arriba, arriba, mexico city
¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa' dentro!
Mexico City is such a livable city with so many parks and museums at each corner you turn. People are very active (even when it’s brisk outside) rollerblading in large groups showing off their skills to bystanders, biking and walking simply enjoying the fresh air. While there, I fell in love with the food, art and culture during my short weekend stay. Quiero más.
The food in Mexico City can be familiar or can be quite exotic to the palate of most. I recommend trying cuisine that’s most authentic to DF. If you can have ant egg AKA Escamoles tacos or sun dried beetles AKA Cocopaches - do it. As a tip, most restaurants are closed for dinner because Sunday is a family day. Plan to eat at your hotel or find another spot that serves dinner that day in advance.
Maque Cafe - Simple dishes for breakfast or lunch. Think coffee, eggs in sauce, french fries and pastries that you’ll dream about for days. My husband wouldn't stop talking about the chocolate concha after we tried it, so of course we had to go back to get more.
Panadería Rosetta - We stopped by the bakery in Roma for you guessed it, sweets and espresso. I had read that you need to get there early because seats at the small bar are hard to come by and of course I ignored the warning. The line is out the door for takeaway, but the pastries are so worth it. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth yet? Try the concha, sweet rosemary bread and a croissant.
Fifty Mils - An eclectic lunch or dinner spot where you can eat on red velvet couches inside or outside in the garden of the Four Seasons. We went there for lunch and I had the best tomato soup I think I will ever have in my life. I’m not one to like food or drink that’s smokey, but this soup had some sort of smoke to it that was divine. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail because you know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, try the White Rabbit. The cocktail is an experience in itself.
Contramar - We weren't able to go to this restaurant for a late lunch, but it came highly recommended by all of our friends.
As for things to do in about 48 hours, I would recommend picking one or two spots you can’t miss and then exploring the rest of the time. There are food markets, vendors and entertainers in the parks and there is a park almost everywhere you turn.
Museum of Anthropology - The largest and most visited museum in Mexico is filled with ancient native history. This museum is nestled inside a large grassy park and has a magnificent waterfall tree in the middle of the museum.
Frida Kahlo’s House - Loved the bright colors throughout the building, historical artifacts and the corset exhibit from then and now. Purchase your tickets in advance. You can show up to buy tickets, but be prepared to find something else to do until your open slot is available a few hours later if they aren't already sold out. Also, you’ll need to purchase a special pass if you want to take photos once you’re inside. This needs to be on your list of things to do.
Bazaar del Sabado in San Hacito - Love a good outdoor flea market. This was filled with all the things - art, silver jewelry, skulls, home decor and classic apparel. There are some shops surrounding the bazaar as well as a few restaurants if you feel famished from all of the browsing.
Castillo de Chapultepec - The official residence of Napoleon's buddy, Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. They lived in the castle until 1867 when the Emperor was executed and the Empire crumbled with it. You could spend a few hours strolling the hallways and garden of this castle up on the hill. It’s a great spot to visit on a Sunday when it’s free.
Antara - If you’re in need for a little credit card swiping, visit the outdoor mall. When I was there the sales were insanely good.
¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa' dentro!
