What to Do in Mexico City: Where the Chic Set Go

Mexico City–based Carla Fernández has been fascinated by traditional dress since she was a child. Travelling throughout southern Mexico with her father, she witnessed early on the textile traditions of the Indigenous peoples. Years later, with her business partner Cristina Rangel, Fernández founded her eponymous brand, which spotlights historic techniques practised by artisans across the country.

“The superpower of Mexicans is creativity,” she says. The designer has become known for her bold, boxy shapes using traditional weaving, embroidery, and pleating, and also for her commitment to empowering artisans through training programs. Here, she shares more of her favourite spots in the capital.  

Shop

Artisan-Led Boutiques: In Mexico City, there are many artisan-led brands and shops she adores, such as Lago (with three locations in the metropolis) and Onora (in the Polanco neighbourhood). “They work together with artisans to create new designs. I love their selection of pieces from all over Mexico,” Fernández says.

Coyoacán Market: “If you want Mexican street food, I truly recommend going. They have these tostadas that have shrimp and chicken, which I love. You can find everything there—grasshoppers and cheese from Oaxaca. I also love to shop for flowers. On Sundays, they have tlacoyos, these tortillas with beans, fava, or cheese inside.”  

See

National Autonomous University of Mexico: “They have beautiful grounds.” Make sure to stop at the Central Library, which is covered with the world’s largest mural: an extraordinary four-sided tiled mosaic by Juan O’Gorman.

Museo Anahuacalli: “An amazing museum, which now has a contemporary art program that is held by a brilliant curator, Karla Niño de Rivera Torres. It’s really progressive. They have a lot of workshops and music festivals, so it’s definitely worth seeing what’s going on.” 

Savor

Masala y Maíz: “They just received their first Michelin star. I saw them [grow] from the very beginning; we used to be neighbours, but [now] they’ve moved downtown. Their food is just stunning. I love the shrimp, and they have this fried tortilla that has birria [stewed meat] inside—it’s so delicious.” [Read more about Mexico City’s food scene here.]

The Lamb: “I don’t eat a lot of British food, but I love this tiny little restaurant in Roma. They have really good oysters, as well as fish and chips and a delicious pea salad. I also usually order a glass of natural wine or cider.” 

Ticuchi: “I don’t go to Polanco much, but I really like going to Ticuchi—they have the best vegan tacos and amazing mezcal. There’s also a sculpture by my husband (Pedro Reyes) in the entrance.”

La Mano: “Everything is about Mexico [here]! It’s super relaxed with a beautiful garden. I like to go and have a hot chocolate and sweet bread, but they [also] cook the tortillas by hand and have really good tacos. There’s a beautiful store where you can buy good mezcal.” 

Sip

Salón Palomilla: “It’s a really great bar. I’ll get the delicious organic orange wine, which they get from winemakers in Valle de Guadalupe. They have good music from DJs—it’s live, so you have to check the calendar. It’s a great option for Sunday nights.” 

Stay

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: “I like to go for hot chocolate or tea and pain au chocolat and sit in the garden for breakfast. During the Day of the Dead, don’t miss the Pan de Muerto [sweet brioche-style bread]. The hotel is where Fashion Week [events] happen, so I [also] go there to see the shows! The staff are so sweet and gentle.” 

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

An urban oasis in the heart of the city

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