Mexico was never in my plan when I was drafting the itinerary of my Cuban adventure. Not until I booked my return flight from Santa Clara to Hong Kong did I realize I needed to transit in Mexico City with a layover time of approximately 24 hours. As spending overnight in the airport was obviously not an appealing option, it’s a no-brainer that I should grab the opportunity to take a glance at what this exotic capital had to offer.

Due to time constraints and security concerns – as we all know Mexico is not one of the safest countries in the world – a taxi seemed like the most feasible transportation to get to my accommodation, which was an Airbnb located in the city center. Grabbing a taxi at the airport is no difficult task. After you reach the arrival hall, you can find several taxi booths with computers that allow you to enter your address and calculate your taxi fare based on your destination. You can then pay the bill, get the ticket, and head to the taxi station. The 20-min ride costs around 300 pesos (USD15). If you have more time, you can consider taking the Metrobus, which costs only 30 pesos (USD1.5), plus 10 pesos (USD0.5) for the pre-paid smart card. That’s how I returned to the airport the next day. With video surveillance and a cop on board, you can save some costs without sacrificing your safety. Although the metro is the cheapest option, it’s also the most dangerous for tourists. It’s not worth taking the risk to save just a dollar.

The taxi driver dropped me off somewhere close to the address, and it took me a while to find the building. Staring at the gate in front of me, I had no idea how to get in without a key or Internet to contact the owner of the Airbnb (This was a stupid mistake. I should have communicated with him before departure). As luck would have it, a guy heading out pushed open the gate when I was most frustrated, saving me from standing out there like an idiot. Giving me a quick scan, he smiled and asked, “Are you looking for Wolfran’s apartment?” I supposed my Asian face and worried look sold my tourist identity out, but I was glad about that. My friendly savior introduced himself as the neighbor of my Airbnb host and led me up to the apartment.

Wolfran, an art dealer, had his home beautifully decorated, with piles of paintings sitting in the corridor. The space was stylish with artistic characters, but the main reason I picked this Airbnb was its convenient location near Zócalo, the main square in Mexico City. The Cuban trip planning consumed a great deal of my effort and time, so I didn’t do much research on what to do in Mexico City. My only strategy was to stroll around the heart of the town and go with the flow.

Being the action hub of the city, Zócalo is bordered by the dazzling Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace – the official residence for the President of Mexico – and other notable buildings. When I reached there, the hour hand on my watch had pointed to 6 pm, and a crowd had been gathering at the surrounds of the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square). By chance, I was just in time for the daily flag ceremony, during which we saw a cadre of military police lowering a massive Mexican flag from the pole in the middle of the plaza and marching back to the National Palace. When the audience dispersed and went on with their lives, I made a turn to the Francisco I. Madero Avenue, aka the Madero Street, which is a historically significant pedestrian street flanked by impressive landmarks, like the Convent of San Francisco and Torre Latinoamericana (Latin American Tower) – the world’s first major skyscraper successfully constructed on an active seismic zone – as well as international clothing brands and restaurant chains. 

A few steps from the end of Madero Street is the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Art). Known as the Cathedral of Art in Mexico, this Art Nouveau and Neoclassical structure holds some of the most remarkable events in music, dance, theatre, opera, and literature. Although it had passed the opening hours, I found an assembly of people sitting outside under an open tent, watching a music performance on a big screen. On the side, a roll-up banner with the title of “la cultural A-PANTALLA” presented a list of events on the day. I felt lucky to come across an outdoor event like this and was impressed by the idea of offering free screening in the proximity of a prominent art venue. It provides an opportunity for citizens, regardless of wealth and social status, to get together, socialize, and be immersed in the wonderful world of music and art.

I wouldn’t dare to stay late in the city if Wolfran didn’t invite me for a nightcap in his friend’s bar, where I got a taste of mezcal for the first time. Similar to tequila but having an earthy, smoky kick, this beloved spirit of Mexican people is made from different varieties of agave plants. A majority of this alcoholic beverage is produced in the state of Oaxaca. After a shot or two, Wolfran beckoned the bartender and ordered something that he claimed was the perfect match to the drink. I was looking forward to peanuts or chips until a small dish of grasshoppers was served in front of me. Although it was so nice of him to show me the bold Mexican food culture, I had no choice but to reject his treat. He was a bit surprised that we don’t eat this protein-packed snack in Hong Kong.

Not sure if it’s the mezcal or the long day of travel, I got tired and sleepy after two drinks. I told Wolfran that he should stay with his friends, and I could go back to the apartment by myself. But in less than 30 seconds after I stepped out of the bar, he called me back with a concerned look on his face. “You are going in the wrong direction,” he said. “You are on the way to Tepito, a dangerous area where even we, locals, wouldn’t go at night.” Obviously, the offline map on my phone didn’t alert me to this important information. Not until later did I find on Google that Tepito is known as the “Barrio Bravo” or fierce neighborhood, with a reputation for internal chaos and high crime rate. Make sure you avoid or watch out for this district if you are going to Mexico City.

Although I didn’t do much sightseeing given that most of the museums and tourist spots were closed when I arrived, I still caught a glimpse of Mexican culture, energy, and its laidback vibe. I was looking forward to visiting some of the attractions in the morning, which I will write in another post. On my way back to the Airbnb, I walked past Zócalo again, and the buildings around were lit up in bright purple, which was pretty mesmerizing.