Way Down in Mexico (City)

words by Danielle Robles; photography by Anjelica Jardiel

Mexico City was not quite what I had expected. Which is actually probably not fair to say because I didn't know what to expect. The only descriptions ever whispered about the city boasted stunning architecture, a thriving underground art scene, and a lifestyle more cosmopolitan than any other destinations in the region. But there was more.

It rained for about an hour every day, the entire time we were there, which felt so odd since it was the middle of summer in New York. Each day was completely unpredictable. Some days it would merely drizzle, other days we would get trapped in a monsoon that felt like it was going to swallow the town whole. The gloomy weather cast a moody vibe over the city.

We never really found the underground art that we were looking for. But we did find MUAC--which was 2legit. Walking from room to room, basking in the sights and sounds of the innovative installations, I thought: this is what next level shit feels like.

Frida's town was my favorite. There was something about Coyoacán, that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but it was magical. There was something in the air. Perhaps it was because the beloved artist and her husband had made such incredible creations upon those grounds, perhaps it was because the hues of the houses and cars and markets were so saturated, perhaps it was because the steamy street food was the best I have ever had--something about Coyoacán completely captured me.

There's so much more to Mexico City than meets the eye--so much more beneath the surface. I can fairly confidently assert that we barely scratched the top layer, and we'll be back in due time to explore more. But until then, I leave you with a few main highlights + a healthy heaping of stunning images from our trip. 

Coyoacán

Hands-down my favorite neighborhood in the city, Coyoacán is where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's Casa Azul lies. After wandering around the abode, which was easily one of the most inspirational places I've ever been, we decided to take on the town. This chilled-out artsy village had seriously some of the best street food we experienced (like, in life), a mega artisan market, and a churrería (because the universe is good to us). What more could a person possibly want?

MUAC

Defintitely one of the best art museums in Mexico City (if not the world) MUAC holds some of the most innovative, modern, experiential installations I've ever seen. Each room transforms you to a different place and time, titillating all of your senses--one by one, and then suddenly, all at once. It far surpassed expectations.

Lucha Libre

When my local friend Jorge suggested a lucha libre match, equipped with a buffet of food and drink service...I meannnn, who were we to say no? Lucha libre is one of the most entertaining sports--each match is a miniature story, and the costumes are all incredible. Dressed to the nines in head-to-toe lucha libre gear we pounded beers, scarfed nachos, and screamed our faces off for two very glorious hours. It was everything.

The Markets

Our favorite, and the most well-known market, is the Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela which is MASSIVE. They have everything one could possibly want--dresses, pottery, weaved baskets, home decor, art, and so much more. If you have a shopping compulsion problem like I do, be forewarned. The second market we explored was the Mercado de Sonora. After learning from local friends that this place was well-known for (and devoted to) brujería, potions and spells, our curiosity peaked. What we found was far less magical, and far more...surprising. I'll leave it at that.

Food, Food, Food!

If there's one thing that really blows Mexico City of out the water, it's the abundance of incredibly mouth-watering restaurants. Honestly, I don't think we had a single meal (minus the horrible mishap when Katelyn and I wandered into an "American pub" and ate potato skins) that wasn't OUT OF THIS WORLD. Some absolute must-trys when you're in the city...Maximo Bistrot, Lalo, Mercado Roma, and Cabrera 7--but like I said, pretty much everything is INSANE.