Every corner of Mexico City is full of secrets and great stories. Such is the case of the Federal neighborhood, which is characterized because its streets form an enormous spider’s web. However, that is just the preamble.
The phrase “before all this was countryside” takes on special meaning when it comes to this area of Mexico City. The Federal neighborhood, as well as the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and other areas, were part of the well-known Balbuena plains. These were very extensive lands where, by the way, the first flights were made in the city.
Originally, the land now occupied by the colony was to be used for other purposes. They wanted to turn it into a cemetery and even a prison; projects that did not prosper. Later, the idea arose to make a colony that would be inhabited exclusively by federal government workers.
This idea also failed to materialize; however, much remains of it. Each of the streets bears the name of a government agency, even the center is called Plaza del Ejecutivo. As you walk through it you will see the Comptroller’s Office, Supreme Court of Justice, Agriculture and Congress, just to mention a few.
What to do in Colonia Federal
It is a small neighborhood but has a lot to offer. To get there you just have to get off at the Metro station Hangares (Line 5), Boulevard Puerto Aéreo or Gómez Farias (Line 1) and walk a bit. All the streets will lead you to the center of the neighborhood: the Plaza del Ejecutivo.
Here you will find a small park with a court, a Poliforum where artistic and cultural activities, games and a library are held. One of the main attractions is that you can sit on one of the benches to watch the planes arriving at the AICM.
You may be wondering what to eat in Colonia Federal. One of the most famous establishments in the colony is Aerotortas. It is a place where you will find both traditional cakes and special editions. Their star dishes are the torta de flautas and their flautas de milanesa, which are enough to appease even the fiercest hunger, as they come well-stocked. They are located at 233 Procuraduría General de Justicia Street.
It’s important to get hungry, because it’s not the only thing you’ll find. Around the Plaza del Ejecutivo there are several food stores. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for hamburgers, chilaquiles, barbacoa, carnitas or tacos; there you will find what you are looking for.
As you go deeper into the neighborhood you will find more places, such as a cereal bar at Comisión Nacional Agraria 41 or The Big Corner (Economía 81), where you can enjoy aguachiles, shrimp, cocktails and even a seafood tower.
Planes and more planes
The past of this neighborhood has a lot to do with airplanes and to date it has remained so, as it is home to several aviation schools. Also on the edge of the colony is Skyline, a cafeteria that gives you an incredible view of the airport. You can watch the planes take off from the AICM from a very close distance.