Milan Highlights
About Carmen
I'm a travel influencer who has worked with tourism boards such as Visit El Paso & the French Ministry of Agriculture. Take a look at my Press + Media page! I hadn't been to Italy since 2010, so my Milan travels were a well-needed reminder of the Italian way of life. The city is a gastronomic hub filled with delicious food (think salted pistachio gelato & fluffy pizza dough). Scroll down to see my Milan highlights.The vertical garden forest known as Appartamento Bosco Verticale in Milano City. |
Appartamento Bosco Verticale (Vertical Gardens)
Breathe in a bit of greenery at the Appartamento Bosco Verticale. This vertical garden/vertical forest is a sustainable residential building meant to absorb CO2 & dust particles while producing oxygen. The Appartamento Bosco Verticale towers are visually pleasing with an array of plants & trees strategically placed throughout the building. *Appartamento Bosco Verticale is one of my personal favorite Milan highlights.The Last Supper
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is obviously a must-see part of the Milan highlights. You can buy tickets to go inside & check out the impressive Milano city views from the rooftop. Beware: the exterior of the Duomo is crawling with tourists, pigeons, & people trying to sell you things (bracelets & pigeon feed). You'll see every Instagram travel influencer posing in front of the Duomo. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time!Sipping on Pico Brew by Navigli at sunset in Milan, Italy. For a similar floral scrunchie, click here. |
Navigli
Taking a selfie in the reflection at Fondazione Prada. |
Fondazione Prada
The aesthetically-pleasing Wes Anderson's Bar Luce at Fondazione Prada. |
Bar Luce
Designed by Wes Anderson (yes, that Wes Anderson) in 2015 & located within Fondazione Prada, Bar Luce is a hot spot for the food bloggers & travel influencers. The pastel eatery was crowded while I was there; a consistent line to order, a mishmash of people running to hand their order to the food makers, limited seating. One person saved a seat for a "friend" who never arrived while we were there. Fred & I found a little table to stand at while we ate our sandwiches. All this can be avoided if you opt for table service. Note: Bar Luce is closed on Tuesdays.A sculpture at Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery). That lens flare though. |
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery)
Monumental Cemetery Milan should be considered a free art museum because it's majestic, grand, thought-provoking, serene. Oh & there are literal masterpieces & works of art. No big deal. Walk through the massive cemetery as you observe the tombs, sculptures, mosaics, & even the crematorium.Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle)
I quite enjoyed the remarkable brick facade of Castello Sforzesco but you can admire other pieces of the architecture such as the moats, the Filarete Tower, the Bona Tower, Carmine & Santo Spirito Towers, Castellana and Falconiera Towers, battlements, courtyards, & more.Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center, a fancy mall in Milan. |
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Shopping Center)
Whether you have plans to shop til you drop or not, add Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to your Milan highlights list simply for its beauty. The 150+-year-old shopping mall stirs with people, tourists taking photos spinning on the bull ball mosaic, patrons shopping for their next memento, or someone like me — a wanderer finding my way through Milano City.Maurizio Cattelan's Middle finger sculpture titled, L.O.V.E. |
L.O.V.E by Maurizio Cattelan (Middle Finger Sculpture)
The famous middle finger sculpture is said to be a big eff you to the banking industry. Add this to your city sightseeing Milan list; it's free & out in the open. It's off the beaten path & you can get an edgy photo while you're at it.Salted pistachio gelato & chocolate gelato in a waffle cone from Milan, Italy. |
Food Highlights: Gelato & Pizza
There are many Milan highlights. My own Milan travels showed me the city's culinary opportunity. How can I forget those decadent, fluffy pizza crusts? Each pizza felt like a carefully crafted work of art. My favorite gelato was the 1 scoop of 7 layers of pistachio & 1 scoop of 7 layers of chocolate. Absolutely divine.Where Am I Going After Milan?
After my Milan travels I'm heading to Bergamo, Italy. Of course, there's the curious few who maybe wonder what's after Bergamo? Well, you're the first to know. After Milan, Italy I fly to Warsaw, Poland! I used my own tips to save money on flights to find the cheapest airline tickets available.Hotels in Milan
If you're on the hunt for where to stay in Milan, this map will show you all the available options. Put in the length of your stay & see what accommodations are available. It's that easy.Tourist Information
Official tourism website of Bergamo, Italy: Visit Bergamo
Official tourist website of the capital of Poland: Fall in Love with Warsaw
Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy |
Things to Do in Roma Mexico City Neighborhood
Roma Mexico City is a colorful, hip neighborhood filled with culture, local pet-friendly restaurants, plants, and art galleries. Colonia Roma has a lot of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as fusion restaurants. This neighborhood is covered in greenery, plants, and vines that make you feel like you're in a park, not a bustling, modern city like CDMX. CDMX is a big city with an endless amount of things to do.
Scroll down to learn more about popular questions: Is Roma in Mexico City Safe?, Restaurants and Cafes, Places to Stay, Art, Bars, and more.
Roma Mexico City is the ideal place for artists, creatives, hipsters to find inspiration. People describe Colonia Roma as a hipster-type of neighborhood. Merriam Webster defines hipster as a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns. There are residential buildings, art galleries, street food, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, art deco architecture, street art, and more. Explore the parks and squares of Roma Mexico, do a bit of shopping, then visit one of the cafes for a bite to eat.
Fodor's Inside Mexico City (Full-color Travel Guide) - Buy the book on Amazon.
Colonia Roma, Roma Norte, Roma Sur: What is the Difference?
There are many colonias or neighborhoods in CDMX. Some of the better known colonias are Bosques de las Lomas, Centro, Condesa, Roma, Colonia Juarez, Coyoacán, Del Valle, Jardines del Pedregal, Polanco, Zona Rosa, and more.
Colonia Roma is also called La Roma, La Romita, or at its simplest, Roma. You'll find this district located in Mexico City's Cuauhtémoc borough which is west of the city's historic center. Roma is broken down into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, which is the northern and southern portion of the neighborhood.
Related reading: The Xcaret Underground River Experience: Things to Do in Xcaret.
Is Roma in Mexico City Safe?
Maybe you’re wondering, is Roma Norte safe? Is it safe to walk in Roma Norte at night? Is La Condesa Mexico City Safe? The answer is yes! We felt safe walking around.
Panaderia Rosetta |
Restaurants and Cafes
Top rated restaurant-options include Fonda Recomienda, Tortería Los Güeros, Cine Tonalá, El Parnita, La Pitahaya, Lalo!, La Chicha, Panaderia Rosetta, Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria, Maximo Bistrot Local, Nudo Negro, Contramar, Mog, and so much more. Roma Norte and Roma Sur are buzzing with foodie options to make your stay in Mexico one your taste buds will never forget.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, snacks, wine, there are many Mexico City food options. Some places might have a website and social media presence where they provide their menu and hours online, while other establishments more so focus on in-person inquiries or phone calls. Check ahead to see if you need a reservation. We loved Panadería Rosetta for fresh pan dulce, pastries, and tastiness. Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria was popular amongst Mexico City locals and tourists alike, with a 45-minute wait!
Looking for more tips on things to do? Take a look at this book called Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler - Buy it on Amazon.
Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria |
Tacos
Depending where you are, there are food options within walking distance. Walking around the street can be an amazing experience in itself as you search for coffee or perhaps a mezcal. Colonia Roma is definitely a lively corner of Mexico City filled with places to eat, shop, and stay. Make a trip to the food hall market, Mercado Roma, or find some tacos at a local restaurant. Taquería Los Parados, La Chicha, El Parnita, Tacos Nena, or any other place in Roma Norte or Roma Sur. There are shrimp tacos, tacos al pastor, chicken, pork, veggie, you name it.
Classic And Contemporary Recipes From Mexico City, a cookbook - Find it here.
Mercado Roma
Mercado Roma is a thriving food hall located at Querétaro 225 Col. Roma 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX Mexico. There are many food stands to pick and choose from depending on what you're in the mood for. You can get takeout or dine in and people watch as groups nosh and sip on their delights. Check out the Mercado Roma website for current hours and food stands.
Roma Movie
You might recall hearing of Roma Mexico City from the film of the same on Netflix, Roma. Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón writes and directs Roma, an emotional portrait of a domestic worker's journey set against domestic and political turmoil in 1970s Mexico. It's on Netflix if you'd like to watch it.
Places to Stay
There are a number of bed and breakfasts, rooms, and places to stay in Roma area if you want to stay the night. You can find private rooms, apartments, vacation rentals to suit your style. There are different options based on your budget, number of guests, and length of stay. Here are a few top hotels.
Related reading: El Cielo Winery Resort on Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, Mexico
Casa Goliana - luxury bed and breakfast in a restored 20th-century house with high ceilings
Address: Calle Guanajuato 199, Mexico City 06700
Phone Number: 011 52 55 6826 9648
Website: Casa Goliana
La Valise CDMX - adorned with Mexican antiques, unique art, cultured charm.
Address: Tonalá 53, Roma Norte, 06700, Roma Norte
Phone Number: +1 (305) 999 1540
Website: La Valise CDMX
Nima Local House Hotel - a boutique hotel in Mexico City
Address: Calle Colima 236 Col Roma Norte 06700
Phone Number: +52 55 7591 7175
Website: Nima Local House Hotel
Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Mexico City - Find it on Amazon.
Art
There are plenty of things to do in Mexico City. Start with a walk to an art gallery. such as Fifty24mx, Trouvé, Rojo Bermelo (in Condesa), Cultura Colectiva Galería, Vértigo Galería, Tinta Naranja (Condesa), and more.
Shopping
From shoes to books, shopping is easy in Roma. There are local boutiques and cool places all around the neighborhood. So bring your pesos or a credit card and let's get shopping. Vinyl Rules is a thrift store in Roma Norte. There's Saanta Vintage, Macundales (cards, stationery, books), Head to Bazar Cuauhtémoc for antiques. Pabellón Cuauhtémoc is a shopping center in Roma Sur. Shop vintage clothes, cute boutiques, and other things.
Bars
Sip and savor the view at one of Colonia Roma's bars. This neighborhood has quite a few options. The bar scene is ready for you. Order mezcal, tequila, pulque, whatever your heart desires. The world is your oyster. Stop by Limantour at Álvaro Obregón 106 Col. roma 06700 México, D.F. Mexico. Okupa has mezcal. You can also fine Cine Tonalá, Club San Luis, La Botica, Dance Floor (if you want to dance/go to a gay bar) XOIO Bar (has gluten-free options!), Perros y Burros, and more.
Market, Corner Stores, Groceries
If you rent a room or entire apartment in Roma, you might be on the lookout for a market to buy some basics like bottled water, veggies, fruit, and other local goods. There are Oxxo's and other markets throughout the neighborhood.
Have a Fun Trip!
This is your sign to visit Mexico City's colorful Colonia Roma neighborhood for coffee, places to stay and shop, music, culture, and amazing local Mexican food. Explore the colonias (neighborhoods) in Mexico City. I hope this entire article can help you navigate your stay in Mexico City's Colonia Roma. You could also visit nearby colonias (neighborhoods) such as Condesa and Polanco neighborhood.
Do you have any trip tips for Mexico City? Feel free to share or save a photo on Pinterest.
Learn more about traveling to Mexico on the Visit Mexico website. You'll enjoy visiting Mexico City if you like coffee shops, food stalls, museums, beautiful buildings, hidden gems, and nature! Popular things to do in CDMX are Bellas Artes, Soumaya Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum.
Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
Art of the Streets: Canadian Edition
I'd like to think I live my life in a similar fashion.
Fun Things To Do in Torrance, California
You can easily spend a full 24 hours or weekend in town, so you came to the right place if you're wondering about things to do in Torrance or how to spend 24 hours in Torrance.
12 PM - Let's eat
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert. Eating is definitely one of the best things to do in Torrance. Grab a quick lunch. There are a ton of delectable eateries nearby for visitors to choose from. Are you craving seafood, pasta, steak, what'll it be? Torrance has a variety of international food stops like Mitsuwa Marketplace (Japanese), Habana Vieja Cuban Cuisine & Cafe (Cuban), King Mediterrano (Greek), & plenty of ramen too. There are loads of local favorite restaurants in the city of Torrance offering a mouthwatering array of options for date night, all the family, foodies, kids, and adults alike.1 PM - Enjoy nature
Enjoy the exceptional Torrance weather & stay outside. There's no shortage of soothing views and beautiful things to do in Torrance. Check out El Prado Park, Los Arboles/Rocketship Park, Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Wilson Park, Miramar Park, & more. The South Coast Botanic Garden is nearby & worth a trip. We particularly loved the Garden for the Senses section.3 PM - Quench your thirst
Torrance has a popping craft beer scene. We visited The Dudes’ Brewing Company & HopSaint Brewing. I recommend getting a flight so you can test out flavors. Get a feel for a range of a brewery's beers without committing to a whole pint. There's also Monkish Brewing, Smog City Brewing, & many, many more!5 PM - Let's go shopping
If you want to get your shop on, visit Del Amo Fashion Center. It's absolutely enormous. Fred & I may or may not have gotten lost. Okay, we totally got lost. It's that big. It's also very pretty. I've never said a mall was pretty before, but it is. I did a mini photoshoot by a full plant wall.7 PM - Dinner time
Remember when I said eating is a delightful thing to do in Torrance? It still applies. After you're done shopping, explore more of the restaurants Torrance has to offer. We enjoyed a patio dinner & drinks at Brio Coastal Bar as the sunset. Pure bliss! Or go for Great Maple right next door. Other highly rated options: Ramen Yamadaya, Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, & STACKED.8:30 PM - Play time
The night is yours. After all, you're within driving distance to many popular Southern California hot spots. Want to stay local? Browse the Torrance events to see what's happening. Watch a movie at AMC. Take an evening walk at Torrance Beach. Maybe you're tuckered out & simply want to rest in your hotel room, watching TV in bed. That's cool too!9 AM - Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Sleep in, then enjoy some freshly baked goods. Stop by Torrance Bakery. Prepare to wait in a line & make sure you get a number! Taste something different & go for the Hawaiian Paradise Three-layer cake from King’s Hawaiian Bakery — made of guava, passion, & lime chiffon cake filled with whipped cream & topped with guava, passion & lime fruit glaze. Heavenly.10 AM - Tea time
Wash down your sweets with a hot cup of tea at Chado Tea Room. We randomly stumbled upon it & thought it was too cute to pass up. We got a pot of Island of Mauritius, a black tea with a pop of vanilla, but they have a thick booklet of teas to choose from.Bee at South Coast Botanic Garden |
11 AM - Learn a lil something new
If you're interested in history, there are museums and exhibits to expand your knowledge. Got some time to spare before you head out? Spend a couple hours visiting the Chen Art Gallery, Western Museum of Flight, Torrance Art Museum, South Coast Botanic Garden, or maybe lurk around to find the film locations in Torrance. Torrance has been featured in movies like American Beauty, Bruce Almighty, & She's All That.Fun Things To Do in Torrance, California
Enjoying Life at South Coast Botanic Garden |
Things to Do in Queretaro Centro, Mexico Top Attractions
Start your day in the heart of the city at Queretaro's historic center. You could easily spend your experience walking along the streets of Querétaro's historic center, watching cars drive on the road, eyeing the menu of a restaurant or two.
About Carmen
I've been to Queretaro City twice & enjoyed it even more the second time! I adventured through the top things to do in Queretaro Centro as well as other parts of Queretaro state; I ate some of the best (vegan) tacos of my life, bought my very own handcrafted Maria doll from a local woman, & gazed at the dazzling display of Christmas decorations throughout the city. Click here to find out more about me & my travel history. Or you can follow me on Instagram.How far is Queretaro from Mexico City?
Need a day trip idea? You're already in Central Mexico, so perhaps you're wondering how far is Queretaro from Mexico City? Where is it located? Mexico City is about 134 miles/217 km or 160 miles/259 km away from Queretaro depending on your route. Just look at Google maps. Definitely worth a trip if you can muster it, perfect for day trips!Read my other blog posts about Mexico:
A Mini Guide to Tijuana's Breweries, Craft Beer, & Tasting Rooms
How far is Queretaro from San Miguel de Allende?
The Aqueduct / El Acueducto de Querétaro
El Cerrito Archaeological Zone (Zona Arqueológica El Cerrito)
Buy snacks & goodies from the vendors. |
Walk the Streets
There are plenty of things to do in Queretaro. The thriving city feels clean despite the hubbub of locals & travelers; you might see workers sweeping up leaves or trash at any given time. Walk around the streets of Queretaro Centro to get a feel for the landscape. Some might say people watching & strolling around are some of the best top attractions in Queretaro City.Things to do in Queretaro: Walk around the shops & restaurants |
Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas historic center feels like the heartbeat of Queretaro Centro, important, historical, interesting. It's always lively with kids playing, families walking around town, people dining, people selling dolls, t-shirts, crafts. There are water fountains, perfectly trimmed shrubs, & plenty of places to sit. Jardin Guerrero is the perfect spot to chill.Cerro de las Campanas
Peña de Bernal
Jardín Zenea (Zenea Garden)
Support Local Shops in Queretaro Centro
We walked around Queretaro de Arteaga as a family. There are so many local vendors showing off their handcrafted goods in the city center. Why not take a look while you're visiting? I bought a blue & silver hand-beaded bracelet for my mom.Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo
Things to do in Queretaro Centro: Browse the churches & missions! |
Churches & Missions
Queretaro has some exquisite churches & even some Franciscan missions. Awe at the pale yellow towers of Templo de la Congregacion de Guadalupe. Take a tour of Templo y ex-convento de la Santa Cruz de los Milagros. There's the Iglesia de Santa Rosa de Viterbo.Gorditas being made at a restaurant in Queretaro Centro, Mexico. |
Eat Everything
Best things to do in Queretaro City? Eat, eat, eat again, eat some more. Whether you're looking for places to eat a sit-down meal, the famous fresh churros con chocolate, or maybe a little snacky snack from one of the vendors (think candies, gum, mini portions of popular Mexican snacks), Queretaro Centro is a hub for foodies. Food bloggers & lovers rejoice! Bring your pesos and let's eat.Museums / Museos en Queretaro
Quertaro's museums are filled with knowledge and art waiting to be dis Find the Museo Regional in the former Convent of San Francisco; reviewers particularly love the colorful patio. There's the MUCAL Museo del Calendario. There are plenty of museos en Queretaro, take your pick! Go to the art museum. There is a lot of wonderful art around the city!Hanging out at the Queretaro Airbnb with my adorable Maria doll, made by a local woman. |
Queretaro Tourism and Social Media
Wander around and enjoy exploring the city. Queretaro's social media presence and events calendar is impressive, which I love as a social media professional. It's one of those little things that bring me joy in life. Anyway, I digress. Take a look at the Queretaro Travel website, a visitor guide for all things in the state of Queretaro.Where Should I Stay in Queretaro? Hotel? Airbnb? Does It Matter?
Airbnb Accommodations
I stayed in a Queretaro Airbnb both times I've stayed in Queretaro City since we're usually traveling with a group. In Queretaro, Mexico, it might be cheaper for a group of 5 adults & 3 kids to pitch in for an Airbnb rather than stay in 2-3 hotel rooms each night.Hotels Options Nearby
Searching for Queretaro hotels to stay in? There are plenty of options in Queretaro Centro & the surrounding area if you want to be within distance of top attractions. Take a look at some of the hotels in the area.What to Do in Queretaro with Kids
We traveled around Queretaro Centro with a five-year-old, six-year-old, 8-year-old, two 20-somethings, a 30-something, & two 50-somethings. The kids had fun trying out foods from different stands. Mexico tends to be lean on the affordable side so the kids can feel like they're princes & princesses without the adults having to burn tons of cash. Buy little toys from the vendors or shop cute jewelry, trinkets, & other gifts from other shops.Whether you're traveling by yourself, with family, friends, or on business, you'll find tasty food & interesting things to do in Queretaro, Mexico. You can do nothing & just stay inside your Queretaro hotel or Airbnb. You can spend the day hopping from museum to museum. You could do a food tour.
Do you have any questions? Leave a comment below & I'll do my best to help. I hope this was helpful. Have you explored Queretaro, Mexico? Have any recommendations on the best things to do in Queretaro City? Share your best tips or moments.