Mexico City

DULCE VIDA TRAVEL City 7 Day Creatives Guide

Mexico City continues to live up to its reputation as one of the world’s most vibrant, charismatic and extraordinary cities in the world. Creatives that experience Mexico City, are forever inspired by the designs, colors and authenticity that range from historical cultural traditions, to modern trends.

Mexico City is commonly described as the next “Paris” or “Berlin”, by the travel industry, offering travelers a world-class cultural experience at half the cost. Along with Mexico City being named “2018 Design Capital of World”, the city is host to over 200 & cultural institutions, offering creatives a town with a relaxed vibe, yet energetic neighborhoods that welcome tourists worldwide.

Mexico City is best described as one of the world’s most populated urban towns, with an estimated 22 million citizens. The city has six tourist-friendly neighborhoods, each with it is own vibrant personality. For creatives, Mexico City offers countless museums, much-loved cuisines, and shopping experiences, ranging from large museums to small galleries. In addition, artisan markets , chic boutiques, designer fashion houses, and multi-million expansive US-style shopping malls.

Enjoy the travel guide, categorized by tourist friendly neighborhoods that offer the best artistic expressions Mexico City has to offer. The guide is also designed to ensure the best experience city has to offer for creatives seeking inspiration. Artistic & Historical Neighborhoods

Centro Historico- the very heart and soul of Mexico City, also referred to as El Zocalo. El Zocalo is the oldest part of Mexico City that compresses 700 years of history, including the Aztec ruins, Spanish colonial grandiosity, and expansive government palaces. The most important by are housed in the Government Palace. Recommend booking a hotel in the Centro Historico that overlooks the El Zocalo. Many cultural attractions and restaurants will be within walking distance.

Chapultepec Park - The largest urban park in , The park hosts monuments like the "Altar a la Patria" and the monument to the "Niños Heroes." The two most important museums are located in the park's center, the of Modern Art and The Museum of Anthropology. The park also has a zoo with free admission and a lake where you can rent small boats.

Polanco - A high-end rodeo-drive-like neighborhood. Luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, and shopping malls. Excellent hotel and restaurant options. The Intercontinental Hotel is a favorite location, walking distance on all shops and restaurants.

Condesa / Roma - These are trendy redeveloped neighborhoods that are less crowded but offer a great experience. Such as cool chic historic buildings with brand new interiors, plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. If this is your rst visit, recommend booking a walking tour.

Coyoacan – Named for the coyotes that once roamed around this neighborhood, it is a quaint, leafy green, walkable neighborhood with a relaxed vibe. Coyocan is the childhood home of Kahlo’s, Casa Azul, now a famous museum. Great to wander and enjoy the beautiful city center, people watching, cafes and shopping. San Angel - This vibrant neighborhood has beautiful, cobbled stone streets, elaborately decorated stone mansions, and the colonial era's charm. The neighborhood is full of history, excellent restaurants, and cultural themed shopping. A day in San Angel can easily be explored by foot and includes a few museums. Saturday is the best day to visit San Angel and enjoy Bazar Sabado, an artisan showcase of ne art, sophisticated culture themed jewelry, and good quality folk art.

Other tourist-friendly neighborhoods worth noting for specic things are Xochimilco (for their canals and oating gardens,) and La Basilica de La Virgen de Guadalupe, the second most visited Catholic church in the world.

Murals & Street Art

Murals and street art are viewed as much more than art, but detailed historical accounts that represent the political and social environment of Mexico. Mexico's most important muralists are known as “Los Tres Grandes”, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente, and David Siqueiros. A visit to Mexico City must include visiting these murals:

Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada Museo Diego Rivera Biblioteca Central UNAM Mural “Dualidad” Museo Nacional de Antropologia Polyforum Siqueiros Carcamo de Dolores Murals in the Murals in the Palacio Nacional

Street art is a big part of Mexico City’s charm. Given the city is very large, it best to book a walking tour, have a guide highlight all the great street art. Book with Streetartchilango.com Must Visit Museums Museo Nacional de Antropologia – (Museum of Anthropology)

The Museum of Anthropology is one of the most important museums in Mexico and Latin America. It was built specially to focus on the indigenous people in Mexico, telling the story through time from the cavemen to the great ancient civilizations. Inside the museum are specialized rooms for different pre-Hispanic cultures, but the most important is the Aztec, wherein the main hall is the Sunstone, better known as the Aztec Calendar. This museum is stunning and breathtaking, no other way to describe this experience.

Museo de Arte Moderno - (Modern Art Museum)

A selection of contemporary art by famous Mexican Artists. The main attraction is 's original "Las Dos Fridas". Showcased in a small gallery on the rst oor. The museum has a bookstore and cafe in the back, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Take a break and enjoy a cafecito. Further back you can peek over the fence is the famous monuments and stunning view of .

Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes – Palace of Fine Arts

The country’s most important cultural institution. Host to art exhibits & breathtaking murals, as well as a grand lobby, a restaurant, a theater, and a gift shop that sells beautiful cultural themed items. Inquire how to purchase tickets for the Mexican National Orchestra or the National Folkloric Ballet. They offer performances on selected evenings.

Museo Tamayo

A multilevel structure built to house international modern art, donated by -born painter Runo Tamayo to Mexico's people. The museum exhibits cutting-edge works from around the globe, which are thematically arranged with shows from the Tamayo collection. The renovated Tamayo has a new rustic-chic restaurant overlooking the park; an ideal breakfast stops before exploring Park. Museo Soumaya

If you don't know the name, you'll know the building. Designed by Fernando Romero and owned by Mexican billionaire, , Museo Soumaya is a curvaceous architectural masterpiece that calls the upscale Miguel district home. The museum houses a stunning range of works by European Old Masters, including French . This exhibition is dedicated to his deceased wife, Soumaya Domit.

Museo de Arte Popular

Artist favorite! A vibrant Mexican folk art museum, housed in an art deco-style building, the museum is dedicated to preserving and restoring traditional arts and crafts from various regions of the country. The museum showcases striking textiles and ceramics, woodcarvings, glassware, and collections of traditional costumes and papier-mache arte. Guest are greeted to a Volkswagen beetle decorated with millions of beads. The gift store is well stocked with high quality folk art.

Museo de Frida Kahlo - Coyoacan

The also referred to as "La Casa Azul" due to the house painted a vibrant cobalt blue paint, is a few blocks away from the charming Coyoacán Plaza Hidalgo, a neighborhood of tree-lined cobblestone streets and colonial homes. La Casa Azul is the family home where Frida was born, she spent much of her life with Diego, and where she died.

Diego Rivera Anahuacalli - Coyoacan

Anahuacalli, is a hidden gem that houses Diego Rivera’s personal collection of pre-Hispanic art. Built of black volcanic stone, this unique; it's more than just his collection and works; it's a beautiful glimpse of Mexico's history. Also Worth Visiting:

Historic Post Ofce, the marble and gold details are beautiful, across the street from Palacio de Belles Artes, and designed by the same architect. Galeria Mexicana de Diseño: A heaven for interior lovers, lled with decor and objects. Archivo Diseño y Arquitectura: for industrial design lovers, the facade is stunning. Casa Taller Luis Barragan: the insta-famous beautiful home of one of Mexico's best-known architects.

For a full list of museums: Click this link

Artisans Markets Miguel’s Fantasias

Mexico City’s version of “Michaels”, a crafters dream store. Offering extensive crafting supplies, including fabric, paint, owers, craft projects, and more. The store has several

locations throughout Mexico City. Visit their website for a store locater.

Centro de Artesanías La Ciudadela – Centro Historico

An ideal indoor market to purchase authentic arts and crafts. The market houses hundreds of stalls with goods from all over Mexico. To include , hand- embroidered clothing, paper Mache skulls, leather goods and much more. Most of the art is of high quality. Worth seeking out are Oaxaca , gurines, guitars from Paracho, and Huichol beadwork.

Bazar Artesanal Mexicano - Coyoacan

The colorful, traditional Mercado, in Coyoacán, occupies two stories of stalls on the street dividing Plaza Hidalgo and Parque Centenario, an area with cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants. Vendors large and small sell local art, textiles, food, candy, furniture, pottery, and jewelry from Taxco, , Oaxaca, Veracruz, and other parts of Mexico.

Plaza San Jacinto – San Angel

Plaza San Jacinto hosts Mexican artists each Saturday. About 30 to 50 artists set-up a stunning display of artwork in the central plaza. Each displaying original artwork, with bright colors, varied themes and styles; prices that range from $20 to $500, ideal for art collectors. Bazar Sabado – San Angel

Across the street from Plaza Jacinto is Bazar Sabado, a must for serious shoppers and art lovers. One of the few locations in all of Mexico City that offers quality and affordable art. Housed in a two-story brick building, with many artists stall next to the building. Bazaar Sabado is located in Plaza San Jacinto. Bazar Sabado is open only on Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M.

Museum Gift Shops

All the major museum gift shops offer unique artisan treasures. Worth a visit, my favorites; Frida Kahlo museum, Museo the Anthropologie, Bellas Artes; each museum offers unique artistic gifts that represent the Mexican culture. 7 Day Guide

The guide is exible, with the noted exceptions that San Angel events are only hosted on Saturday, and museums are closed on Mondays.

Day 1 - Arrival Arrive in Mexico City’s airport CDMX. Recommend arriving by 4pm, to allow travel time to your hotel, and time for dinner at one the Centro Historico rooftop restaurants overlooking El Zocalo, or La Calle Reforma. Recommend booking a hotel in Centro Historic or La Calle Reforma.

Day 2 - Centro Historico Enjoy breakfast At El Cardenal, offering a traditionall Mexican menu, or wander and nd plenty of cafes.

Visit The Palacio Naciona l to view Diego Rivera Murals (Passport are required to gain access to the murals). Then head towards La Calle Madera , a shopping pedestrian street. The street ends at the Palacio de Belles Artes , visit the murals on the top oor. If you are ready for lunch, cross the street to Casa Azuelo on Calle Madera, a historical building with more murals. Ready for shopping? then head over to La Ciudadela Folk Art Shopping for affordable and quality Folk Art. Finish your sightseeing with a visit to Museo de Art Popular , you will be greeted by a Volkswagen covered with 1 million beads, in the style of . Head back to the hotel for rest. Recommend Cafe Tacuba for dinner, and grab a show at the Palacio Nacional de Belles Arts; Ballet Folkorico, tickets can be purchased at the museum.

Day 3 – Chapultepec Park

Enjoy breakfast at Puro Corazon . Begin your day at the Museo de Anthropology .

Recommend visiting the gallery that houses the Sun Stone rst. Head over to the Modern

Museum of Art, the highlight is "Las Dos Fridas" by Frida Kahlo. Have lunch in the museum’s cafe Shop, the head over to Miguel’s Fantasias store. Crafters will enjoy purchasing art supplies.

Return to the hotel for rest before dinner at Azul Historico, then to El Moro for chocolate & churros. Day 4 – San Angel

Begin your day with a perfect breakfast- Saks Restaurant, the most elegant breakfast in Mexico

City! Across the street is Plaza Jacinto – Artists display original art for sale. Across the street is Bazar Sabado (Saturdays only), quality folk art shops. Visit Diego studios; Diego & Fridas home & Studios is about a 20 minute walk, or a 5 minute taxi ride. Dinner San Angel Inn is across the street is great for dinner. Return to Hotel Take a night tour on Turi-Bus located in the Zocalo. .

Day 5 - Coyoacan Breakfast at La Esquina de los Milagros , then a walk thru the Park across the street, and visit the traditional in-door Mercado. Walk a few blocks to Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum. Purchase tickets in advance. Head over to the Mercado de Artesenias for quality artisan market. Continue to roam the neighborhood, and enjoy a café & lunch. A visit to Anahuacalli ,Diego Rivera collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts is worth the effort. Dinner at the most popular restaurant in Mexico City - Pujol

Day 6 Book Walking Tours Breakfast at a local cafe & book a Street Art Walk – Streetartchilango.com, or book a

Condesa or Roma walking tour via Viator.com . Consider visiting La Basilica de Santa María de

Guadalupe, the second most visited Catholic Church. Return hotel – rest. Booking a night tour Xocmiloco Canals is also an option. Dinner – Local taqueria & bar .

Day 7 – Day Trip to a Pueblo Magico There are many options for a spectacular day trip, these are a few favorite:

Taxco - offers an intriguing cityscape: narrow, winding streets crawl through the city and offer views over the red-tiled roofs below. Santa Prisca church is the most iconic of Taxco's buildings. Also known as the Silver Capital, offering beautiful silver jewlery.

Puebla -One of Mexico’s top ve colonial cities, and the most beautiful. The fourth- largest metropolitan area in Mexico, Puebla has a walkable Centro Historico, with churches gilded in gold, artist neighborhoods, and famous cuisine-mole. Pyramids - About a 30 to 45-minute journey from the city center, one of Mexico

City’s most famous archaeological landmarks: the ancient city Teotihuacan. Climb the pyramids of the Sun & Moon, the largest in Mesoamerica. It is believed to have been constructed about

200 AD. Recommend booking a tour via Viator.com

Day 8 Departure Pack your treasures, organize your photos, enter your nal thoughts in your travel journal! Plan to leave up to 3-4 hours before your ight departure from your hotel. Due to trafc and unexpected delays.

Accommodations

Mexico City offers excellent hotels centrally located within the Centro Historico & Paseo de la Reforma. For some travelers, the hotel is a place to sleep comfortably and get ready for the day; for others, it is a big part of the overall experience. These hotel recommendations range from luxury to small and charming hotels. Research all the hotels and select a hotel within your budget and expected experience. Ensure the hotel offers concierge services, they tend to provide great recommendations for services.

Below is a list to begin your research and average nightly rate.

Centro Historico

Grand Hotel – Cuidad de Mexico $$$ Zocalo Central Hotel $$ Hotel Isabel $$$ Hotel Cathedral $$ Downtown – Hotel Barge $$

Paseo de la Reforma

Sheraton Mexico City – Maria Isabel $$ St. Regis Mexico City $$$ Hotel Marquis Reforma $$

Four Seasons Hotel $$$$ Hotel Sevilla Palace $$ Safety - Is Mexico Dangerous?

Certain parts of Mexico City are dangerous, but the tourist-centric neighborhoods— are generally safe to visit. The primary risk in Mexico City is the Centro Historico. Visitors in this area are at risk of petty crime such as pickpocketing, or when exchanging your local currencies to pesos, you may be overcharged. There is a police presence in the Centro Historico to deter petty crimes and oversee tourism activity. Follow your State Department's travel advisory before booking your trip. Practice travel safety by visiting only tourist-friendly attractions/hotels or accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide. Research COVID-19 related travel advisories.

Transportation Options:

Taxis from your hotel is one of the best options. Hire a local driver for the day Uber is very reliable. Book a tour that provides transportation Turibus is a double-decker tour bus from the Zocalo. Trafc – Given the city's size, it is very congested, and trafc throughout, be prepared for lots of honking and close calls on the road.

Helpful Information

~ Museums are closed on Monday ~ Saturday is the best day to visit San Angel – Bazar Sabado ~ Weather is mild year-round, pack comfortable, no beachwear ~ Peso is the MXN currency- order in advance from your bank do not exchange dollars for peso at the airport, use an ATM ~ Learn travel friendly phrases, and tipping is very much appreciated. ~ Hotel Concierge's offer great recommendations for good eats and coffee Plan Your Visit to Mexico City!

Your rst visit to Mexico City? Dulce Vida Travel is here to help. Contact us; we are available for private tours or prepare a detailed itinerary and bookings. Rose Mendoza - Chief Travel Advisor [email protected] 408.495.2411 www.dulcevidatravel.com

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