CITY PULSE: THE ESSENCE OF LIVING IN MEXICO CITY
Whether you're a veteran of city life or a newcomer to urban settings, Mexico City promises a remarkable encounter. Renowned for its culinary delights, financial hubs, artistic flair, and rich history, the city's vibrant rhythm is bound to captivate you.
Not only is it the largest city in Mexico, Ciudad de México is also the most populated city in North America. This is no small feat, considering New York is also in the category! Mexico City has NYC beaten by almost a million people, so you can imagine how bustling and lively it is.
If this is your first time in such a big city, you may find it overwhelming at first. Even those with experience of urban living might find the scale and pace of Mexico City to be quite intense.
Never fear, though; with the help of the following guide, you’ll be fitting in comfortably in no time. Let’s have a look at the best ways to embrace the busy metropolitan lifestyle that waits for you in Mexico City.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Since it’s so large, you’d better believe that Mexico City is also an extremely diverse place. Each neighborhood has its own flavor and atmosphere, so the first thing you’ll want to do is get out and explore!
Everyone’s preferences for living, eating, and entertainment are different, but certainly, one of Mexico City’s many neighborhoods will have the things that are right for you.
Maybe you’ll enjoy the pace of Roma, said to be the “hipster heart” of Mexico City with its small shops, great coffee, and proximity to many of the best attractions. Perhaps the art-deco architecture, art galleries, and wide, tree-lined streets of La Condesa are more your vibe. Or, you might find you thrive in the affluent Polanco neighborhood, with its upscale restaurants and big-brand stores.
Whatever your lifestyle, interests, and goals, you’ll find what you’re looking for in one of these neighborhoods (or one of the many others!) if you’re willing to spend a bit of time seeking it out.
Learn the Language
This is obviously no small undertaking, but since Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Mexico City, it’ll help to at least know the basics. You can of course use quick translation apps in a pinch, and many people will speak English there anyway. But the more Spanish you can learn yourself, the deeper your connections and understanding of people in Mexico City will be.
Identify online courses that work for you, or try one of the popular language learning apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. While it requires some prep, even basic Spanish will enrich your experience in Mexico City and beyond.
Public Transportation
These days, it’s all too easy to hop in your vehicle, type in the address of your destination, and turn your brain off while just following the GPS. If you’re really looking to immerse yourself in Mexico City life, consider using public transportation instead.
There’s an extensive public transit system with metros, buses, and another effort called BRTs (Bus Rapid Transit). Started back in 2005, the BRT program involves devoted bus lanes alongside busy streets. It’s said to have contributed to shortened commute times (by about half an hour per commute), and has reduced Co2 emissions by 35,000 tons annually.
For such a large city, this is pretty impressive! You can feel especially good about your environmental impact when using this public transit. It also gives you the opportunity to get familiar with routes and other areas of Mexico City that you may not see otherwise.
Street Food and Local Cuisine
The food in Mexico City is usually a highlight for anyone visiting there. Local delicacies like tacos, tamales & churros are a must-try of course! But the city is also known for the diversity of its culinary scene.
Try a high-end restaurant occasionally for a slightly different dining experience. Also check out the markets for delicious street food and fresh produce.
Cultural Experiences
Mexico City is a hub of culture. Art and art history are celebrated here, and you’ll be awestruck by the incredible works available for public viewing. For example, the National Palace is a stunning government building housing both the Federal Treasury and National Archives. Take some time to view Diego Rivera’s masterpiece mural, “The History of Mexico”.
Another essential cultural experience is a visit to the Frida Kahlo museum. As a celebration of Mexico City’s folk-art icon, you’ll find personal objects, paintings, sculptures, photos, and more, displayed in the home she shared with Diego Rivera, the Casa Azul. And, believe it or not, this museum and the National Palace are free to the public. Hard to beat a chance to take in some of the most respected art in the world… for free!
Final Word
There are many other ways to immerse yourself in metropolitan life in Mexico City, but these are a few ideas that should put you on the right path. Stay open, be spontaneous, and follow any leads to a new neighborhood, type of food, or cultural experience. Whether or not you’re new to metropolitan living, you’ll start to feel like a local in no time!