10 Hidden Gems In Mexico City

In the heart of Mexico City’s hip Colonia Roma district, this beautifully restored 1913 mansion offers five unique suites with sleek velvet and ceramic touches, surrounding a tranquil courtyard. The traditional Mexican-inspired breakfast which also includes pastries and marmalade made from the orange trees in the courtyard, is so special that you’ll go to bed thinking about it—that’s saying a lot in the city renowned for its cuisine.

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This coffee shop may be tiny but the excellent coffee, delicious vegan muffins, friendly owners and locals spilling onto the sidewalk, guarantees plenty of good vibes all day long. Next door at Musica En Vinyl, you can peruse vinyl records and grab a beer on tap if you’re so inclined.

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Book lovers will adore this multi-level cafe, bar and bookstore bustling with locals. They also have an excellent English language section if you’re after a holiday read.

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As the name suggests, this small and intimate nightclub feels more like stepping into an chic apartment packed with friends. Pots and pans hang from the ceiling in the “kitchen” and records and knickknacks line the “living room” walls. The best DJs and musicians in Mexico City and beyond, play and spin, here nightly. Check out the lineup here.

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An offshoot of the more formal Rosetta restaurant – also an excellent option for Italian/Mexican lunch or dinner – the bakery, a few streets away, is said to have the best bread in Roma. Try the burrata sandwich and the sweet cheese buns.

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This sleek Design Hotel is another excellent accommodation option in the artistic Condesa neighbourhood. The rooftop is also perfect for a sunset drink.

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Little explanation is needed as to why a warm sugary churro is a good idea. El Moro is the best spot in town.

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Built in 1948, the home of Luis Barragán, is a wonder of colour, geometry and light. It’s where the great Mexican architect experimented with new ideas and it offers a glimpse inside his unusual psyche. In 2004, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only way to see the house is via an hour-long tour. Barragán was a controversial figure in his lifetime, yet in death, he became even more so when a Brooklyn-based performance artist exhumed his body (with his family’s permission) and forged a diamond from his ashes. This New Yorker piece examines his mythic legacy and why the tour guides are banned from speaking about his private life and other delicate matters.

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This casual local spot in Roma is known for its fish and seafood. Don’t miss out on the marlin tacos, black beans, and whole grilled fish. There’s often live music and always a good vibe.

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This lesser known museum, inside a rambling stone Sixteenth Century hacienda, houses the art collection of the Mexican businesswoman, Dolores Olmedo, and includes the largest selection of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s work.

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