[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero Section” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”1px||3px|||”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Hero Row” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city.jpg” alt=”a weekend in Mexico City header” title_text=”a weekend in Mexico City header” admin_label=”Hero Image” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”30px|||||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”||6px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em” hover_enabled=”0″]
This culinary destination is chic, artsy and only a 2-hour flight from DFW. Change your mind about only going to the beaches in Mexico, the mountains are where it’s at.
Mexico City sits in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Black peaks and rolling hills poke through the clouds as you get closer to landing in the southern part of the country until you begin to see the considerable urban sprawl of the capital city push out from the valley.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_line_height=”1.1em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_line_height=”1.6em” custom_margin=”|||50px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|80px|10px|24px|true|false” border_width_left=”4px” border_color_left=”#d6d6d6″]
At an altitude of over 7,000 feet, Mexico City is blessed and cursed with cooler weather than one would expect.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
It defines the experience of an urban, congested city brimming with culture. The food, landscape, art and neighborhoods are unlike the Mexico you may have seen on the coasts and it is refreshing and exciting to experience on foot.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_margin=”-3px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_blurb image=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-3.jpg” alt=”Mexico City street view” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” body_font_size=”16px”][/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_blurb image=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-4.jpg” alt=”Mexico City landscape” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” body_font_size=”16px” transform_scale=”100%|88%” transform_scale_linked=”off” transform_translate=”0px|-37px” transform_translate_linked=”off”][/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”||6px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
How to get there
The simplest direct route is to fly nonstop on American Airlines to Mexico City from DFW. The flight clocks in right around two hours and since you stay in Central Time Zone, there’s no downtime or jetlag when crossing the border. Mexico City’s airport is modern and has quick kiosks for you to scan your passport upon arrival, much like Global Entry (which I highly recommend even if you don’t travel internationally often), and after handing your receipt to a passport control officer, you are on vacation.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-1.jpg” alt=”view of Mexico City from airplane” title_text=”view of Mexico City from airplane” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false”]
Be sure to keep the slip of paper in your passport as you ust have it to leave the country or you will pay an annoying fine at the airport. Uber is the most efficient way around the city and you can call one from the irport at the designated pickup point outside the terminal.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false”]
Where to stay
Mexico City has all of the hotel brands you are familiar with and a plethora of choices on AirBnB if you are wanting a more relaxed experience. Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is the highest rated property on Trip Advisor and boasts beautiful classically designed spaces that will once again remind you this is not a cruise ship port of call.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-2.jpg” alt=”Mexico City restaurant” title_text=”Mexico City restaurant” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
The only question on your mind once you head into the city is where the first taco should be. Consider heading to Polanco, the chic neighborhood with rolling gardens, cafes and unique shopping. A favorite stop for all three of these is Catamundi, a wine bar and home goods store that has delicious plates to share. For a straightforward taqueria experience, head to La Casa del Pastor for tinga tacos, a hibiscus margarita and lots of salsas to try. Interestingly for us Texans, Mexico City doesn’t keep to the chips and salsa tradition so you’ll need to order them when you sit down. A tasting of salsas is brought immediately as a condiment to your m in meal though so be sure to try all the flavors.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ module_alignment=”center”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-1-150×150.jpg” alt=”salsa tasting Mexico City restaurant” title_text=”salsa tasting Mexico City restaurant” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-2-150×150.jpg” alt=”Mexico City food at restaurant” title_text=”Mexico City food at restaurant” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-4-150×150.jpg” alt=”Mexico City dessert” title_text=”Mexico City dessert” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-3-150×150.jpg” alt=”Mexico City food at restaurant” title_text=”Mexico City food at restaurant” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_line_height=”1.1em” header_4_text_align=”left” header_4_line_height=”1.6em” custom_margin=”|||50px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|80px|10px|24px|true|false” border_width_left=”4px” border_color_left=”#d6d6d6″]
For a more formal and traditional experience, spend an evening at San Angel Inn. This storied space was once a monastery that was converted into a luxury hotel and has one of the most well-known restaurants in the city.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
The knockout dish at our table? A cream of poblano soup that we all could have had as an entrée and been set for life. Be sure to stay a minute or two after and walk the beautiful lobby and see the Spanish colonial architecture and religious artifacts.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
What to See
The top two recommendations I received about Mexico City was to visit Frida Kahlo’s museum and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim’s art collection called Museo Soumaya in Neuva Polanco. Do keep your eyes peeled when you are riding through the neighborhoods as public art, sculptures and graffiti are to be found on almost every corner.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_margin=”-3px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_blurb image=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-6.jpg” alt=”La Gruta restaurant Mexico City” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” body_font_size=”16px”][/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_blurb image=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/a-weekend-in-mexico-city-b-7.jpg” alt=”Mexico City street scene” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”16px” body_font_size=”16px” transform_scale=”100%|107%” transform_scale_linked=”off” transform_translate=”0px|17px” transform_translate_linked=”off”][/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”||||||||” header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_line_height=”1.5em”]
A large draw for tourists to Mexico City are the pyramids and even if hiking isn’t on your list, the drive to the country should be. Pyramids of the Sun and Moon are a short drive from the city, but are worth your time. These structures were built by the Aztecs and begun around 100 CE. The larger of the two, the Pyramid of the Sun, is also the third largest pyramid in the world. When you’ve made your journey through history and find yourself famished, stay nearby and visit La Gruta for one of the most incredible lunches of your life. Built into a literal cave near the pyramids, this restaurant is always busy, but unlike other tourist traps, the food is delectable and the service is excellent. Small performances of traditional Aztec stories are acted out on stage at the center of the cave.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”30px||20px||false|false”][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_padding=”17px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_4_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_4_font_size=”20px”]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”Meagan Camp” image_url=”http://baggies47.com/living-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/magazine-02-150×150.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ global_module=”29225″][/et_pb_team_member][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”rgba(214,214,214,0.19)” custom_padding=”30px||30px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_4_font=”Roboto||||||||” header_4_font_size=”20px” custom_margin=”||-2px|||”]
RELATED POSTS
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_margin=”-3px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”all” use_manual_excerpt=”off” excerpt_length=”150″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_line_height=”1.3em” custom_margin=”0px|||||”][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
