Part 3: Connecting with the Vibrant Pulse of Mexico City's Roma Norte & Exploring Teotihuacan’s Ancient Wonders
Part 3: Connecting with the Vibrant Pulse of Mexico City's Roma Norte & Exploring Teotihuacan’s Ancient Wonders
This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on our adventure through Mexico.
A Grand Finale in Mexico City
After the serenity of Oaxaca and the beaches of Puerto Escondido, our final stop was Mexico City. With just two full days to explore, I planned an itinerary that would balance both the vibrant culture of Roma Norte and the awe-inspiring history of Teotihuacan.
Day 1 was all about exploring Roma Norte’s eclectic food scene, while Day 2 took us back in time to the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan. Though our time was short, every moment felt rich with discovery and connection.
Day 1: Walking Food Tour of Roma Norte (and a bit of Colonia Condesa)
We arrived in Mexico City after an exhausting overnight bus ride from Puerto Escondido—a 9-hour trip that left me with the worst seat imaginable. The seat didn’t lock in place and kept falling backward onto the person behind me, so it was rough. After arriving at the bus terminal, we took a Didi to drop off our luggage at Hotel Monarca around 8 am, as check-in wasn’t until 3 pm and began exploring the city right away.
Roma Norte is a neighbourhood known for its stunning European-inspired architecture and creative, urban vibe. Developed in the early 20th century with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences, it stands out with its picturesque cafés, lively bar scene, and incredible street food.
The area’s tree-lined avenues, lush greenery, and ivy-covered balconies add to its charm, making it a top spot for dining and admiring colonial-era architecture—and, in our case, a DIY walking food tour that took us from Roma Norte to Colonia Condesa and back!
Our food tour began by literally crossing the road to Churrería El Moro for some delicious churros.
But it was too early in the morning for C to enjoy something sweet, so we decided to move on and look for something savoury instead. (but only after I destroyed the yummy churros lol)
As we wandered toward our next stop, we found ourselves needing a restroom—and that’s how we stumbled upon Casa Melibea. You gotta love how spontaneous, unplanned moments can sometimes lead to the best discoveries.
This cosy street-side café, hidden in a tree-lined neighbourhood, had a relaxing vibe. The outdoor seating, small tables, and greenery created a peaceful atmosphere. Beyond the coffee and baked treats, they also sold clothing and art.
Our next stop was La Esquina Del Chilaquil, where we enjoyed one of the most delicious and filling tortas I’ve ever had.
From there, we headed to El Ilusionista Café, a hidden gem in a quieter part of town. Instead of my usual mocha, I tried a Cortado, a balanced coffee made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
The vibe here was relaxed—young people chatting, some on laptops taking advantage of the free WiFi, and even a few dogs wandering by.
After a quick rest, we were ready for the highlight of our food tour—Panadería Rosetta. Famous for its freshly baked pastries, the place was buzzing with activity. While we had hoped to sit outside, we were told we’d need a reservation, so we grabbed some baked goodies to go and strolled back toward our hotel.
We stopped by a fountain on the way to enjoy the delicious treats, which made for the perfect end to our day of food and exploration.
Unfortunately, I have no video footage of any of this, as I lost the memory card in my phone when I returned to Sydney. I had plans to turn the videos into a YouTube-style travel vlog, and losing all those memories was a tough blow.
So, instead, here’s the video that inspired me to go to Roma Norte in the first place:
Our evening was spent celebrating our friend Ibérica’s birthday, someone we had met at the World Domination Summit in Portland in 2022. We joined her and a small group of friends for dinner at Antolina, a well-known restaurant specialising in Oaxacan dishes with modern twists (just another reminder that Oaxaca is indeed the gastronomical heart of Mexico).
The restaurant is praised for its unique flavour combinations and beautiful presentations, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. I decided to go all out and tried a taco with crickets—surprisingly, it wasn’t too bad!
This dinner turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip—it was a chance to connect with a vibrant expat community of entrepreneurs and adventurers living in Mexico City. The energy in the room was infectious, and I left feeling inspired by the creativity and passion of everyone I met.
(Fun fact: You can read more about Ibérica’s incredible journey and how she found a home connecting with Afro-Mexicans in Mexico after her plans to move to NYC fell through here.)
Day 2: Teotihuacan—A Journey Back in Time
On our second day, we ventured beyond the city to explore the ancient wonders of Teotihuacan, one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites. I had specifically booked the Teotihuacan Early Morning Tour to beat the crowds and avoid the midday heat.
The tour was everything I had hoped for and more. As we wandered through the site, our guide, Frank, led us through landmarks like the Quetzalcóatl Temple, Avenue of the Dead, and the Moon Pyramid. Though we didn’t climb the Pyramid of the Sun, we snapped some great selfies in front of it.
One of my highlights was standing on the Adosada platform, built in front of the Temple of Quetzalcoátl. Frank explained that this platform was likely constructed to protect the temple’s intricate carvings and historical significance. Climbing those steep steps in the early morning and taking in the sheer scale of the site was mind-blowing.
The tour also took us to the Quetzalpaplotl Palace, which transported me back in time. The palace, adorned with the Quetzal (feathered bird) and Papálotl (butterfly) motifs, was both a residential and sacred space. Walking through its underground areas, I felt a deep connection to the ancient civilisation that once called Teotihuacan home.
We ended the tour with a mezcal tasting before our kind tour guide, and driver dropped us off at a local market so we could go hunting for gifts for our family.
The day left me in awe of Teotihuacan’s history, from its political significance to the everyday lives of the people who centuries ago lived and traded there. Standing in a place so rich with cultural depth and history was humbling.
Travel Tips for Mexico City
Explore Neighbourhoods: While we only had time to explore Roma Norte, Mexico City is filled with other must-see areas, like Coyoacán, known for its bohemian vibe and Frida Kahlo Museum, La Condesa for its lush parks and chic cafes, and Centro Histórico, the heart of the city with stunning landmarks like the Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Be sure to explore beyond just one neighbourhood if you have time!
Eco-Bici Rentals: Roma Norte has Eco-Bici stations every few blocks, making renting a bike easy and affordable. A one-day rental costs just 123 MXN pesos, and it gives you unlimited rides of up to 45 minutes within 24 hours.
SIM Card: If you’re staying for a while, I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card from OXXO, which is like the 7-Eleven of Mexico.
Getting Around: Didi is a reliable and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis. Public transport, including the metro, is also a cheap and efficient option, but we didn’t have time to try it out on this trip.
Language: Many people in Mexico City speak English, but knowing basic Spanish phrases can make your interactions smoother and more enjoyable.
Final Reflections on Mexico
Our three weeks in Mexico were a whirlwind of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. From the lively wedding celebrations in Oaxaca to the peaceful beaches of Puerto Escondido and, finally, the wonders of Mexico City, this trip gave us much-needed time to heal, reflect, and explore. Wish we had more time!
Now that you've read all three parts, I'd love to hear your thoughts! What did you like or dislike the most about our Mexico adventure? Let me know in the comments.
👍 PUBLISHED + WORK IN PROGRESS
2/ Two Videos for Shifting Mindsets for Tiny Living
3/ Everything is a Remix: How AI and Creativity Are Shaping the Future
See you next week,
Anf Chansamooth
PS. – Did you get value from this newsletter? If yes, then please:
Forward it to someone else who might find it useful too.