An Insider’s Guide To Mexico City Guide

To say that Mexico City is up-and-coming in the world of fashion, architecture, and art would be an understatement. From the moment you touch down, Mexico City instantly captures your imagination; sprawling urban views and shady colonial streets hint at the endless possibilities for exploration. Exuding complex cultural history and modern-youthful energy, Mexico City's renowned design and culinary scenes go far beyond what we can capture in our short guide. The next time you plan a trip for design inspiration, look no further—the colorful walls and rich history are the perfect backdrop. -Jojo Metcalf

Where TO STAY

The best way to experience CDMX like a local is to stay in an Airbnb. Preferably one that looks nondescript from the outside and explodes with style once inside. Here are two suggestions located in the Colonia Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, known for their unique mix of colonial architecture, modern design gems, history, and shopping.

If you are a die-hard hotel traveler, Octavia Casa offers the same intimate and stylish experience as an Airbnb. Staying at Casa Teo unlocks access to the calm and posh Polanco neighborhood as well as being a project of famed CDMX chef Enrique Olvera. Your stay promises to be a culinary experience in itself.

WHERE TO EAT

Speaking of culinary experiences, Mexico City is a foodie’s paradise. If you are an adventurous eater, order a torta de milanesa or tacos de sudadero from one of the popular street food stands that grace almost every block of the city. The freshest juice you have ever had can be found on the street as well! Don’t be afraid to buy your morning OJ (or any other juice you can imagine for that matter) from your local juicer.

Casa Virginia: When it comes to upscale Mexican dining Casa Virginia offers old-school elegance, superb service, and the satisfying meal to match. It's best to book in advance and dedicate a few hours for the ultimate dining experience.

Tacos from Antolina: For authentic, upscale Mexican food try Antolina, which calls itself a tribute to the women of Mexican cuisine and draws inspiration from the Oaxaca region, which is often considered the region with the most delicious culinary history and traditions. If you’re an adventurous traveler, we strongly recommend diving head first into the most authentic dishes, such as the guacamole with grasshoppers and any dish featuring mole.

The reality is you cannot go wrong eating your way through Mexico City. Try Martínez for a high quality, casual, neighborhood spot and the best spicy margarita in town. Or try your luck at Contramar to enjoy what has long been considered the very best of CDMX’s culinary scene.

WHAT TO SEE

To get a sense of exactly how complex and impressive the history of the region is, you have to visit Teotihuacán. Located about an hour outside CDMX’s city center, this archeological site is beyond expansive and features multiple ancient avenues and pyramids. The origin of this Mesoamerican city remains somewhat mysterious, having been dubbed “the Birthplace of the Gods” by the Aztecs, who discovered it completely abandoned. Pack plenty of water and devote a large chunk of time to truly appreciate the historical significance of this incredible site!

La Casa Azul and Frida Kahlo Museum: For art lovers, the city has endless possibilities for entertaining and educational activities. Visit the Diego Riviera murals at the Mexico City National Palace to be wowed (for free) by Riviera’s interpretation of Mexican history and politics. Similarly, the Casa Azul is worth the hype! At what was Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera’s home, visitors today can appreciate Frida Kahlo’s studio in its original state, her iconic corset and outfits, as well as an impressive collection of her pieces. While visiting the Southern part of the city, pop into the Coyoacán and San Angel neighborhoods to appreciate these artsy areas and discover their Sunday art markets.

Casa Orgánica: If you are more of an architecture and interior design person than a visual arts aficionado, head over to the Casa Orgánica. This truly spectacular home designed by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain is a testament to the robust design culture in Mexico. Opened to the public in 2020, the home has been featured in Vogue and continues to capture the imagination of stylish people worldwide.

To add some extra excitement to your night out in CDMX, start your evening at Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico. The kitschy Mexican wrestling is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and often attended by locals as a “pre” before hitting the discotecas.

WHERE TO SHOP

We would be remiss to leave out the incredible shopping in CDMX. From vintage to contemporary designer, these are the places you cannot miss as a shopaholic visiting the city.

Aazár Studio: For a Gen-Z eye and an impeccably curated collection of vintage, visit Aazár Studio. Shopping is by appointment only, but worth this extra effort to experience the design sensibilities of the space and collection.

Amy Boutique: For the hottest finds right now, go to Amy. Not only does this small boutique boast the latest from contemporary designers, but it is nestled in an architectural masterpiece. Located on an upper floor of a colonial mansion renovated to feature stunning modern additions, such as a spiral staircase, this is the epitome of bougie CDMX shopping.

The best way to shop in CDMX is to wander around Colonia Roma. Hit neighborhood spots such as 180 Shop, a hole in the wall find featuring wearable Mexican design, or Goodbyefolk, a four-story thrifting-lovers paradise.