The capital city of Mexico is an intriguing mix of history and modernity, with cultural and architectural remnants of its Aztec heritage mixed in with Art Nouveau mansions and Neoclassical palaces. Hip neighborhoods like Condesa and Colonia Roma, known for their Art Deco architecture, are now home to an eclectic mix of shops, galleries and restaurants. Whether it’s local artisan-made goods or high-end luxury products you’re looking for, there’s plenty of both to be found in the city’s plethora of markets and boutiques. And there’s no dearth of museums either, where one can go to soak up the culture of both past and present—Mexico City is home to over 150 museums spanning centuries of art and history. In short, it’s a city where one can never get bored.
SHOP
Yakampot: This label by designer Francisco Cancino is known for its pared-down pieces that are handmade by indigenous artisans across the country. Romantic details meet sleek silhouettes with this line of womenswear, which includes minimalist jackets, pleated blouses and ruffled dresses. With several locations in Mexico City, you don't have to worry about missing out.
http://www.yakampot.com/index.html
Roma Quince: This concept store housed in an old restored mansion in the city’s hipster Roma neighborhood carries local fashion, home and accessories labels like Daniela Bustos Maya and Bindilou.
Medellín 67, Colonia Roma; +52-5552078682
Daniela Bustos Maya
Common People: This three-story concept store in a 1940s mansion carries everything from vintage furniture to jewelry to clothing (by a mix of local and international labels).
Emilio Castelar 149, Polanco; +52-5552810800
Lago DF: Founded by Regina Barrios, the designer behind jewelry label Ishi, and Alessandro Cerutti of accessories label Boca MMXII, this store features their own designs as well as other local labels from around Mexico.
Lago DF
Ishi 'Cruces' bracelet
Canamiel: This boutique stocks brands from across Mexico, Brazil and Argentina—think beautiful prints from designer Sandra Weil, sleek jewelry by Cristina Ramella, and colorful sandals by Frida Peralta.
Park Plaza - Av. Javier Barros Sierra 540, Santa Fe; +52-5552923869
Sandra Weil SS '17 via Cana Miel
Onora: This boutique, owned by New Yorker Maggie Galton and Mexico City native Maria Eladia Hagerman, is full of handcrafted homewares, bed and table linens, and accessories.
Lope de Vega 330, Polanco; +52-5552030938
Carla Fernandez: This designer uses local textiles and Mexican embroidery to create chic, contemporary clothing.
http://carlafernandez.com/en/stores/
El Bazaar Sabado: This Saturday market in an 18th century colonial house is full of local artisans with handcrafted products.
La Lagunilla Market: One of the largest markets in the city, it’s divided into three sections: clothing, furniture and food. On Sundays, you can expect to find an increased number of vendors, as well as antiques dealers.
Near Metro Lagunilla
VISIT
Chapultepec Park: Within the confines of this city park, one of the largest in the world, you’ll find a zoo, the botanical gardens, several lakes, museums, and even a castle.
Bosque de Chapultepec
Museo Nacional de Antropologia: Learn about the history and culture of Mexico at this museum (located within Chapultepec Park), which is full of artifacts and archeological finds from the country’s pre-Columbian days.
Museo Soumaya: This museum spans over six centuries of art, from the European Old Masters to 19th-century Mexican art to the Surrealists.
http://www.soumaya.com.mx/index.php/esp
Palacio de Bellas Artes: This stunning Neoclassical building is home to a lively cultural center that hosts events spanning art, music, dance and theater.
http://www.palacio.bellasartes.gob.mx/
Museo Frida Kahlo: The Mexican icon’s home has been converted into a museum housing some of her most famous works. Some of the rooms, such as the colorful dining room and kitchen, have been carefully preserved, with her personal possessions still in place.
http://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/
Museo Jumex: Devoted to contemporary art, this museum houses works by artists like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.
https://www.fundacionjumex.org/en
EAT
Fonda Margarita: On the hunt for a traditional Mexican breakfast? Look no further than this bustling spot. Choose from a variety of guisados (aka stews cooked over charcoal) paired with an order of huevos con frijoles and tortillas. Note: this spot is open for breakfast only.
Adolfo Prieto 1364, Tlacoquemecatl del Valle, 03100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Contramar: One of the city’s buzziest restaurants, this is the spot to pick for a long, leisurely lunch. Fresh seafood is the specialty here, so you’ll find dishes like tuna steak, octopus tacos, and shrimp and arugula salad.
Maximo Bistrot Local: The menu at this casual restaurant changes daily, so expect the freshest ingredients in dishes like rib of beef with mushroom ragout, lobster ravioli, and sweet potato cheesecake.
Calle Tonala 133, Colonia Roma; +52-5552644291
El Parnita: This charming open-air restaurant specializes in small plates like tacos, tortas and quesadillas. Insider tip: try their michelada!
Yucatan 84, Colonia Roma; +52-5552647551
Lalo!: Head to this cheerful spot for a leisurely breakfast—French toast, Croque Madame, acai bowls and more.
STAY
Casa Comtesse: This 1943-mansion-turned-B&B is every bit as charming as you'd expect. Comprised of just eight rooms, the experience of staying at the Casa Comtesse is an intimate one, with breakfast served daily at a communal table so you can get to know your fellow guests.
Av. Benjamín Franklin 197, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
http://www.casacomtesse.com/
Downtown Mexico: This boutique 17-room hotel mixes colonial-style architecture with contemporary, local elements. Take your meal or drinks outdoors at the beautiful breakfast patio and rooftop bar.
http://www.downtownmexico.com/
Hotel Condesa DF: Bohemian meets minimalism at this chic hotel housed in a historic building that dates back to 1928.
Las Alcobas: This 35-room hotel is sleek, modern and tranquil, and is also home to two contemporary Mexican restaurants, Anatol and Dulce Patria, the latter of which was voted one of Latin America’s 50 best restaurants in 2016.