Have you ever been so captivated by a city you are sure it will echo in your mind for eternity? That is my relationship with Mexico City. The C19 pandemic has given me ample time to reflect on my adventures across the globe and this is the place that always bubbles up, with the utmost desire to return.

I was flying to Santiago, Chile for a week-long vacation. When booking my ticket I learned that a trip from Los Angeles to the furthest country in South America equated 10 hours in the air but typically a 14 hour trip with a layover. My wheels began to turn with ideas of how I could make a layover a vacation unto itself. As soon as I saw Mexico City as an option, everything else melted away. It was decided, while en route to Chile, I would stop to spend a day in Mexico’s capital. I booked my flight with a longer-than-usual layover and began to strategize.

The way I had planned it looked like this, I would arrive at the CDMX airport around 6 am, leave my luggage behind, and hop on the metro which would lead me into the city. I would spend the next 10 hours exploring the capital, soaking up as much culture as I could. I was moving solo with prepared notes on a journey to unforgettable meals and life-affirming art. Here is my 12-hour layover travel diary:

8am The Zócalo

There is a train station conveniently located at he Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez. Having researched the route beforehand, I was ready to hop on the metro and take a 40-minute ride to The Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución). I arrived in time to see the flag procession and although I’m not one for nationalism, military, or flags, it made for a unique experience.

9 am A Stroll Across Mexico City

My plans would lead me on foot from the Zócalo to Condesa, an hour-long walk with an agenda to absorb as much as I could. If I saw something that piqued my interest I’d follow. With curiosity leading the way, I found myself in a gorgeous Catholic Church draped in gold that smelled like roses and incense.

10 am Blue Corn Quesadilla

Standing on the corner across from Artesana Ciudades, I was comforted by the smell of grilled meat and cheese. After a busy morning, I needed a snack and nothing looked better than a fresh blue corn quesadilla alongside a bottle of Coca-Cola. It was 10 am but I had been up for hours. It brought me back to life.

1030 am Shopping at Artesana Ciudades

A hand-woven basket is one of my greatest weaknesses in terms of home decor. Mexican, French, Tunisian, Chilean, I have them all in my collection. If you love and appreciate hand-crafted objects, Artesan Ciudades is a tiny slice of heaven, packed with traditional embroidered dresses, tapestries, baskets, and many artisan crafts.

1215 pm Drinks at Condesa DF

For too long I had Condesa DF on my list of hotels to see. I felt a sense of accomplishment reaching this destination and walking through its front doors. It was everything I had anticipated, so much, I was bummed that I wasn’t checking into a room for the night but rather stopping in for a beverage. I enjoyed a delicious sparkling lemonade at the bar while I waited for my lunch reservation Contramar.

115 pm Lunch at Contramar

Experiencing the best restaurants are my top priority when traveling to any city. In Mexico City, the two names that continually came up over the years were Pujoland Contramar. I heard delicious stories about both and was in quite the predicament when having to choose one. Due to location, availability, and my schedule, I selected Contramar and it was a meal I won’t ever forget. It was worth the years of hype. The restaurant delivered everything I had dreamed of and more. The service was top tier and filled with warmth, so commonly found in Mexican dining. I ordered the toastadas de atún and ceviche Contramar. The server noticed I was taking photos along with notes and insisted he brought out their famoso Pescado a la Tallafor me to see. It was stunning! Unfortunately, I couldn’t order that on top of my already overflowing table but I appreciated the gesture. Although I was undoubtedly full, the server surprised me with a gratis slice of their fig tart. I indulged, naturally. It was the perfect ending to an already magical lunch.

3 pm Museo de Nacional Antrolopogía

There are very few times that I have wept in an art museum but at Museo Nacional de Antropología, my cheeks were moist with streams of tears. I was overcome by the sight of the Aztec Stone of the Sunespecially, my spirit filled with love and wonderment about the culture from which I descend. It is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico, which makes it a required destination for those appreciative of art, history, and culture.

5pm Return to Airport

I didn’t want to leave Mexico City but I had to catch my flight to Chile. One last order of tacos before I boarded the plane. I’ve never had such flavorful food at an international airport but this was Mexico after all. Tres tacos con arroz y frioles. ¡Perfecto!

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