We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Sedef, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Sedef lives in Turkey, and submitted the following report about Mexico City. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Spanish, English
Zocalo
Reasons to go to Mexico City
As a solo female traveler, I hesitated to use the metro or bus when I landed in Mexico (many people say it’s wiser to take a taxi from the airport, as your luggage will hint that you are a tourist, which makes you a target for pickpocketing). There is a taxicab stand in the airport, which is reserved for registered taxis. Pirate taxis are an issue in Mexico City, so make sure you know which one you are taking. Excelencia, Yellow Cab, and Sitio 300 are registered and safe ones. I paid 150 pesos, plus 20 pesos tip, which is equivalent to US$13.00 to get into the city. If you are staying in the centre (Zocalo), this is the approximate amount you will pay for a taxi. But still, it will be wise to check with the responsible person in the stand.
I stayed at Hostel Cathedral, right in the center of Zocalo, the main square. It’s really central and safe. They have a rooftop bar where you can meet other travelers. They also organize barbeque evenings, tequila night, and other such events. The staff is beyond friendly and they do their best to help you.
I organized some trips with Wayak, which has an information desk in the hostel. Apart from those tours, the hostel organizes daily tours; I joined the Chapultepec tour with Luis and I really enjoyed it as it was almost like a private tour. So if you are staying in this hostel, don’t miss the chance of getting tips from a local and make the best of Mexico City.
After Chapultepec, we went to a special pub in Zocalo that serves local beer and good food. They will even show you how to make guacamole and involve you. It’s a shame that I do not remember the name but just ask around. Even if you don’t find this particular bar, it’s really nice to sit in one of the rooftop bars in Zocalo and enjoy the view.
On our way to Xochimilco I visited La Casa Azul where Frida Kahlo was born and lived with Diego Rivera. It’s a museum and it also has a nice gift shop where you can buy quality souvenirs. After this, I also had the chance to pass by University Olympic Stadium which has a mural by Diego Rivera. I can suggest further research on Olympics and how this event motivated architectural renovation in the city.
Again with Wayak, I took a Garibaldi night tour which was amazing. I really fell in love with the atmosphere and now regret that I only went there once. Plaza Garibaldi is famous for its traditional cantinas and Mariachi singers. There is also a Tequila Museum where you can buy drinks for friends back home. After a small tour in the area, we went to Guadalajara de Noche restaurant to watch a traditional Mexican show. I really recommend this to everyone, with or without a tour. I was solo and did not dare to go out by myself at night.
I spared half a day for Temple Mayor and the Museum of Anthropology, which is a must, as you will read in most itineraries.
Again on the hostel tour, I went to the famous Pulqueria Las Duelistas to try pulque. It is described as “an emblematic Mexican milky alcoholic beverage made of fermented agave nectar.” It is definitely worth discovering!
Mexico is full of history, culture, and everything you are looking for. I found Mexicans to be very nice people and I’m really happy that I visited this beautiful city.
La Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo was born and lived with Diego Rivera.
Pulque, at the famous Pulqueria Las Duelistas.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
