My First Week in Mexico City: A New Year, New Adventures
If you’ve been following along, you probably thought I was still in Colombia, or maybe back in DC for the holidays. Surprise! I’m in Mexico City (CDMX), and let me tell you—this place is something else. I’ve never been here before, and it felt like the perfect place to kick off the new year. Mexico has such a rich history and culture, and I’m excited to explore and learn as much as I can.
Here’s a little recap of my first week in CDMX—celebrating New Year’s, wandering through vibrant neighborhoods, indulging in incredible food, and diving into local culture.
New Year’s Eve in Zócalo
I started 2025 in Zócalo, the massive square in the heart of the city with a stunning cathedral. Imagine fireworks lighting up the sky, music blasting, and thousands of people celebrating together. It was one of those surreal moments where you just stop and think, “Wow, I’m really here.”
The energy was incredible, and being surrounded by so much history while ringing in the new year felt special. If you’re ever in CDMX for New Year’s, Zócalo is the place to be.
Exploring Roma & Condesa
After New Year’s, I spent the first couple of days just walking around and getting a feel for the city. I ended up in Roma and Condesa, and I get why people say these are the nicest neighborhoods in CDMX.
These areas are super chill—tree-lined streets, tons of cafes, parks, and families walking their dogs. Honestly, it felt a bit like Los Angeles in some ways. There are a lot of foreigners here, and I was surprised by how much English I heard. It’s definitely a more Americanized vibe, but it still has that unique Mexican charm.
Lucha Libre: Mexican Wrestling Madness
By day three, I wanted to dive into something authentically Mexican. So, I went to a lucha libre match. Let me tell you—it was absolutely hilarious and so much fun.
The wrestlers were larger-than-life characters, and the crowd was fully into it. Families, kids, everyone was cheering and laughing—it felt like a cultural event as much as entertainment. I totally understand why this is such a big deal in Mexico. If you’re visiting CDMX, add lucha libre to your list—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
The Tacos Are Next Level
I can’t talk about my first week here without mentioning the food. The tacos I’ve had so far? Life-changing.
I’ve been hopping around random taco stands and small spots I’ve stumbled across, and every bite has been amazing. I don’t even know the names of half the places I’ve been to, but that’s the beauty of it—sometimes, the best food finds you. CDMX clearly knows how to do tacos, and I feel like I’ve only just begun exploring the food scene here.
A Reality Check: Import Tariffs
Not everything has been sunshine and tacos, though. I tried ordering some clothes online from sites like SHEIN, and I found out there are some serious import tariffs on goods coming into Mexico.
The extra costs caught me off guard, and it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning to live here long-term or order items regularly. It’s a little reminder that every country has its quirks, and part of living abroad is figuring out how to navigate them.
First Impressions of CDMX
After just a week, I can say I’m seriously impressed with CDMX. The city has this incredible mix of old and new—one moment, you’re walking through a historical colonial plaza, and the next, you’re in a trendy café that feels like Brooklyn.
There’s so much depth to this city, and I know I’ve only scratched the surface. From the food to the culture to the everyday vibe, I’m already hooked.
What’s Next?
That’s a wrap on my first week in Mexico City! There’s still so much to explore, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the city, discover hidden gems, and keep learning about the history and culture here.
If you want to see more of my adventures, check out the vlog linked below and stay tuned for more updates. Thanks for following along, and let me know if there’s anything in CDMX you think I should check out!
🔗 Watch the Vlog Here
Catch you in the next post!