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I'm not really sure where or when my love affair with Mexico City began (perhaps that fateful viewing of “Amores Perros” back in high school?) Suffice to say, between its amazing food, culture, and urban beauty the CDMX has long been on my list of places to visit. So when I saw a crazy round trip deal for $268 USD, I jumped at the chance to finally have the urban adventure of my dreams in Mexico City. Before I dive into my day-to-day travel itinerary, a few important things to note when traveling to Mexico City: Accommodation Mexico City is a huge international metropolis with a population of 9 million people, so hotels and hostels are easy enough to find. However, I would highly suggest an Airbnb as your money will go further here. For under $100 USD/night, you can stay in a beautiful art deco loft in one of the city’s hippest areas. Itinerary Tips This totally depends on what type of traveler you are, but at the bare minimum, I would recommend doing some research about what neighborhood you would like to stay in, as well as a few main activities or sights you are keen to see. Luckily, I had been mentally planning my Mexico trip for ages so I already had a folder full of bookmarked restaurants and landmarks ready to go. Additionally, if you have your heart set on eating at any renowned dining establishments, I would aim to make your reservations ahead of time. It also helps to familiarize yourself with which areas to avoid and any other current travel advisories/warnings. Getting Around Uber is everywhere in the CDMX and extremely inexpensive. We pretty much Ubered the entirety of the trip and it was rare to have a ride above $10 USD. There is also bike and E-scooter shares as well as a clean, highly recommended subway system. Language Your high school Spanish classes will serve you well here! Knowing the conversational basics will get you far. So, if possible, try to brush up on your Espanol. As a general rule, people working in hospitality or nicer restaurants will usually speak English, but there's no guarantee. My Urban Travel Adventure Diary Day 1: Coffee in Condesa; Paddling through Chapultepec; Feasting at Fonda Fina After an early-morning flight, my partner and I arrive exhausted but thrilled to be in Mexico City. After a quick SIM card switch and hefty cash exchange of dollars to pesos we Uber from the airport to our charming Airbnb in Condesa. As we climb the four flights of winding stairs to our Spanish-style studio apartment, we are rewarded with beautiful views of the bohemian, tree-lined streets below. Condesa is equal parts hipster and European chic and I am already in love. Just one example of the many charming, tree-lined streets of Condesa | Photo: Cliff Bielawski We quickly drop off our luggage and hightail it downstairs to grab a much-needed latte at the gorgeously cozy Cafe Expresso de Media Noche while discussing our game plan for the day. The cozy interior of our neighboring coffee shop - Expreso de Media Noche | Photo: Cliff Bielawski First on my list? Bosque de Chapultepec. This famous park is often described as Mexico City’s Central Park when in fact it is two times the size of the NYC landmark! The park is chock-full of beautiful green space, archeological sites, multiple museums, botanical gardens, and even a free zoo. The serene lake in Chapultepec Park. I wish we had time to go back for a picnic! | Photo: Cliff Bielawski On the way to the park, we stumble upon an enticing local fruit market and panaderia (bakery) and realize we are both starving. The fresh fruit and baked goods look too good to pass up so we load up on snacks; a vanilla concha bun for me and a mango with chili lime for my partner. After a leisurely 30-minute walk we arrive at Chapultepec Park. We are immediately impressed by its size and set out in search of the park’s famous castle, often described as a relic of Mexico’s bygone era of aristocracy. Unfortunately, it's closed for the day by the time we arrive. (Fun fact: the castle was also a major filming location for the popular film “Romeo and Juliet” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.) Instead, we decide to go for an impromptu romantic paddleboat ride around the lake and take in the sweeping views of the Casa de Lago cultural center, once the summer home to Mexico’s former President Porfirio Diaz. Feasting at Fonda Fina I could easily spend all day exploring the park but we are getting hungry. My hubby Cliff graciously picks up some ice-cold Bohemia beers from a nearby 7-11 to enjoy on our balcony before heading out for drinks and dinner. Regrettably, the hangry is beginning to set in, so we end up at a rather disappointing touristy bar/restaurant at the plaza in Roma Norte. As we nurse our drinks and debate our dining options, we pivot for the nearby Fonda Fina. Luckily for us, we chose wisely! Fonda Fina impresses with their re-imagined Mexican fare and amazing service. Our waiter graciously explains the menu, doles out excellent recommendations, and even gives me a free of glass wine. Notable meal standouts include an arugula salad with toasted sesame and peanut sauce that I still can't stop thinking about, the tuna tostadas, and the homemade salsas and chile sauce. (Side note: we later discover the executive chef was once the chef at Pujol, a super famous Mexican restaurant and runner up on Top Chef Mexico.) Day 2: Art Deco Decadence and Diego; Tacos, Mercados, and Scorpions (OH MY); Getting Serious about Seafood Though I hate to admit it, my partner and I are full-fledged coffee snobs, so after a quick Google search of the best coffee shops in the area we head to Enhorabuena Cafe. This spacious and light-filled cafe had great vegan/vegetarian options and probably the best americanos of our whole trip. We devour an order of their delicious avocado toast with beetroot hummus and a slice of panqueques, or banana bread. Full of caffeine and ready to see more of the historic downtown, we make our way to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, but not before stumbling upon CDMX’s very own version of Chinatown. Enjoying Mexico City’s very own Chinatown. | Photo: Cliff Bielawski The Palacio is a not only a masterpiece of white marble art deco decadence, but also one of Mexico’s greatest cultural icons featuring seminal works by Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo. We opt to just buy our museum tickets on the day, but you can buy ahead of time and/or inquire about guided tours. I spend a few hours pouring over Diego’s murals, including his most famous “El hombre en el cruce de caminos” or “Man at the Cross Roads” — originally commissioned for New York’s Rockefeller Center as well as a special Francisco Ixtapa exhibit. Saturated with art, we follow the crowds to the enormous Plaza de la Constitución aka Zocalo which was once an Aztec ceremonial center Tacos, Mercados, and Scorpions (OH MY) Flanked by ornate cathedrals which rival those across Europe, Zocalo is filled with music, street vendors and indigenous priests offering up their blessings. Curious, we poke our heads in the opulent Iglesia del Convento de San Francisco and the Catedral Metropolitana de la Ascuncion de la Santisma Virgen Maria a los Cielos. Both churches are stunning and I can’t help but be impressed by their baroque style and architecture. The majestic interior of the Iglesia del Convento de San Francisco. | Photo: Cliff Bielawski The opulent sanctuary of Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los Cielos. | Photo: Cliff Bielawski In need of an afternoon sweet treat after all that walking, I purchase some tasty marzipan-like confections at Ducleria de Celaya — the oldest candy shop in Mexico established in1874. By 2 p.m., we are more than ready to devour our very first tacos of the trip! A trusted friend has recommended we check out Taqueria Tlaquepaque. We grab a table, and per the locals' suggestion order a platter of tacos al pastor. We wash down all of the mouth-watering pork with a refreshing agua refresco de sandia (watermelon), a popular fresh fruit drink. Full of taco-y goodness I decide we should walk the 30 or so minutes to the Mercado San Juan (one of CDMX’s more famous local markets) rather than hail a car. Upon arriving at the market, we are accosted by the friendliest fruit vendors ever. They let us sample ALL the tropical fruits including mamey, a fruit unique to Mexico that tastes like a pumpkin, sweet potato, and cherry had a baby. I load up on bananas, fresh figs, and mangoes for tomorrow's breakfast. Many vendors are closing up shop at this point, but we still manage to make our rounds and snag a look at some of the more bizarre edibles for sale. Scorpions and crickets, anyone? All of the fruits at Mercado San Juan. | Photo: Cliff Bielawski Getting Serious about Seafood Exhausted and ready for a siesta, we power through, excited for our first dinner reservation of the trip at Campobaja. Our reservation is for 8 p.m., so when we arrive I’m surprised to enter a nearly empty restaurant (turns out Mexican’s tend to dine quite late). The restaurant is warm and inviting despite the lack of crowds. I’m definitely getting #datenightvibes. Campobaja is known for its inventive and super-fresh seafood and with our waitress’ help we order gorditas de calamari, concha ceviche, and galician style octopus. She recommends a mezcal to try, which is served traditional style with orange slices and worm salt! Day 3: Urban Walks in the Hipodromo; Paletas, Pibil, and more in Mercado Roma; Wining and Dining at Contramar Eager to get up and begin our day we have quick patio brekkie of leftover fresh market fruit (still dreaming about those figs) with some coconut digestive biscuits and takeaway coffee thanks to Expresso de Medio Noche downstairs. I gear up for some serious walking as we set out to explore the area known as Colonia Hipodromo. This region is known for its Art Deco architecture and decor as well as being one of the larger green areas...