Welcome to Mexico City, where the weather is temperate,the museums are bucket-list-worthy and good food can be found on every corner. Warm-weather lovers, art enthusiasts and dedicated foodies are flocking to this hip urban centre—and with good reason: The buzzy Mexican capital has it all. Here are just a few of the best places to stay, shop, dine and explore.

STAY

CASA POLANCO – This boutique hotel—located in the posh
Polanco neighbourhood—feels more like a visit to your artsy friend’s stylish home. There are only 19 guest rooms, which contributes to the intimate, homey feel, and they have all of the amenities of a luxury hotel. Details like 600-thread-count Egyptian-cotton sheets, marble-clad bathrooms with luxury toiletries from local perfumery Xinú and a turndown service that comes with chocolate truffles elevate the experience. The property also has a plant-adorned veranda (where guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast), a fully equipped gym, terraces overlooking Lincoln Park and a cozy library. But what truly sets this spot apart is the service, which includes
coffee, tea and snacks delivered to your door each morning and free garment pressing.

Casa Polanco

EAT & DRINK

SAMOS SABORES MIOS – Go to this restaurant—on the 38th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City—for the panoramic views; stay for the hearty yet upscale food. Grab an outdoor table and order the Huevos Chapultepec Divorciados (a breakfast dish that includes eggs, tortillas and a signature sauce) with a latte or freshly pressed green juice to start the day.

CONTRAMAR – This culinary haven, from esteemed chef Gabriela Cámara (whom you may have seen on Netflix’s Iron Chef or in the 2019 documentary A Tale of Two Kitchens), attracts both locals and visitors for its vibrant seafood creations. The menu is filled with fresh daily-caught fish and shellfish dishes, from tuna tostadas with chipotle mayo and crispy leeks to a simple pasta tossed in butter with mussels. Securing a table can be a challenge, so book in advance.

BAR LAS BRUJAS – Mixology meets history at this all-women operated bar. The ever-changing seasonal menu is inspired by Mexican herbalism and features cocktails named for notable Latin American women activists. Take the Abeja, for example, which is made with mezcal, raspberry coulis, coconut milk and honey; it’s a salute to Guadalupe Vázquez Luna of the pacifist activist group Las Abejas. Many of the bar’s ingredients—think yellow jasmine and macambo cacao—have historically been used by brujas (Spanish for “witches”) for their healing properties, adding to this venue’s moody ambience.

Xinú Perfumes

SHOP

LOOSE BLUES – Tucked away in the trendy Roma Norte area,
this eclectic boutique offers locally sourced vintage clothing, Japanese bags and plenty of fun knick-knacks. But Loose Blues is so much more than a store. Just like you would at a cool speakeasy (but without the secrecy, as the owners proudly tout the hybrid hot spot), you can ascend a discreetly positioned staircase near the back of the property to step into a charming Japanese-Mexican fusion eatery. Sip on sake, dine on comforting udon carbonara and, if you’re feeling adventurous, get a tattoo from the spot’s dedicated artist.

PROYECTO RUFINA – This boho-chic store stands out for its selection of home decor and clothing by Mexican artisans. Discover a treasure trove of glassware, ceramics and candles—think terracotta incense burners and wavy hand-dipped wax pillars—that are both trendy and timeless. The minimalist clothing fits the vibe just as well; try on billowy cotton dresses and A-line linen skirts in neutrals like beiges, soft pinks and sage greens.

XINÚ PERFUMES – Upon entering the lobby of this perfumery, you’re greeted by a sunlit display of elegant fragrance bottles and lush greenery. Head farther inside and you’ll discover a dark staircase that leads guests to a large room where they can indulge in the brand’s full sensorial experience. In it, there’s a large table divided into five sections, each representing one of Xinú’s signature scents. Meaningful books, raw materials (like vanilla bean and wood) and circular vessels with samples of perfume at different stages (when it’s first sprayed and 24 hours after spritzing, for example) are on display, giving visitors an idea of the various elements that go into creating each fragrance. Guests can also immerse themselves in the serene garden area where the brand grows plants for its wares. In addition to perfumes, there are home products like toiletries, candles and incense—all of which make this a must-visit location for scent aficionados.

Eat Like A Local (Jamaica Market)

DO

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA – The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City’s spa menu offers both classic services, like deep-tissue massage, and singular treatments influenced by Aztec practices. Massages like the Metzli Cleansing Ritual and the Awakening Ceremony are inspired by the lunar phases and incorporate elements like sage, anointing oil and jade to rejuvenate the body and mind. After your treatment, have a cup of tea in the sitting room, enjoy the wet and dry saunas or spend some time in the pool area, which has views of Chapultepec Park (one of the largest urban parks in the country) and El Ángel de la Independencia, a historical monument honouring Mexico’s War of Independence.

TAMAYO MUSEUM – This small yet thoughtfully curated contemporary art museum is perfect for those who value quality over quantity. While it’s small compared to mainstream attractions like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Anthropology Museum, the international and national exhibitions pack an emotional punch. Also memorable are the stunning large-scale flower installations in the lobby and regular performances by local musicians.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL FOOD TOUR – A trip here isn’t complete without a visit to a local market. Enter Eat Like a Local, a woman-owned ethical walking tour known for its guides’ unrivalled expertise and its community-first initiatives (such as supporting local education-accessibility programs). The tour takes you through two must-visit markets in Mexico City: La Merced, the city’s largest market, and Jamaica Market, which is known for its exquisite array of flowers. Sample savoury tacos, sweet conchas, mezcal and more with 19 different tastings that are designed to convey the essence of Mexico.

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