Mexico City – Why This Amazing City Is A MUST For Your Bucket List

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, more people should visit Mexico City. There are a lot of misconceptions about the city and safety. But in reality Mexico City should be mentioned in the same breath as London, Paris, or New York City. I want to address the misconceptions, but also give you all the inspiration you need to put this incredible city on your bucket list! We will take it in order of the following…

• Is Mexico City Safe?
• The Food
• The Culture
• The City Itself

Is Mexico City Safe?

The number one worry my family and friends had for me was safety. “Be careful,” was a phrase commonly muttered by almost everyone, when I told them I was going to visit Mexico City. Not going to lie, it did freak me out. But, instead of losing it, I did research. I found out, several blog posts later, that the state department ranks Mexico City on the same safety index as London and Paris. This safety index being “travel with increased caution.” In fact, almost all of Latin America and several European countries are in this category.

I do not disagree with this travel advisory, and think it is applicable to most countries in the world. As a tourist, you stick out like a sore thumb. This is true no matter what you may do to blend in. Already being less familiar with the area, makes you an easier target. So, you really do have to be more alert and vigilant.

Travel tip: Even though most tourists do stick out anyway, you should always do research that will help you blend in as much as possible. The best way to do this is by researching what people in the area typically wear on a daily basis.

I personally never felt unsafe in Mexico. I walked around at night, drove in the city, and took plenty of Ubers. Further, most Mexican people I met were friendly and kind. Like most Latin people in Latin countries, they were willing to help with recommendations and directions. And even though I did exercise “increased caution,” by taking measures such as always staying with my group and wearing a cross-body bag. These are measures that I take every time I travel, even in the US.

The Food

If food is not a good reason to travel, then I don’t know what is. And when you visit Mexico City, you are met with some of the most life-changing food on the planet! From high end restaurants that you need to book months in advance, to vegan street eats, this city has it all.

While in Mexico City we ended up snagging a few seats at the taco bar at Pujol, the 12th best restaurant in the world. We dined on 11 taco courses, 11! Each bite was unique and flavorful, and by the end of the meal I could barely walk (but I was going to try everything damn it!). It was an expensive meal at the price tag of $180 a person, but well worth it.

Travel Tip: If you do want to try Pujol, which is a must once-in-a-lifetime meal when you visit Mexico City, then make reservations through Open Table AT LEAST 3 months in advance. I was lucky to get a reservation for the taco bar.

The next day, we ate mind-blowing vegan tacos “al pastor” for the afforable price of about $3. Pepper in a couple churros and chocolate, as pictured above, and I guarantee that your mouth has never been so happy.

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The Culture

Once upon a time, Mexico City was the epicenter for the ancient Aztec culture. A culture that has evolved and endured even after the conquistadors toppled the Aztec empire. This, blended with modern art has made something magically and uniquely Mexican. What’s more is that the resulting mix of all these cultures is highly present and visible in the city today.

From day trips to Teotihuacan, to side trips to Mexico City’s hip neighborhoods or the canals of Xochimilco, there is something for everyone. As we were only in Mexico City for a short while, we decided to visit the Frida Kahlo house and museum in Coyoacan and Chapultepec Castle.

The Frida Kahlo House and Museum

The Frida Kahlo house and museum was one of the most spectacular museums I have ever visited in my life. The museum is done very well where all the information on the exhibits are both in Spanish and English. You are taken through the beautiful courtyard before visiting the house and seeing how she lived. It moved my heart to know that she powered through her suffering and created some of the most influential art of our time. The museum is a must when you visit Mexico City.

However, the museum is very far from a hidden gem. As a matter of fact, people line up for HOURS to get tickets, and tickets for the day are frequently sold out by 10:30 AM. The trick? Visit the website and buy your tickets for a certain time online. You bypass the line and don’t waste an entire day waiting for tickets. The website is not super user friendly, but at about $12 a ticket plus an extra $1.50 for the photo pass when you get there, it is well worth the hassle. Believe me, you’ll thank me later.

Travel Tip: Always have a few small pesos in your pocket to be able to pay for toilet paper to be able to go to the bathroom, even in museums. This is a very common occurrence in Mexico.

Chapultepec Castle

Chapultepec Castle is this massive building at the top of Chapultepec Park. The castle was once the home of Mexican presidents before it was given to the state. It is full of ornate paintings and has beautiful gardens and fountains. The exhibits are mostly in Spanish, but the real advantage are the views of the city that you get from the castle. It was definitely an interesting way to spend a half day.

The City Itself

Mexico City really surprised and entranced me at almost every turn. The city itself is sprawling and has an amazing amount of green spaces where people walk, work out and socialize. If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely spend at least a week there.

As we walked around we saw children playing in fountains, boys having a rap battle in Spanish, and plenty of peaceful demonstrations. It was also common to see men break dancing in the middle of the street for money in between red lights. The city seemed to be vibrating with life and color.

Again, Mexico City is an incredible city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. My sincere hope is that this post inspires you to look past the misconceptions and give this city a chance. Trust me when I say that you wont be disappointed. A couple blog posts that I used when researching was Mexico City Do’s and Don’ts by The Unconventional Route, and A First Timer’s Guide to Mexico City by Everywhereish.

You can check out and download my Google Map of Mexico City below!

To see more on my trip to Mexico City, follow along on Instagram @TheGlobetrottingAccountant