Michael On The Move: Exploring Mexico

Hi guys, I hope you’re all doing well and that your exams went smoothly. I also hope you enjoyed reading the latest piece on France and perhaps even considering a European trip to Marseille.  

For this column, I thought I’d be a bit topical and focus on a country that is set to host the 2026 World Cup. This country is known for its plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites and beautiful beaches. It is also home to incredible cuisine, from tacos and salsas to great drinks such as Tequila. Of course I’m talking about Mexico! 

When deciding which part of Mexico to write about for this edition, I was spoilt for choice. I could have gone to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for their golden beaches, or Oaxaca City known for its renowned food. Instead, I decided to keep things a little more traditional and focus on the capital, Mexico City.  

It is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, as it houses the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531.

One of the top things I’d recommend doing in Mexico City is visiting some of the incredible churches the city has to offer. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a big fan of visiting churches while on holiday. I find that church architecture varies so much from country to country, and there’s often such a peaceful atmosphere around these sites that I can hardly go on holiday without visiting at least one.  

In Mexico City, I’d highly recommend a trip to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, as it houses the Tilma of Saint Juan Diego where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531. From an architectural perspective, the basilica is equally impressive. It was built in the 1970s to replace the original church, which dated back to around 1633 and had begun to suffer from structural problems. Designed in a modernist style, the new building features a large dome and a circular floor plan, allowing it to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. In contrast, the Old Basilica was originally built in the Baroque style before later being restored with neoclassical features. Personally, I think the New Basilica is unlike any other church I have ever seen and is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture.  

Why not try some Tamales? These are made from steamed corn masa dough wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, filled with salsa or sweet fillings.

Of course, I can’t talk about Mexico City without mentioning all the food and drink on offer. Although there are no wineries or tequila distilleries within the city itself, Mexico City offers plenty of opportunities to take part in wine and tequila tasting tours. There is also the Tequila and Mezcal Museum, where visitors can learn about the history, harvesting and distillation of Mexico’s two most famous drinks. Better yet, the tour includes the chance to sample different varieties of tequila and mezcal.  

On the food side, a must-try is tacos al pastor. These consist of thinly sliced pork sirloin, bacon and pork shoulder, served in a taco with a rich marinade of fresh dried chillies. While researching where to try these tacos in Mexico City, I came across Taquería El Vilsito, a Michelin Bib Gourmand award winner. It operates as a car mechanic’s garage during the day and becomes a taqueria at night. For vegans or vegetarians, don’t fear, there are plenty of meat and dairy-free options to try! Why not try some Tamales? These are made from steamed corn masa dough wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, filled with salsa or sweet fillings. Researching all the food Mexico City has to offer quickly made me realise that I could probably spend my entire trip there doing nothing but eating! 

The lucha libre (wrestling) events hosted across the city, a visit to Teotihuacan, the ancient Mesoamerican city just outside of Mexico City, the nearby hot springs, or even a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular landscape.

Again, it seems I’ve reached the end of this article without mentioning all the other great things Mexico City has to offer. I haven’t been able to cover the lucha libre (wrestling) events hosted across the city, a visit to Teotihuacan, the ancient Mesoamerican city just outside of Mexico City, the nearby hot springs, or even a  hot air balloon ride over the spectacular landscape. There was honestly so much more I could have included! 

I hope, however, that I’ve been able to give you a nice taste of what Mexico – and Mexico City in particular – has to offer. And if you happen to be visiting in the coming months, who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a football match while you’re there!  

Until next time…