Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?

Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, is a city that’s rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy. From stunning architecture and delicious food to world-class museums and historical landmarks, it offers something for every kind of traveler. During our week-long trip, we found ourselves completely immersed in the city's dynamic atmosphere. While there were a few cultural surprises along the way, the experience was unforgettable. Here’s why we believe Mexico City is absolutely worth the visit.

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The Rich History and Vibrant Culture

Mexico City is where the past and present collide in the most beautiful ways. The city is deeply rooted in history—from its ancient Aztec origins to its colonial influences and modern-day vibrancy. Walking through the city, you’re surrounded by impressive landmarks, beautiful churches, and architecture. The city is also home to an array of world-class museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Frida Kahlo, and the Templo Mayor, all of which provide insight into Mexico's rich cultural tapestry.

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One of the most memorable parts of our trip was participating in a Tacos and Mezcal Tour. For my birthday, we decided to dive into Mexico City’s food scene in a way that was both authentic and fun. Our guide took us to various taco spots, explaining the different types of tacos, from al pastor to suadero, and pairing them with mezcal shots. It was an incredible experience that not only satisfied our appetites but also allowed us to learn about the history and importance of these Mexican staples. The combination of flavor, culture, and the vibrant street atmosphere made it a highlight of our trip.

Exploring Mexico City’s Architecture and Attractions

Mexico City is filled with iconic landmarks, blending old and new. From the striking Chapultepec Castle, offering sweeping views of the city, to the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zócalo, there’s plenty to admire. Architecture lovers will be in paradise here, with a fascinating mix of colonial-era buildings, art-deco gems, and modern skyscrapers.

One of the best ways to see the city's highlights is through a Hop-On Hop-Off tour, which takes you through the city’s main attractions and allows you to get on and off at your leisure. This is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city's landmarks, and it’s especially handy if you’re looking to see a lot in a short amount of time. I highly recommend this option for first-time visitors.

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Food and Local Delights

If you’re a foodie, Mexico City is a dream come true. The food scene is incredible, from street vendors selling tacos, tamales, and churros, to high-end restaurants offering innovative takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re indulging in the best tacos or savoring the flavors of mole, the city's culinary offerings are diverse, delicious, and incredibly affordable.

Our hotel, the Hilton Reforma, was centrally located, which made it easy to walk to markets and eateries. Uber rides were also very affordable and efficient, which helped us explore more of the city without breaking the bank. The food in Mexico City is definitely one of the highlights of the trip, and the street food culture is a must-try.

Cultural Experience as a Black Traveler

As a Black traveler, Mexico City was both an interesting and challenging experience. My boyfriend and I noticed the stares right away—more than we had experienced even in places like Tokyo, Japan. At first, we thought it was just us being overly sensitive, but after discussing it, we both realized it was happening consistently—on the streets, in restaurants, and at markets.

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When my best friend arrived, she felt it too. People would stare and sometimes even sneak photos of us. It was uncomfortable at first, but instead of letting it affect our experience, we leaned into the situation. We waved when people thought they were sneaking a photo or simply stared. It became a fun, lighthearted way to take control of the situation and have fun with the curiosity.

Interestingly, we noticed that some individuals who looked phenotypically Afro-descendant or had darker skin tones than us were also staring. This led us to reflect on the idea that it wasn’t necessarily our Blackness that sparked curiosity, but rather how we show up in our Blackness. For example, I had styled my hair in afro puffs, wore colorful clothing, large earrings, and bold patterns. My best friend had a similar style. Our distinctive presence likely caught people’s attention, and instead of seeing it as something negative, we embraced the curiosity and made the most of it.

We realized that our distinctive presence might have sparked curiosity, and instead of seeing it as a negative, we embraced it.

Practical Tips for Visiting Mexico City

Stay Hydrated and Dress for the Weather: Mexico City can get very hot, especially in the summer months. The heat is dry, not humid, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated and wear breathable clothes. If you're sensitive to the heat, I highly recommend carrying a portable fan to keep cool.
Book Key Tours in Advance: Certain popular attractions, like the Frida Kahlo Museum, can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time if you want to ensure a spot.
Affordable Transportation: Uber is an affordable and efficient way to get around Mexico City. Taxis are also available, but we found that Uber was generally the best option for tourists, with its reasonable prices and ease of use.

Stay Central: Our Hilton Reforma hotel was centrally located, which made it easy to walk to local markets, restaurants, and attractions. Staying in a central area is a great way to save time and money on transportation.
Embrace the Diversity: Mexico City is a city filled with diversity and warmth. Don’t let stares or cultural differences make you feel uncomfortable. Embrace the cultural exchange and remember that curiosity is part of what makes travel so enriching.

Conclusion: Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Mexico City is worth the visit. The city’s rich history, incredible architecture, mouthwatering food, and unique cultural experiences make it one of the most vibrant destinations in the world.

While our experience as Black travelers presented some challenges, it also gave us an opportunity to reflect on how we express our identity in different parts of the world. Overall, Mexico City exceeded our expectations, and we’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience.