The Mexico City Travel Guide is part of the Trip Report: The Greatest Diamond Challenge of All Time. Check out how I planned my Hyatt Diamond Challenge and how it cost next to nothing here.
In this report, I will cover:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- San Diego, California
- Carlsbad, California
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Mexico City, Mexico
Vamos a Mexico City con the Guns & Butter methodology:
- A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy
- Anything on the line (Production Possibilities Frontier for my fellow economists) is an efficient use of your time depending on your tastes and preferences.
- Anything inside the line is inefficient as should be avoided.
- Anything outside is aspirational but may be impossible to do given the constraints of time and resources.
- The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa.
Bienvenido a la Ciudad de México. I hope you brushed up on your Spanish and are ready to get after it. The population of Mexico City is around 9 million people making it one of the largest cities in the world. In this guide I’ll cover what I did and didn’t do leaving the ultimate decision of what you should do to you.
Didn’t Do: Teotihuacan
According to all things sacred, “Teotihuacan is located in the State of Mexico 30 miles (48 km) northeast of modern-dayMexico City, known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas.”
It is probably worth a day trip but I couldn’t be bothered. It’s like my one temple rule in Bangkok.
Don’t Do: Dine In
Mexico City has amazing food on every street corner. Some will caution against the cleanliness of the food and the potential for food poisoning. I don’t mind if it’s the same guy who makes the food, makes the change, and shakes my hand after it’s all done. We had varied experiences from eating at restaurants. Once we ended up being ripped off for the world’s worst tacos. Another time the food at El Bajio was delicious but this doesn’t convince me that it’s better than the street.
Chapultepec Castle
Tourism is tough on me. I prefer to eat, drink, and wander the streets. Those social ventures yield more interesting stories than organized tours. Still, some things you are compelled to do. One of them is visiting the Chapultepec Castle in Bosque de Chapultepec. The park is conveniently located within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency so drumming up the energy to get there shouldn’t be an issue. Once inside, don’t bother looking for a sign that says Castillo de Chapultepec. Instead look for Museo Nacional de Historia which is located within the castle. There is a cover charge to get in but they do take card. The Saturday afternoon we went there was a long queue.
Nightlife & Polanco
All that tourism making you thirsty? Then it’s time to decide how far you want to take it. If you are looking for a peaceful evening among friends while enjoying a couple of cocktails, remain in central Polanco by the countless cafes.
If after you have had your share and want to see how this cosmopolitan city gets down, then take your pick of nightclubs. A friend of mine took me to Joy Room. Happy times shared by all.
Zacero
After a night out well past 5AM, our Sunday was reserved for going to Zacero, the proper downtown of Mexico City. Here you will find the Torre Latinoamericana, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, a Mexican flag that may be as big as the one in Cancun, the National Palace, as well as plenty of walking streets and the aforementioned $30 tacos.
It’s worth at least an afternoon but try to arrive in better shape than I did. You will last longer.
Late Night Food & Street Food
Are they one in the same? Not necessarily. When I speak of late night food I’m talking about two restaurants: 1) La Casa del Pastor 2) El Fogoncito.
They are not the fine dining that I advised against. They are casual and delicious.
The second late night spot is El Fogoncito.
Here’s a hybrid street food restaurant in downtown that had great tacos:
Street Food is everywhere. Tacos, hamburgers, and gorditas among other tasty treats of which I do not know the name. Try one, try them all. You will never be disappointed. And if you are, it only cost you a few pesos.
Mexico City has tons to do but it can be exhausting to try and do it all in only a few days. If you do get overwhelmed, return to the Regency Club at the Hyatt for a nice tequila on the rocks.
Salud muchachos!
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