The Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City is so charming and unique. It's in the house that Frida was born and died in and still has most of the rooms preserved in their original state. The whole space was quite and interesting experience into the life and work of Frida. Her story was told really well however I wish there was more of her work in there.
Here is my take on this museum, its only worth going because its right across from the Anthropology Museum and was only $2 to get in. As a whole the collection was a bit weak and didn't really have anything impressive but worth a very quick stop if you visit the Anthropology Museum.
I love going to museums, especially when I'm in a new city. I think it teaches you a lot about the local culture and vibe. Most of everyone that I asked for recs told me to check out the Anthropology Museum and it did not let down. It is housed in a really impressive building (pictured above) which in itself was worth checking out. Other things worth noting : the Mayan and Aztec exhibits were the most interesting and the outdoor area at the back of the museum was really well designed and a fun experience. This place was def worth a stop.
I haven't really been to many places in the world that let you experience and be surrounded by remains of ancient civilizations. That's why going to Teotihuacan, the site of the ancient Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, was a particularly special experience. I strongly recommend going here if you are in Mexico City - try to go early in the morning though, right when it opens (I think 8am). There is really no one there at this time and its really surreal walking around by yourself hearing the echo of your own foot steps. You cant help but think about how thousands of people came together to build these structures with no technology whatsoever and would live, worship and play here. Wild.
There is an incredible amount of fascinating history behind this place that you can read about on the wikipedia page.
I was in Mexico City on assignment with Swarovski and luckily was able to add 2 free days to kick it and explore the city. 2 Days really isn't enough time to get a good feel for Mexico City or see enough of it but I tried to do as much as I can.
It's a really big city that is very populated and busy. Traffic is hell, specially if there is something going on in town, we were there during the Mexican Grad Prix, shitshow! Budget more time than less getting places, it takes forever. I was told not to hail a cab off the street as they will try to rip you off. They have Uber there, which was cheap and super convenient. Use that. Or goto a hotel lobby or designated taxi stand to get cabs.
It probably one of the safer places in Mexico. I didn't feel threatened or unsafe anywhere we went no matter what time of day it was. The city is alive and lit till late - we did a lot of walking around at night and felt fine. But then again we really did stay in the main areas, didn't really venture too deep into the neighborhoods.
Oh, and everything is pretty cheap.
I know its not much but here are some places I was able to check out and enjoyed :
FOOD
- Tacotento : There are a few of these around town and had the best tacos I've had in a long time. The spot had a very local authentic vibe to it and was super cheap. Prolly not the best place for a full meal but a great spot for a quick taco.
- Tostadas Coyoacan : Tucked away in the middle of a local bazar near the Frida Kahlo Museum this spot had all sorts of meat and toppings for tostadas on display for you to chose from. Turned out to be the best tostada I've ever had. Def make the trek out here, hit up the museum and then come here for food. Also, I had some of the most bomb elote en vaso at this bazar, def start with that.
- Pujol : This is racked as one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world. Everyone I asked for recs told me to check it out. It was about $100 per person for a 6 course meal, which was very reasonable considering the food, ambiance and experience was pretty on point.
SIGHTS AND MUSEUMS
- Museo Nacional de Antropología : There are so many museums in Mexico City, I'd say an overwhelming amount for someone who enjoys checking out museums while traveling. The Anthropology Museum was one of my favorites. All the early civilization exhibits are a bit boring but it gets pretty lit in the Aztec and Mayan sections. Make sure to check out the Stone of the Sun and the outdoor Mayan area. And the building is incredibly beautiful.
- Museo de Arte Moderno : Not super impressive but worth a stop only because its right across the street from the Anthropology Museum and is $2 to get in.
- Sumaya : Part of my shoot was in this building and it had to have been the most beautifully deigned building I've ever shot. Really incredible interior and exterior.
- Museo Frida Kahlo : This is in the house Frida was born and died in. It really charming and colorful with most of the rooms still decorated and intact from when Diego Rivera and Frida lived there. Worth a stop.
- Teotihuacan : The site of the Aztec pyramids. This is a must! It was about an hour and a half out of town but was a really amazing experience to see and climb the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. We went early when it first opened (8am) and we were the only ones there for a while. Don't come back from Mexico City without a visit.
Mexico City Foursquare list with more reviews, photos and tips.