The Guiding Traveler

If there’s one thing that surprised me about Mexico City, it wasn’t the tacos (though those were definitely a highlight) — it was how safe, vibrant, and full of art this place is.

Let’s start with the vibe: Mexico City’s main street is lined with visible, friendly law enforcement, keeping things chill and making it feel incredibly secure. Honestly, the only thing you really need to watch out for when you wander off the main drag? Your Spanish skills. English thins out fast the deeper you go — so brush up or download a translator app. It’ll make the adventure even better.

Now let’s talk exploring. I stumbled into a free zoo, which was a total surprise (and a win for the budget traveler). Just a casual afternoon surrounded by wildlife in the middle of a metropolis? Yes please.

Then there was this road filled with cactus-inspired art installations — like an open-air gallery popping up right in the city streets. No idea if it was a festival or a pop-up, but it was stunning. One of those moments where you realize just how much creativity is baked into this city.

I also found a metal bench shaped like a deck of cards — easily one of the coolest pieces of urban design I’ve seen on my travels. I don’t know who designed it, but give that artist a medal.

Of course, I couldn’t visit Mexico City without grabbing some tacos al pastor. Three tacos and a Coke for just $6 — I almost felt like I was stealing. If you know, you know and if you want pictures, check out my instagram post from a few days ago!

One of the most meaningful stops for me, though, was a series of tall metal pillars engraved with the names and seals of cities across Mexico. As a pilot, this hit home. Two of my very first trips as a professional aviator were to Querétaro and Oaxaca — and yeah, I definitely butchered the pronunciations during my inflight announcements. But seeing their names carved into these monuments in the heart of Mexico City reminded me how far I’ve come — and how much this country has given me.

So if you’re considering a trip to CDMX: Go. It’s art, culture, food, and history all rolled into a city that’s way safer than the headlines make it sound. You don’t need to get lost here to find yourself — but it helps.

P.S. if you’re about to google CDMX it stands for Ciudad De Mexico, which is Spanish for “City of Mexico” AKA Mexico City!