15 FREE Things To Do In Sydney, According To A Local

December 13, 2020March 18, 2021 ~ poppybling ~ Leave a comment

We all know Sydney isn’t exactly the cheapest city in the world, and living here I know this all too well. Things can really add up if you’re not paying attention to your spending while you explore this beautiful city. While it’s nice to indulge sometimes, there’s plenty of things us locals love to do in this harbour city that won’t cost you a thing! Here’s a great little list of free activities that will keep you busy in Sydney, as recommended by a local.

1. Visit one of Sydney’s beaches

Sydney is lined with beautiful beaches – the coastal lifestyle is of the city’s greatest draw cards. Unlike lots of other places around the world where beach access is privatised, beaches in Sydney are completely free for all to enjoy! Whether it’s iconic Bondi, northern Palm Beach or down south in Cronulla, hit the beach and enjoy the sand between your toes.

2. Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery Of NSW is the biggest art gallery in the Sydney, and while there are usually seasonal exhibits which require admission tickets, the majority of the art is free for the public to admire. The gallery has an impressive collection of art on multiple levels, with a great display of indigenous Australian pieces. It’s a great place to visit for a date, family day out or solo for some creative inspiration.

3. MCA

The MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) is another great art gallery in Sydney, located in Circular Quay. There are lots of free galleries inside the museum filled with great contemporary art, and the rooftop cafe has a stunning view of the harbour you won’t want to miss!

4. Walk along the Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge is an absolute Australian icon, and you’ll probably find most visitors to Sydney have seeing the bridge on their bucket list. If doing the offical climb to the top of the bridge is a little out of your budget (it’s not cheap!), try taking a free walk along the bridge’s pedestrian path and enjoy the same view. A slow stroll will take about 30 minutes, and the view will definitely be worth the walk.

5. Bondi to Bronte walk

Another free activity that Sydney-siders love is the famous beachside walk between Bondi and Bronte beaches. You’ll get your steps up while being treated to beautiful ocean views!

6. Enjoy the gardens and water fountains in Darling Quarter

Just a quick walk from Darling Harbour, the newly-updated Darling Quarter area is full of restaurants, water fountains and playgrounds. Make your way down and relax by the water features, or have a cheeky swing in the park.

7. Stroll around Paddy’s Markets

If you’re looking for souvenirs, Paddy’s Market in Haymarket will already be on your radar. But this Sydney market has much more than just ‘I love Sydney’ keyrings. Paddy’s Market has a whole section down the back dedicated to fresh produce, as well as stalls for clothes, electronics and questionable lingerie. Get lost wandering around the aisles – a bit of window shopping never hurt anybody!

8. Check out the views at Circular Quay

Even as a local, I love coming down to Circular Quay every once in a while to soak up the views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Admiring these Sydney icons with the ocean breeze in your hair is an experience money can’t buy – literally, because it’s free! A little tip – the best panoramic view is from the platform inside Circular Quay train station, so don’t forget to stop and take pictures if you get off the train here.

9. Walk the steps of the Opera House

While you’re in Circular Quay enjoying the views, you’ll definitely want to visit the famous Opera House. If a prestigious show in the Opera House is a little out of your price range, not to worry – you can walk up the steps, around the front perimeter and have a peek inside for free.

10. Admire the view from the top of Queen Victoria Building

The historic Queen Victoria Building is home to many luxury boutiques, and is largely a thoroughfare for people getting from point A to B in the city. Ditch the crowds on the lower levels and make your way up to level 2, where you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the building’s stunning architecture for free – don’t forget your camera!

11. Relax in one of Sydney’s parks

Sydney City is full of green spaces, all of which are open freely to the public. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a beautiful area of manicured gardens, Hyde Park for the War Memorial, or Observatory Hill for an alternative view of Sydney Harbour.

12. Enjoy the light and sound exhibitions of Vivid

During the winter months, Sydney city puts on Vivid – a free display of night-time art around for the public to enjoy. You can expect colourful art projected onto iconic buildings around the city, and well as interactive light and sound installations which come alive at night. The city gets extremely busy during Vivid winter nights, but crowds are part of the fun in my opinion.

13. Plane-spotting at Brighton-Le-Sands

If you like aviation, this one’s for you! Sydney is one of the few places in the world that has its airport situated in the heart of the city, which makes for awesome plane-spotting. Get yourself down to Brighton-Le-Sands beach, where you can watch planes fly in and out whilst sitting on the sand.

14. Browse for books at Kinokunya and Dymmocks

Looking for a great free activity that will keep your mind busy? Spend some time browsing in Japanese bookstore Kinokunya, or head down the road to the classic Dymmocks store in Town Hall. You could spend all day flipping though the books at either of these stores, both which have cafes if you’re looking for a coffee to go with your page-turner.

15. Visit the Grounds of Alexandria

Part restaurant complex, part garden oasis, the Grounds of Alexandria is a new Sydney icon in the age of Instagram (you’ll recognise it as the backdrop for many influencer shoots!). The food at the Grounds of Alexandria can be a bit pricey, but it’s completely free to wander around the complex, and is totally worth visiting for an earthy vibe that will transport you to the countryside.

grounds of Alexandria Sydney activities things to do

I hope you like this list of free things to do in Sydney!

Poppy xoxo

Want to read more about Sydney? Check out this post on 11 Awesome Places To Eat In Western Sydney.

15 free things to do in Sydney local advice

13 Souvenirs To Buy In Morocco: A Shopping Guide

June 28, 2020November 8, 2020 ~ poppybling ~ 1 Comment

If you’re like me and love anything remotely bohemian, Morocco will be your dream destination for souvenirs. The souks (markets) are packed with colours and chaos, filled to the brim with things that are both decorative and practical. While Morocco can be overwhelming with so many shops and souvenirs, there are a few things that really stood out to me as must-buy mementos of my trip. Here’s a list of 13 things souvenirs that you should pick up in Morocco, so you can budget accordingly!

1. Rugs
Everywhere you go in Morocco, you’ll come across shops selling beautiful handmade rugs. There are so many different styles, sizes and colours to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect rug for your home. Have fun at the carpet shops, as staff lay rug upon rug out on the floor for you to admire – and don’t forget to bargain hard when you find the one you love! I’ve written a whole post about buying rugs in Morocco, which you can read here.

2. Lanterns
There are many places in Morocco that sell gorgeous lanterns, with intricate patterns carved into metal lampshades. Look for massive pendant lights, small tea-light holders and everything in between inside insta-worthy lantern shops around the country.

3. Tajines
Tajines are iconic to Moroccan cuisine – you’re guaranteed to have a few amazing tajine dishes on your trip! While you can buy these cooking vessels from fancy homeware stores at home, why not pick up one of these bad boys straight from the source? You’ll find tiny decorative tajines designed to serve olives and dips, all the way up to the heavy-duty clay styles used for everyday cooking. I absolutely love my tajine and I use it all the time at home to cook delicious meals. The conical shape of the lid traps moisture, making your food juicy and flavourful every time.

4. Leather Goods
Morocco is known for its leather industry, especially in the city of Fez. Expect leather jackets, bags, belts, poufes and shoes being sold in the souks, all at reasonable prices. As you’ll find out when you visit the tanneries, authentic leather in Morocco is cured in vats of pigeon poop – yes, you read that right, pigeon poop. Shopkeepers will give you sprigs of mint to help you cope with the smell, but be prepared for it to linger slightly on your leather goods!

5. Shoes
Moroccan shoes come in all the colours of the rainbow, adorned with intricate bohemian patterns. Shoe stores in the souks mostly sell sandals or slip-on shoes, but if you like the idea of babouches (the pointy elf-looking shoes), you’ll also find those too. You can even pick up a furry pair if you’re after something a bit different!

6. Textiles
The Moroccan souks will be your one-stop shop for incredible textiles – look out for pillow cases, blankets, floor cushions and throws in vibrant patterns and textures. Moroccan textiles are known for their beautiful colours and are great souvenirs – you’ll be itching to get home and proudly put them on display!

7. Ceramics
Moroccan ceramics come in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll find them everywhere on your travels. Their designs are influenced by both Islamic and Mediterranean culture, which makes for distinctive geometric patterns. Ceramic bowls are great souvenirs for friends and family – they’re useful little storage dishes for around the house.

8. Spices
Spices are integral to Moroccan cuisine, and are a practical souvenir to remind you of your travels. The spices I brought home from Morocco turned my cooking from basic to brilliant in an instant. You can’t miss the spice shops out in the souks – you’ll smell the pointy pyramids of powered spices before you see them. There are spices for everything – meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, stews, barbecue and even sweets mixes, which are all very affordable. The vendors will let you take a whiff of all their options, and will mix a special blend for you if you ask!

9. Dates
Like spices, dates are really popular in Moroccan cuisine – you’ll find these dried fruits in tajines, couscous, or in small bowls accompanying your meals. There are so many different varieties of dates, with varying qualities and prices to match. Moroccan date shops have boxes and boxes of the fruit all neatly on display, and they normally let you have samples before you buy!

10. Kaftans
If you love picking up clothing as a reminder of your travels, a Moroccan kaftan will make a great souvenir. You’ll find loads of everyday styles hanging up in the souks, as well as luxuriously beaded pieces in specialty shops. When deciding on a kaftan, I’d recommend picking something you can see yourself wearing in your regular life. The fancy or traditional styles may catch your eye, but it’d be a waste to get something that’ll just sit in your wardrobe when you get home.

11. Tea Glasses
Morocco is famous for its delicious mint tea, which is usually served in delicate little glasses with gold finishes. Even if you don’t drink tea at home, a set of these glasses make great ornaments for around the house (or oversized shot glasses if you like to drink!).

12. Argan oil
Argan oil has taken the beauty industry by storm, popping up in skincare as a miracle moisturiser. But many people don’t know that the oil is produced solely in Morocco. Authentic argan oil is milled from the nuts of argan trees, which are native to the country – because the process is quite laborious, pure argan oil is expensive. Beware of people selling fake argan oil at cheap prices, as it’s usually a blend of vegetable oils and doesn’t have the nutty aroma that pure argan oil has. There are different grades of argan oil (mostly for cooking or cosmetics), so make sure you don’t buy cooking quality for moisturising your face and vice versa.

13. Woven Baskets
One thing that always caught my eye when travelling in Morocco was the woven baskets stalls. These baskets are made with straw and brightly coloured wool, woven into beautiful geometric patterns. The most common style is a conical shape with a removable lid, which is awesome as a display piece (and doubles as a sneaky storage solution too).

So there you have it – my top 13 picks for souvenirs in Morocco. Keep lots of empty space in your suitcase when you leave home – you’re going to need it!

Poppy xoxo

Want to know more about shopping in Morocco? Check out this post I’ve written with tips and tricks for buying rugs in Morocco.

20 Awesome Things To Do in Hong Kong

June 28, 2020November 8, 2020 ~ poppybling ~ Leave a comment

Hong Kong has always been one of my favourite places in Asia to explore, because there are so many things to do, eat and experience. Here’s my top 20 things to do when you visit Hong Kong!

1. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Mong Kok:
You’ll find a bit of everything in Mong Kok – browse the fresh kicks along Sneaker Street (yes, there’s a dedicated street for sneakers), try some street food (like the waffles slathered in condensed milk and peanut butter), peek inside Chinese medicine shops, and enjoy the neon lights at night. You’ll never be short of things to do in Mong Kok.

Mong Kok busy streets — Streets of Mong Kok

2. Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and Tian Tan Buddha:
Riding the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car up to Tian Tan Buddha is a fun half-day activity. Take the train to Tung Chung MTR station and choose whether to go for the normal cable car ($235HKD) or the upgraded glass bottom ($315HKD). As you glide along the cableway, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Lantau Island and China in the distance if it’s a clear day. Once you reach the top, there are shops and restaurants lining the road up to the base of the Tian Tan Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s iconic sights (and one of the biggest Buddha’s in the world). You can climb all the way up to the top, and go inside the Buddha. On your way down, be sure to stop in at the Citygate outlet mall if you’re interested in picking up some discounted designer goods.

Tian Tan Buddha big statue — Tian Tan Buddha up close

3. Lamma Island:
Take a ferry from Central over to Lamma Island ($16-28HKD, depending on day of the week and specific ferry route) for some incredible hikes and a chilled-out hipster vibe. If you prefer shopping over hiking (me in a nutshell), there are plenty of boutique shops and cafes to explore along the main street of the island. Seafood lovers should definitely stop at one of the restaurants along the shore with fresh seafood cooked to order!

4. Street Markets:
Hong Kong wouldn’t be Hong Kong without its street market culture. There are different markets all across Hong Kong, catering for tourists and locals alike. Visit the Jade Market in Tsim Sha Tsui if you’re looking for some jewellery, or try the fresh fruit and vegetable market along the steep Graham Street in Central. If you’re looking to browse at night, head to Temple Street Night Market in Jordan or the Ladies Market in Mong Kok.

Mong Kok ladies market souvenirs — Ladies Market in Mong Kok

fresh fruit market in Hong Kong — Graham Street Fresh Food Market

5. Soho and Midlevels Escalators:
The Midlevels outdoor escalators help commuters make their way up the steep mountainside in the Central area of Hong Kong. They aren’t any different from regular escalators, but for visitors it’s a novel experience riding up the street in this way. There’s plenty of hipster shops, bars and cafes in the Soho area, so it’s a perfect place to explore when you’re hungry. Just be aware that once you step off the escalator route, walking up the steep roads will leave you out of breath! And the escalators only go one way, so you’ll have to walk back down the hills by feet.

6. Temples:
There are plenty of beautiful temples in Hong Kong. Some worth visiting include Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple (known for its hanging lanterns and water features), Man Mo Temple (known for its incense), Po Lin Monastery (next to the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau island) and Chi Lin Nunnery (known for beautifully manicured gardens).

7. Lan Kwai Fong:
If you’re looking for a night out, Lan Kwai Fong is the place to go. It’s a small area close to Soho known for its buzzing nightlife and open-air bars. You can find plenty of tourists and locals here enjoying drinks and getting rowdy any night of the week. Even if you’re not a big drinker, it’s worth walking past if you’re in the Central area to see what all the fuss is about.

Lan Kwai Fong Party Hong Kong — Lan Kwai Fong

8. Eat BBQ meats:
You can’t leave Hong Kong without having some barbecued meats (sorry to the vegans out there, you’ll probably want to sit this one out). You’ll see huge sides of pork, chickens and ducks hanging on display in shop fronts, ready to be freshly chopped and served with rice. Look for a place which is busy with locals, and get a double or triple combo so you can try all the meats!

BBQ meats out on display in Hong Kong — BBQ meats out on display in a shop front

9. Victoria Harbour:
Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour is a must-see when you visit. The Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui is the perfect vantage point for unobstructed views of the Hong Kong Skyline. There’s plenty of concrete seating so you can sit and relax while you watch the world go by. You can also take a ferry ride across the harbour, or even book an cruise on a traditional ‘junk boat’ to take in the scenery from the water. Victoria Harbour is lit up by a laser light show each night at 8pm, which is worth a watch if the weather is nice!

Victoria Harbour light show Hong Kong — Victoria Harbour light show

A traditional junk boat crossing Victoria Harbour

10. Chungking Mansions:
The Chungking Mansion building in central Tsim Sha Tsui is known for its eclectic character. It houses lots of electronic stores, currency exchanges and eateries on the lower floors and is known for its interesting accommodation options on the higher levels. If you’re researching accomodation and come across very cheap rooms in Tsim Sha Tsui, they’re more than likely situated in Chungking Mansions. Go inside and embrace the chaos, but be aware – everything’s can be a little ‘too good to be true’, so think twice before dropping cash on a new camera (which could be counterfeit) or booking a hotel (which probably has bed bugs).

11. Hong Kong Disneyland:
Hong Kong Disneyland isn’t as big as the parks in America, but it has all the Disney highlights with the right amount of local flair. The park mostly caters for adults rather than children, so it’s a fun day out if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong city. It’s really easy to catch the train from the city out to Disneyland.

12. Gold Fish Market:
In Prince Edward, you’ll come across an area called the Goldfish Market, which is known for its weird and whacky fish trade. The streets here are lined with fish hanging in individual plastic bags ready for sale. Lots of shopkeepers don’t like you taking photos, but you can usually snap some good shots from the opposite side of the street or in a busy shop where they’re occupied with customers.

Goldfish Market, Prince Edward Hong Kong — Goldfish Market, Prince Edward

13. Yick Fat Housing Estate:
You’ve probably come across pictures of the instaworthy Yick Fat building all over the internet. It’s a short walk from Quarry Bay MTR station, and is well worth the trip out of downtown if you are into photography or Hong Kong’s architecture. The Yick Fat building is a public housing estate, so technically you aren’t allowed inside, but you can sneak through the shopping arcade off the Main Street to reach the centre. Since people live and work there, make sure you’re respectful don’t take photos of the locals unless they give you permission.

Yick Fat Housing Estate Hong Kong — Yick Fat Housing Estate

14. Visit a wet market:
Wet markets are places where locals go to pick up fruits, vegetables, meat and other fresh ingredients for cooking. Most neighbourhoods in Hong Kong will have a wet market somewhere. If seeing raw meat makes you squirm, sit this one out. Otherwise, wander though the alleys and snap some great pictures – but try not to get in anyone’s way, or you might end up getting splashed with raw chicken juice!

15. Kowloon Park:
If you’re trying to get from Tsim Sha Tsui up to Jordan, why not take the scenic route and walk through Kowloon Park. It’s the biggest bit of greenery in Hong Kong city and is great to stroll through for a bit of fresh air. There’s a lake with flamingos in the middle of the park, as well as playgrounds and sports facilities.

16. Shop for fancy outfits in Causeway Bay:
There’s plenty of shopping malls and designer stores in Causeway Bay if you’re after a bit of retail therapy. Check out SOGO department store, Hong Kong’s Times Square and stop on Houston Street for a bite of street food.

17. Stop along Fa Yuen Street overpass:
If you like people watching, stop along the walkway above Fa Yuen Street Market in Mong Kok. It’s an amazing photo spot to capture local life in Hong Kong.

Fa Yuen Street Hong Kong — Fa Yuen Street

18. Have dim sum and a local tea house:
Hong Kong is famous for Dim Sum, so you’ll definitely want to try some while you’re in town. Don’t be intimidated by the busy and dingy nature of local tea houses, these are the best places to sample some traditional Cantonese dishes. You’ll be able to get your favourites from home (BBQ pork buns, shu mai, prawn dumpling etc.) plus all the weird and wonderful local delicacies. Try Lin Heung Tea House in Central for an authentic dim sum experience.

19. Take the tram to The Peak:
An iconic activity to do in Hong Kong is ride the tram up the steep tracks to the top of The Peak, where you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of Hong Kong from above. The best time to go is just before sunset, so you’ll get stunning views of Hong Kong in the twilight. If the line to take the tram is particularly long, you can also take a bus up to the top as well.

20. Stanley:
If you take a bus over to the other side of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Island, you’ll experience a totally different vibe that could easily be mistaken for a cosy European beachside town. Relax on the beach, have lunch at one of the seaside restaurants along the Stanley Promenade and browse the sunny Stanley markets.

Hope you enjoyed these 20 things to do in Hong Kong, and you’ll add some of them to your list for when you visit!

Poppy xoxo

If you liked this post, check out my Foodie Guide to Hong Kong: Top Places to Eat for Every Occasion.

Fluffy Japanese Pancakes In Tokyo: A Happy Pancake Review

April 3, 2020March 18, 2021 ~ poppybling ~ 3 Comments

Fluffy pancakes are a Japanese dessert craze which I can always get behind! One of my favourite places in Tokyo for these pancakes is A Happy Pancake cafe in Ginza. Hidden on the 7th floor of a tucked away building, you won’t stumble upon this dessert experience unless you’re looking for it!

Since the cafe is relatively small with just 32 seats, it can get extremely busy. On weekends and public holidays, you can expect to wait for over an hour for a table. I’d recommend coming on a weekday after the lunch rush if your schedule allows it. I usually come at this time and find there’s no wait for a table. If Ginza isn’t on your itinerary, A Happy Pancake has cafes in Omotesando (the original cafe), Shibuya, Ikebukero and Kichijoji.

Cooking station at A Happy Pancake, Ginza

If you’re curious as to how they get the pancakes so fluffy, you can see the whole process through the glass window into the kitchen. In true Japanese fashion, they are very methodical with the whole process. It’s really interesting to watch them whip the eggs, measure the batter and slice the toppings with such precision. I really like how they check the temperature of the pancakes and hot plates constantly to ensure the pancakes are cooked perfectly every time. They are totally fine with you taking pictures (I’m fairly sure that was the idea behind the glass window into the kitchen), so snap away!

A Happy Pancake only uses high quality ingredients in their dishes – Manuka honey from New Zealand, organic eggs from Nara and fresh Hokkaido cream. They don’t use any baking soda or raising agents, and their food is completely free of preservatives. Expect your meal to take at least 20 minutes, since they cook the pancakes to order.

Now for the pancakes – they are truly like golden yellow pillows of fluffiness in your mouth! They aren’t too sweet, letting the flavour of the egg meringue and toppings shine through. Light and airy, yet filling at the same time, you’ll definitely walk out with a full stomach after a plate of these. You can really tell that they use those premium-quality ingredients in their food. They also have an extensive drinks menu full of hot and cold options to pair with your meal.

I will say though, I have ordered the “happy pancake” which comes with whipped butter and syrup, and while I found it delicious it definitely has a strong egg-y undertone, so I would stick to some of the other items on the menu if you have more of a sweet tooth. I love the chocolate banana or tiramisu flavours, and they also have savoury pancakes if you’d prefer those. They have an English menu for non-Japanese speakers.

Delicious dessert fluffy pancakes in Ginza, Tokyo

All in all, if you’ve never had a “fluffy” pancake before, A Happy Pancake is a place you should pop on your Tokyo food bucket list. It’s the perfect spot for a filling afternoon tea during a day of shopping or sightseeing. Expect to spend around 2000 yen per person for pancakes and a drink. Enjoy!

Poppy xoxo

Love reading foodie content? Check out this post on the 10 best places for tacos in Mexico City!

Chatuchak Market Guide, Bangkok: Best Shop Locations

April 3, 2020March 18, 2021 ~ poppybling ~ 2 Comments

What is Chatuchak Market?

Chatuchak Market is the largest covered outdoor market in Thailand, and is a must-see if you’re visiting Bangkok. With over 15,000 stalls, you’ll be able to find anything your heart desires – souvenirs, clothing, homewares, pets and antiques, plus lots of food stalls and massage parlours.

Where is Chatuchak Market?

It’s a short walk from Mo Chit BTS station, and open to the public every Saturday and Sunday between 9am – 6pm. During the week, you’ll find the plant section and wholesale parts open at different times.

How to find shops at Chatuchak Market

Since the market is so big, it’s divided into sections and sois (rows) to make finding particular stalls a little easier. You’ll definitely get lost at some point or another, but that’s part of the fun! Here are some of my favourite stalls – and their locations in the market – to get you started in Chatuchak. The section/soi listings will make more sense once you’re in the market and can follow the signs hanging in the alleyways.

fresh coconut dessert at Chatuchak market, Bangkok

Clothing

Section 23, Soi 32/7: T Shirt Shop
Vintage-looking T shirts printed with pop culture references with Asian twists.

Section 21, Soi 28/3: Tie Dye Clothes and Boxer Shorts
The big shop on the corner has tie dyed clothes in tonnes of different styles and colours. There’s also a stall opposite that sells quirky patterned boxer shorts.

Section 4, Soi 50/2: Old Skull T Shirt Shop
Streetwear-style graphic T Shirts in colourful designs.

Section 4, Soi 47-49/2 and Section 4, Soi 51/1-2: Designer Boutiques
Rows with boutique clothing stalls selling local Thai designs.

Accessories

Section 4 Soi 50/1: Tote Bags
Canvas tote bags printed with bold graphic patterns.

Section 7, Soi 63/3: Boho Bags
Plenty of tote and shoulder bags woven with straw, rope etc. There are several of these shops around the market, with varying bag qualities.

Homewares

Section 17, Soi 9-8-7/1: Blue Ceramics
Lots of stalls with beautiful ceramic bowls, plates, cups and kitchen items with blue finishes.

Section 15, Soi 9/1: Thai Ceramics
Traditional Thai scenes (dancing, rice fields, elephants etc.) painted in bright colours on bowls, teapots, plates and other utensils.

Section 19, Soi 6/1: Wooden Homewares
All sorts of wooden homewares and trinkets.

Section 8, Soi 14/1: Straw Items
Baskets and other boho household items woven from straw.

Section 7, Soi 63/3: Art
Large canvases painted by local artists in lots of different styles. Most of the stalls are manned by the artists themselves.

Section 17, Soi 8/7: Hem Aroma Perfume Shop
Stall with a huge variety of essential oils, perfume blends and aromatherapy diffusers.

Food

Section 20, Soi 5/1 and Section 11, Soi 12/1: Boom spices
A stall with all sorts of local spices. They have different Asian spice blends prepackaged and ready to take home.

Section 4, Soi 48/3: Cafes
Lots of little boutique cafes with covered seating – great for a coffee and break from the shopping chaos.

Section 9, Soi 18/1: Tik Cafe
Great spot for fresh mango sticky rice and fresh drinks.

Self Care

Section 21, Soi 28/6: Massage Place
Just one of the many massage places inside the market. It’s air-conditioned inside and very well priced – perfect for a quick foot massage in between browsing the alleys.

Use these stalls as starting points to explore different parts of the market. Have fun and enjoy this crazy Chatuchak experience!

Poppy xoxo

Chatuchak market guid Bangkok Thailand shopping

10 Best Places For Tacos In Mexico City

April 2, 2020March 18, 2021 ~ poppybling ~ 6 Comments

Tacos are synonymous with Mexican culture and are truly the lifeblood of Mexico City. They’re perfect for any occasion – breakfast food, lunchtime meal, social snack or a filling dinner. Here are some of my favourite taquerias in CDMX for every budget and taste.

1. Los Cocuyos

This small taco stand in Zocalo is a popular with locals and tourists alike. It became a tourist hotspot after Anthony Bourdain visited with his ‘No Reservations’ TV series, but it was already a popular local taqueria years before that. Los Cocuyos is open 24 hours a day, and the menu here has all sort of offals on offer – tongue, brains and gizzard etc. The tortillas here are the BEST I’ve ever tasted – they have an amazingly soft and buttery flavour/texture. My favourite filling here would be the campecheno (mixture of chorizo and beef). Since Los Cocuyos is literally just a hole in wall, you’ll watch the cooks prepare the fresh tacos and tend to the bubbling pots of meat while you stand and munch on your tacos. It doesn’t get any more authentic than this!

Calle de Bolívar 57, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

2. Los Especiales

Famous in Zocalo for their cheap and tasty basket tacos. There’s always a line of locals snaking outside the shop, so you know it must be good. Each taco is 7 pesos, which is very affordable by locals standards!

Av Francisco I. Madero 71, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

3. El Huequito

El Huequito has many franchises around México City, but this is no ordinary taco chain! You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think these are some of the best tacos al pastor in CDMX (me included). El Huequito is known for their flavourful meat marinade, crispy tacos al pastor and onions soaked in the dripping juices from the trompo. Be sure to order the pastor especial con queso – you’ll be treated to a mountain of freshly sliced al pastor meat covered in cheese, and around 10 tortillas to wrap into your own tacos. The sopa azteca here is also delicious. Come hungry.

Calle de Bolívar 58, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico (various other locations)

4. Orinoco

The decor at Orinoco gives me serious In-N-Out burger joint vibes, as does the simple but well-executed menu. You can except a long (but quick) line for this restaurant in Roma Norte. People go crazy for their chicharron tacos, and they have vegetarian options as well.

Av. Insurgentes Sur 253, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

5. El Tizoncito

A busy casual indoor-outdoor restaurant in La Condesa. El Tizoncito say they are the original creators of tacos al pastor… not sure how true this is but their tacos al pastor are definitely delicious! They have the trompo out in the centre of the restaurant, and great little condiment stands on each table with salsas, corn chips and beans. There are English menus and semi-English speaking staff for us non-Spanish speakers, which really helps the experience. They are open until 3:30am everyday, and have a full menu of soups, huaraches etc. as well as their tacos.

Av. Tamaulipas 122, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

6. El Vilsito

Mechanic shop by day, popular taqueria by night, El Vilsito is a casual nighttime dining spot out in the suburbs. The place was recently featured on the Netflix show ‘Taco Chronicles’, which has only added to the late night crowds visiting for a feast.

Av. Universidad, Narvarte Poniente, Benito Juárez, 03020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

7. El Pescadito

Seafood tacos are hard to come by in CDMX, but El Pescadito have great options and are known for their fish tacos. Their self-serve condiment bar has all the sauces and salsas you could ever want. You’ll only need a maximum of 3 tacos to fill you up – they’re large and filling, especially after adding your salads and pickles! I found the fried fish tacos here delicious.

Independencia 57, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico (various other locations)

8. Rico’s Tacos de Guisado

This local taco stand specialises in a variety of stewed meat and vegetable tacos. The vendors travel hours from the Mexican countryside everyday to man their stand. There are lots of street stands around town with questionable hygiene, but this one is known to be fairly clean. Their chile relleno tacos are unique and flavourful.

Av. Morelos 1, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

9. Taquería González

A local standing-room-only shop serving large tacos full of hearty toppings. You can get fillings like slow-cooked potatoes and cactus on your tacos here, which makes them very substantial. Despite being a hole-in-the-wall shop, Taqueria Gonzalez is known for salsas full of complex flavours. Definitely something different from the usual tacos you see around CDMX.

Calle López 100, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

10. Taqueria El Greco

A hole-in-the-wall taqueria in La Condesa. It’s right around the corner from Parque México, so if it’s busy and you can’t get a table (which is fairly common) you can always order takeaway and have a picnic in the park. Doneraky is the most popular order here (meat with corn tortilla)

Av Michoacán 54, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Poppy xoxo

Want more Mexico City inspiration? Read my Complete Guide to Grutas Tolantango Hot Springs, Mexico.