The City Column: What To Do In Mexico City
Planning a Mexico City itinerary?
Mexico’s capital city is flush with vibrant, creative energy, seen in its cool shops, booming gallery scene and award-winning restaurants. Lace up your walking shoes to explore during the day, then put your feet up at a chic hotel when you call it a night. Read on for our Mexico City itinerary!
Where to Stay:
New: Colima 71
Designed by Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, this boutique hotel is just two blocks from the Museo del Objeto del Objeto, a museum dedicated to design, communication and popular culture. Colima 71 boasts minimalist furniture in its common spaces, creating a perfect backdrop for exciting art including photography by Iñaki Bonillas and sculpture by Darío Escobar.
Colima 71, Roma Nte.
Classic: Condesa DF
This 40-room boutique property is across the street from popular Mexico City green space Parque España and features custom-designed contemporary furniture that juxtaposes the building’s century-old neoclassical heritage. All rooms have an outdoor space — patio, balcony or terrace — perfect for a morning coffee.
Av. Veracruz 102, Roma Nte.
Where to Eat:
New: Aúna
Launched by the team behind award-winning Quintonil, this resto features a menu of expertly prepared, modern Mexican dishes. Devour starters like fresh oysters and aguachile, and heartier mains including slow-roasted chicken with tzatziki and masala salsa.
Anatole France 139, Polanco
Classic: Contramar
A sun-filled spot with a plethora of fresh seafood options, from grilled fish to sashimi to tacos to crudo. Reservations are hard to come by; to avoid long lineups, opt for an early lunch or dinner.
Calle de Durango 200, Roma Nte.
What to See:
New: König Mexico City
The Berlin gallery recently opened this outpost, its first in the Americas. The intimate setting features exhibitions from both established and local emerging artists. Shows typically last one month, so seize the opportunity for a visit.
Calle Yautepec 111, Col. Condesa
New: Mariane Ibrahim Mexico City
Mariane Ibrahim has opened her third gallery, this one dedicated to African artists and their cultural legacies. Past exhibitions have featured contemporary work by Afro-Brazilian creatives.
Río Pánuco 36, Col. Renacimiento
Classic: Museo Soumaya
This museum’s Plaza Carso location is worth a visit just for its architecture. Designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero and co-engineered by Frank Gehry, the building wows with its fluid shape and swooping lines. Discover pieces from the Old Masters as well as the avant-garde set.
Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada
Classic: Museo Nacional de Antropología
It’s best to arrive early at Mexico City’s largest museum to beat the crowds. Find an incredible collection of statues, masks and ceramics from pre-Colombian civilizations, and much more.
Av. Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi s/n, Col. Chapultepec, Polanco
New: Originario
This home store does double duty as an exhibition space for emerging Mexican designers. Andrés Gutiérrez’ curated offering is equal parts fun and functional. Explore kitchenware, objects and fixtures inspired by traditional Mexican symbols and motifs.
Colima 249 B, Roma Nte.
Classic: Utilitario Mexicano
Perfectly useful and expertly crafted, the collection at Utilitario Mexicano is all about homeware staples. Keep an eye out for the artisan-crafted hammered copper serveware.
Calle Marsella 3a, Col. Juárez