Mexico City has a little bit of magic for everyone from design enthusiasts, dedicated foodies, or art aficionados - it’s clear to see why it’s a rising hotspot for global travelers in recent years. Here are our recommendations and insider tips for a meaningful & unforgettable trip that will spark your creativity & ignite your senses.

Don’t have time to read? Here are the highlights:

• Eat your way through the hip foodie scene in Roma & Condesa
• Visit a Luis Barragan Home: Casa Gilardi, Casa Estudio Luis Barragan, Casa Pedregal
• Take a step into the home & studio of Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera (Casa Estudio Frida Kahlo)
• Float through Xochimilco at sunrise with Arca Tierra
• Stay in a beautifully designed boutique hotel like Nima Loca House for an intimate experience
• Marvel at artifacts from the Aztec world in the Anthropology Museum (and its architecture)
• Disconnect to reconnect in the mineral pools of Grutas Tolantongo on a day trip
• Peruse El Bazar Sabado - an impressive & upscale artisanal market in the charming San Angel neighborhood
• Escape the city and reset in Tepoztlan, a “Pueblo Magico” just one hour outside the city

To fully indulge in the aesthetic wonders of Mexico City, we recommend bedding up in one of the boutique design hotels below. All are located in the charming and walkable neighborhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa.

Condesa DF (Condesa): Condesa DF pairs Art Deco architecture with contemporary design, featuring airy interiors, bold geometric patterns, and a rooftop oasis with stunning views of Condesa’s lush parks.

Nima Local House (Roma): A 1920’s townhouse turned into a dreamy 4-room hideaway in the heart of Roma Norte.

Ignacia Guest House (Roma): Ignacia Guest House blends modern elegance with historic charm, offering a boutique stay in the heart of Mexico City.

Casa 9 Condesa (Condesa): Casa 9 Boutique Hotel offers an intimate retreat with timeless design and personalized hospitality in the vibrant heart of Condesa.

Eating your way through Mexico City is a MUST. These dining spots reflect Mexico City’s vibrant food culture and often showcase artisanal techniques:

Breakfast & Cafes

• Odette: French & Mexican blended pastries with a charming coffee window.
• Eno: A casual eatery by renowned Chef Enrique Olvera. Known for its fresh, seasonal offerings and focus on simplicity and quality.
• Panaderia Rosetta: One of Mexico City’s most famous bakeries by Chef Elena Reygadas. It is known for its buttery guava rolls and artisanal pastries with Mexican flavors.
• Farmacia Internacional: A retro-inspired café with vintage charm.

Lunch

• Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre: This restaurant has no menu - but each dish is a celebration of corn in its purest form. Features traditional masa-based dishes prepared in an open kitchen.
• Mari Gold: An inviting café blending Indian and Mexican flavors. Known for bold, creative dishes with spice-forward profiles and recognized by Michelin Guide.
• Contramar: Known for its pescado a la talla and vibrant atmosphere inspired by coastal Mexico.
• Tetelan: A design-forward restaurant housed in a former horse stable turned cultural center. Combines innovative cuisine with a focus on sustainability and culture.
  

Dinner

• Botanico: A lush, garden-like space with a focus on natural wine and fresh, vegetable-forward dishes.
• Maximo: A farm-to-table restaurant offering dishes inspired by seasonal local ingredients.
• Quintonil: Renowned for elevating traditional Mexican ingredients into high art. A celebration of local, sustainable produce with innovative techniques.
• Masala y Maiz: An inventive fusion of Indian, Kenyan, and Mexican cuisines. Showcases unique cross-cultural dishes with bold spices and vibrant flavors.
  

Drinks

• Salon Palomilla: A modern cantina offering creative takes on Mexican classics. Features seasonal ingredients and a curated cocktail menu.
• Taverna: A hidden gem perfect for a romantic cocktail hour.
• Hanky Panky Speakeasy: A secret cocktail bar with a stylish, vintage vibe. Specializes in expertly crafted, innovative drinks in a hidden location (true speakeasy).

Globally recognized artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and architects like Luis Barragan and Javier Senosian have called Mexico City home and left their mark on the vibrant art scene. There are several remarkable buildings still standing, like the home and studio of Frida Kahlo, which you can visit.

Here are our recommendations for exploring the city through architecture and design:

Visit a Luis Barragagan Home:

• Casa Luis Barragan: Barragán's personal home and studio, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
• Casa Pedregal: A pink private home built on a bed on natural volcanic rock.
• Casa Gilardi: The last work of Luis Barragan in Mexico City.

Experience the imagination of Javier Senosian:

• Parque Quezalcoatl: A fantastical park that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
• Conjunto Satélite: A four-home housing complex that perfectly exemplifies Organic Architecture.
  

Step into the studio of Frida Kahlo:

• Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo in San Angel: the home and studio of Deigo Rivera and Frida Kahlo
• Casa Azul: the personal home of Frida Kahlo located in Coyoacan 
  Get inspired at a few museums and galleries.
• Museo Anahuacalli: A striking volcanic stone structure envisioned by Diego Rivera. It houses a vast collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and celebrates Mexican heritage.
• JO-HS Gallery: A contemporary art gallery showcasing innovative and thought-provoking works. Focuses on emerging and established Mexican and international artists.
• MASA Galeria: One of Mexico City’s leading contemporary art galleries. Features cutting-edge exhibitions from world-renowned and local artists.
• Lago Algo: A multidisciplinary cultural space overlooking Chapultepec Lake. Hosts exhibitions, events, and a café, fostering creative exchange.
• Anthropology Museum: An iconic architectural landmark in Mexico City. Home to Mexico’s most significant archaeological treasures, including the Aztec Sun Stone.