So, I just got back from Mexico City, and honestly? I can't stop thinking about it. There's just so much to say, and of course, the best things to do in Mexico City aren't in any guidebook. They're the messy, real-life moments that caught me by surprise. I feel like I owe it to my coffee to spill some of it to you.
This spot? Total surprise.
Let's start with the first day when I arrived. I had this grand plan to hit the major attractions right away—Frida Kahlo's house, the Zócalo, all of it. But my intentions got derailed when I wandered into this tiny Venezuelan café called “Arepas & Choco.” From the outside, it looked so unassuming, but the warm, salty scent wafting through the door lured me in. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, just a little pick-me-up before embarking on my adventure.
But oh, the arepas! I ended up ordering the pulled pork with avocado. Once I took a bite, it was like a culinary slap to the face—so rich, so comforting. I immediately felt like I'd found this hidden gem that the world hadn't discovered yet. I don't know if it was just me, but I swear I saw the locals nodding in approval when they served me. I just sat there, soaked in the atmosphere, and thought, “This right here—all unexpected and delightful—might just be the start of something good.”
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
After that hearty arepa, I was in such a good mood, and I figured, why not? Why not dive into the colorful chaos of Coyoacán? I had heard it was charming, but it still caught me off guard. I took the Metro for the first time, and I was super nervous. The buzz of people and the announcements in Spanish added to my anxiety. At one point, I mixed up my stops! Like, I ended up on the wrong train and had to jump off in this random neighborhood.
At first, I freaked out. I mean, I was lost. But then, something shifted. I stumbled upon this small market, bustling with vendors selling fresh fruit and homemade crafts. I wandered through the aisles and chatted with a woman selling freshly roasted corn. She handed me a sample, and I could feel the warmth from the grill radiating off those kernels. “No worries, just enjoy the adventure,” she said with a wink. In that moment, all the stress melted away.
And look, Coyoacán was lovely when I eventually found my way back. Just wandering through the cobblestoned streets, it had this quaint, bohemian vibe. I found myself hanging out at the Frida Kahlo Museum, soaking in both its colors and the small tensions that defined her life. I felt her struggle and triumph just by being there. Seriously, some afternoons just stick with you.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Let's talk about tacos for a second. Because you can't go to Mexico City without diving into some authentic street tacos. My mission? Find a taco stand that had a line of locals waiting. I've read that's the magic trick—follow the crowd. But—plot twist—I got lost again. Like, why am I so bad at this? I veered off in the wrong direction, flustered, and had a blip of self-doubt.
Eventually, I asked this woman in her 50s for directions in the most ungraceful mix of Spanish and English, and she bursts out laughing. Something about her warm chuckle, her kindness amidst my awkwardness, told me I was doing just fine. She pointed me down a side street and said: “Uno mas tacos, hombre,” which somehow gave me the push I needed.
I found this tiny taco joint called “Tacos de Fuego,” and wow. These were not just any tacos. I had the al pastor, topped with pineapple, and let me tell you—it was heaven in a tortilla. The flavors danced on my tongue; I honestly could've eaten five more. As I sat on that rickety stool and watched the world go by, something hit me: I was finally doing this. I was finally eating tacos in this vibrant city, and I felt like I belonged, despite my earlier mess-ups.
Unplanned adventures that make the best stories
And here's where it gets a little magical. One evening, I decided to join this random walking tour I stumbled upon in the Zócalo. Honestly, I was half-hearted about it at first; it felt like a touristy thing to do. But I pushed past my hesitation and joined this motley crew of fellow wanderers. Turns out? Best decision ever.
Our guide pulled us through less traveled paths and shared the stories behind the murals scattered around the city. He had this infectious passion that lit up the dullest of facts. At one point, we stood in this quiet courtyard, and he spoke about the social movements expressed through art. I felt something click inside me. These weren't just murals; these were voices.
Later, we ended our night at a taco stand—yeah, another one—and enjoyed street food under the city lights. The combination of laughter, food, and the vibrant energy of that place was just right. I tucked that whole experience into my heart like a souvenir I never want to forget.
I don't know if the best things to do in Mexico City are the famous sites or the little moments of joy, but by the end of my trip, it felt like all those small detours added up to something beautiful. The warmth of strangers, the deliciousness of every dish, and even the confusion made it all the richer.
I'm still savoring those flavors and colorful moments—like the last sip of a good coffee, you know? You just want to take your time and hold onto that feeling for a while longer.
