The Mexican capital won an impressive number of categories among Latin-American cities: culture, shopping, and cuisine. And while plenty of readers come here, no doubt, to visit the Zócalo, or Plaza de la Constitución (it gets about 85 million visitors per year), a few restaurants are destinations in themselves. One is Pujol, featuring chef Enrique Olvera’s forward-looking takes on authentic cuisine, like a suckling-pig taco with chickpea puree, coriander, and red jalapeño. Voters commented on the city’s New York City-style fast pace, but they also raved about its parks. One not to miss: the ancient, waterfall-filled Chapultepec Park, which provided a relaxing green space for the ancient Aztecs.
Mercado de Medellín
In Colonia Roma sits a little gem, el Mercado de Medellín. Much like other markets, all types of fruits, vegetables and meats are sold. However, suitably located in the area of Roma which is called La pequeña Habanera (the little Habanera), this market almost acts as a representative of Cuba and other Latin American countries when it comes to gastronomy. When a desire for Cuban ice cream, good-quality Colombian coffee or Venezuelan arepas strikes, this is the place to go. Alternatively, for those who do not have the chance to explore beyond Mexico’s borders, it is a great chance to sample authentic Latin American cuisine. Look out for Frutería Rafael (a Colombian fruit stall) and Helados Palmeiro (a Cuban ice-cream parlor).
Mercado de Medellín 234, Roma, Mexico City, Mexico
2.
Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas
Tucked away on third floor of a perfume shop is a wonderland of folkloric handicrafts. Pilar Fosado Vásquez has taken over the small company Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas, founded in 1944 by her father Víctor Fosado Contreras. Thanks to this artistic and hardworking family, the most beautiful crafts have flourished and come to life, handmade using resources from all over Mexico and with love for each individual item. Materials include silver, tin and many textiles, whilst designs vary from traditional Huichol art (a skill slowly disappearing) to Frida Kahlo inspired styles. Hand-painted glass pitchers, combs made from horn, and dolls made from papier-mâché are but few of the delicate and colorful crafts sold here.
Victor Artes Populares Mexicanas, Isabel la Católica 97, Centro, Ejido delCentro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5512 1263
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate
Chocolate was originally consumed by the people of pre-Columbian Mexico and Guatemala, so what could be better than to visit the new museum on this delightful product in the place where it all began? Inside a beautiful house from the early 20th century is Mexico City’s first ever chocolate museum, Mucho Mundo Chocolate, which teaches the historical and gastronomical importance of cacao through interactive exhibits. Alongside are displays of chocolate masterpieces and coffee pots, as well as the opportunity to glance into the kitchen to see the production process. Be sure not to miss out buying souvenirs at the cafeteria and the shop.
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate, Milán 45, Juárez, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 55 14 17 37
4. Behind the famous landmarks and frequently visited tourist attractions in Mexico City, some marvelous secrets are hidden. Just as there is a well-known attraction in every neighbourhood, there is a treasure round every corner of the capital. New cultural points of interest appear every day, month and year in this mysterious city, whether it is an Aztec artifact, an art exhibition or a bookshop, there is always something else waiting to be discovered.
Museo de la Memoria y Tolerancia
Horrors and victories of the past should never be forgotten and the Museum of Memory and Tolerance will not allow it. Opened in 2010, this museum narrates and shows the suffering and pain of people when minority groups are oppressed, whilst promoting acceptance, tolerance and responsibility within society. Exhibitions are often praised for being powerful, intriguing and informative. The exhibitors have not shied away from the terrors of genocide and other crimes against humanity, but have brought these issues to light as well as showing the dangers of indifference and discrimination. Do notice the care and thought put into the assembling of the exhibits.
Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, Avenida Juarez 8, Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5130 5555
Mercado de Medellín
In Colonia Roma sits a little gem, el Mercado de Medellín. Much like other markets, all types of fruits, vegetables and meats are sold. However, suitably located in the area of Roma which is called La pequeña Habanera (the little Habanera), this market almost acts as a representative of Cuba and other Latin American countries when it comes to gastronomy. When a desire for Cuban ice cream, good-quality Colombian coffee or Venezuelan arepas strikes, this is the place to go. Alternatively, for those who do not have the chance to explore beyond Mexico’s borders, it is a great chance to sample authentic Latin American cuisine. Look out for Frutería Rafael (a Colombian fruit stall) and Helados Palmeiro (a Cuban ice-cream parlor).
Mercado de Medellín 234, Roma, Mexico City, Mexico
Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas
Tucked away on third floor of a perfume shop is a wonderland of folkloric handicrafts. Pilar Fosado Vásquez has taken over the small company Víctor Artes Populares Mexicanas, founded in 1944 by her father Víctor Fosado Contreras. Thanks to this artistic and hardworking family, the most beautiful crafts have flourished and come to life, handmade using resources from all over Mexico and with love for each individual item. Materials include silver, tin and many textiles, whilst designs vary from traditional Huichol art (a skill slowly disappearing) to Frida Kahlo inspired styles. Hand-painted glass pitchers, combs made from horn, and dolls made from papier-mâché are but few of the delicate and colorful crafts sold here.
Victor Artes Populares Mexicanas, Isabel la Católica 97, Centro, Ejido delCentro, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5512 1263
Foro El Bicho
Foro El Bicho, a newly appeared haven for cine-philes and theater-lovers, is a small theater with only 45 seats dedicated to the support and promotion exclusively of Mexican experimental and modern drama. Mexico has seen a vast number of successful artists, yet society still often overlooks the gifted and makes it almost impossible to make a living from theater. Knowing this, Foro El Bicho works both with budding artists and more experienced dramatists to nurture theater and cinema, producing excellence and offering the local community the chance to explore and reflect on modern Mexican culture.Watch out for up and coming directors, actors and producers.
Foro El Bicho, Colima 268 Col. Roma, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 2623 2220
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate
Chocolate was originally consumed by the people of pre-Columbian Mexico and Guatemala, so what could be better than to visit the new museum on this delightful product in the place where it all began? Inside a beautiful house from the early 20th century is Mexico City’s first ever chocolate museum, Mucho Mundo Chocolate, which teaches the historical and gastronomical importance of cacao through interactive exhibits. Alongside are displays of chocolate masterpieces and coffee pots, as well as the opportunity to glance into the kitchen to see the production process. Be sure not to miss out buying souvenirs at the cafeteria and the shop.
MUCHO Mundo Chocolate, Milán 45, Juárez, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 55 14 17 37
Momumento y Museo a la Revolución
Over the years, Mexico has experienced much civil unrest and does so even today. The Monument and Museum of the Revolution, built between 1910 and 1938, stands as a reminder of the tragedies of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Five heroes of the Revolution, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, Francisco I. Madero, Plutarco Elías Calles, Venustiano Carranza, and Lázaro Cárdenas are buried under this impressive landmark, which acts as their mausoleum. Climb the arch to have a wonderful panoramic view of the city, day or night, or take a stroll around it and the beautiful fountains before the monument.
Monument to the Revolution, Plaza de la República S/N, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico, +52 55 5592 2038
Jardín del Arte
Art and creativity is inexhaustible which is what makes Jardín del Arte a never-ending joy. The idea is that artists sit along the path of a beautiful park to show their work. Some frequenters even become well-known, as was the case with Rodolfo Morales. The artists work on their pieces, whether it is a painting, sculpture, or wax-work, sharing and selling their work with on-looking passers-by. Walking down the Jardín de Arte is a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon, whether you intend to buy a painting or prefer to only look.
Jardín del Arte, Villalongin 46, San Angel, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
So far, this hotel, the Marquis Reforma is quite nice, but appears to be party central for gringoes. The traffic is horrendous, so I cannot wait until they close the main drag for Sunday bike day. The food has been above average, the people very friendly, and the sky managed a partial blue. TV sucks, I miss my Warriors and Giants!!!
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