If you’re visiting Mexico City…
In November of 2023, I spent ten days what would become one of my favorite cities I have ever visited, Mexico City.
During my stay, I found the best way to experience the vibrant city in the mountains is by walking the streets and going where your eye takes you. But, if you need recommendations, here are some of my favorite stores, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites in The City of Palaces.
BARS/FOOD
La Clandestina
If you’re looking for a quick spot to sit and enjoy food/drink La Clandestina is the perfect place. With indoor and outdoor seating, La Clandestina has a charm that is apparent at first glance. My sister & I found outselves here twice during out stay, sipping peppery mezcals and chowing delicious bar food. Tucked between Roma Norte and Condesa, La Clandestina is a great launch pad setting off into Roma Norte for a night out.
Panaderia Rosetta
Though very touristy, Panaderia Rosetta is worth the hype. I was wary due to the number of people lining the sidewalk outside the restaurant, but I can assure you the pastries live up to their promise. Smack in the middle of Roma Norte, Panaderia Rosetta is a great midday pitstop to fuel up for the rest of your excursion through the gallery-packed neighborhood. We didn’t get to eat at the sister restaurant, but their almond croissant is more than enough to satisfy.
Lorea
Lorea is a tasty alternative if you can’t secure a reservation at the renowned Pujol. The tasting menu takes you throughout Mexico as you palate quintessential flavors alongside reimagined classic flavors. If possible, I recommend sitting at the bar in front of the kitchen so you can get a glimpse into the belly of the beast. The food is plated right under your nose & the chefs are happy to give insight into what goes into each course. A reservation isn't cheap, but the experience is worth every penny. Every dish was delicious and built perfectly on the previous offering. There’s also a cozy bar downstairs for those who want to extend the night.
PARTYS
Sunday Sunday
Tucked at the end of an indiscreet alley of a lively mercado, you’ll find an elevator that takes you directly to a party on top of the city. Sunday Sunday, a club that is only open on it’s namesake day. The two-level club features two dance floors boasting panoramic views of El Centro on its patios. Flanked by mountains that touch the clouds, the views from the decks outside of Sunday Sunday are on another level. Although the landscape is breathtaking, let’s not forget that we’re at a party here; a damned good one. In service of a diverse crowd of partygoers, Sunday Sunday hosts a roster of DJs that changes weekly, showcasing talended artists from various countries around the globe. @Sundaysundaymx on IG.
Patrick Miller
Only open on Friday nights, Patrick Miller is for those who love to move. The two-level club is straight out of an 80’s film with a massive dance floor packed with people of all ages. I had a blast leaning over the balcony above, watching as groups of regulars broke out their coordinated dance moves to various disco hits. The club looks unsuspecting from outside, but once you enter the massive warehouse door, you will find yourself in the middle of the dance party.
SHOPPING
Cruda Cruda
The showroom for Cruda Cruda is gorgeous. After ringing the doorbell and stepping off the street, you enter Cruda Crudas world. The store doubles as a workshop, wherein locals create sustainable, upcycled shoes. After marveling at the selection of some of the most unique and fun footwear I've ever held, my sister and I got a look behind the curtain and learned a bit about the process. Using recycled materials such as old tires, the workers create a hopeful atmosphere where flowers grow from cracks in the road. @cruda_cruda on IG.
Erre Vintage
While in CDMX, I tried my best to steer clear of American vintage, but it didn’t work in my favor. While walking Roma Norte, my sister and I came across the mecca that is Erre Vintage & I must have combed through every rack. Leaning into tattoo and motorcycle influence, the boutique has better American Vintage than many stores I’ve been to in the US. Between three rooms, Erre Vintage offers garments that have aged with exceptional grace. @errevintage on IG.
Loose Blues
Loose Blues served all of my primal desires while in CDMX. Curated vintage goods, food and drink, and a tattoo shop to top it off, Loose Blues is a place where you lose track of time. In their showroom on the first floor, the concept store highlights local Mexican designers, high-quality Japanese garments, and choice vintage from The States. I loved the curation in this shop. I ended with a beautiful ripstop modular North Face shirt, which I still haven’t been able to ID. @Loose_blues on IG.
Hi-Bye
I was aware of Hi-Bye before my trip to CDMX, & it lived up to the reviews. Located in vibrant Roma Norte, Hi-Bye feels more like an art gallery than a retail store. The space features a blend of independent designers from Mexico and Latin America alongside punk-inspired vintage. Hi-Bye's curation is quirky. Many brands on sale experiment with shape and function, blending gender lines in the process. My sister and I got lost playing dress-up on the rainy night we visited.
ART/MISCELLANOUS
Casa Azul
Casa Azul is a time capsule. Left almost untouched by the visionary Diego Rivera, the museum gives an intimate look into the home the artist shared with the world-renowned Frida Khalo. The space is a bit eerie as you look over oil paints abandoned halfway through use, but extremely special nonetheless. The two-level home takes you on a journey through Kahlo's life, giving context to her entire journey as she took ownership of her life through her image and creations. I could have sat in the lush courtyard all day soaking in the energy left by the Mexican artists.
Gallery OMR
Gallery OMR was my favorite gallery that we visited. The space is beautiful. A lush back garden is on view from inside great vaulted ceilings. There was an abstract artist on display when we visited who used color in a random but calculated way. Upstairs was also a sight to admire with butterflies playing just outside the window and endless amounts of light.
Museo Antropologico
If you plan on visiting El Museo Antropologico, you should research first because this place is massive. Our only goal was to see Coalticue, a pre-Columbian statue buried by Europeans out of fear when they first arrived in Mexico, but we learned more than we could have imagined along the way. The layout of the exhibitions takes you through a chronological story of Mexico starting with the region's prehistoric roots and ending somewhere near the modern day. The artifacts on display require more than one day to admire.
Teotihuacan
The most stunning stop during our trip to CDMX was Teotihuacan. The Pre-Columbian archeological site transports you to another time when the gods ruled in direct relation to their subjects. While the actual reason this city exists is still a mystery even today, it is apparent while walking through the city center there was immense respect for those who ruled from above. Despite having a super informational tour guide, I could not shake a feeling of wonder while visiting Teotihuacan. The scale is immense, & the attention to detail is ever apparent. I left with an unfamiliar wonder. At Teotihuacan, the answers have been gone for hundreds of years.
Medellin Market
If you visit Mexico City and don’t stop at a mercado, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Mercados are like malls filled with fresh fruit, cheese, and meats of every variety. Far better than going to a grocery store & more worth your time. Grab yourself a fresh pressed juice while you’re there. You won’t regret it.
