Around the World in Reality: Mexico City, Mexico

With our big trip to East Africa this summer, I had not prioritized Labor Day weekend travel. Once I saw how the football schedule lined up, I started looking at options. One of the things I love about our airport is the growing list of direct international flights. We have already taken advantage of direct flights to Iceland and Bermuda, so Mexico City quickly rose to the top of my list. I didn’t know much about it other than a friend who enjoyed her visit, but a bit of research revealed it to be a foodie destination. That sealed the deal. The nonstop flight being a little over four hours made it even better.

Travel Day – Friday, August 29

Our late afternoon flight gave us time to wrap up work before heading to the airport. After a quick stop in the Delta Sky Lounge, we boarded AeroMexico. Dinner was served about an hour in. Donnell had ravioli, and I had smoked salmon, and both were surprisingly good.

When we arrived, we navigated the busy airport, made it through immigration, and caught an Uber to the Hyatt Regency Insurgentes. The hotel was beautiful, and upgrading to the Regency Club turned out to be a great choice. After a smooth check-in, showers, and a quick unwind, we called it a night.

Day 1 – Saturday, August 30

HIGHLIGHTS: Castillo de Chapultepec, La Carreta de Juana, and Mixology Workshop

I started the morning with a cappuccino and a stunning view from the Regency Club. The club also had a selection of breakfast options, and I enjoyed a bit before beginning the day.

Our first stop was Castillo de Chapultepec, a massive and beautiful castle perched above the city. We purchased our tickets at the base of the hill and began the walk upward. The path was lined with trees and vibrant flowers, a surprising burst of greenery in such a large city. Once at the top, we spent over an hour exploring the stunning rooms, admiring the intricate architecture, and marveling at the stained glass windows.

From there, we walked to La Carreta de Juana, a nearby seafood restaurant. I started with hibiscus juice and enjoyed a trio of dishes: La Chona toast, a rebosado taco, and a shrimp gobernador taco. The toast was delicious, the rebosado was good, and the shrimp gobernador was phenomenal. Donnell tried the rebosado, rock shrimp, and Zara tacos, all of which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Later, we decided to take the metro to another part of the city. Purchasing a MetroCard was simple, and the card can also be used on other modes of transportation such as buses and cable cars. Google Maps guided us to our destinations, and all of our rides were smooth and uneventful. At times, the metro was crowded, but that is typical for any major city during peak hours.

After arriving, we strolled through a park filled with vendors. I picked up a pair of earrings, as usual, and Donnell found a wallet. We then came across a group of elders dancing in the square. It was beautiful to watch them switch partners and enjoy themselves. I found myself wondering if their children and grandchildren will continue the tradition.

On our way to the Museo de Arte Popular, we stumbled across an impressive indoor market. It was extensive, with many vendors, and we took some time to wander through it. We didn’t end up buying anything, but I’m sure that given more time, I would have found something to take home.

We made our way to the Museo de Arte Popular. From the outside, it looked small, but inside, we discovered four floors. Two of them were filled with colorful exhibits showcasing Mexican art. The museum was very well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

That evening, we attended a mixology class after accidentally going to the wrong location. Luckily, we arrived just in time to join in. We paired up with two sisters from Mexico City. Our first drink was a punch that was the perfect way to start the evening.

Next, we made three cocktails: gin or mezcal with hibiscus-chili syrup and tonic, a mezcalita, and an old-fashioned served in a smoked glass. What I loved about the class was that it focused not only on making the drinks, but also on the ingredients and techniques behind them.

Along the way, I even tried a grasshopper, considered a delicacy in Mexico. Surprisingly, it was not bad at all.

We ended the night at Goyo’s Plant-Based Burgers. Between the BBQ Burger, La Poyo sandwich, tots, and the extra fries they kindly slid in the bag for us. It was all so good that I did not hesitate to finish every bite, even at 10 PM.

Day 3 – Sunday, August 31

HIGHLIGHTS: Xochimilco, Coyocan & Frida Kahlo Museum Tour, El Jardín de Pulpo and Mexico City Cooking Class

I woke up to clapping and cheering while it was still dark. Unsure whether it was people returning from their night adventures or early risers, I peeked out the window and saw that the CDMX Marathon was already underway.

After grabbing a latte and breakfast in the club, I returned to watch for a while as the runners made their way down the course.

Our first excursion was to Xochimilco, where we boarded a brightly painted trajinera and floated along the canals. Vendors arrived in boats offering everything from elote to jewelry, but we kept it simple and enjoyed some plantain chips.

We stopped at a flower nursery for a restroom break, and I took a moment to admire the beautiful blooms. Flowers happen to be one of my favorite subjects to photograph, so it was the perfect pause.

Back on the trajinera, a mariachi band joined us and played a song. Some members of our group then paid for three more songs, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them.

From there, we headed to Coyoacán. Our first stop was for churros, and I had one topped with Nutella, which was divine. We then explored the local market, and yes, I couldn’t resist buying more earrings.

After a quick stroll through the square, we headed to El Jardín de Pulpo for lunch. My grilled octopus was excellent, and Donnell’s fish quesadilla was just as satisfying.

We had some time to spare before leaving, and I came across a chocolate shop, ki’Xocolatl. I had seen the name before, though I couldn’t remember where. In any case, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase chocolate before we left.

Our final stop was the Frida Kahlo Museum, set in the vibrant blue house where she lived much of her life. Learning about her art, health struggles, and marriage to Diego Rivera gave me a deeper appreciation for her work.

That evening, we joined a cooking class. It began at a local grocery store where we learned about traditional ingredients. Back in the kitchen, we started with an agua fresca and a mezcalita. We then prepared guacamole, green sauce, fish tacos, and fish enchiladas. The enchiladas were the star of the night. While the class did not fully match the name or my expectations, the food was delicious and the experience was worthwhile.

We ended the day with happy hour in the Regency Club, which offered a variety of food and beverages. Since we had already eaten, I enjoyed a glass of red wine while taking in the city views.

Travel Day – Monday, September 1

HIGHLIGHTS: American Express Centurion Lounge

Our journey home began early. We moved through the airport smoothly and spent some time in the American Express Centurion Lounge, which was the best I have visited. Instead of a buffet, guests are seated and order from a menu. Donnell had fruit, yogurt, and a croissant, while I opted for chilaquiles.

On the flight, we were served breakfast again. We both chose waffles, which were surprisingly delicious. Time flew by, and before we knew it, we were home.

Final Thoughts

Our trip to Mexico City was perfect for a long weekend. We barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer, which is expected given the short visit. While I enjoyed every activity, the mixology class was a standout. Among the restaurants, I especially loved La Carreta de Juana; it was absolutely delicious. I look forward to returning to explore more museums and restaurants. Mexico City is truly a gem.