The conch shell here is associated with the Aztec god of wind and learning.

The conch shell here is associated with the Aztec god of wind and learning.

We always get cabin fever in mid-winter even if the sun is shining and it isn’t freezing cold. So we decided to visit a spot that had been beckoning for years…the Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende (SMDA). Traveling there is a bit of a slog…there are no direct flights from San Francisco and the less onerous route seemed to be via Mexico City. Since we were scheduled to arrive too late to catch the 3-hour bus to SMDA we thought we might as well stay in the capital a couple nights so we could have one full day in the historic center of this massive metropolis at altitude 7,350 feet. We booked an NH Collection Hotel which we often choose when we want a reliably comfortable home for a couple nights. It was well located for a walk to many of the spots we wanted to visit. To better view the photos and caption, click on each image.

A chance stop at Cafe de Tacuba…authentic and traditional in every way from the elegant servers to the murals and furnishings, we would repeat the experience if we had more time here.

A late arrival begets a late dinner and Cafe de Tacuba was a super beginning. Elegantly dressed servers and mariachis gave us a deep dive into the local culture.

The tortilla soup was supremely satisfying and the tamales were the real deal. Throw in 2 margaritas, total $30.

A chance stop at Cafe de Tacuba…authentic and traditional in every way from the elegant servers to the murals and furnishings, we would repeat the experience if we had more time here.

A late arrival begets a late dinner and Cafe de Tacuba was a super beginning. Elegantly dressed servers and mariachis gave us a deep dive into the local culture.

The tortilla soup was supremely satisfying and the tamales were the real deal. Throw in 2 margaritas, total $30.

Dream of a Sunday Afternoon at Alameda Central Park, this 51 ft X 15 ft mural created by Diego Rivera in 1946-47, is the principal work of the Museo Mural Diego Rivera. The work depicts famous people and events in the history of Mexico. Rivera even included an image of himself as a child.

Dream of a Sunday Afternoon at Alameda Central Park, this 51 ft X 15 ft mural created by Diego Rivera in 1946-47, is the principal work of the Museo Mural Diego Rivera. The work depicts famous people and events in the history of Mexico. Rivera even included an image of himself as a child.

Gorilla with Banjo is a bronze sculpture on display in Central Mexico City.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

A tour of this dramatic marble museum and performance hall would be worth the time…if you had it. Alas, we did not.

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Plaza.

One of a pair of organs at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest 18th-century organs in the Americas.

Historic post office from turn-of-the-20th century. Deserving of the tour we didn’t take.

Gorilla with Banjo is a bronze sculpture on display in Central Mexico City.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

A tour of this dramatic marble museum and performance hall would be worth the time…if you had it. Alas, we did not.

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Constitution Plaza.

One of a pair of organs at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest 18th-century organs in the Americas.

Historic post office from turn-of-the-20th century. Deserving of the tour we didn’t take.

Dancers recreating traditional Aztec dance in the main square

Colorful boutique lighting.

Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake is with three kinds of milk (condensed, evaporated and whole). It’s a favorite dessert of the nation (and mine) and on every menu we saw.

The ubiquitous purse/coat stand is a traditional amenity beside restaurant tables.

Colorful boutique lighting.

Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake is with three kinds of milk (condensed, evaporated and whole). It’s a favorite dessert of the nation (and mine) and on every menu we saw.

The ubiquitous purse/coat stand is a traditional amenity beside restaurant tables.

The highway to San Miguel is a risky route for cyclists; but commonly used, nonetheless.

The highway to San Miguel is a risky route for cyclists; but commonly used, nonetheless.