In October, we decided to visit Mexico for our U.S. visa stamping. Finding appointment slots in India was a struggle, and we were also concerned about not being able to get back to India quickly in case of an emergency with family. It was a bit of a gamble, as there was always the possibility our visas wouldn't be approved in Mexico, in which case we'd have to return to India. We left our son back in the U.S. since he’s in high school, and we didn’t want any delays to affect his schooling.
We arrived at Mexico City’s airport on a warm day, something we definitely missed from Ohio in October. After going through customs and security checks, we exchanged some U.S. dollars for Mexican pesos—roughly 1 USD to 20 pesos. Interestingly, Mexico also uses the "$" symbol for pesos, and exchanging money required showing our passports. We worked with an agency to help with the visa stamping process, and they also arranged our taxis and drivers. They were incredibly helpful, and I can share their contact info if anyone’s interested. The next day, we completed our visa fingerprinting and interview, and fortunately, our visas were approved. However, they informed us it would take five business days for our stamped passports to be ready, so we had a few extra days to explore the city.
Mexico City, much like India, is a bustling hub with tightly packed stores, heavy traffic, and people walking along the roadsides. Homelessness is also visible in some areas. Most people drive manual cars, and road discipline isn’t as strict. Drivers tend to navigate quickly, and lanes are often optional. Public transportation is plentiful, though the roads are a bit rough around the edges, and public spaces could be cleaner. Like in India, Mexico uses metrics like kilograms, kilometers, and Celsius for weight, distance, and temperature.
The language barrier was a bit of a challenge since most people speak Spanish. We often relied on Google Translate to communicate. However, the experience was made more colorful by the vibrant “Day of the Dead” celebrations happening while we were there. The streets were adorned with marigold flowers and colorful skulls, and there was a massive parade featuring arts and crafts, dancers, and people dressed as Catrinas (skeleton-faced characters). The festivities even included street performers like jugglers and magicians entertaining drivers stuck at red lights.
Downtown Mexico City is home to numerous fabric stores, towering old buildings, and beautiful cathedrals. We visited Zócalo, the city's main square, which is home to the National Palace (where the president resides) and the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral. Gold shops lined the streets, and the nearby Templo Mayor Museum is worth checking out.
On Day 1, we also visited the Basilica of Guadalupe, an impressive church known for its rich architecture, and the Teotihuacan Pyramids. The Teotihuacan site features three major pyramids, with the Pyramid of the Sun being the largest. It’s a fair bit of walking, so save your energy and start with the Pyramid of the Sun, then explore the others if you're still up for it.
We tried many classic Mexican dishes during our stay—flautas, gorditas, burritos, tacos, chilaquiles, churros, crepes, enchiladas, and taco alambre. While the food was delicious, after a week of the same, we were ready for a change.
On the next day, we visited the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Chapultepec Castle, and the Soumaya Museum. The Soumaya Museum is home to a vast collection of art and antiques from around the world. If you plan to visit, I recommend taking the elevator to the top floor first and then walking down, as it’s much easier to go down than up. Chapultepec Castle also involves a lot of walking, and like most places in Mexico City, traffic can cause delays in getting from one site to another.
The internet in Mexico wasn’t great unless we were at the hotel using U.S. cellular services. If you plan to stay longer, you might want to pick up a local SIM card to avoid connectivity issues. Getting around is easy with Uber, or you can take one of the city’s tour buses. Oh, and getting your nails done in Mexico is super affordable compared to the U.S.!
One of the highlights was our trip to Xochimilco, often called the "Venice of Mexico." The colorful boats on the lake, vendors selling goods from their own boats, and mariachi bands playing traditional music made for a lively and festive experience. We even visited a small aquarium that houses the fascinating and endangered axolotl, a species of amphibian my daughter has always been curious about.
We learned that Mexico City is built on an ancient lakebed, which leads to frequent earthquakes in the region. As a result, many buildings are smaller, and there aren’t too many skyscrapers, except for large hotels and office buildings. Taxes are also pretty high—up to 35%. The city is filled with stunning murals, adding to its artistic charm.
One of the things I really appreciated about Mexico is how people always form orderly lines. It’s rare to see people pushing ahead or cutting in line. The locals are incredibly friendly, greeting everyone with a smile.
We stayed for a few days at the Marriott and then switched to the Sheraton. As Platinum members, we had lounge access at the Marriott, and the food was excellent, though the rooms were a bit on the smaller side. At Sheraton, we were upgraded to a much larger room, but unfortunately, the food options in the lounge weren’t as impressive.
While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s always appreciated in Mexico, particularly for taxi drivers and restaurant staff.
Overall, Mexico City is a vibrant, bustling city with a lot to offer. From its rich culture and history to its colorful streets and friendly people, it’s a destination worth exploring.
