Thriving Through the Thirties

I recently had the chance to attend a training in Mexico City and decided to extend my trip by 48 hours. As it was my first time in the city, I planned everything to the second, using Pinterest and Google as my guides. In this post, I’ll share the highlights of my trip and some hidden gems that weren’t mentioned in any of the (many) travel blogs I read beforehand.

Solo Travel Realizations: I Need a Photographer!

As much as I enjoyed my time in Mexico (and Paris last year), I’ve learned that solo travel isn’t really for me. When visiting such picturesque sites, I need someone to take photos—preferably good ones! My friend, who was supposed to join me, was detained at the last minute, and I had to make a few tweaks to my itinerary. Still, I vowed to keep most of my plans intact and didn’t cancel any of the reservations I made.

Sofitel: The Best Decision Ever

We stayed at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma for my training and let me just say: choosing to stay there even after the training was my first genius move. The French hotel chain is known for blending luxury with modernity, and this location didn’t disappoint. It was also super convenient, as everything on my itinerary seemed like a short Uber ride away.

Speaking of Ubers, I quickly learned that Uber is your best friend in Mexico City. Mexico has a reputation for not being the safest place, and despite coming from Haiti, where things can get a little chaotic, I’ll admit that I was a bit nervous. But Uber rides were a smooth and safe way to navigate the city.

My biggest travel fail though? I could literally feel all the Spanish I’d learned on Duolingo leaving my body as my plane touched down in Mexico City International Airport.

Travel Tip: You Won’t Need Much Cash

Upon arrival, I exchanged $100 USD for Mexican pesos but soon realized I didn’t need much cash. Most places accepted cards, though my Haitian debit card didn’t work (thank goodness for credit cards). In fact, the 1,760 Mexican pesos I got at the airport lasted my whole trip—and I even brought home a 20-peso bill as a souvenir!

Mexican Foodie Heaven: Margaritas & City Views

The highlight of my stay at the Sofitel was the food. I’m a foodie, so naturally, I dove headfirst into the Mexican culinary scene. My favorite discovery? The ultimate Margarita from the Cityzen Rooftop at Sofitel, which also boasts one of the best views in the city, including a perfect shot of the Angel of Independence. I was excited to recreate some of the stunning photos I’d seen online—though, of course, I had no photographer.

Side note: Despite Sofitel’s French roots, the staff didn’t speak much French beyond “Bonjour.” Our conversations were all in English, though I did attempt to test my Spanish.

Sightseeing Struggles: Busy Streets & Missed Photo Ops

The Angel of Independence and the Diana the Huntress Fountain were must-sees for me, and I passed by them several times. But here’s what most blogs don’t tell you: both are located in the middle of very busy streets, making it very challenging to take good photos—even with a talented photographer.

Unplanned Discovery: Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela

This wasn’t on my original itinerary, but when fellow workshop participants suggested visiting the Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, I tagged along. It was a treasure trove of handmade Mexican goods—jewelry, clothing, crafts. I went in just to browse and left with a shopping bag full of “must-haves” I didn’t know I needed. The vibrant mix of religious and death-related items fascinated me.

La Casa Azul: A Color-Coordinated Photo Op

My first official tourist stop was La Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. As a photography enthusiast, this place lived up to all expectations. I bought my ticket weeks in advance, packed only the essentials to avoid security holdups, and—most importantly—chose an outfit that paired beautifully with the house’s famous royal blue walls.  While I had planned to spend more time there, I cut my visit short to explore Cafebrería El Péndulo, a two-level café-bookstore that was pure bliss for the bookworm in me. They have books in both Spanish and English, and I finally felt like I understood Spanish a little better—at least when it’s written! I also had a lovely dinner there, though nothing quite topped that first margarita at Cityzen.

Morning in the Zócalo

On my second (and final—cue sad face emoji) day, I woke up bright and early, determined to make the most of my remaining time. After enjoying breakfast at Balta (yes, it was free—thank you, office perks!), I headed to the Zócalo, Mexico City’s historic heart. I admired the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Bellas Artes before wandering through Alameda Central, a bustling park filled with monuments and street vendors. On the way back, I stopped by the House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) for a quick photo.

My final stop of the morning was the Zócalo Rooftop. While I expected it to be higher, the 6th-floor balcony offered the perfect view of the city’s historic landmarks. The view was stunning, but the place was a bit more crowded than expected—thank goodness for reservations! The food was great, though it did take a little longer for my tacos to arrive. Even so, the rooftop dining experience was worth the wait.

Chapultepec Castle: Lost in History

My final tourist stop was Chapultepec Park, home to the iconic Chapultepec Castle. I knew the park was big, but wow—it was huge! After a bit of wandering, I made my way to the ticket booth (pro tip: bring cash and change, as the card machines don’t always work). The castle is home to the National Museum of History, showcasing everything from Mexico’s colonial past to its revolutionary period. It was a photographer’s dream, and while I didn’t take as many photos as I’d hoped, a few kind strangers helped me out.

A Cozy Finale at Rosetta

For my last meal, I treated myself to Rosetta, one of Mexico City’s most Instagrammable spots. Without a reservation, I was told there’d be a 90-minute wait, but they graciously let me wait at their cozy upstairs bar. I sipped my drink and soaked in the ambiance until I was seated for what would become my most exquisite dining experience of the trip. The food was elevated, and while the bill was a bit of a shock compared to my super affordable tacos and Uber rides, it was the perfect way to close out my trip.

Conclusion: Mexico City, You Were a Dream

There’s so much more to do in Mexico City, but for a short trip, I’m happy with everything I managed to squeeze in. As a wannabe travel blogger, I’ve already passed along my spreadsheets of places, prices, and tips to friends planning their own visits. Until next time, Mexico!