9 Things That Surprised Me About Mexico City
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

9 Things That Surprised Me About Mexico City

¡Qué padrísimo!

358
9 Things That Surprised Me About Mexico City
BBC

Not often do people take the time to travel to Mexico City due to it being overshadowed by the tropical paradise of Cancun, and those people are missing out! In March, I was fortunate enough to spend a week in the capital of Mexico and was able to experience a different a different adventure everyday. If you make your way into this city, here are a few things you will expect!

1. The Size

The vastness of Mexico City is intimidating! With the city covering 573.36 square miles (1,485 km²) of land, and there being over 8.92 million inhabitants, Mexico City is not only the largest cities in Latin America, but in the world!

Helicopter View of Mexico City

2. Xochimilco

pronounced (So-she-meelk-oh)

This pleasant surprise is a great way to get in touch with local life in the city. In my head, Xochimilco is Mexican version of the Gondolas in Venice, Italy. Each long, colorful boat caries a large table where you and your friends and family can spend a relaxing evening across the river. This river also happens to be one of the last remaining rivers still remaining in which the Mayans would use for daily trading. As you enjoy your picnic, you can also have a mariachi band hook up to your boat and sing you a couple songs for a few pesos!

3. The Food

You have not truly experienced a taco unless you ate one in Mexico. Not only this, but you will expand your Mexican dish vocabulary with tostadas, mole and more. Markets are all across the city, so definitely make sure to try as much as you can!

Tostada

Mole

4. Colorful Houses

There is no main law in Mexico City that all houses must have a same neutral color. You may paint your house whatever you choose! This will lead you mesmerized by the bright blues, yellows, greens, and purples scattered across the city!


5. University Life

There are some major differences upon how college students in Latin America live compared to students in the United States. The biggest difference is the size. There are hundreds of small universities across Mexico City, most of the are one building! Students usually either still live at home, or rent an apartment by their school. Make sure to stop of UNAM as well, the largest University in Latin America! Many of its iconic buildings are decorated in Aztec print and design. The library of the UNAM is also the largest building built at Mexico's time since the Mayan era!

The UNAM Library

6. The Drug War

This I found to be the most shocking. In general, drug crime is a major issue in Mexico. In the capital, many gangs and syndicates take over neighborhoods and burrows. They work within the government, and may also be slowly seeping into the American border. What is most peculiar is how they give back to the community. As I was walking through a small village with a guide, we passed a beautiful, colorful chapel, they guide explained that is was recently built, by the cocaine trade.

7. Neighborhood Burrows

Mexico City has a unique way of knowing if you are in a new neighborhood. In some parts of the city, you will notice that there are large arches in front of streets, the will mean you have entered a new part of town! It is a useful way to use landmarks as well.

8. The Metropolitan Area and poverty

The poverty is like nothing I have ever seen in any other city. The outskirts of downtown are filled with shacks, shanty housing, and homelessness. What shocked me most was the children. Driving down a main busy street, a you may find small children in the middle of the street alone, which my friends and I would see while there.

Once entering downtown, it is an entirely different world. The Downtown area is extremely modern, sheik, and there is a variety of events to see. Make sure to visit the Zocalo, the main square of the city where you can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral or the remains of Ancient Mayan Ruins. A staple and prime part of Mexican heritage and culture is the Virgin of Guadalupe. Make sure to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to learn more about the iconic miracle that took place hundreds of years ago that still holds a great pride to the Mexican people! Here you can also experience Mayan prayers and traditional dances. The City also offers many museums such as the National Museum of Art, or the house of the iconic Mexican Artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Make sure to stop by the multitude of markets as well for cheap prices!

The Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zocalo

The Original Virgin Mary in the Basilica de Guadalupe

The Frida Kahlo Museum and House

Inside a marketplace

9. Mexican Snacks

The Snacks and candies I ate in Mexico were the most unusual and unique. Whether you like them or not, you must try snacks like Glorias, oranges with Tapatio, de La Rosa's, Cacahuate Japoneses, and many more that will leave you addicted!


Overall, Mexico City is a destination I recommend for all to visit at least once. When there, find a local guide to show you around and you will not regret visiting this remarkable city!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70917
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132492
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments