The Ultimate CDMX Guide: Zona Maco and Authentic Hotels, Art, Food & Fashion Experiences
Curated By
Heber Siqueiros
Curator’s statement
Zona Maco is the largest art fair in Latin America, showcasing contemporary works from both established and emerging artists. The event enlivens various neighborhoods in Mexico City, such as Juárez, Roma Norte, and Polanco, with numerous art-related activities. FORA offers assistance with hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, and museum visits to ensure a stress-free experience during this busy week. As your CDMX Travel Advisor, I focus on recommending hidden gems and unique experiences that go beyond typical tourist spots and guidebooks.
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Things to do in Mexico City
Museo Soumaya by Heber Siqueiros
Take a culinary Mexican tour
The Culinary Backstreets experience is one of my favorite recommendations. They'll show you where Mexican food comes from and take you on an unforgettable food tour through downtown Mexico City. Eat the best chilaquiles and tacos de canasta in town with your private guide who knows about history, art, and culture. They also offer tours in Xochimilco and Coyoacán.
Take an art tour with Palanca
Discover my favorite art guide in Mexico City! They will take you to exclusive art studios and architectural sites designed by Luis Barragán and Javier Senosiain, showcasing hidden treasures where you can learn more about contemporary Mexican artists. In Spanish, "Palanca" means "exclusive connections."
Walk, bike, explore
Take a simple walk through the lively neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, and Juarez. These areas are perfect for people-watching and browsing local shops. For a different perspective, download the Ecobici app and cycle around these three bike-friendly districts.
Visit art museums
The Museum of Anthropology is one of the world’s most beautiful museums with important collections. Also worth visiting: Museo Tamayo, Museo Jumex, and Museo Soumaya, See murals by Mexico's greatest artists like Rivera, Siqueiros, and Tamayo at the Palacio Bellas Artes.
Shop for local Mexican fashion
Ex-Boyfriend & Boyfriend Shirt: Genderless reconstructed clothing with unique designs with a touch of luxury, uniqueness, and vintage vibes.
Xinu: An extraordinary Mexican perfumery with nature-inspired fragrances.
Campillo: Sophisticated and stylish clothing by talented designer Patricio Campillo.
H.Koumori: My favorite type of clothing – sporty and chic with amazing design.
Also check out 1/8 Takamura, Vabad, Cihuah, and Cardón.
Shop for local art & design objects
Taller Luum: A Mexican atelier of objects, furniture made in collaboration with artisans and designers.
Atlawa: A beautiful home goods design store where all items are made of resin, with sophisticated and colorful tones. A great contemporary take on Mexican culture.
Visit the Mercado de Jamaica
A traditional market where you can find flowers, food, home goods, and experience authentic Mexican market culture.
Places to eat & drink in Mexico City
Barron Restaurant in San Miguel Chapultepec, photo by Heber Siqueiros
Cafe Trucha: My favorite breakfast and coffee spot. Not only are the drinks and food delicious, but I think they have the best baked goods in town. Try the camote panque and olive oil cake with a cardamomo latte. They're also open for lunch with great wines and snacks to enjoy near Río de Janeiro park.
Lolo Miscelanea Editorial: Lolo is an art, fashion, and culture bookstore that serves amazing coffee and matcha lattes. It's the perfect place to find your next coffee table book while enjoying a great drink.
Margot: One of my favorite places for brunch and drinks, super cozy with a great food menu perfect for sharing dishes. The fluffy pancakes are spectacular!
Abrassamar: This seafood restaurant is becoming one of Roma's hotspots. Great cocktails and delicious fresh seafood dishes—perfect for a long, leisurely lunch.
Fierro: A charming restaurant with Art Deco-inspired interior design and a small but delicious menu. Their bar features only Mexican liquors and spirits, and their mixology is spot-on. Try the carne asada and the papas bravas!
Botanico: Beautiful restaurant in a former residence with a fresh, organic menu full of international-Mexican flavors. They even have axolotls swimming in their pond!
Tacos del Valle: In my opinion, the best tacos in CDMX. Try the tijuanita, gringa de asada, and the potato flautas!
Ricas Barbacoas y Consome: Authentic Mexican barbacoa at a sidewalk taco stand. If you don't know what to order, start with "Tacos de Maciza," tacos dorados, and quesadillas with squash blossoms and quesillo. You'll dream about this place, I promise. (Cordoba y Chiapas, Roma Norte)
Diamantina: Cozy and charming bar in Roma Norte with a great selection of mezcales.
Bar Mauro: Your neighborhood bar with great music, cocktails, and small bites—perfect for after-work meetings with a speakeasy feel.
Need to know
Mexico City is a place of wonderful contrasts—ancient yet modern, traditional yet innovative. During Zona Maco, the creative energy reaches new heights as art spills beyond gallery walls into everyday life.
This guide comes from my personal adventures through CDMX's creative scene—places where real people are making magic through food, design, art, and hospitality. While the famous spots deserve their recognition, it's often these more personal spaces where you'll find the city's true heart.
As your travel advisor with a passion for art, design, and luxury experiences, I'm excited to help you discover your own favorite corners of this incredible city. Whether you're here for Zona Maco or just to soak up the culture, CDMX offers endless possibilities for meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.
Follow me on IG at @hebsiq @12housetravel and @foratravel
¡Buen viaje!
Travel Advisor
Heber Siqueiros
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