A day in Mexico City

Mexico City

Morning - City palace square

Cool morning air sits on the open stone of the Zócalo. I cross the vast plaza between the cathedral and the historic buildings. This square, the Plaza de la Constitución, is one of the largest public squares on Earth and a stage for protests, gatherings, and indigenous dancers.

Midday - Street food cart

Warm spice and pineapple rise from the vendor's spit as I stop for a snack. I order tacos al pastor: thin strips of pork marinated in dried chillies, shaved into a warm corn tortilla with onions and cilantro. The vertical spit is topped with a pineapple wedge.

Midday - Market street

Bright midday sun falls across this market street as I pass the stalls. I look for antojitos, handmade corn masa pockets stuffed with squash blossoms, cheese, or epazote. Cooks fry or griddle them on hot comals at communal food stalls.

Golden Hour - City palace square

Low sun warms the stone beside the cathedral as I watch people cross the plaza. I pause and take in the heavy exterior of the Metropolitan Cathedral. It took centuries to finish, mixing baroque and neoclassical styles, and its stone slowly settles into the soft lakebed.

Golden Hour - Outdoor cafe

Golden light rests on the small table where I sit and rest. I order warm, frothy hot chocolate prepared with a wooden molinillo, plus pan dulce. Historic bakeries make the drink with water or milk and serve it with sweet, flaky pastries.

Golden Hour - Street side table

Orange light fills the bustling street as I take a seat with a drink. I choose churros with cajeta: crisp, star-extruded fried dough dusted in cinnamon sugar. They arrive piping hot with thick Mexican hot chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping.

Night - Night market

Night lights glow over the stall as I stop for one last treat. I eat a handmade corn masa pocket stuffed with cheese, fried on a hot comal. Versatile layers matter here, since high altitude turns bright afternoon sunshine into a brisk evening.