buna Café Rico. Cute ambience and good coffee- sold! For even more of a cuteness overload vibe and casual dining check out Lalo! That exclamation mark is no mistake my friends. In addition to Lalo!, Chef Eduardo García (also of Maximo Bistro) created the menu for Pueblo 109. This place offers herb and fruit filled cocktails as well as yummy plates that are currently making my mouth water. The atmosphere can be described in two words- hip AF. 

Sights and Attractions
If you follow me on Instagram you might have caught this photo. It was taken at the Museo Nacional de Antropología. Definitely a must-see! The surrounding area to the building has a lot of great energy as well as vendors, people, and at one point a little mini circus act. If you happen to be there on a Sunday I highly recommend renting bikes and biking to the museum. It's a beautiful ride and bonus you get to bypass any traffic! 

We also spent a lot of time in Zócalo because of its proximity to our Airbnb. It is the main square in central Mexico City. Here you can check out the beautiful cathedral, museums, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Be sure to check museum operation times because they are closed on certain days for maintenance. I know this because we made this mistake...twice. Heartbreak. 

Probably my most favorite experience was attending a Lucha Libre fight!! It is such a big deal in Mexico and the energy is amazing. I suggest getting there a little early and grabbing a few tacos out front before the fight. You will absolutely be entertained. 

Meet Up With Locals
I am completely rambling but my last bit of advice when traveling, anywhere really, is to take advantage of local knowledge. I truly believe you get a completely different experience when you hang out with people that know the lay of the land. For this trip we got connected with a friend of a friend and it was amazing! She let us  tag along on her night out and we ate/drank/danced at places we probably would never have been to without her. And naturally you end up meeting more new people to send Facebook friend requests to. 

I can't express enough how important I believe experiencing new cultures is. Traveling allows you to have first hand encounters with people outside your norm which inevitably leads to being a more aware, well-rounded individual. Of course traveling does take certain finances which is why my boyfriend and I almost always opt out of traditional, tangible gifts and instead save up to take trips together both near and far. Even a quick few days up in San Francisco or a ferry ride to Catalina will still garner more rewards for me than a new pair of shoes. 

Rambling complete!