All the Gorgeous Reasons Why You Need to Book a Trip to Mexico City RTFN

From Cosmopolitan

Big-city vacations are amazing because there's always so much to do, so many places to see...and sooooooo much food to eat. My latest obsession: Mexico City. I recently escaped there for a few days, craving a warm-weather escape and thinking summer in NYC would never come.

Pro tip: Pack loose fitting-clothing. I was stuffed (in a good way) from all the incredible food for the entire trip. And aside from the dining, Mexico City is simply stunning: Everywhere you turn you'll find intricate architecture and orange, pink, and green hues. It made my little New Orleans native heart feel so full.

My hotel, AR218, was in a quiet area of the city called La Condesa, and a ton of restaurants and coffee shops are within walking distance of the front door. The room I stayed in was gorgeous-minimalistic with gigantic windows-but the real fun begins when you step outside and see everything the city has to offer.

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Past Esther used to be not much of a beer drinker. Not. Anymore. We hit up Primus' tap room to try all *seven* of its brews, including a collaboration with New Belgium called Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, which is inspired by the agua fresca drinks that are popular throughout Mexico. It's brewed with watermelon juice, hibiscus, agave, and lime puree, and it also kinda looks like rosé, so it's the ~perfect~ hue for your IG feed. (I know you like rosé girl, so let me put you on!) It was so damn refreshing and I may or may not have drank it like water throughout the trip.

This is self-explanatory. You're in Mexico; tacos are what you should be eating. Parnita is a casual sit-down lunch spot perfect for sipping a beer and people-watching. Sit inside, sit outside-you do you, but plz do not miss the tacos. (PSA to vegans and vegetarians: There are plenty of options for you to try here!) Snap a photo of 'em as soon as they come out of the kitchen, though, because you don't want to miss a second of those flavors.

The structure in the courtyard-an entire football field-size roof held up by one tower-is breathtaking. Snap a photo of it, or take a picture of the reconstructed Mayan temple. I took this photo right in the threshold of the museum doors so I could capture the entire height of the temple.

I didn't want to stray far from the hotel for breakfast, and luckily around the corner I found the cutest little coffee shop called Peltre Loncheria Condesa. The atmosphere was super chill-ideal for a quick bite, which for me meant avocado toast, matcha, and a cinnamon roll. If you want to master this food shot, you need to stand up. Make sure only your meal and your cutest accessory (in this case my sunnies) are in the frame, then snap away using the natural light.

If you're looking to add some color to your feed, I have two words for you: Mexico City. There are so many 'grammable spots, from the restaurants to all the colorful walls lining the city streets, so you really can't go wrong anywhere you go. I, however, took this photo inside Parcela, a little restaurant in the Colonia Roman neighborhood.

This young artist, who's a Mexico City native, is known for dreamlike pieces, murals, and collaborations with brands like Adidas. Downstairs you'll check out his working space, where he draws, paints, and sculpts, and when you head upstairs you'll see some of the installations he has on display, like his detailed wooden sculptures (don't forget to take a photo!) and hand-painted woven rugs.

Hanky Panky is tucked in the back of a fire taqueria, and the only way in is from behind a cash register; the only way out is through a refrigerator door. (Yes, you literally leave through a fridge.) Once you're in, the vibe is super relaxed, and the drinks are so good. Try a mezcal on the rocks with a lime: It's smoky yet refreshing at the same damn time-and it makes for the cutest li'l pic.

Seriously. The architecture is gorgeous, and the sun feels so good on your skin. Spend as much time outside as you can! Street scenes fascinate me, especially in other countries, so I love taking photos of buildings, cars, and other random things that catch my eye. It makes me feel like I'm getting an even better glimpse into the lives of the locals.

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