Mexico is definitely a dream land for many of the travel lovers.
To understand this anarchically alive metropolis its best to visit its disparate neighbourhoods, which tell their own stories and where great food, art and culture await.
STREET ART
After the earthquakes in September 2017, Aida Mulato-who founded Jóvenes Artesanos (Young Artists) to educate Mexicans about their indigenous cultures-turned to graffiti artists to help reconstruct her Roma neighbourhood. The colourful murals celebrate indigenous communities and women, who continue to suffer most from the earthquakes.
The project supports the larger goals of Jóvenes Artesanos and gives various support to about 150 artisans with whom Mulato works. With 15 murals painted already, the goal is to create a circuit of 68, representing the countrys indigenous populations.
CLASSIC CANTINA
There are older cantinas, but the Cantina Salón Paris is a favourite hub of locals in Santa Maria La Ribera, a charming neighbourhood little visited by tourists. The cantina sits on the corner of the wonderful Alameda Park, which on Sundays is a snapshot of Mexican life.
TACOS
There is no best taco in Mexico City, only your favourites. Near the San Cosme market you might have to muscle your way into the busy nook of El Califa de Leon (don’t mistake it for the El Califa chain), which has been going for almost 45 years.
Simplicity rules here in that there are just three options: steak, rib and gaonera (thinly sliced beef). The fillets are grilled with salt and lime, the tortillas are freshly made and there is no need to add anything more to the tender meat than the red or green salsa.
HISTORIC SQUARE
The Plaza de las Tres Culturas represents the three eras of Mexican history architecturally, with pre-hispanic Aztec ruins, a colonial church and convent, and modern towers, including the 90 looming structures of a housing complex. Sometimes groups dressed in native regalia perform musical and dancing rites, as the site was an important indigenous shrine.
RIVERA MURALS
Few people visit Riveras early murals at the Secretaría de Educación Pública. Painted between 1923 to 1928, the work covers three levels of the open-air courtyard. Though not as epic as his murals at the Palacio Nacional or Belles Artes, the paintings here are enhanced by the nearly empty setting. On the first floor Rivera celebrates regional traditions and festivals, depicting workers, artisans and markets.