So, I just got back from Mexico City, and wow, what a whirlwind. I went in thinking I'd get a taste of the culture, the food, you know—just your typical travel checklist. But honestly, it turned into something way more personal and surprising. You could say I rediscovered a bit of myself between the chaos of street vendors and the art in the plazas. You asked about the best things to do in Mexico City? Let me tell you about a few moments that seriously shocked me.
This spot? Total surprise.
You ever stumble upon something you never planned for and it just hits you like a freight train? That happened to me in Coyoacán. I had heard about Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, so I figured I'd pop by. The plan was to take a quick look and then head to the market for some tacos. But oh man, stepping into that blue house was like diving into another world. I thought I knew a bit about Frida, but actually being there? Seeing her paintings, her vibrant belongings—it felt oddly intimate, almost like I was discovering a side of myself.
And I don't know why, but finding the hidden courtyard gardens in the back just knocked the wind out of me. You could feel her spirit hanging in the air, in the colors, in every little crevice. I kept running my fingers over the walls, as if I could learn something new just by touch. Definitely, one of the best things to do in Mexico City, hands down.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
You know those days where everything feels a bit cloudy, like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed? That was me, my first afternoon in the city. I was wandering around on my own, feeling lost—literally and metaphorically. My Spanish definitely needed some help, and I was too shy to ask for directions. I found myself in a random park in La Roma, Parque Mexico, and I thought, “What am I even doing here?”
That's when I saw this street performer playing the guitar, and I just kind of stopped and stared. He had this energy that pulled me in. Suddenly, a crowd gathered, clapping and singing along. It was infectious! For a moment, I forgot about being lost or lonely. I didn't understand the words, but I felt every note slice through the air. I just stood there, swaying like a complete goofball, lost in the music.
Once the mini-concert ended, some folks from the crowd started chatting. There was this kind couple who offered me their extra tacos and told me about their favorite spots in the city. That moment with them—it turned my whole mood around. I managed to snag their Instagram before they left; it felt like a little gift tucked in my day. That's the beauty of travel, isn't it?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Okay, so here's a full-blown confession: I have the worst sense of direction. I can barely find my way around my own neighborhood, let alone a massive city like Mexico City. One morning, I was trying to get to Mercado de San Juan, this famous market known for its gourmet selections. But instead, I somehow ended up in a random art gallery.
At first, I was frustrated. I thought, “This isn't what I planned; I wanted cheese and chiles, not canvases and ceramics!” But let me tell you—the art was astonishing. There was this one piece that caught my eye; it was a huge mural with the most vibrant colors that told the story of the city in ways I had never comprehended before.
I got to chatting with the gallery owner, who turned out to be an artist himself, and he shared his struggles and victories in the art world. It was engaging yet humbling. I walked away with a newfound appreciation for the creative pulse of the city. I still reached the market later, of course; I didn't miss much there either, but that surprise detour? Some of the best things to do in Mexico City happen completely outside your plans.
The meal that left a mark
My last night in the city was dedicated to a meal I won't soon forget. I had heard rumblings about this taco joint called El Califa. The vibe was loud and lively, and man, did it live up to its reputation. I was sitting at a little table, with the aroma of grilled meats hanging in the air, and I didn't even know where to start.
Then I saw someone order a taco al pastor and I thought, “Why not?” Friends, I took that first bite, and it felt like fireworks went off in my mouth! It was one of those perfect moments where the flavor was so intense, so rich, that I actually stopped and closed my eyes. I mean, what kind of tacos have that power?
To make things even better, I ended up next to a group of locals who welcomed me in. I ended up spending hours laughing and sharing stories over endless tacos and cervezas. They taught me to say “cerveza” properly—apparently, I had been saying it like a total gringo, which made everyone chuckle. Those little moments—being included, feeling like I belonged to something bigger—were priceless.
A heartfelt ramble
I guess that's the thing about trips like this. They don't always go according to plan, and that's okay. Sometimes you miss your destination or taste something that takes your breath away. I came back with more than just souvenirs; I'm taking home a bit of Mexico City's essence—tied up in laughter, stray conversations, and spontaneous decisions.
I'm still kind of in awe of how uncharted paths led me to the best experiences. And honestly? I loved getting lost in Mexico City. Even when my sense of direction failed me, I found something real and unexpected, something that made me laugh and maybe even a little introspective.
As I sip my last bit of coffee here, I can't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. This trip turned into something so much deeper than I imagined. If you ever get the chance, just wander. The best things to do in Mexico City often find you when you're not looking at all.
