I recently had the chance to visit Mexico City for a campaign shoot, and it completely blew me away. I had never explored it before, and thanks to Olivia Leblanc, I got to discover the city in the most inspiring way. From the energy of the streets to the beauty tucked into every corner, Mexico City is bursting with life. The art, the food, the music… it all comes together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

From beautiful hotels to unforgettable meals, to the neighborhoods you’ll want to stroll through slowly, this blog post is a little city guide of all the places, flavors, and sights that made me fall in love with CDMX.

WHERE TO STAY: Mexico City’s Best Small Luxury Hotels

1. **La Valise** 2. **Nima Local House** 3. **Casa Izeba**

Looking for charm, design, and boutique comfort? These hidden gems offer the perfect home base to experience the city in style:

La Valise – Where Parisian elegance meets Mexican soul.
Nima Local House – A warm, intimate retreat with thoughtful details.
Casa Izeba – A design-forward oasis tucked away from the buzz.

Breakfast & coffee spots

1. **Panadería Rosetta** 2. **Odette** 3. **Cucurucho** 4. **Lalo!** 5. **Niddo** 6. **Café Nin** 7. **Café Trucha**

Whether you're after artisanal pastries, strong espresso, or a cozy breakfast plate, these cafés were my morning staples!

MUSEUMS TO VISIT

1. **Museo Tamayo** 2. Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo 3. **Museo Anahuacalli**

Mexico City has so much to offer, it’s a place where history and modern-day art and culture blend seamlessly. The museums are a perfect expression of that, each offering a unique lens into the city’s creative soul. From the contemporary works at Museo Tamayo, surrounded by the beauty of Chapultepec Park, to the intimate Casa Estudio of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, where you can feel the presence of two of Mexico’s most iconic artists, each visit leaves a mark. One I didn’t get to see, but is high on my list for next time, is Museo Anahuacalli. Designed by Rivera himself and built from volcanic rock, it beautifully merges past and present, honoring pre-Hispanic heritage while embracing bold architectural vision. If you're planning a trip to CDMX, make room for art, it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with the essence of the city.

ARCHITECTURE

Casa Gilardi by Luis Barragán was one of the absolute highlights of my trip. Tucked away on an unassuming street, this home is a masterpiece of color, light, and restraint. Every detail feels intentional, from the vivid walls to the way natural light moves through the space. Being there felt like stepping into a living painting. If you appreciate design, this is a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Lunch Spots

1. **Contramar** 2. **Nicos** 3. **Lardo** 4. **Feral** 5. **San Ángel Inn**

There’s something about lunch in Mexico City that feels like a ritual. The food scene is full of flavor and heart, from the elegant to the casual, each spot has its own charm. I loved how locals really take the time to enjoy their meals, often with a cocktail in hand and no rush in sight. Whether you're people-watching on a sunny terrace at Contramar or tucked into a leafy courtyard at San Ángel Inn, every meal feels like a moment to slow down and savor. It's more than just food, it's an experience layered with atmosphere, warmth, and joy.

Walking Around

One of the best ways to experience Mexico City is simply to walk. Roma Norte and Condesa quickly became my favorite neighborhoods to wander through, tree-lined, full of color, with a creative energy you can feel on every block. Cafés spill onto the sidewalks, buildings are painted in bold hues, and every few steps there’s something that catches your eye, whether it’s a vintage storefront, a flower stand, or a hidden courtyard. Amsterdam Street in Condesa was my favorite, a circular path surrounded by charm and greenery that made me feel like I could walk for hours. If you love exploring cities on foot.

THINGS I DID (AND LOVED)

1. **Xinu Perfumes** 2. **Pirwi** 3. **Ikal** 4. **Esrawe Studio**

One of the things I loved most about Mexico City was how inspiring and design-forward everything felt. From concept stores to architecture studios, there’s so much creativity to explore beyond the museums and restaurants. Visiting places like Xinu Perfumes and Esrawe Studio felt like discovering hidden worlds, each space beautifully curated, with a deep respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. Whether it was handcrafted scents, locally made furniture, or a boutique filled with pieces by Mexican designers, I left each spot feeling completely inspired. These were the kinds of places that made me pause, linger, and want to take a little piece of the city home with me.

GALLERIES

1. **Galería RGR** 2. Taller 36 3. **Kurimanzutto**

If you’re an art lover, Mexico City’s gallery scene is a dream. It’s bold, experimental, and incredibly dynamic, just like the city itself. I loved discovering spaces that felt both intimate and forward-thinking, where you could spend time with the work and really feel the creative pulse of the city. From the contemporary exhibitions at Galería RGR and Kurimanzutto, to the handmade ceramics and creative energy at Taller 36, each stop offered something unexpected and inspiring. Whether you're deep into the art world or just curious, these spots are well worth exploring.

DINNER & DRINKS

1. **Rosetta** 2. **Máximo** 3. Hugo 4. Blanco Colima 5. **Pujol** 6. **Tokyo Music Bar** 7. **Soho House Mexico City** 8. Shhh

Evenings in Mexico City have a special kind of magic. The city comes alive in a different way, glowing lights, buzzing terraces, music spilling into the streets. I had some of my favorite moments over dinner and drinks here. From the romantic, floral-filled charm of Rosetta to the refined, world-class experience at Pujol, every meal felt like a celebration. Soho House truly took my breath away, it’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever been to. Whether you’re craving innovative Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, or a moody jazz bar vibe like Tokyo Music Bar, CDMX delivers.

1. **Chavela Vargas** 2. **Carla Morrison** 3. **Bad Bunny**

From iconic voices to contemporary stars, these artists offer the perfect soundtrack to immerse yourself in the local culture.

1. Chavela Vargas – The soul of ranchera music, full of raw emotion.

2. Carla Morrison – Dreamy, heartfelt pop with poetic depth.

3. Bad Bunny – A modern global force blending reggaeton and Latin trap.

This trip to Mexico City left me completely inspired. There’s something about the energy here. Creative, colorful, and full of soul that stays with you long after you leave. From the food to the art, the architecture to the people, every moment felt rich and layered with meaning. I discovered so many places that sparked my curiosity and creativity, and yet I know I’ve only scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and keep exploring this incredible city. Until next time, CDMX, you truly have my heart.