Experience in México, D.F., Mexico by Almudena

What is it like to live in México, D.F.? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

México's is a city with a big cultural offer and it has a lot of different things to do it is a great place to live but you have to be aware that distances are big and transportation is not very convinient in some cases so I would recommend to plan your routes and look for a place to live near your school/work. People is so friendly and they would welcome you like another member of the family (but you have to take care and be able to distinguish between good people and the ones who want to steal your money)

What is the student lifestyle like in México, D.F.?

I loved studying in Mexico's city the campuses are often big and beautifully and people are welcoming and they are willing to help you feel more at home (they put an extra effort in that if you are foreign) you can learn a lot from classes and other ways of thinking.

How much does it cost to live in México, D.F.?

In Mexico there is a lot of options in ways of spending there are really expensive restaurants and clubs even supermarkets but everything depends on the zone of the city you are living there are always affordable options.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in México, D.F.? Is there any advice you can give?

There are always students trying to find roommates and student houses I do not think it would be difficult to find accommodation. What I can give of advice is to look for places near you university and there are some universities that have programs to contact students with people who are renting spaces.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Mexican food is amazing there are all kinds of food. Normally food is spicy but you can ask for non spicy options, if they say the salsa is "not that spicy" it is probably really spicy so you should not put that much in your taco. Favorite dishes: tacos de pastor (or gringa that goes with cheese) , chilaquiles (fried tortilla with sauce and chicken, cream and cheese, sometimes you have a side dish of beans) , esquites (corn with mayo, lemon, cheese and a little bit of chili powder) , torta de milanesa or milanesa y chilaquiles, tinga de pollo.

What places would you recommend visiting in México, D.F.?

You have to go downtown (zócalo, catedral, palacio de bellas artes, templo mayor) and there are also many museums there.
Also you have to visit coyoacan it is like a small town in the middle of the city and Frida and Diego's museum
In polanquito you can have food and drinks and later head to a club (it is like the "trendy party" place)
On a weekend you can go to the trajineras of xochimilco
Walk through Reforma to the Diana cazadora and angel de la independencia.
In bosque de chapultepec there are many museums I recommend the Museo de Antropología and Castillo de Chapultepec, but there is also the museo de arte moderno and museo Tamayo also the zoo is in that zone.
Visit Ciudad Universitaria and go to the MUAC and if you are a soccer fan you can go to the stadium
Plaza Garibaldi is a place where mariachi and cantinas are all over (but be careful with your wallet and phone there)
Monumento a la revolución is also and attraction there, and there are many rooftops near the zone (terraza chachachahas one of the best views)

Is it good to eat out in México, D.F.? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I love eating out there are many places almost every tacos place are good I also like sushi Mexican style and pizza Mexican style. It depends on your budget and the zone you are in.

Is the nightlife good in México, D.F.? Where is good to go?

Mexicans know how to party. In Polanco-polanquito is the most varied offer you have restaurants, bars or clubs there in the same zone. Also Santa fe is a good safe zone to party. Condesa is another alternative (most foreign people lives and party in condesa) and it has many options bars clubs after hours and tacos. At the end of the night you have to have some tacos or chilaquiles there are people always selling them in the street. Costras del bandasha is the best after party meal.

What advice would you give future students heading to México, D.F.?

Go to Mexico be careful but let Mexico surprise you Mexicans are so full of life and have lots of fun try to look for all the culture Mexico has to offer and enjoy I am sure you will like it.