Traveling to Mexico City for the First Time
I forgot my sneakers. Yes, for a trip that involved walking miles through Mexico City, I somehow packed everything for my husband and I except actual walking shoes. My pregnant self had no choice but to commit to sandals and pray for the best. Here’s why Mexico City instantly captures your heart, even traveling for the first time.
Before the flight, our friends warned us that some restrooms in Mexico require you to pay and only give you a few squares of toilet paper at a time. After an unforgettable bathroom situation in Cuba, this didn’t shock me, but still, this is a different level of preparedness.
The flight from Chicago to Mexico City was just under four hours, but our United plane had no charging outlets or tv screens. If you’re used to newer planes, brace yourself. Once we landed, the real adventure began.
Arriving in Mexico City
We hired a driver for the first two days, something I highly recommend if you’re not familiar with the area. For USD $185, it was the most stress-free decision of our trip, especially with luggage and pregnancy in the mix.
Tip: Bring pesos. Almost no one accepts USD. The exchange rate was roughly 18 pesos to 1 USD during our visit.
We stayed in Roma Norte in a beautiful Airbnb called Fika Stay, a newly renovated Nordic-style apartment that instantly felt like home. Despite the warnings, we made it through day one without needing to buy emergency toilet paper. A small but meaningful victory.
Why Mexico City instantly Captures your Heart
We let the day unfold on its own, visiting:
- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: A deeply meaningful site filled with history and culture.
- The Angel of Independence: A symbolic monument surrounded by the movement of the city.
- Chinampita Reforma: A lively restaurant to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere around the corner from our Airbnb.
Each stop offered a glimpse of Mexico City’s energy, religious heritage, national pride, and everyday urban life, all blending together. We loved learning the history of Mexico’s capital and really tried to immerse ourselves in the city as we walked through.
Choosing Día de los Muertos
I have always dreamed of visiting Mexico during Día de los Muertos. The colors, the traditions, the altars honoring loved ones… it’s a celebration unlike anything else. Since Tyler and I postponed our honeymoon, we decided this trip with Juan and Cynthia would be our big getaway, or babymoon, as I called it.
We were also newly pregnant, which inspired me to book a photoshoot. Cynthia helped me find a photographer, Gaby, who instantly felt like a friend. She even shared recommendations for local boutiques including:
- 180º SHOP
- Cara de Planta Esculturas Vivas
- Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique
- HAPPENING Roma Norte
Gaby is someone I would recommend to anyone visiting Mexico City. Especially if you’re looking to take maternity photos, like we did! I even bought my outfit the week before I left, because I decided to be a procrastinator.
The next day is when the real magic and the real chaos. Street tacos that changed our lives, ancient sites, a trajinera ride through Xochimilco, and a belly painting I did not expect.
Xo, Mel
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