Best things to do in Mexico City

Tourists are hooked with the idea that Mexico is best known for its food and beaches. So, visiting Mexico City doesn’t really come to anyone’s mind right away. It’s one of the largest metropolitan areas which makes it crowded with people and of course, the traffic.

But when you look at it on a brighter side, Mexico City has a unique charm that will make you fall in love with it in an instant. I love how the main roads are filled with art and sculptures.

There are so many things to do and see that we couldn’t fit in just our 5 days stay in Mexico. If you know Adel and I personally, you’d know why we decided to visit Mexico City. It’s all about the HISTORY!

Here’s our top list of things you should do while you’re in Mexico City.

1. Eat street food

2. Visit the Catedral Metropolitana

3. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology

4. Climb the Torre Latinomericana

5. See the Angel of Independence

6. Take a stroll at the Chapultepec Park

7. Appreciate the Architecture in the city just like Palacio de Bellas Artes

8. Try the churros from El Moro Churerría

9. Visit the Aztec empire ruins at Templo Mayor

10. Stroll around Zócalo

BEST RESTAURANTS IN ISTANBUL

After giving you the list of things to eat in Istanbul, here’s another list of the best and highly recommended restaurants that you should try.

ENJOOOOY!

1.Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı – The dish Cağ kebabıis said to have originated from a city in Eastern Turkey. The döner is cooked horizontally as the layers of lamb meat is cut thicker and cooked on a big skewer over hot charcoal. This is our favorite restaurant in Istanbul! We probably ate here two times. It’s affordable and the kebap is really tasty.

Address: Ankara Caddesi, Hoca Paşa Sokak, No: 4, Istanbul 34420, Turkey

+90 212 520 3361

 

2. Baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu – It’s known to be making Baklava ever since 1820 so it’s safe to say it’s one of the best.

Address: Rıhtım Cad. No:3-4 Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Istanbul 34425, Turkey

+90 212 293 0910

 

3.  Köfte at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta – This is another personal favorite where we probably have eaten here… three times? Those Köfte or Turkish meatballs will definitely make you forget all other meatballs that you’ve tasted. It’s so simple but the most delicious dish Istanbul is known for.  When it’s dinnertime, expect a long line so I suggest go early to avoid the line and be seated right away.

Address: Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey

 

4. Konak Restaurant – If you’re on the Princes’ Islands tour, most likely you’ll stop over Büyükada. There’s a variety of food choices here and not to mention, affordable with an amazing view! It’s a quiet place and the service is quick.

Address: Büyükada-maden Mahallesi, Şht. Recep Koç Cd. No:47, 34970 Adalar/Istanbul, Turkey

 

5. Zübeyir Ocakbaşı –We came across this while we were walking around Beyoglu district. We suggest that you make reservations because it’s usually full. We were lucky enough to arrive early and at a weird time to be accommodated.

Address: Şehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Bekar Sk. No:28, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey

 

THINGS TO EAT IN ISTANBUL

The first thing we look forward to every country we visit is the food. Istanbul is a culinary experience to behold. Given its centuries of east meets west culture, the food here developed to be one of a kind. To truly experience Turkish culture, one must try their delicacies.

And of course, who doesn’t love food?! So, it was definitely our pleasure to share what are the MUST TRY food in Istanbul, Turkey.

Here’s the list:

1.Turkish Breakfast – I always look forward to a good sip of their Turkish tea which seems to be preferred by locals than coffee in the morning. The breakfast is composed of sliced tomatoes and/or cucumbers, white bread, cheese, honey and cherry/strawberry jam, butter and boiled eggs. We were lucky enough to stay in an Airbnb where our view is the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in front and the Marmara Sea at the back.

 

2.Döner – This can be found anywhere in Istanbul. You just need to take your pick on which is the best one. A Döner is a tasty thinly sliced meat in vertical or horizontal splits served with pita bread.

 

3.Iskender Kebap – It’s a Döner dish of beaten pieces of meat, seasoned with local spices and herbs with butter and tomato sauce on the side. There’s also yougurt on the side of the plate.

(Photo not mine. Credits to owner.)

 

4.Baklava – A definite must try in Istanbul! There was an ongoing food festival so we were lucky enough to have an aisle of baklava pastry shops to choose from! The ingredients are phyllo dough, nuts and syrup. The nuts toppings may vary from walnuts, pistachios or hazelnuts. Our personal favorite was the pistachio covered baklava.

 

5.Dondurma – It’s the famous Turkish Ice Cream. You’ll see several stalls along the shopping district or actually, anywhere, selling this. Aside from its compact and creamy texture, the vendor’s performance is annoyingly amusing!

 

6.Simit – We had this on our way to Princes’ Islands. You might consider this as the Turkish version of a Bagel. It’s a dough ring with sesame seed on the crust. Vendors are able to walk around and sell these because bakeries mass-produce these as breakfast or for snacks.

 

7.Balik-Ekmek – It’s a popular street food in the city, next to Simit. This fish bread is cheap and a good snack to satisfy hunger. It’s grilled fish, usually mackerel, with onions, tomato and lettuce. You’ll see these near the Bosphorus and Golden Hour boat cruise stations. We bought ours just before you cross the Galata Bridge in Eminönü. They say it’s better eaten when you’re standing than seated.

(Photo not mine. Credits to owner.)

Rome 101: Must See and Visit (Part 2)

PIAZZA NAVONA

Believe it or not, but the Piazza was once a Hippodrome or a Dominitian’s stadium, located in the heart of the city. It is considered by many as one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. There are three fountains: Fountain of the Moor, Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. The latter is the masterpiece of Bernini.

A fun trivia is that Pope Innocent X used to cover the fountain’s drains which led to it being known as “Lake of Piazza Navona”.

How to Get There: You may take the following buses: Bus #87 from Colosseo – Metro Line B, Bus # 492 from Piazza Barberini, Bus #70 from Termini Station

Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes

 

PANTHEON

The Pantheon was initially built as a temple to honor the Gods but later on, it became a church. The greatest mystery is how this magnificent monument withstood through the ages of time with everything untouched and nobody knows how old the Pantheon is!

Please make sure you find time to enter the Pantheon to appreciate the splendor of its design and its giant dome with its famous “oculus”. You will also see the tombs of several Italian Kings and the famous artist, Raphael.

How to Get There:

Option 1: From the Colosseum, catch bus #51. Get off at Corso – Minghetti (4 stops). Walk for 4minutes to the Pantheon.

Option 2: Take Metro Line A – Barberini Station. Walk for 8 minutes.

Option 3: From Trevi Fountain, start with Hotel Fotana. Follow Via delle Muratte, till you see Via di Pietra. Take a left to Vicolo de Burro then head towards Piazza di Sant’Ignazio. Follow Via del Seminario and look for the Piazza della Rotonda. It will take you 8 minutes to get to the Pantheon.

Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am to 6:30pm; Sun: 9am to 1pm

Estimate Time Spent: 45 minutes – 1 hour

 

CIRCUS MAXIMUS

During ancient Rome, this was the largest Roman chariot racing stadium which could fit an estimate of 250,000 people.

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line B – Circo Massimo

Estimate Time Spent: 20 – 30 minutes

 

BOCCA DELLA VERITA (MOUTH OF TRUTH)

Again, if you have seen “Roman Holiday”, you would recognize the marble mask. The film made it famous for being a lie detector. If you placed your hand inside the mouth and you told a lie, your hand will be bitten off!

If you haven’t seen this in person, you will definitely think it has a large space and there’s just more to it. The marble mask stands against the left wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in the Cosmedin church.

How to Get There: 5 -10 minutes walk from the Circus Maximus; You may also take the Metro Line B and go down at Circo Massimo Station.

Estimate Time Spent: It will take around 30 minutes waiting time and less than 5 minutes for picture taking

 

VATICAN CITY

Here’s a fun trivia: The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world! It’s an independent city-state that covers an approximately 100 acres. It’s governed by the Pope. The obelisk at St. Peter’s Square is actually from Egypt taken by Caligula and his men which he initially opted to use as the crowning center of his amphitheater.

The Swiss guards were initially hired as a mercenary force during Pope Julius II’s term as his personal protection. Till now, their role is to strictly protect the Pope. These men are actually Swiss citizens also!

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line A – Ottaviano Station.

Estimate Time Spent: 1 – 2 hours

 

ST.PETER’S BASILICA

This is one of the most renowned works of the Roman renaissance dedicated to Saint Peter. It was designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This largest church also houses the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo, the chief architect at that time, designed the dome of the Basilica. The central balcony is called the “Logia of the Blessings”. The façade contains 13 statues (Left to Right): Thaddeus, Matthew, Philip, Thomas, James the Elder, John the Baptist, Christ the Redeemer (Center), Andrew, John the Evangelist, James the Younger, Bartholomew, Simon and Matthias.

The inscription states “In honorem principis apost pavlvs v bvrghesivs romanvs pont max an mdcxii pont vii” translated as “In honor of the prince of apostles; Paul V Borghese, pope, in the year 1612 and the seventh year of his pontificate”.

The doors: Holy Door is the northernmost door in bronze which is traditionally opened for great celebrations such as Jubilee years; the Filarete Door is the door in the center which was preserved from the old basilica; the Door of Death is the far left door which is used as exit for funeral processions.

Fun Trivia: The Basilica seats in top of a catacomb maze and the tomb of Saint Peter.

Adel and I feel really blessed to be able to attend mass and hear the Angelus lead by our dear Pope Francis last October.

 

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line A – Ottaviano Station. You will just need to walk straight ahead and you will see the wall of the Vatican city.

 Estimate Time Spent: 1 hour and 30 minutes in line just to enter; 1 hour inside the Basilica

 

SISTINE CHAPEL

The Sistine Chapel is one of our favorite places in the Vatican. It was the last leg of the Vatican Tour. Take note that photography and video recording is strictly forbidden inside. The beautiful and overwhelming frescoes will leave you speechless. I remember just standing there in the midst of the crowd, staring at the ceiling and the wall. I cannot truly comprehend the beauty of Michelangelo’s creation. It was just too beautiful.

The chapel’s name follows from Pope Sixtus IV which in Italian, Sixtus is “Sisto”. This is most likely the most visited chapel everyday with an estimate of 25,000 people every day.

Michelangelo’s frescoes are seen inside the Sistine Chapel. He began painting the ceiling around 1508 and completed in 1512. The main nine panels at the center of ceiling depicts the Creation story from the Book of Genesis. At the end of the altar, Michelangelo painted The Last Judgment between 1536 t0 1541.

Till today, the Sistine Chapel is used as the venue for whenever a new Pope will be elected.

How to Get There: You must have a ticket from the Vatican Museum. It can only be visited as part of the Vatican Tours.

Estimate Time Spent: 1 – 2 hours

 

BASILICA DI SAN GIOVANNI in Laterano

The Basilica was just 5 minutes away from our Airbnb. There’s no entrance fee so if you have free time, it should be on your travel destination. If you have an eye for architecture and sculpture, you will enjoy the overwhelming interior.

The cathedral is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. It was the first church built in Rome by Constantine the Great. It is also known as the “Cathedral of Rome and the world” because it’s the cathedral of the bishop of Rome – the Pope.

If you want to attend mass here, you can catch the Pope’s benediction which he delivers every Maundy Thursday. What we also love about this cathedral is that there are several large statues if Christ and the saints. The central bronze doors are also photogenic especially if you know that those are Roman originals from the Senate House!

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line A going to San Giovanni Station and it’s just a 5 minute walk. You will not miss the Cathedral!

 Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes – 1 hour

 

CASTELLO DI SANT’ANGELO

This is also known as the “Mausoleum of Hadrian”. We arrived here late and didn’t get the chance to enter but lucky enough, the façade did not fail us. This used to be a Papal fortress and the most powerful guardian of the most sacred place for almost 2,000 years.

Fun Trivia: There is an escape route created by the Popes called “Passetto di Borgo”. So, aside from being a Papal fortress, prison and residence, it is also an escape route!

How to Get There: Take Metro Line A – Lepanto Station

Estimate Time Spent: If you are not going inside, 30 minutes is a good number but if you will be taking the tour inside the Castle, it will be roughly 1-2 hours.

Rome 101: Must See and Visit (Part 1)

COLOSSEUM

 

This is one of our favorite historical places in Rome. Aside from the pyramids, it’s one of the most amazing ancient structures. It’s overwhelming and majestic in person.

DCIM100GOPRO

Its real name is “Flavian Amphitheater”, named after the Flavian family line of Emperors. It is said that in nine years, over 60,000 Jewish slaves were used to build the Colosseum. The name Colosseum follows after the statue in the amphitheater “the colossus of Nero”.

And of course, let us not forget that it is more known for the Gladiator fights meant as entertainment during the Roman times.

If you are planning to visit the Colosseum, then you must do it first thing in the morning! This is the best way to avoid the long lines from on-the-spot ticket buyers and tour groups. Though, we recommend that it’s better to have a Roma Pass and use it here. There’s a separate lane for Roma Pass holders.

How to Get There:  Take the Metro Line B going to Colosseo Station.

Entrance Fee (Combined ticket to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill):

12 Euros (Non-European), 7.50 Euros for European Union members

Estimate Time Spent: 1-2 hours to see the entire Colosseum inside and out

 

PALATINE HILL

This is the centermost of the Seven Hills and part of the ancient city of Rome. You will see the Roman Forum above it and the Circus Maximus on the other side. According to Roman mythology, the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, were born there.

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line B going to Colosseo Station.

Entrance Fee (Combined ticket to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill):

12 Euros (Non-European), 7.50 Euros for European Union members

Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes

 

THE ROMAN FORUM

It used to be the center of Roman city life. This is where the Roman Senate was seated for 2000 years. The Roman Forum was set up as the center of social and political activity in Rome. The marketplace, Roman Senate and the business/civic district.

If you will be visiting the Roman Forum, you will be visiting the Palatine Hill also because it counts as one admission.

 

How to Get There: Take the Metro Line B going to Colosseo Station.

Entrance Fee (Combined ticket to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill):

12 Euros (Non-European), 7.50 Euros for European Union members

Estimate Time Spent: 1 hour

 

FONTANA DI TREVI

I must admit, that our trip to Rome will not be complete without dropping by here. If you have seen Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday then you’ll understand why the Trevi Fountain must be on your list!

DCIM100GOPRO

DCIM100GOPRO

It’s one of the oldest water sources in Rome. It was designed by an Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. However, many contest that the original architect is Alessandro Galilei but Salvi was given the commission because he was a native Roman.

DCIM100GOPRO

DCIM100GOPRO

One of the famous traditions is making a wish and then throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain. So, make sure you throw a coin into the water to guarantee you return to Rome! And just in case you are wondering, it is illegal to steal from the Trevi Fountain. It has been said that every night, the coins are collected and given to charity.

How to Get There: It’s located at the Trevi Square and walking distance from Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.

Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes

 

SPANISH STEPS

Out of all tourist destinations in Rome, this place never runs out of people! This is where everyone sits down and wait for the sunset while they eat Gelato. Below the steps, you will see an early baroque fountain called “Fontana della Barcaccia” or “Fountain of the Old Boat”.

The Spanish Steps is located beside the Spanish Embassy; so, it was named after it. And oh, don’t forget to eat at the McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps. It’s the first ever McDonald in Italy and the modern ambiance will not disappoint you!

How to Get There: This is just walking distance from the Fontana di Trevi. If you are taking the Metro – Line A, you can get down at Spagna Station.

Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes

 

CAPITOLINE HILL

It may be the smallest but this is the most important out of the seven hills in Rome. This was the religious and political center of the Roman Empire. Also, it was the “Head of the World” or the “Caput Mundi” during the Ancient times.  It is just beside the Vatican City so it can be a great start if you want to go around the Eternal City.

How to Get There: Take Line stop B – Colosseo Station and then 10 minutes walk to the area. You may also take the bus #64 or 40 from Termini Station.

Estimate Time Spent: 30 minutes

 

CAPITOLINE MUSEUM

The museum is located on top of the Capitoline Hill. It houses most of the artifacts dating back the Roman times. The photo above is one of the most well-known artifacts of the Roman Empire. It’s called “Lion Attacking a Horse” which became an Icon of Rome. The sculpture symbolizes Rome’s citizen government with direct link to its glorious past.

The statue of a mounted rider in the center of the piazza is a copy of the original statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Below are some photos of the original statue being house inside the Museum.

Another historical artifact that embodies Rome is the “Shewolf”. It tells the story of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. See below.

You will also see the colossal bronze mold of Constantine (272-337 AD) inside the museum. It’s truly a sight to behold! See below.

Some of the artifacts includes a real life chariot and a bronze horse…

 

So, make sure to add the Capitoline Museum because it’s definitely worth the time.

Opening Hours: 

Open daily, from 9.30 to 19.30
24 and 31 December: 9.30 – 14.00;
Last admission 1 hour before closing time.

 

Ticket Prices (from the http://en.museicapitolini.org):

The ticket office is situated on the Piazza del Campidoglio, on the ground floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori.
Every first Sunday of the month free admission for residents in Rome and in the metropolitan city area. 

Regular Fees, including the exhibitions “The Annunciation by El Greco, 24.01-17.04.2017“ and “Leonardo da Vinci and the Flight. The original Codex manuscript as a multi-medial and 3D experience, 21.01-17.04.2017“:
Adults: € 15,00
Concessions: € 13,00

Roman Citizens only (by showing a valid ID):
Adults: € 13,00;
Concessions: € 11,00;

Please note that the Museum is CLOSED on the following dates: 1 January; 1 May; 25 December

Museum Address: Piazza del Campidoglio 1 – 00186 Roma

 

How to Get There: It is located at the Capitoline Hill.

Estimate Time Spent: 2 hours

 

PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO

You will notice a majestic monument situated at the Capitoline Hills. This masterpiece was masterfully designed by the great Michelangelo. It can be reached from the foot of hill going up the Cordonata stairs.

How to Get There: It is located at the Capitoline Hill.

Estimate Time Spent: 5 – 10 minutes

 

VICTOR EMMANUEL II MONUMENT

This monument is dedicated in honor of Italy’s first king.

How to Get There: From the Piazza Del Campidoglio, you can walk just straight to the monument.

Estimate Time Spent: 5-10 minutes

 

To be continued…

Get to Know Rome (A Travel Guide)

Italy has always been my dream destination ever since a young girl. I have always wanted to see the Colosseum and to touch its ruins; to make a wish at the Fontana di Trevi; to pray at St. Peter’s Basilica and more. So, Adel and I feel really blessed to be sharing this wonderful experience with you!

Before I tell you more of our #koaladventure, here’s a few things you need to know about Rome:

Language: Italian (If you know a little Spanish, you’ll survive!)

Currency: Euro

Climate: Warm and temperate (average temperature in Rome is 15.7 °C)

People: Lives the dolce vita kind of life, loud, expressive with their hands and you’ll always hear “Prego!”

 

Basic need to know Italian words/phrases:

Ciao – Hello/Good bye

Bonjourno – Hello!

il conto per favore – “The bill, please.”

Per favore – Please.

Mi scusi – Excuse me/ Pardon me.

Grazie – Thank you.

Prego – You’re welcome.

Mi dispiace – I’m sorry.

Non capisco – I don’t understand.

Parla inglese? – Do you speak English?

Mi sono perso (Male)/ Mi sono persa (Female) – I’m lost.

 

Friendly Reminder: I always advise people to be conscious when travelling. It’s better to make sure to keep a close eye on your belongings! There’s a lot of ways we can be scammed without us knowing it; so, it’s important to read up on how you can be alert and what to avoid during travel. I honestly think, it’s better to blend in with the locals of any country when you are travelling. Maybe you can research what the fashion trend is and avoid looking like “Hey, I’m a Tourist! Please notice me.” Because that’s definitely a BIG NO. NO. NO.

It’s a common trend in Italy where people will suddenly come up to you and offer you Roses/Bracelets. If you accept it, they will charge you a few Euros for that. I think, food pellets for the pigeons is okay if you really want to have that amazing “I’m finally in Rome” photo. So, why not? As long as the price is reasonable.

The food in Italy is amazing!!! I fell in love with the country the moment I stepped out of the airplane. I can say nothing bad about it. The food, people, culture, history… just beautiful.

 

Now, that I got your attention and hopefully, gave you a hint of excitement. Head on to our next blog post to know how you can get around Rome just like a local!

Ciao!