Mexico City: Food, Culture, and Unexpected Surprises!

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Over Easter weekend, I took my first trip to Mexico City, eager to experience its celebrated food scene and vibrant culture. It is an easy, 3-hour direct flight from Phoenix, so why not? I thought Easter may be crowded and that many attractions might be closed due to the holiday, but to my surprise, the opposite was true. Many locals actually leave the city to vacation during Easter, making this sprawling metropolis feel unexpectedly relaxed and manageable. Better still, all the major attractions we wanted to visit were open and running on regular hours.

Where We Stayed

Mercado de Artesanías
We spent five nights in the charming and walkable Roma Norte neighborhood, staying at La Valise, a Small Luxury Hotel. The area felt safe, stylish, and full of character. Just next door is Condesa, another great neighborhood option if you're planning your visit—both are filled with leafy streets, cafes, and easy access to restaurants and attractions. One of my favorites a short Uber ride away was the artisan market called Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. Stall after stall of local artisans sell quality goods in an open-air market.

Getting Around

Mexico City is enormous, and while it’s walkable in certain areas, Uber was our go-to for getting across town. For first-timers, I highly recommend booking a few organized tours—it takes the stress out of navigating traffic, and you’ll gain great insight from local guides.

For the Food-Lovers

This city is a paradise for foodies. Some of our standout dining experiences included these restaurants - reservations are highly recommended:

There’s no shortage of acclaimed restaurants here, and honestly, we barely scratched the surface.

Exploring Chapultepec Park

Think of Chapultepec Park as Mexico City’s answer to Central Park—only it’s 2.5 times larger. We explored it by bike and wandered through the free and well-kept zoo. The park is also home to some of the city’s most important museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)—a must-see for any first-time visitor.

If we’d had more time, I would have loved to explore Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), which houses the National History Museum and was once a royal and presidential residence.


Pro tip: Book skip-the-line museum tickets in advance to make the most of your time.

A Colorful Day in Xochimilco & Coyoacán

One of our favorite days was spent on a guided tour we booked through Project Expedition: Discover Xochimilco, Coyoacán & the Iconic Frida Kahlo Museum. I cannot recommend this tour enough—it made visiting the southern part of the city seamless.

In Xochimilco, we boarded one of the vibrant trajineras (flat-bottomed boats) and floated along the canals while mariachis hopped from boat to boat serenading guests. Vendors sold margaritas, beers, snacks, and souvenirs—it was festive and unforgettable.

The tour also included a stop at University City, where we viewed incredible public murals from Mexico’s famous muralist movement.

In Coyoacán, we visited the Frida Kahlo Museum—the actual house where she was born, lived, and died. The neighborhood itself is lively and artsy, with market stalls, cafes, and artisans selling genuinely beautiful pieces.

The Historic Heart: Zócalo

The Zócalo, Mexico City's historic main square, is one of the largest public plazas in the world and absolutely worth visiting.

  • The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest in Latin America, is located here. Don’t miss the
    choir room and the towering pipe organs—well worth the small entrance fee.

  • Templo Mayor, the ruins of the ancient Aztec temple, and its excellent museum are just steps away.

  • The National Palace—home to the President of Mexico and Diego Rivera murals—borders the square opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Surrounding the square, you’ll find colonial arcades, rooftop restaurants, and street performers. You may even witness traditional Aztec healers performing cleansing rituals right in the square.

Just a short distance away was one of my favorites - the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes). I loved the stunning Art Deco architecture and the works by Diego Rivera and other legendary muralists.

A Night to Remember: Lucha Libre

One unexpected highlight? Attending a Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena México. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the most entertaining nights of our trip. The masked luchadores were incredibly athletic and put on an exciting, high-flying show. For just around $15 USD per person, we landed ringside seats—definitely worth it for the cultural experience and pure fun.

Final Thoughts

Mexico City surprised me in the best way—it's rich in history, buzzing with creativity, and a food lover’s dream. Easter turned out to be a perfect time to visit, with thinner crowds, beautiful weather, and everything in full swing. Whether you're into art, cuisine, ancient history, or just people-watching from a sidewalk café, this city delivers.

Another outstanding adventure!
Location: Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

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