5 Cultural Landmarks in Mexico City That Many People Miss

When Americans go to Mexico, it’s easy for us to end up on a well-trodden tourist path.

That’s a common case in countries that rely at least partly on tourism. They have infrastructure in place that makes it easy for travelers to get around, get a bite to eat, book a hotel, and more.

Inevitably, many people end up on this conveyor-belt-style itinerary, even when we try to put together a unique set of experiences.

The bigger the city, the more common it is to stick to the ‘path’, so to speak.

That’s the case for many Americans heading to Ciudad de Mexico, the second largest city in the Americas based on population. Home to almost 22 million people, it’s a massive and complex network of neighborhoods, landmarks, parks, museums, and more.

Even travelers who plan to spend a week in Mexico City might barely scratch the surface.

And even those who go back twice or more might still be missing out on the city’s coolest cultural landmarks.

Think you know Mexico City? See if you’ve stopped at these cultural landmarks. If not, it might be time to schedule a visit during your next trip to Mexico City.

Below, I’ve listed out my top five favorite cultural landmarks in Mexico City in Spanish. In parentheses, you have the English version.

5 wonderful cultural landmarks in Mexico City

Kiosco Morisco (Morisco Kiosk)

The Kiosco Morisco is a pavilion located in Alameda Park in the Santa Maria la Ribera neighborhood. The park is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike—you may have even passed this gorgeous kiosk before.

It was built in 1884 in the neo-Mudejar Spanish style, which borrows from the Moorish architecture. The design of the kiosk is heavy on geometric details, creating a feast for the eyes.

Uniquely, it’s constructed entirely of wrought iron and panels, meaning it can be disassembled and reassembled. In fact, it was shipped off to Saint Louis, Missouri to appear at the Saint Louis Exposition in 1902 before heading back south to Mexico City.

Huerto Roma Verde (Rome Verde Garden)

Though the name says garden, this massive and gorgeous community center is so much more. The gardens are the focal point of this communal research space, which brings locals in to learn about bio-social spaces and how to foster them.

Sounds heady, right? It’s a lot simpler than it sounds. Bio-social topics revolve around linking human wellbeing to biological and ecological wellbeing. For example, one of the main missions of Huerto Roma Verde is to educate people on how to create urban gardens, aka urban permaculture.

Whether you want to explore the tropical gardens to actually join a community event, Huerto Roma Verde is a cultural project that will stay with you for a long time.

Cineteca Nacional (National Cinema)

Cineteca Nacional is Mexico’s largest institution designed to preserve, catalogue, and exhibit the country’s greatest films and filmmakers.

From an architectural standpoint, the cineteca is a modern structure with plenty of open-air space. You can explore its exhibits and even attend an awards ceremony, if you have a particular project on your radar.

But I’d recommend heading to the Cinteca Nacional to catch a movie in the open air. The institution hosts cheap movie nights that showcase lesser-known films, giving you the perfect chance to watch a movie on the lawn while learning more about Mexican filmmaking.

Museo Memoria y Tolerancia (Museum of Memory and Tolerance)

If you’re not a fan of dark tourism, you might not be interested in the Museum of Memory and Tolerance. Founded in 2010, the goal of the museum is to link themes of tolerance and human rights across a broad range of human conflicts.

Using the voices of survivors and victims, the museum seeks to create dialogues from some of humanity’s darkest hours. I doubt anyone wants to feel sad on their vacation to Mexico City, but the concept is too cool to pass up.

The museum is divided into two sections: memory, which covers various historical plights, and tolerance, which focuses on the power of dialogue and diversity. That’s a pretty grand scope in terms of mission that I haven’t heard of elsewhere.

Pequeño Séul (Little Seoul)

If you’ve graced Mexico City before, I’m sure you’ve heard about Pequeno Seul, which is Mexico City’s Korean neighborhood. Located in the Zona Rosa area, it’s home to thousands of Koreans who are making their home in the city.

From restaurants to skincare spas to bars, you can find a highly unique spin on Korean favorites—Mexico City style, nonetheless.

Need an eSIM for Your Next Remote Adventure? Pick Airalo

Last July, I shouted out one of my favorite Instagram travel accounts, @Omar.Nok.

The account follows Omar Nok, a young Egyptian man with very unique travel dreams. Last year, he was on a mission to make it from Egypt to Japan without flying, making the entire journey on foot or via ground transportation.

He didn’t make hotel reservations. He didn’t reserve bus or train tickets ahead of time. He just walked eastward with a pleasant demeanor, relying on acquaintances that he met along the way to help him find lodging, meals, and a way to book the next leg of his journey.

As a traveler who has a background in cultural studies, I love this type of ‘analog’ travel journey.

His journey from one tip of Asia to the next harkened back to the era of the Silk Road. It touched my heart to see Omar’s trials and tribulations, to hear his reflections and hopes and dreams.

It also meant a lot to see a content creator who wasn’t bound to an aesthetic or long series of sponsorships. (No hate, we all need to make a living!) Instead, Omar was just a friendly guy with a passion for exploration and slow travel.

When Omar made it to Japan, I assumed the journey was over. He’d picked up a massive following along the way, which earned him spotlights in NPR and other big-name publications.

And it was—at least, for the moment.

Then Omar decided to do something even more unexpected: crossing India without flying.

Oh, and he finally got a sponsor.

It’s Airalo, the first eSIM brand I shouted out in another article last year. I’ve been using Airalo for a while, so seeing Omar talk about Airalo on his latest adventure was a crossover I wasn’t ready for.

Consider this your reintroduction to both.

Omar is using Airalo while remote in India

On Episode 3 of Omar’s journey across India, he stops on the way through Mysore, up north to Hampi. After getting bullied by the monkeys at a Hampi temple (classic) and taking a sleeper bus that he says is almost like a hostel, Omar arrives at his destination in a rural village.

That’s when he shouts out Airalo (technically, Airalo Arabia). Apparently, this isn’t the first time Omar has relied on the global eSIM provider for his travels.

And as someone who has spent time far off the beaten path in India and other parts of Asia, I’m impressed that Airalo’s coverage extends to such remote places.

It’s a big, fat stamp of approval, if I’ve ever seen it.

What this means: Airalo should be on your radar if you’re traveling remote

My coverage of Airalo focused on my own experience using it to get cell service, mostly in Europe. The app is a breeze to use, making it ideal for first-time eSIM users.

You can easily shop around for a data plan that meets your needs based on the country—and the cherry on top is that the plans from Airalo are affordable.

But, to be fair, I haven’t used Airalo in a truly remote location before. And while India is home to some of the world’s most populous cities, it’s also home to more countryside than the average American realizes.

If Omar is reliably using Airalo’s eSIM in a village around Hampi, I’m convinced the eSIM should be on your radar for remote, wilderness adventures.

As always, research your destination and try to find a forum where you can learn from other travelers who have taken on a similar adventure. They might have specific advice related to service plans that worked for them. But if you need an eSIM with extended capabilities, keep Airalo on your radar.

5 Bike Lane Rules That You Need to Know in Europe

If you haven’t been fussed at by a German for stepping into the bike lane, have you really experienced the country?

Just kidding—I’m projecting.

Just because I’ve been scolded in Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf for not minding the bike lane, it doesn’t mean you’re just as hopelessly blind to the subtlety of cycling traffic. (I blame my Midwestern background; as of 2025, bike lanes are still a pipe dream in most big cities in the middle of the country.)

Even when I was in New York City, the bike lane was a free-for-all—sort of like a no-holds-barred Autobahn for people riding bicycles, skateboards, electric scooters, and electric bikes.

And while bike trails aren’t hard to find around the United States, from Florida to the Allegheny Mountains, these are largely rural.

When it comes to urban bike lane rules, many Americans like me have needed a little introduction. Plus, a few reminders on how to recognize a bike lane and stay out of it.

Where are you likely to run into lots of bike lanes?

Europe is home to the world’s most active urban bike lanes. That’s thanks to the condensed nature of the continent’s largest cities.

Having evolved and expanded during the Middle Ages, many European cities have small, winding downtown areas that are easier to navigate on foot or by bicycle instead of with a car.

In other words, bike lanes are the most viable way to get around. They’re also viewed as a sustainable and affordable alternative to a gas car or even an electric car.

If you’re heading to these European cities, expect to navigate bike lanes often: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Berlin, Munich, Paris, Strasbourg, Oslo, Helsinki, and beyond.

Usually, the further north you go in Europe, the more likely you are to find high-quality bike lanes that are used by thousands each day.

Why do people get so pissed off about stepping into the bike lane?

The first time I was reprimanded for stepping into the bike lane, it was a minor infraction. I’d barely stepped a toe over the line and thought… this person must not have any real problems.

That was ten years ago. Now that I’m all grown up (and then some), I can appreciate why stepping over the bike lane line is rage-inducing.

First, it’s dangerous. Bike lanes are high-traffic zones and, during rush hour, can be very congested. One little mishap can cause a multi-bike pile-up, and these can cause broken limbs, fractures, and other serious injuries.

Second, it’s infuriating. We’ve all experienced road rage—it’s not specific to cars. Road rage is just a revolving door of hatred for whoever happens to be in your way, regardless of the mode of transportation.

In other words, getting mad because someone almost made you crash isn’t exclusive to cyclists.

5 bike lane rules to know

Rule #1: Bike lanes have different usages

Some bike lanes are just for cyclists—these are usually where you’ll get a special ‘shout out’ if you’re in the way, as they tend to have a lot of fast-moving traffic.

But other bike lanes are also multi-use, including for pedestrians and families. So, if you’re confused about whether a bike lane is open to you as a pedestrian, look for a sign—you might have the right of way.

Rule #2: Look for lights

While we usually associate cycling as a daytime activity in the US, let’s not forget: it’s more widely used as transportation in many European cities. And almost all require cyclists who ride at night to have flashing lights that you can clearly see.

So, even if you assume bike lanes have quieted down for the night, keep a lookout for flashing lights.

Rule #3: When near bike lanes, keep your ears open

That brings me to my next point: most European countries mandate that cyclists have a bell or other audible warning device.

I know this advice probably seems painfully obvious, but tourists tend to be the most distracted people in a given city—it’s easy to stop paying attention. If you’ve had a run-in with a bike lane already, try to train your ears to listen for those familiar warning bells.

Rule #4: E-bikes aren’t always allowed

Look back at rule #1 if you plan on grabbing your own bicycle on vacation. If you’re comfortable cycling, don’t be afraid to enjoy life in the fast (bike) lane—but be cautious if you’re going to rent an electric bike or E bike.

Some cities don’t allow them in the bike lane or might prohibit them in more congested parts of the city.

Rule #5: The rules change

Every country in Europe has a different set of laws surrounding cycling. In Spain, for example, its compulsory to wear a helmet. If you’re going to set off in the sunset on a bicycle, make sure you ask the rental company about the rules of the road.

In some countries, you might even notice that different cities have different ordinances on bike lane rules—similar to how every US state has a different take on whether drivers can turn right on a red light.

5 Fantastic Biergartens in Berlin

Berlin is one of my favorite European destinations thanks to its many, many layers.

Culture and history are at the top of mind for many tourists; sites from either category could keep you busy for months on end. As an economic hub, it’s also a popular stopover for entrepreneurs and shiny new business concepts.

Regardless of which Berlin jewel has caught your eye, there’s one place where travelers of all stripes will end up rubbing elbows: the biergarten, aka the beer garden.

If you’re new to beer gardens, they’re wide, open-air venues that serve up copious amounts of beer and hearty bar fare to patrons sitting at long, wooden benches. They’re the stomping grounds of Oktoberfest, and a place where you might still see lederhosen.

Think: beer, pretzels, sausages, and just the right amount of riff-raff.

Though the beer garden is closely tied to Bavarian culture in Germany’s far south, it’s a popular and common sight throughout much of central Europe. In Berlin, a culturally diverse city that’s constantly pushing boundaries, there’s a beer garden for every mood and style.

Looking for a few pints at a beer garden in Berlin? Head to one of these five spots—or plan a visit to each during your trip, if you’ve got time and stamina.

5 fantastic biergartens in Berlin

Smaller crowds: Jules Biergarten
Scenic views: Schleusenkrug
Family-friendly vibes: Inselgarten
Oldest pick: Prater Biergarten
Locals’ pick: Golgatha Biergarten

5 top-notch biergartens in Berlin

Smaller crowds: Jules Biergarten

Jules Biergarten is a smaller pick that has a very casual and industrial feel—which is a pretty good introduction to Berlin, in my opinion.

The crowd is young and trendy, letting you get a sense of the city’s more artistic leanings and atmosphere. It’s also located next to a large park, letting you put back a few beers before continuing on your Berlin adventure.

Scenic views: Schleusenkrug

With tons of outdoor seating under large trees, this tucked-away biergarten feels like a little, hidden dream. It’s also located on a canal, giving you waterfront views.

As you explore Berlin, you’ll notice quite a few restaurants, food halls, and beer gardens are located on the water—always keep track of where they are, as they’re some of the best ‘seats’ in the city. At Schleusenkrug, you can also enjoy plenty of greenery, as much of the building’s exterior is fully covered.

Family-friendly vibes: Inselgarten

Technically, Inselgarten is a kulturhaus, meaning it functions a bit like a community center. There are different workshops and programs that are designed for the whole family.

There’s also a beer garden, which is located near a large lake and a gorgeous, scenic estate (the kulterhaus). Inselgarten also includes a café (which is standard at many beer gardens), so you can relax with the whole family while drinking a pilsner (or ten).

Oldest pick: Prater Biergarten

Have a swig of history with your pint. Prater Biergarten is a massive and classic biergarten with a huge open-air center that’s lined with tightly packed benches.

As the oldest in the city, it’s a popular pick for visitors and locals—expect a full crowd on most nights. That being said, the garden doesn’t fill up during the day, especially during the week. If you want a familiar and traditional beer garden in Berlin, check out Prater.

Locals’ pick: Golgatha Biergarten

Located in the highly trendy Kreuzberg neighborhood, Golgatha Biergarten is one of the most well-known and sleek beer gardens in Berlin. And it’s also been running since 1977, which means it’s a well-oiled machine.

That’s a good thing, as Golgatha regularly fills up. Just make sure to have some of your German ready to practice when you show up. As a locals-first beer garden, it might not cater heavily toward tourists.

2025 Travel Forms Update for Americans: UK, EU, Mexico, & Brazil

We’re cruising toward the halfway point of 2025, a year that’s been rocked with travel updates and news for Americans.

Though I prefer to focus on more exciting travel topics, many of the new travel requirement updates are already in effect. And they’ve already created unpleasant surprises for Americans who have booked trips but aren’t in the know.

In case you’ve missed out on the new travel form requirements, consider this your all-in-one update.

Read on to learn about the entry forms you need to fill out when heading to the UK, Mexico, and Brazil. Plus, updates on the EU’s ETIAS forms, which have been delayed another year.

The UK has a new travel form in place: ETA

To use local parlance, the ETA is a sneaky little devil of a form that you probably didn’t realize existed. The ETA is the UK’s new electronic travel authorization that all people entering the country must fill out. Even if you’re just passing through Heathrow while waiting for a connecting flight, you need to fill out this form. (In most cases, at least.)

Here’s the short of it:

You can download and complete the ETA straight from your phone
Approval takes up to three days, so complete the form before you leave
It costs around $15

Mexico is enforcing a decade-old travel form requirement: FMM

Mexico has also begun enforcing its FMM form, which stands for Forma Migratoria Multiple and is usually called a tourist card. Like the UK’s ETA, this is a simple form that asks travelers to declare what they’re doing, where they’re going, and how long they’re going to be in the country.

This form has been around for a decade but is only now being enforced at many airports. I’ve seen conflicting reports on when and where the FMM is required, which means I recommend you always have it just in case.

Here’s the short of it:

The FMM only lasts for 30 days, so make sure your travel dates are in that 30-day period
Some airports and offices prefer digital versus printed forms
If you’re unsure whether you need to present an FMM, ask your airline

The EU’s ETIAS travel forms are delayed by another year

I’ve been covering the lead-up to the European Union’s new ETIAS requirements, which were expected to launch this year. Just like the UK and Mexico, the EU is looking to streamline its entry requirements to have a stronger understanding of where visitors are heading and for how long.

However, this isn’t a national project; it’s an international implementation across the European Union.

For now, rest easy—you don’t need to fill out an ETIAS form and pay a small fee when you enter the country. But know that it’s coming in 2026. Allegedly.

Brazil has also launched a new travel form: eVisa

As of April 15, 2025, Brazil has also launched a new entry visa, which is a simple eVisa like the UK’s ETA. Once more, this isn’t technically a visa but a form that allows the government to obtain information on where tourists are going, for how long, and for what purposes.

To avoid delays, download and fill out your form ahead of time. Some people have reported long waits due to some passengers downloading their forms at the very last minute.

Here’s the short of it:

The eVisa form isn’t compatible with all browsers, so it’s highly suggested that you complete the form online instead of on your phone
You must print out the PDF of your approved eVisa application
Processing time for applications is usually five days

The Coolest Concept in Nightlife is in London: Welcome to House Party

It’s common for young travelers to let loose on vacation, packing into bars, clubs, lounges, and plazas to drink, dance, and be merry.

Parties, from informal street gatherings to expensive bottle service-serving clubs, are some of the most colorful experiences a traveler will have.

And while many of us swap the noise and bright lights for quieter adventures as we get older, the allure of a great party never truly fades.

That’s certainly true for me. I don’t like crowds or loud noises, so most parties (and even local bars, to be honest) are a no-go for me. But that doesn’t mean I won’t travel for a little bit of raucous fun—I just need to be convinced that it’s worth my while beforehand.

In 2022, I visited London with the sole purpose of partying at Printworks, a famous club that’s (allegedly) being reopened. The next year, I was off to Berlin to see a performance at Tresor, a legendary nightclub that’s been around for longer than I have.

Here’s my point: whether or not you consider yourself a habitual partier, there’s always a diamond to be found in the rubble of nonsense parties.

If memorable parties are your thing, I’ve got one London venue you can’t miss. It’s called House Party—and yes, it’s exactly how it sounds.

You’re invited to a House Party

Scenes from the living room at House Party (Courtesy of House Party)

I heard about House Party around a year ago when the club launched with a highly promising setup. The goal was to recreate the atmosphere of an actual house party thrown when parents went out of town and kids packed into the house.

The venture comes from Stormzy, one of the UK’s most famous rappers, and Cream Group, which owns other famous London spots like Cirque Le Soir and Dear Darling. I was immediately taken with the idea—but wanted to see if House Party had the legs to last in London’s competitive Soho club scene.

Almost one year after its launch, House Party is going strong… and it’s high on my travel radar.

What is the experience like?

House Party is located in Soho, London and is spread across a seven-floor setup. Every floor and room is designed to reflect an actual home, including the parents’ bedroom, the teenager’s room, a living room, and so on.

Let me tell you—the décor is perfect, as are the spread of red solo cups and pizzas and GameCubes. Plus, DJs in each room and live deck-spinning in the kitchen.

But the real magic are the performers and actors that provide texture and context to their party experience. Oh, and an on-site chef slinging out New York-style pizza that’s first-come, first-served.

How can you get in?

A general view of atmosphere at the “Now You Know” launch party at House Party on April 1, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)

If you’ve been following along so far, you might be wondering what the clubbing experience is actually like—and it’s fittingly distinct.

Instead of wandering the grounds like at a normal club, you can either reserve a room, receive an exclusive invitation to join, or line up at the door. Only after midnight do the rooms open up and give you access to the whole seven-floor club.

If you’re going with friends, I recommend booking a room. You can select which floor and room you’d like to be on, giving you more control over the experience.

I wouldn’t advise lining up at the door—this is a popular clubbing area, and you could be waiting well over an hour to (maybe) get in. If you do, get there right when it opens at 8pm, but know that you’ll only get in if the reservations are booked up for the night.

Is it actually worth your time and money?

It costs £20 for an invitation or to walk in; prices to book rooms are slightly higher, but affordable for groups. Though you can expect to spend a lot on drinks throughout the night, this isn’t a bottle service-style ultra-flashy nightclub.

It’s worth your time and money if you enjoy kitschy, memorable party experiences. I’d liken the whole thing to one of those social media, photo-op-focused museums that are popping up… except you can actually party at this one!