Mexico City aka: Ciudad de México

I lived in Mexico City for two years, and could easily have stayed longer. There are an infinite number of things to do – museums, restaurants, bars, parks, people watching… it goes on forever. Also, each neighborhood within the city is totally different from the next; it is impossible to get bored. The city has vibrant nightlife, diverse markets, delicious food (street and restaurant), beautiful architecture, great travel opportunities… but whatever I say can’t really capture the essence of the city. Put it to the top of your list of places to go.

DO NOT MISS THE ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM!!! It is so damn amazing. Put aside an entire day for it if you can.

Also, a word of warning. If you go to Plaza Garibaldi at night, be careful. Nothing happened to me, but I had a bad feeling in the area surrounding it and got out of there ASAP. It seemed super dodgy.

Mexico City seems to inspire passionate debate from residents and tourists alike. I’d heard traveled, trustworthy people say everything from “it’s the sexiest, most exuberant place I’ve ever been” to “the cops will steal your wallet”. I got to visit for a few days in May and I definitely landed on the positive side of the debate. It was my first non-European travel experience and I was a sucker for the old-world charm of the funky little retail stores, the crazy blend of architectural styles, the color and vibrance of the physical spaces, the amazing street life day and night, the sheer scope and energy of the place. I was surprised at how few people spoke any English, and how little Spanish I’d remembered from school. The people – when they are not driving their cars like madmen – are what make the place so alive and welcoming, and not being able to engage them in substantial conversation was the biggest downside to the trip. I’m definitely returning to el D.F. after I brush up on my Spanish a bit, and I can’t wait to explore more.

Go with plenty of time to spend exploring and visiting all the museums!

Dia de Los Muertos