My backpacking life part 5…….

The final part of our Central America adventure ended with five days in Mexico city. Originally this was to be a twelve hour layover, but as I had to get my work visa renewed we decided to extend the trip and see what Mexico city had to offer.

I had heard Mexico city was an unsafe place to travel too, but our experience was far from it. Of course it is like any big city, just be on your guard and don't put yourself into dangerous situations. We walked around the city, travelled on the city subway (the second largest in North America after New York city) took cabs around at night and generally felt pretty safe.

Mexico City offers a vast array of culture, museums, color, food and a surprising amount of Mid Century modern. It is important to do your research before planning your trip, unlike us who didn't prepare much for our stay. What we did discover was either by luck or though the little research we did whilst we were there. Here are some of the highlights.

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

I strongly recommend that during your visit that you check out this amazing museum. Not only to see the history of Mexico including the arrival of the Spanish, archeological discoveries and the Aztec and Mayan empires but also to marvel in the amazing architecture by Pedro Ramirez Vasques. The museum opened in 1964 and is the largest museum in Latin America

Museo de Arte Moderno

This mid century museum designed by Pedro Ramirez Vasquez houses the work of the best known 20th-century Mexican artists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Juan O' Gorman.

Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo museum is definitely worth the pilgrimage out to the suburb of Coyoacan. The vibrant blue house was once home to Frida Kahlo herself and houses her personal belongings, paintings along with her signature Mexican regional clothing and jewelry. The exhibit also includes work by Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano who have been inspired by Frida's looks in their couture shows. Stop by La Casa de Pan on Avenida Mexico and Calle Xicotencati for amazing gluten free breakfast, lunch or just sample their array of breads and pastries. Whilst you are in the area take a walk around the beautiful park Viveros de Coyoacan, absorb the sounds and smells at Mercado de Coyoacan a bustling indoor market and then stroll around Jardin del Centenario.

Romita Comedor

Indulge, and enjoy the ambiance at Romita Comedor located in the Colonia Roma district. The restaurant sits in the light of the stunning large retractable glass atrium window located on the top floor of 49 Avenida Alvaro Obregon.

Otro Cafe

Located in the Zona Rosa district at Calle Londres 37. This cafe serves up some of the best coffee in the city. Sit and relax amongst cool vintage finds and mid century trinkets. The cafe hosts an adorable outside patio with brightly colored vintage chairs. After, go browse the independent boutiques at Bazar Fusion located in the building above.

Downtown Mexico

For our final night in Mexico city, I decided that there was no better way to end this adventure than to enjoy the comforts of a luxury room at Downtown Mexico. Located in the historic district of the city, Downtown is a perfect blend of 17th-century grandeur with a raw industrial edge. It remains as one of the oldest buildings in the area, and the architects of the hotel have done a spectacular job in keeping with the original regal style and preserving the ornate detailing.

The hotel was absolutely stunning, with a rooftop pool, hot tub and bar that overlooks historic buildings of downtown Mexico. Our room was one of 17 that faced out onto the beautiful courtyard and balcony. The rooms are stripped back, industrial bohemian-chic with wooden beds which feature an iPod dock and integrated lighting. Definitely worth the splurge for a JetSetter experience.