Mexico City Guide
Mexico City, Mexico
Join Design Diplomat's Founder and Creative Director, Teana Wagner, on an unforgettable curated journey through this idyllic destination. One of the biggest cities in the world with 22 million people and more than 150 museums. See why this is a hot travel destination.
A Q&A With Design Diplomat's Creative Director, Teana Wagner
Q: When did you first visit Mexico City?
A: My most memorable memory of the city was when I was 15 and was just visiting for the Summer. I had fallen in love with Mexico and with the city so much that I decided to stay and live for a year. I was entering Freshman year of High School in the U.S and I was fortunate to get into a private school in the city that my uncle, a Priest was Director at earlier. I learned a new sense of city life there taking advantage of every park, museum and transportation systems, something that was not at my fingertips growing up in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q: What do you like about it?
A: Along with all the city has to offer, living in Mexico City has been an enlightening experience, both personally and professionally. The city is a vibrant canvas of culture, art, and history, which continuously fuels my creative endeavors. The rich heritage and dynamic street life provide endless inspiration for my designs. From the stunning architecture of buildings like Palacio de Bellas Artes to the lively neighborhoods, the city offers a tangible energy that you can't find anywhere else.
The local artisan community is incredibly skilled, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate and create bespoke pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. This synergy is not just inspiring but also allows for sustainable practices, which is a significant focus for my brand.
The culinary scene here is another highlight—diverse and vibrant, reflecting the city's melting pot of influences. It’s a place where you can start your day with chilaquiles at a quaint café like Iviore and end it with fine dining at a world-class restaurant such as Pujol.
Lastly, the sense of community in Mexico City is profound. Despite its vast size, the warmth and friendliness of the people make it feel like home. This community spirit supports my vision of creating spaces that foster connection and dialogue, which is essential for the holistic environments I aim to design.
Q: Where do you stay?
A: Each neighborhood in Mexico City Central offers its own distinct flavor and set of advantages, making the city a mosaic of diverse and rich experiences. Here are some of my favorites and where to stay in each:
La Roma Norte: A sub-neighborhood of Roma, La Roma Norte is particularly famous for its hipster vibe, vintage stores, and trendy eateries. It’s a favorite among young locals and visitors who appreciate a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere. Great spot to rent an Airbnb and see how the locals live in the many buildings featuring early 20th-century architecture with ornate facades and high ceilings, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past.
Paseo de la Reforma: Mexico City's iconic avenue, designed in the 19th century by Emperor Maximilian I, and lined with significant monuments like the Angel of Independence. This cultural hub hosts prestigious museums, financial skyscrapers, and is close to entrance of Chapultepec Park. (Three times the size of Central Park) Stay at The Four Seasons, where behind the grand walls that face the street, a peaceful courtyard is filled with citrus trees, banana plants, and a tinkling fountain, around which the hacienda-inspired hotel is centered. Or stay at the striking, newer luxury modern hotel, The Ritz-Carlton with iconic city and Chapultepec Castle views from the 38th floor sky bar.
Polanco: Often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Mexico City, Polanco is a luxurious neighborhood home to high-end shopping on Avenida Presidente Masaryk, world-class museums like Museo Soumaya, and eclectic dining experiences in areas such as Polancito. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Stay at the swanky W Hotel. Centrally located and walking distance to all my favorite hot spots. You are sure to have a celebrity sighting if you stay here.
Condesa: Adjacent to Roma, Condesa offers lush parks, including Parque México and Parque España, making it a green oasis in the city. It’s popular among young professionals and expats, with a lively nightlife scene and a plethora of stylish eateries and bars. Stay at Hotel Condesa where you can hit the rooftop bar before you head out for dinner.
Q: The best places to eat?
A:
Breakfast:
Ojo de Agua (Best juice and healthy spot)
Iviore (Chic French style with European twist)
Panaderria Rosetta (Must for pastries- must try the classic corn muffin)
Lardo (Local foodie spot for European-Mexican fusion)
Restaurante Rosetta (Get a spot on the patio)
Comida: 1pm-3pm
La Unica- Polanco (Best ambience, food, and drinks)
Perfirios (The food presentation is a must see)
Sonora Grill- Masaryk (This is your typical trendy steak house)
Huset (Swedish influenced with outdoor garden)
Contramar-Polanco (best seafood)
La Docena Oyster Bar- Polanco (Get the aguachili and the fish of the day grilled bandera style)
Dante (Great cocktails)
Blanco Castelar (Beauriful old building in Polancito)
Estiatorio Nostos (Good greek food on a beautiful patio)
Arango Cocina de Raices (Mexican classic with downtown views)
Dinner: After 8pm
Tori Tori (The city has good sushi)
La Unica (My favorite spot so I could eat here all day really but the dj at night is the best)
Pujol (Two Michelin star- make reservation one month in advance- fine dining)
Quintonil (Two Michelin star- fine dining at its best- in my opinion better than Pujol)
Maximo Bistrot (Local foodies)
Blanco Castelar (Go up to the rooftop bar)
Buena Barra (Typical Mexican bar/ restaurant )
Sylvestre (Modern Mexican Grill in Polanco)
Rosa Negra (Great food and vibes)
Entre Fuegos (Modern steak house)
Meroma (Modern, Trendy food in Roma Neighborhood)
Sud 777 (top rated and cool venue for fine dining)
Colmillo (Modern steak house- if you havn't realized yet, Mexicans love a steakhouse)
Q: Your favorite spot?
A: Street tacos are obviously the best. You can find me eating a gringa or tacos al pastor any day. Or in Polancito. My favorite spots there are Iviore and La Unica. And you can't go wrong with any restaurant on Masaryk Ave. I really enjoy rooftops in the city, so you can find me anywhere with open air.
Q: Any places that are a must see?
A: Mexico City is renowned for its rich cultural landscape and hosts some of the world's most famous museums, but it can be hard and time consuming with traffic to see them all. Here are some of the best museums in the city:
Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) - This museum is one of the most important of its kind in the world, showcasing vast collections of artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage, including the famous Aztec calendar stone.
Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) - Known for its stunning architecture and murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera, the Palacio de Bellas Artes also hosts a variety of performing arts and exhibits of fine arts.
Museo Frida Kahlo (Frida Kahlo Museum) - Also known as the Blue House for its cobalt-blue walls, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo. It's located in the house where she was born, lived, and died.
Museo Soumaya - Funded by the Carlos Slim Foundation and has free admission. This museum is known for its futuristic architecture and an extensive private collection of Mr. Slim that includes works from Mexican artists as well as international masters like Salvador Dalí and Auguste Rodin.
Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) - Located in Chapultepec Park, this museum features modern and contemporary art from Mexico and around the world.
Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum) - Situated in the Chapultepec Castle, this museum tells the story of Mexico from the time of the indigenous people through the Spanish conquest and up to modern day. I love to walk through the Chapultepec Park and up the hill to this historic site where the Battle of Chapultepec took place The story of the brave deaths of six cadets, the "Niños Heroes", who leapt to their deaths rather than be taken captive, with one wrapping himself in the Mexican flag.
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo - Dedicated to contemporary art, this museum houses a collection of international contemporary artwork and also exhibits the works of its namesake, the Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo.
Museo Jumex - This is a newer museum that focuses on contemporary art, featuring pieces from the Jumex Collection, which is considered one of the largest private contemporary art collections in Latin America. This is located in Polanco and right next to Soumaya so you could plan a day of both museums.
These museums not only highlight the rich artistic heritage and historical significance of Mexico but also showcase the dynamic and diverse contemporary art scene. If you had little time, I would not miss the Anthropology Museum's beautiful architecture, Soumaya and Jumex.
Q: Any recommendations for design enthusiasts?
A: Casa Gilardi and Casa Barragán are iconic works by the celebrated Mexican architect Luis Barragán, highlighting his signature use of color, light, and space. Two houses exemplify Barragán’s mastery in creating visually impactful and emotionally resonant environments, making profound statements in modernist architecture.
Casa Gilardi, built in 1976 in Mexico City, is one of Barragán's final projects. It is known for its vibrant colors and architectural design centered around a courtyard with a jacaranda tree. The house is characterized by dynamic interactions of light and color, particularly noted in spaces like the pink-walled dining room.
Casa Barragán, also in Mexico City, was completed in 1948 and doubles as Barragán's home and studio. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a minimalistic design with earthy tones and natural materials, creating serene and introspective spaces. This museum-home is renowned for its tranquil gardens and reflective pools, blending modernist and traditional elements. Another note are the iconic floating stairs, advanced for their time.
