You know how you sometimes just jump into something without really thinking it through? That's what it was like for me when I decided to spend a week in Mexico City. I had no grand expectations or plans mapped out; it was just a whim. I mean, I'd heard about it being this vibrant, chaotic, beautiful place filled with history and flavor, so I thought, what the heck? Let's go find out the best things to do in Mexico City.
This spot? Total surprise.
So, there I was, wandering through the streets near Coyoacán, that charming little neighborhood. It's like stepping into a painting, full of colorful houses and cobblestone lanes. I was originally trying to find Frida Kahlo's house, La Casa Azul, but naturally, I got lost—because my sense of direction is about as good as a potato's! I ended up at this small café called El Jardín del Arte, and I really wasn't expecting much.
You know those moments when you just feel right in a place? I sat down, ordered a café de olla, which is basically a spiced coffee that hits just right, and then came the food. I got a dish I can't even pronounce but looked delicious – something filled with cheese and mushrooms and drenched in this creamy sauce. Honestly, I thought I'd only be stopping for a quick coffee, but I lost track of time, just enjoying the sunshine, the vibrant chatter of people around me, and the art, of course. It was so good that it reminded me that sometimes getting lost is the best part of traveling.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then came that surreal afternoon at the Zócalo, the heart of the city, and oh man, it really got me. Standing there, surrounded by the grand Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional, I could almost feel the weight of history, the stories that have unfolded in that space over centuries. But at first, I was just overwhelmed. I know it sounds silly, but there were so many people, so much noise, and it felt like the city was smacking me in the face.
But then something shifted. I squeezed through this crowd to catch a view of a street performance. I honestly don't know why the performers' energy captivated me, but it did. They rocked this mix of traditional dance and modern flair, and suddenly, I wasn't just another tourist— I was part of something. The drums pulsed through the air, beating right into my chest, and I swear I felt a tingle of joy because, at that moment, everything else disappeared. I think we get so caught up in planning every little detail that we forget to just… be. That afternoon reminded me of that.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
But let's talk mistakes. The next day, I decided I wanted to check out Teotihuacan, those ancient pyramids that everyone raves about. I had this grand plan to hop on the metro, but surprise, surprise—I went in the wrong direction! I ended up at some random market where the smell of fresh tortillas and grilled meats was tempting me, so I thought, why not? Next thing you know, I'm munching on some tacos al pastor, totally lost in this little slice of local life.
While I eventually did make it to the pyramids, I felt like I'd already had an adventure. I think that was the beauty of those little detours. It felt like each wrong turn, each moment of confusion, led me to people who were more than happy to share their stories, recommend their favorite little joints, or even just smile at the lost tourist, like they knew exactly how I felt.
A meal that blew my mind
Oh, and speaking of meals, I've got to tell you about this street food stand I stumbled upon one evening. I was walking around in Roma Norte, just basking in the vibe, when this tantalizing smell wafted through the air. You know the kind that makes you suddenly aware you're very, very hungry? I followed it and found a stand selling tortas, which are like Mexican sandwiches. I ordered this torta de chorizo, and oh man, that first bite was like fireworks.
The chorizo was perfectly seasoned and juicy, tucked inside fresh bread, topped with avocado, jalapeños, and some crazy-good salsa that gave my mouth a little fiesta. I couldn't tell you the name of the place, nor could I even find it again if I tried, but who cares? That taste resonates with me, like I've carried a slice of Mexico City back home with me.
Just being there
All of this got me thinking about how valuable spontaneity can be. I went to Mexico City hoping to find all the "best things to do," but I came away with memories shaped by little misadventures. Each day felt less about checking boxes and more about being present.
I started to embrace the little surprises, the hiccups that ended up delighting me instead. Like the impromptu laughter with vendors, the moments when I grabbed a moment to just sit, breathe, and soak it all in while sipping a warm chocolate de agua in a bustling plaza.
As I sip my coffee now, back home, I find myself missing the way the sun hits the streets of Mexico City just right, or how every corner turned could lead to something unexpected. I don't have it all figured out, but that's okay. I learned sometimes all you need is to wander, to approach the world messily, and just see where it leads you.
And just like that, I'm dreaming of my next adventure, planning to let the journey find me again.
