Off The Beaten Path Adventures In Mexico City

Attend a Lucha Libre match: You probably won't find this on most travel itineraries for Mexico City, but it's a must-do in my book! Lucha Libre wresting is a 60-year-old tradition that the locals get very into, and attending a match is an absolute blast. While you can simply purchase tickets to watch the event, I would recommend booking an experience with a guide. You will meet up with a fan of Lucha Libre before the event and they will give you the history and need-to-know facts of Mexican wresting over tacos and mezcal before you head to the match. They will be there with you to answer any questions you may have during the match as well. That is, if you can get a word in between the abuelitas screaming at the wrestlers. So sit back with your michelada and cheer on your new favorite masked wrestler.

Visit La Isla De Las Muñecas: Just about an hour outside Mexico City, you'll find the Xochimilco river. Most visitors will be familiar with the canals for the fiesta. Xochimilco is known for its party boats, especially on the weekends, where guests will drink margaritas, eat guacamole and dance to mariachi bands. There are even floating vendors that will come by and sell you even more tequila. But a particular island on the Xochimilco holds a different kind of crowd. It's an island full of haunted dolls. Touring the island is not for the easily spooked, but is a really unique experience and definitely one for those who enjoy a good ghost story. Hearing how the island got its start and has become what it is today, which has included a few celebrities bringing their haunted dolls, is completely fascinating and was a bucket list trip for me. The island is only accessible via the river. There are some boat excursions that will take you there, but I chose to do a sunrise kayak tour. We started kayaking down the river in the dark, which only adds to the spook factor, and watched a gorgeous sunrise. We then stopped on a neighboring island for a traditional Mexican breakfast. The coffee is a must, and then off to the Island of the Dolls. Just remember to never take anything from haunted places!

Take a ghost tour of the Historic District: Taking a walking tour of a city is a great way to get some history and direction when visiting a new place. Instead of taking a regular historical tour during the day, I highly recommend taking a ghost tour at night. You can also do as I did, and do both. The difference between the bustling and lively city center during the day is stark in comparison to the quiet and stillness of the streets after dark. It makes the perfect setting to hear not only the history of Mexico City's historic district, but the legends it has acquired and the stories of the ghosts who roam its streets. There is no better way to get to know a city than to see her dark side.

Fly in a hot air balloon over the Teotihuacan Pyramids: While a visit to the pyramids isn't necessarily off the tourism radar, we can go visit them in an off-the-beaten-path way. Like, way off the beaten path. Like up in the air. Taking a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids is a breathtaking and memorable experience. Not only do you get the thrill of being in a hot air balloon a thousand feet in the air or more, but you get to learn about the history of the pyramids and see them from a unique and amazing perspective. These excursions also take place at sunrise, which only adds to the captivating views. Follow them up with a walking tour through the pyramids to get the full experience.

Cafe Tacuba: This restaurant located in the historic district of Mexico City, is over 110 years old. Which already makes it a gem, but it also has a resident ghost. The spirit of a nun is there, knocking things off the shelves as she pleases.

La Gruta: Once you are done with your thrilling hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuancan pyramids, you can grab a traditional Mexican breakfast or lunch in a literal cave at La Gruta. Not only is the food delicious, but the cave makes for great acoustics for the band that sometimes plays.

Finca Don Porfirio: This place is a wonderful hidden gem. It is a coffee shop located on the eighth floor of the Sears building with an amazing view overlooking the Placio de Bellas Artes. To get there, simply enter the Sears building and take the elevator to the eighth floor. You'll scan a menu on your phone (don't worry, Sears has free Wi-Fi) and in no time you'll be enjoying delicious coffee and pastries with a stunning view.

Street Tacos: Very much on the beaten path, you'll find the stands and tables set up with people hard at work making tacos. These are going to be the best tacos in the city. Mexico is known for its al pastor (pork) and suadero (beef brisket) and trust me you can't go wrong with either.