Mexico City

March 7 – 16, 2026

Day 1 — Saturday, March 7: Arrival

Flight in, settle into Polanco, evening stroll

Morning

  • Flight AM495: Seattle (SEA) → Mexico City (MEX)

Afternoon

  • Arrive 5pm, taxi/Uber to hotel in Polanco
  • Check in and freshen up

Evening

  • Walk Avenida Presidente Masaryk, explore the neighborhood
  • Grocery run at Superama (Walmart Express), Avenida Homero 310 — open 24 hours
  • Dinner in Polanco — try Dulce Patria or a local spot

Day 2 — Sunday, March 8: Paseo de la Reforma & Centro Historico

Bike ride on Reforma, explore the historic center

Morning

  • Muevete en Bici — Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars for cyclists and pedestrians every Sunday 8am–2pm. Rent a bike (Ecobici) and ride the full stretch
  • Sights along the route: Angel de la Independencia, Diana Cazadora fountain, Monumento a la Revolucion, Bosque de Chapultepec, Chapultepec Castle

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Cafe de Tacuba in Centro Historico
  • Zocalo & Catedral Metropolitana
  • Palacio Nacional (Diego Rivera murals)
  • Templo Mayor ruins and museum
  • Walk down Calle Madero to Palacio de Bellas Artes

Evening

  • Museo Nacional de Antropologia (open until 5pm)
  • Dinner and mezcal tasting in Roma Norte

Day 3 — Monday, March 9: Work

Morning walk in Chapultepec, evening in Roma Norte

Morning

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning walk through Bosque de Chapultepec before work

Afternoon

  • Work — lunch break at Eno or Taqueria el Califa de Leon in Polanco

Evening

  • Explore Roma Norte — bookshops and cafes
  • Dinner at Rosetta or Lardo

Day 4 — Tuesday, March 10: Work

Lunch at Entremar, evening stroll along Avenida Amsterdam

Morning

  • Breakfast at hotel

Afternoon

  • Work

Evening

  • Walk Avenida Amsterdam loop in Condesa
  • Dinner at Azul Condesa
  • Drinks at a mezcal bar

Day 5 — Wednesday, March 11: Work

Fine dining evening — Pujol or Quintonil

Morning

  • Breakfast at hotel

Afternoon

  • Work

Evening

  • Dinner at Pujol or Quintonil in Polanco (reserve well in advance)

Day 6 — Thursday, March 12: Work

Entremar lunch, lucha libre and late-night tacos

Morning

  • Breakfast at hotel

Afternoon

  • Work — 1pm lunch reservation at Entremar in Condesa

Evening

  • Lucha libre at Arena Mexico
  • Late-night tacos at El Vilsito or Los Cocuyos

Day 7 — Friday, March 13: Work

Maximo Bistrot, rooftop drinks, Roma Norte shops

Morning

  • Breakfast at hotel

Afternoon

  • Work

Evening

  • 5pm reservation at Maximo Bistrot in Roma Norte
  • Rooftop drinks at Paramo
  • Browse shops in Roma Norte

Day 8 — Saturday, March 14: Grutas de Tolantongo

Canyon hot springs, cave pools, and cliffside thermal rivers

Morning

  • Early departure (~5am) — about 4 hours drive north to Hidalgo state
  • Arrive and head to the cave hot springs with waterfalls

Afternoon

  • Thermal river pools carved into the cliffside
  • Infinity-style pools overlooking the canyon
  • Lunch on-site — bring cash, no cards accepted

Evening

  • Depart mid-afternoon for the ~4 hour drive back
  • Late dinner in Polanco

Day 9 — Sunday, March 15: Coyoacan & Xochimilco

Frida Kahlo Museum, canal boats, farewell dinner

Morning

  • Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) — book tickets in advance
  • Explore Coyoacan market and town square
  • Lunch at Los Danzantes

Afternoon

  • Trajinera boat ride on Xochimilco canals

Evening

  • Farewell dinner in Roma Norte

Day 10 — Monday, March 16: Departure

Last morning, then fly home

Morning

  • Breakfast at a local cafe
  • Last-minute souvenir shopping
  • Head to MEX by noon

Afternoon

  • Flight AM494: Mexico City (MEX) 2:50pm → Seattle (SEA) 7:55pm

Notes

Top Sights

Historical & Archaeological Sites

Zocalo & Catedral Metropolitana

The main plaza of Mexico City and one of the largest public squares in the world. The adjacent cathedral, built over nearly 250 years, blends Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance styles. Explore the interior's ornate altars and the tilting foundation that reveals the city's sinking ground.

Palacio Nacional

The seat of the Mexican federal government, home to Diego Rivera's epic murals depicting Mexico's history from pre-Columbian times through the revolution. The Grand Staircase mural alone is worth the visit.

Templo Mayor

The excavated ruins of the main temple of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, discovered in 1978 right in the heart of the city. The adjacent museum houses over 7,000 artifacts including the massive stone disc of the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui.

Chapultepec Castle

The only royal castle in the Americas, perched atop Chapultepec Hill. Served as a residence for Emperor Maximilian I and later Mexican presidents. Stunning city views and a beautifully preserved interior with murals, period furniture, and the National History Museum.

Museums & Galleries

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

One of the world's great museums, covering Mesoamerican civilizations from the Olmec to the Aztec. The Aztec Sun Stone and the replica of Pakal's tomb from Palenque are highlights. Plan at least 3–4 hours; you could easily spend a full day.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

An Art Nouveau/Art Deco masterpiece that serves as Mexico's premier cultural center. Houses murals by Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros. Check the schedule for ballet, opera, or concerts in the stunning main hall.

Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

The cobalt-blue childhood home of Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan. Displays personal artifacts, some of her works, and the studio where she painted. One of the most-visited museums in Mexico City — book tickets online well in advance.

Museo Soumaya

Carlos Slim's free private museum in Polanco, housed in a striking aluminum-clad building designed by Fernando Romero. Over 66,000 works spanning 30 centuries, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside France.

Museo Tamayo

A modern art museum in Chapultepec Park focused on international contemporary art. Founded by Oaxacan painter Rufino Tamayo. Rotating exhibitions alongside works from Tamayo's personal collection including Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko.

MUAC

Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo, on the UNAM campus. Mexico's leading contemporary art space with ambitious rotating exhibitions. The striking building by Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon is a work of art itself.

Museo de El Carmen

A 17th-century former Carmelite monastery in San Angel with colonial-era religious art and beautifully preserved architecture. The crypt contains a famous collection of naturally mummified bodies.

Neighborhoods

Roma Norte

The bohemian heart of the city. Tree-lined streets, Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture, independent galleries, bookshops, and some of the city's best restaurants and bars.

Condesa

Adjacent to Roma, with a more residential, leafy feel. Avenida Amsterdam is a beautiful oval-shaped pedestrian path lined with cafes. Known for its parks (Parque Mexico, Parque Espana) and dog-friendly culture.

Coyoacan

A charming colonial-era neighborhood in the south of the city. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a lively town square. Home to the Frida Kahlo Museum and excellent food markets.

San Angel

An upscale colonial neighborhood known for its Saturday art bazaar at Plaza San Jacinto, elegant restaurants, and quiet cobblestone streets.

Polanco

The upscale district north of Chapultepec Park. High-end shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, fine dining, and major museums (Soumaya, Jumex). Mexico City's answer to Beverly Hills.

Parks & Nature

Bosque de Chapultepec

One of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere at over 680 hectares. Contains museums, a zoo, a botanical garden, lakes, and Chapultepec Castle. A green escape from the city that locals flock to on weekends.

Xochimilco

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of the city, known for its network of canals and colorful trajinera boats. Hire a boat and float past floating gardens (chinampas), mariachi bands, and food vendors on the water. Best on weekends.

Architecture & Libraries

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

A massive, futuristic public library designed by Alberto Kalach. Nicknamed the “Megabiblioteca,” its transparent walls, hanging shelving units, and a whale skeleton sculpture by Gabriel Orozco make it one of the most photogenic libraries in the world. Free entry.

UNAM Campus

The main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Central Library covered in mosaic murals by Juan O'Gorman, the volcanic rock landscape of the Espacio Escultorico, and murals by Siqueiros on the Rectory Tower.

Entertainment & Experiences

Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico

Mexican professional wrestling in its spiritual home. The colorful masks, acrobatic moves, crowd energy, and theatrical rivalries make this an unforgettable night out. Friday nights are the main event.

Day Trips

Teotihuacan

The massive pre-Aztec archaeological site about 50 km northeast of the city. Features the Pyramid of the Sun (third-largest pyramid in the world), the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Avenue of the Dead. Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat. About 1 hour by car.

Tepoztlan

A magical pueblo about 1.5 hours south of the city, nestled in dramatic volcanic cliffs. Climb the Tepozteco pyramid perched on a mountaintop for stunning valley views. The town has a lively weekend market, excellent street food, and a laid-back bohemian atmosphere.

Grutas de Tolantongo

A stunning canyon hot springs complex about 4 hours north of the city in Hidalgo state. Thermal river pools carved into the cliffside, cave hot springs with waterfalls, and infinity-style pools overlooking the canyon. Worth an overnight stay. Bring cash.

Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa

One of the largest cave systems in the world, about 2.5 hours southwest of the city. Guided tours take you through enormous caverns with dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Often combined with a visit to the nearby underground river at Dos Bocas.

Grutas de la Estrella

A cave system about 2 hours south of the city near Tonatico. Features an underground boat ride through illuminated caverns with striking rock formations reflected in still water. Nearby thermal pools at Ixtapan de la Sal make for a good combo trip.

Val'Quirico

A Tuscan-inspired village about 2 hours east of the city in Tlaxcala. Cobblestone streets, craft breweries, wine bars, artisan shops, and restaurants. A fun, low-key day trip for food and shopping, especially on weekends.

Puebla

Mexico's fourth-largest city, about 2 hours east. Famous for mole poblano, chiles en nogada, and Talavera pottery. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful colonial architecture, the ornate Capilla del Rosario, and the Great Pyramid of Cholula on the outskirts.

Food Guide by Neighborhood

Roma Norte

Top Restaurants

  • Contramar — The city's most iconic seafood lunch spot. The grilled whole fish painted half red, half green is the signature. Tuna tostadas are a must. Lunch only; reserve ahead.
  • Rosetta — Chef Elena Reygadas' acclaimed Italian-Mexican restaurant in a gorgeous Roma mansion. Handmade pastas, seasonal dishes, and incredible bread.
  • Lardo — Mediterranean-meets-Mexican from the Rosetta team. Wood-fired dishes, excellent natural wine list, and a beautiful courtyard.
  • Maximo Bistrot — Chef Eduardo Garcia's farm-to-table bistro with a daily-changing menu based on what's fresh at market. Reserve ahead.
  • Paramo — Rooftop mezcal bar and restaurant with creative Mexican small plates. Great for evening drinks with a view.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Tacos Orinoco — Fast, excellent tacos de chicharron prensado and gobernador. Always a line, always worth it.
  • El Vilsito — A mechanic shop by day, legendary taco stand by night (opens ~8pm). Pastor, suadero, and longaniza tacos.
  • Panaderia Rosetta — Elena Reygadas' bakery. Guava croissants, conchas, and the famous role de canela.
  • Mercado Roma — A modern, curated food hall with dozens of stalls offering everything from craft beer to sushi to traditional Mexican dishes.
  • Taqueria El Greco — No-frills corner taqueria with excellent al pastor and cheap beer.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe Nin — Beautiful specialty coffee shop with excellent pastries, run by the Rosetta group.
  • Quentin Cafe — Cozy spot popular with remote workers. Good espresso and light bites.
  • Buna — Local specialty coffee roaster with multiple Roma locations.

Condesa

Top Restaurants

  • Azul Condesa — Elevated traditional Mexican cuisine by Ricardo Munoz Zurita. Beautiful garden setting.
  • Entremar — Sinaloan seafood from the Contramar team. Aguachiles, ceviches, and whole grilled fish in a bright, lively space.
  • Ojo de Agua — Health-focused Mexican restaurant and juice bar. Great breakfasts and fresh-pressed juices.
  • Tamal de Cazuela — Unpretentious spot specializing in home-style Mexican comfort food. The tamales and mole are standouts.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • El Tizoncito — Claims to have invented tacos al pastor. Whether or not that's true, the pastor here is excellent.
  • Neveria Roxy — Old-school ice cream parlor on Avenida Tamaulipas. Classic Mexican flavors like mamey, guanabana, and rompope.
  • Supercocina Conchita — Home-style comida corrida (set lunch menu) that changes daily. Cheap, filling, and delicious.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe Villarias — Neighborhood institution with sidewalk seating on a tree-lined street. Good for people-watching.
  • Almanegra Cafe — Specialty roaster with a modern industrial space. Some of the best single-origin pour-overs in the city.

Polanco

Top Restaurants

  • Pujol — Enrique Olvera's flagship, regularly on the World's 50 Best list. The omakase-style tasting menu and the 1,500+ day mole madre are once-in-a-lifetime. Reserve weeks ahead.
  • Quintonil — Jorge Valles' refined seasonal Mexican cuisine. Ingredients from the restaurant's garden. More intimate than Pujol, equally inventive.
  • Dulce Patria — Chef Martha Ortiz's colorful, playful take on Mexican cuisine. Dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.
  • Nobu Mexico City — The global chain's outpost, but well-executed. Good for when you want a break from Mexican food.

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Cafe Toscano — Cozy all-day cafe in a converted house with garden terraces. Excellent chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and Italian-style coffee. 4.6 stars.
  • Catamundi — Chic bistro-deli-wine shop with creative brunch dishes like matcha pancakes, French toast, and seasonal Mexican plates. 4.4 stars.
  • Au Pied de Cochon — Iconic 24-hour French restaurant at Hotel Presidente with legendary breakfast service. 4.6 stars.
  • Maque — Beloved tiny cafe-bakery famous for chocolate concha, chilaquiles, and pastries. Lines form by 9:45am on weekends — arrive early.

Bakeries

  • Muguet Pasteleria — Family-run patisserie with outstanding conchas, chocolatines, croissants, and freshly ground coffee. 4.4 stars.
  • Da Silva Panaderia Artesanal — Pioneer of artisan baking in CDMX since 2000. Portuguese-influenced pastries, sourdough, and famous pasteis de nata. 4.4 stars.
  • Pasteleria La Esperanza — Classic Polanco bakery and cafe on Moliere with over 50 types of coffee, fresh pastries, donuts, and ice cream.
  • Pasteleria Gino's — Neighborhood bakery institution on Hegel with traditional Mexican pastries, brunch, and outdoor seating. 4.7 stars.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Eno — Gourmet sandwich and salad spot with multiple locations. Fast, fresh, and reliable.
  • La Casa de Tono — Legendary no-frills spot for pozole, open 24 hours. The green pozole is the move.
  • Taqueria el Califa de Leon — Michelin-recognized taco stand. Simple menu: bistec, chuleta, costilla, or chorizo on a tortilla.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe de la Mancha — Charming bookshop-cafe hybrid on a quiet Polanco side street.
  • Dosis Cafe — Sleek specialty coffee with excellent espresso drinks.

Centro Historico

Top Restaurants

  • Cafe de Tacuba — Operating since 1912 in a stunning colonial building. Traditional Mexican dishes, live music, and incredible atmosphere.
  • El Cardenal — Institution for traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch. Excellent mole, escamoles (ant larvae) in season, and handmade tortillas.
  • Limosneros — Modern Mexican in a beautifully restored colonial space. Creative dishes rooted in pre-Hispanic ingredients.
  • Balcon del Zocalo — Rooftop restaurant overlooking the Zocalo. The food is decent, but you're paying for one of the best views in the city.

Markets

  • Mercado de la Merced — The largest traditional market in the city — a sprawling, chaotic, and completely authentic experience. The food stalls serve some of the best cheap eats in the city.
  • Mercado de San Juan — The go-to market for exotic and gourmet ingredients. Imported cheeses, wild game, insects, artisanal mole pastes, and fresh seafood.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Tostadas de Coyoacan (Mercado San Camilito) — Just off the Zocalo, excellent tostadas and quesadillas at market prices.
  • Los Cocuyos — Tiny street stall on Calle Bolivar famous for tacos de suadero, cabeza, and lengua. Open late.
  • Churreria El Moro — Operating since 1935, serving churros and hot chocolate around the clock.
  • La Casa de los Tacos — Simple, reliable tacos near the Zocalo. Good al pastor and bistec.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe Jekemir — Classic old-school cafe near Bellas Artes. Traditional Mexican coffee drinks.
  • Cardinal Casa de Cafe — Upscale coffee experience from the El Cardenal team. Specialty Mexican-grown beans.

Coyoacan

Top Restaurants

  • Los Danzantes — On the main plaza, serving elevated Oaxacan cuisine. Excellent mole negro and mezcal selection. The courtyard setting is lovely.
  • Corazon de Maguey — Oaxacan food and mezcal in a colorful, relaxed atmosphere. Good tlayudas and tasajo.
  • Fonda El Morral — Traditional home-style Mexican cooking. Daily changing comida corrida with soups, mains, agua fresca, and dessert.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Mercado de Coyoacan — The neighborhood market with food stalls serving tostadas, quesadillas, and the famous tostadas de tinga.
  • Churreria de Coyoacan — Churros and esquites on the square. Perfect for snacking while you explore.
  • Jardines de Coyoacan street vendors — The streets around the main plaza are lined with vendors selling elote, esquites, marquesitas, and other antojitos.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe Avellaneda — Specialty coffee roaster in a charming Coyoacan house. One of the best cups in the south of the city.
  • Cafe El Jarocho — Coyoacan institution since 1953. Standing-room coffee served in styrofoam cups. Nothing fancy, completely authentic.

San Angel

Top Restaurants

  • San Angel Inn — A hacienda dating to 1692, serving refined Mexican cuisine in a gorgeous garden setting. A splurge-worthy brunch destination.
  • Saks — Modern international restaurant with a strong brunch and cocktail game.
  • Cluny — French-Mexican bistro in a beautiful old house. Good for a leisurely weekend lunch.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Mercado del Carmen — The local market with food stalls serving comida corrida, fresh juices, and antojitos.
  • Saturday bazaar food vendors — When the art market is on at Plaza San Jacinto, surrounding streets fill with vendors selling pambazo, gorditas, and other street food.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Cafe Gandhi — Bookstore cafe near the bazaar. Browse books and sip coffee after the Saturday market.

Juarez & Cuauhtemoc

Top Restaurants

  • Cicatriz — Creative contemporary Mexican in the up-and-coming Juarez neighborhood. Interesting cocktails and a moody, intimate space.
  • Amaya — Chef Jair Tellez's no-menu restaurant. You eat what he's cooking that day, which is always excellent.
  • Restaurante Nicos — A family-run institution since 1957, serving traditional Mexican dishes that have earned it a place on Latin America's 50 Best list.

Quick Lunch & Street Food

  • Tacos Hola — Korean-Mexican fusion tacos. Short menu, big flavors, always a line at lunch.
  • Tortas Don Polo — Massive, messy tortas stuffed with milanesa, pierna, or chorizo.

Coffee & Cafes

  • Chiquitito Cafe — Tiny, beloved specialty coffee shop with a few sidewalk tables. Excellent cortados.
  • Blend Station — Health-focused cafe with smoothie bowls and good espresso.

Shopping Guide by Neighborhood

Roma Norte

Boutiques & Design

  • Bye Bye Baby — Curated vintage and contemporary clothing. A mix of local designers and international secondhand finds.
  • Carla Fernandez — Mexican fashion designer known for geometric patterns inspired by indigenous textile traditions.
  • Onora Casa — Contemporary Mexican home goods and ceramics. Hand-crafted pieces from artisans across the country.
  • Lago — Design shop and gallery carrying Mexican-made furniture, lighting, ceramics, and art objects.
  • 180 Grados — Concept store with local independent fashion, jewelry, and accessories.

Thrift & Vintage

  • Goodbye Folk — Well-curated vintage store with leather jackets, denim, band tees, and retro accessories.
  • El Armario de la Guelaguetza — Secondhand shop with vintage clothing and traditional Oaxacan textiles repurposed into modern garments.
  • Retroactivo — Vintage furniture, clothing, and oddities. Fun to browse even if you're not buying.
  • Roma Norte tianguis (Sunday street market) — The weekly street market along Alvaro Obregon has stalls selling secondhand clothes, vinyl, books, and handmade goods.

Bookshops

  • Cafebreria El Pendulo — Beautiful bookshop-cafe-bar in a plant-filled atrium. Spanish and English titles, live music events.
  • Under the Volcano Books — English-language bookshop specializing in literature about Mexico.

Condesa

Boutiques & Design

  • Tane — High-end Mexican silver jewelry brand with roots going back to 1942. Elegant, minimalist pieces.
  • Ikal — Concept store with Mexican-made clothing, home goods, and beauty products.
  • Lemur — Quirky independent shop with handmade accessories, stationery, and small gifts from local makers.

Thrift & Vintage

  • Hunting Vintage — Well-organized vintage shop on Tamaulipas. Good selection of 70s and 80s pieces, denim, and leather.
  • Condesa tianguis (Tuesday market) — Weekly street market with secondhand clothes and accessories alongside produce and food stalls.

Records & Vinyl

  • Retroactivo Records — Vinyl shop with a strong selection of Mexican rock, Latin jazz, cumbia, and international titles.

Polanco

Luxury & High-End

  • Avenida Presidente Masaryk — Mexico City's premier luxury shopping street. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Hermes, and other international brands.
  • Antara Fashion Hall — Upscale open-air mall with international and Mexican luxury brands, plus good restaurants.
  • Common People — High-end streetwear and sneaker boutique. Carries hard-to-find international brands alongside Mexican labels.
  • Tane (Polanco flagship) — The brand's largest location, with the full range of their silver jewelry and home accessories.

Mexican Design & Art

  • Museo Jumex Shop — The museum gift shop carries excellent art books, prints, and design objects.
  • Pineda Covalin — Mexican brand known for silk scarves, ties, and accessories featuring pre-Hispanic and nature-inspired patterns.

Markets

  • Mercado de Polanco — A small neighborhood market that's more upscale than most. Good for specialty foods, flowers, and a quick lunch.

Centro Historico

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Mercado de Artesanias de la Ciudadela — The best single stop for Mexican handicrafts. Hundreds of stalls selling alebrijes, Talavera pottery, textiles, silver jewelry, lucha libre masks, and folk art. Prices are negotiable.
  • Mercado de San Juan — Beyond the gourmet food, the surrounding streets have shops selling imported goods, spices, and kitchen equipment.
  • Calle Madero shops — The pedestrian street connecting the Zocalo to Bellas Artes is lined with shops. Sanborns (in the Casa de los Azulejos) is worth a visit for the building alone.

Thrift & Vintage

  • Lagunilla Market (Sunday) — Mexico City's legendary flea market. Antiques, vintage clothing, furniture, vinyl records, old cameras, and endless curiosities. Go early, bargain hard.
  • Calle de Moneda vintage shops — Several small vintage and antique shops near the Zocalo. Good for old books, coins, and curiosities.

Books & Stationery

  • Libreria Porrua (Zocalo) — One of Mexico's oldest bookshop chains, in a beautiful Centro location.
  • Mercado de Libros — Open-air book market near the Ciudadela. Secondhand and new books at great prices.

Coyoacan

Artisan Markets & Crafts

  • Mercado de Artesanias de Coyoacan — Small craft market near the main plaza selling jewelry, textiles, pottery, and leather goods.
  • Bazar Artesanal Mexicano — Weekend craft stalls around the Jardin Centenario. Handmade jewelry, embroidered clothing, and traditional toys.

Boutiques

  • Coyoacan boutiques on Felipe Carrillo Puerto — Small independent shops selling clothing, handmade jewelry, and artisan goods.
  • Libreria Elena Garro — Beautiful bookshop run by the Fondo de Cultura Economica. Great architecture and a nice garden cafe.

Thrift & Vintage

  • Bazar de Coyoacan — Indoor market with a mix of new and secondhand items. Vintage clothing, handmade goods, and collectibles.

San Angel

Art & Antiques

  • Bazaar Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) — The famous Saturday art market at Plaza San Jacinto. Paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles from artists across Mexico.
  • Galeria de Arte San Angel — Fine art gallery featuring established Mexican artists.

Boutiques & Design

  • Fonart — Government-backed shop promoting Mexican artisan crafts. Fixed prices, high quality, and proceeds go directly to artisans.
  • San Angel shops on Avenida de la Paz — Upscale antique shops, home decor stores, and small galleries.

Juarez & Cuauhtemoc

Thrift & Vintage

  • El Chopo tianguis (Saturday) — A legendary counterculture market. Punk, goth, metal, and alternative fashion, plus vinyl, patches, band merch, and tattoo artists.
  • Avenida Chapultepec vintage shops — A strip of vintage and secondhand stores along the avenue. Good for denim, leather, and retro streetwear.

Boutiques & Design

  • Utilitario Mexicano — Celebrates everyday Mexican design objects — enamelware, market bags, molcajetes, woven baskets — displayed like art. Great for unique, affordable gifts.
  • Feria de Diseno Independiente — Regular pop-up markets in the Juarez neighborhood featuring independent Mexican designers.

Records & Books

  • Discos Chowell — Vinyl shop with a deep selection of Mexican and Latin American music.
  • Libreria Rosario Castellanos (Centro Cultural Bella Epoca) — Stunning bookshop in a converted Art Deco cinema. Worth visiting for the architecture alone.