Mexico City - a Whistlestop Tour

By Jedediah Watkins

Read time: 10 minutes

My first 10 days in Mexico City have been a whirlwind of excitement, discovery, and wonder. From the moment I stepped out of my front door, I was immersed in a city bursting with life, where every street corner holds the promise of a new story, and every experience has left a lasting imprint on my memory. It is impossible not to be infected with the vibration of the city, dancing into your entire being before you can get a grip of yourself. The endless bright lights, the colourful buildings, or the even more colourful characters you meet the moment you hit the streets. It has been my goal to get as many steps as possible in and to engulf myself into the neighbourhoods around me, let me take you on a journey…

Centro: Where History and Modernity Collide

The chaotic energy of Centro, the city's beating heart, is palpable from the start. Tall buildings loom overhead like grand cliffs, their grandeur matched only by the vibrant street life below. The jewel of these towering monolithic figures is Palacio de Bellas Artes, a home for some of the capital’s major arts and political movements. Living up to its consequential position, the Palacio arcs high above it’s surroundings with a gold capped dome roof. Contrastingly, the building was erected on soft clay, creating a slow sinking of this marvelous centerpiece, dropping its base ever so slightly below street level, having dropped roughly four meters since 1904.

Leading up to Palacio de Bellas Artes is Alameda Central. A glowing green space packed full of flowers, soft purple Jacaranda trees and flowing water fountains. Creating a glowing emerald carpet runway to the Palace. On the outskirts of Alameda Central you’ll find hotels, food vendors and a fantastic assortment of juice vendors offering jugo de mango, agua fresca and agua de coco to refresh you on your Palacio pilgrimage.

Centro reminds me of the West End in London or Broadway in New York City. A fantastic spectacle to behold, full of bright lights and brilliant bulging buildings. A place to go to feel the capacity of a city. To grasp the weight of twenty-two million people bundled in together. Going to work, travelling home, passing through. Capturing tourists taking in the sights, me being one of them. It’s fantastic for a destination on a long walk or for photos showing off your holiday. It’s a grand place and can feel a bit too grand to be in for too long.

The hustle and bustle of vendors, commuters, and tourists all mixing create a symphony of movement and sound that is both exhilarating and intoxicating. Centro's big buildings and even bigger architecture serve as a constant reminder of Mexico City's rich history, dynamic present and  explosive future.

Chapultepec Park: Mexico City's Enchanting Oasis

One of the highlights of my time in Mexico City has been exploring Chapultepec Park, a sprawling oasis that feels like a city within a city. Spanning over double the size of Central Park in New York, Chapultepec offers a dizzying array of attractions, from a world-class zoo to nine museums showcasing Mexico's art, history, and culture. The amusement park adds an extra layer of fun and excitement, making Chapultepec a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Amongst all the excitement you’ll find gifted performers around every corner. Offering music, dance and physical performances. Engaging the crowd with eye popping spectacles that might well deserve to be on grand stages the world over.

Condesa and Roma: Twin Treasures of Mexico City

Venturing beyond Centro, I found myself enchanted by the charm and beauty of Condesa. The neighborhood's architecture was a delightful mix of Art Deco, Neo-Colonial, and Modernist styles, each building telling its own story of Mexico City's evolution over the years. The way different classes have inhabited the neighbourhood has directly shaped the structure of the colonia. Avenida Amsterdam for example, once was a horse racing track for the upper classes, until the Mexican Revolution, where the working class reclaimed the Colonia, repurposing the Avenida and park. Strolling down Avenida Amsterdam, I was captivated by the lush greenery lining the oval-shaped track like park, where locals gather to dance, walk, and engage in lively conversation. The restaurants straddling Avenida Amsterdam offer a culinary journey through Mexico's diverse flavors, from street tacos to gourmet fusion cuisine.

Roma, another vibrant neighborhood, has had my attention from day one with its bohemian spirit and creative energy. As Roma has become my temporary residence, I can’t help but admire the neighborhood's eclectic mix of cafes, art galleries, and street art murals. Roma's laid-back vibe and artistic flair has made it a favorite for me and whenever I return to Ciudad de Mexico, I’ll make sure to drop in on my favourite spot in the city.

Polanco: Where Elegance Meets Energy

Polanco, just north of Chapultapec park, stands as a testament to sophistication and cultural richness. As I ventured into this captivating neighborhood, I was struck by its unique blend of modernity and tradition, where upscale boutiques and gourmet restaurants fill the avenues.

The architecture of Polanco is a feast for the eyes, with sleek skyscrapers sharing the skyline with elegant art pieces reaching up through the clouds as if to grab the sun. Walking down the streets, I marveled at the mix of facades and contemporary designs that give Polanco its distinctive character. Every corner seemed to tell a story, from the iconic Soumaya Museum's futuristic curves to the timeless elegance of the French Embassy's architecture.

Polanco is also a cultural hub, home to world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. The iconic Museo Nacional de Antropología has been calling my name with its impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, offering a glimpse into Mexico's ancient civilizations. Nearby, the Museo Jumex showcases contemporary art from both Mexican and international artists, providing a thought-provoking contrast to the neighborhood's historical roots.

The energy is palpable, especially along Polanco's avenues like Presidente Masaryk, known as the Rodeo Drive of Mexico City. Here, luxury boutiques and designer labels tempt shoppers with exquisite if not a bit pricy offerings, while stylish cafes and wine bars offer the perfect spots for people-watching and soaking in the neighborhood's fashionable ambiance.

Despite its cosmopolitan allure, Polanco hasn't lost touch with nature. The expansive Parque Lincoln provides a serene retreat amidst the urban hustle, with its tree-shaded pathways, charming fountains, and spaces for leisurely picnics or yoga sessions. The park's energy, coupled with the backdrop of Polanco's skyline, creates a harmonious blend of relaxation and urban excitement.

One standout Polanco spot for me is surely the apple of every Mexico City runners’ eye, Metta running house. Created as a haven for runners and fashionistas alike. Offering the highest quality running gear with even better expertise provided by the team there. From hosting global brand events to local run clubs, Metta running house walks the fine line of providing high standard services without alienating the everyday athlete. Being here took me back to my days working for one of the biggest sporting goods providers, but that’s a story for another day.

In Polanco, elegance meets energy in a seamless fusion that embodies the spirit of Mexico City. Whether savoring gourmet cuisine, admiring artistic masterpieces, or simply strolling through its elegant streets, Polanco captivates with its charm, sophistication, and allure.

A City of Food, Parks and People

As I reflect on my first 10 days in Mexico City, I am struck by the realization that I could spend a year here and still not scratch the surface of all the city has to offer. From its historic landmarks and cultural attractions to its lively neighborhoods and mouthwatering morsels, Mexico City is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. It's a city that invites you to dive deep, explore with an open heart, and embrace the richness of its culture and heritage.

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to continuing my journey through this incredible mountainous megalopolis, uncovering hidden gems, forging new connections, and creating lasting memories. Mexico City has captured my imagination and ignited my sense of adventure, and I can't wait to see what else this vibrant city has in store.

If you liked this blog please share and follow :) 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/micielotravels