Centro Historico was featured in yesterday’s blog, now part two of my four wonderful days in Mexico City takes you on a tour of some of the other neighborhoods throughout the city.
Mexico City Neighborhoods
Coyoacan
Lunch was at Los Tres Caballos (3 Horses), a local hang out for authentic Mexican food and Mariachi bands. We enjoyed poblanos stuffed with cheese, huitlacoche quesadillas which is corn fungus truffles, a strange purple-black color but yummy, and lots of tequila — we were taste tasting our way through the best tequilas – my vote is Jose Cuervo 1800s. Did you know that meals are kicked off with tequila?
Corn Truffle Quesadilla at Los Tres Caballos in Coyoacan Mexico City
Coyoacan is the oldest neighborhood and my favorite. It’s such an interesting mix: mansions, old churches, bohemians and the main square filled with people, laughter and music. We had so much fun here knocking back Kloster beers and tequila at a cantina in the historic center of town.
Cool saloon doors and they top off the light beer with dark
Beautiful Coyoacan Residence
Coyoacan Church
These rings are found on the sides of buildings (the hole is big enough to slide your arm through) and are for the ancient Aztec Juego de Petola game where you try to get a small rubber ball through the ring by bouncing it off your hip.
Juego de Petola in Coyoacan
Condesa
Condesa is similar to Soho in NYC with trendy people, restaurants, bars, and hotels. We had drinks on the rooftop terrace of the Condessa df boutique hotel over looking Park Espana and dined at Nonna, a nicely designed open air Italian restaurant great for people watching and classic pasta dishes.
Rooftop Terrace at Condessa df Hotel for of course a tequila
San Angel
Took a drive on Saturday to San Angel for the Plaza San Jacinto Bazaar del Sabado, the street fair featuring local artists’ paintings and sculptures and artisans crafts. Along the plaza are restaurants and cafes.
Plaza San Jacinto, Saturday Bazaar (flickr Daquella manera)
Colonia Doctores
We went to the Arena Mexico in the Colonia Doctores (kinda ironic) one night for some crazy Las Luchas wrestling. Cheered on the stars of Mexico’s masked and costumed version of WWE in Spanish! These guys can really go flying through the air and over the ropes. Tons of fun!
La Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling!
Flickr: Festival Internacional de Cine en Guadalajara
Polanco
Polanco is one of, if not the wealthiest residential neighborhoods with beautiful tree lined streets, new apartment buildings, gated houses, galleries, boutiques and acclaimed chefs. The main shopping street, Presidente Mazyrk, is lined with high-end retailers similar to Madison Avenue in New York.
Polanco Residential Street
We stayed in luxury at the Hotel Nikko on Campos Eliseos, a gorgeous hotel overflowing with an array of purchasable artwork, impeccable service and tons of amenities: gym, tennis, pool, spa, shops, gallery, café, three restaurants (including the best sushi in Mexico City) and several bars.
It may sound odd to stay in a hotel named Nikko in Mexico City but it’s actually a fairly accurate reflection of the neighborhood. We got a good rate by taking a downgrade on the room (one that hadn’t been renovated), booking fairly last minute on hotels.com, and lucked out with the rates being cheaper on Easter weekend.
Hotel Nikko Lobby
It’s well situated being a short walk from the famous Paseo de La Reforma street where several major museums and the Chapultepec Park are located. I’ve read that it’s the largest park within a city in the world. Being a New Yorker it’s hard to believe it’s bigger than Central Park but I have to say after spending almost an entire day exploring it, and some of the treasures inside, it is pretty big.
View of Chapultepec Park and City from the Castle
Museum of Modern Art: The modern space and architecture are almost enough but the art is also amazing and there are pieces by Diego River and Frida Kahlo.
Inside the Museum of Modern Art
Castillo Chapultepec: Stunning and unexpected castle on a hilltop with great views of the park and city. It was the official presidential residence before becoming the National History Museum in 1944 and also hosts performances and events. We saw the famous Ballet Folklorico here outside on a perfectly lovely evening under the stars.
Gardens at the Chapultepec Castle
Tradional Mexican Dances by the Ballet Folklorico at Castle Chapultepec
I really enjoyed my time in Mexico City and hope you got a feel for how diverse it is and how much it has to offer and that I piqued your interest for a visit as well.
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