Mexico City: A Perspective from a UA Student

By: Rohini Gopal ‘27

Imagine yourself in a place of festive music, kind people and exotic food. During March 2025, my family visited the pyramids, went on a vegetarian food tour of the city, went to the Frida Kahlo Museum and immersed ourselves in a new language! I went here with my family over spring break and was delighted by the many things I learned.

The hotel where we stayed was the Hotel San Fernando which has been rewarded one Michelin Star. While there is no elevator here, they have a rooftop terrace. The hotel is well known for their incredible service, and it is one of the top rated destinations in Mexico City. One of the most common activities to attend is Lucha Libre, a wrestling competition where the wrestlers wear masks. It takes place at Arena Mexico and the show lasts approximately two hours. Another activity that I would recommend is taking a hot air balloon in Teotihuacan. The flight over the pyramids is about 40 minutes and afterwards the captain hands out certificates and champagne to celebrate. There is lots of time to take photos while you are on the hot air balloon.

Additionally, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a very popular destination. A suggestion is to get tickets two or three weeks in advance and plan for the commute. I was especially moved by the way her personal items and artwork were displayed, offering a glimpse of her passion and pain. One of Frida’s most well-known pieces is Viva la Vida, Watermelons which highlights the day of the dead when relatives imagine their dead feasting on watermelon and other favorite foods. Another one of her well-known paintings is Friday and Diego Rivera. This is similar to their wedding portrait and it signifies the bond that they had for one another. It was an emotional experience that reminded me of the power of her artwork.

Another fascinating stop was Chapultepec Castle, perched atop Chapultepec Hill in the middle of the city’s largest park. The castle offers a stunning panoramic view of Mexico City and is rich in history. Once home to Mexican emperors, it now houses the National History Museum, where you can explore exhibitions on the country’s past, from the Aztec Empire to modern-day Mexico. A tip is to bring sunglasses if you are going to this castle, that way you won’t be squinting! My trip to Mexico City was unforgettable because of the food I ate and the sights that I visited. I would highly recommend you visit here if you need some zen.

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