My arrival in Mexico City was less than welcoming. Irritated immigration officers, random baggage checks, and a chaotic airport left me second-guessing my travel choices. Yet, as we drove past tangled wires, street hawkers, and weathered buildings into the elegant Avenue of Reforma, the city revealed its contrasting charm.
Luxury brushed shoulders with struggle, evident in every street corner. A visit to Teotihuacan’s ancient pyramids, once a grand metropolis predating even the Aztecs, was a reminder of the city’s deep-rooted history. The pyramids, metaphysical temples aligned with the cosmos, still stand as a mystery.
A surprising find was La Gruta, a candlelit cave restaurant near the pyramids, serving pre-Hispanic dishes like ant larvae alongside classics like mole poblano. Even Queen Elizabeth II once dined here, as did Rivera and Kahlo.
Frida Kahlo’s presence dominates CDMX — from murals to souvenir shops. Yet, at Casa Azul, her home-turned-museum, it’s her personal artifacts and struggles that tell the real story. Nearby, in Coyoacán, street food reigns supreme with tacos, esquites, and tlacoyos stealing the show.
Fine dining also thrives here. At Pujol, a Michelin-starred gem, we savored a seven-course feast featuring unique ingredients like powdered red ants. Cocktails at Fifty Mils and Handshake Speakeasy added a playful twist, with drinks named after fairytales like Beauty & the Beast.
Everywhere skeletons – a symbol of life and death – remind you of Mexico’s enduring traditions. From bustling markets to the political heart of the city at Zócalo, where protests are part of everyday life, CDMX is a mosaic of art, architecture, and resilience.
Mexico City isn’t just a destination; it’s a story waiting to unfold.