Designer’s guide to Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant hub of culture and creativity and has long been a favorite destination for designers and artists alike. This guide features insights from a range of industry experts, including architect John Ike, partner at Ike Baker Velten, design publicist and long-time CDMX resident Abby Ellis of Glodow Nead Communications, interior designer Kerry Vasquez, hospitality firms Woogmaster Studio and Jason St. John, partner at Bells & Whistles, and me, DNN Editor-in-Chief, Courtney Porter.

Miguel Angel de Quevedo, a prominent urban planner for Mexico City in the early 20th century, was influenced by European concepts, particularly those of Jean Claude Forestier’s “Systemes de parcs.” Quevedo advocated for the establishment of parks, gardens, and natural reserves as greenbelts in Mexico City, similar to Forestier’s vision for Paris. And while the city layout can feel like navigating your way around Paris, the Aztec and Spanish Colonial influences give the space its distinctive style.

The winged statue on the way to Teotihuacan from Mexico City, called “El Vigilante” (The Vigilant), is a bronze sculpture by Jorge Marín, installed in 2016.

Together, we’ve curated a selection of galleries, shops, stays, sights, and bites to help you navigate this dynamic city. We’ve also included projects from some of the contributing designers that exemplify the ways they bring inspiration from CDMX back home and to work with them. As Design News Now focuses on interiors, we’ll start with a spotlight on the city’s top furniture and collectibles galleries.

Furniture galleries in CDMX

Nearly every designer we spoke to had Chic By Accident on their list and –can confirm – it is a gem! Owner and curator Emmanuel Picault melds his keen eye for contemporary design with a deep respect for the cultural heritage of the city to fill Chic by Accident with unique collectible design and art that makes the gallery a must-visit destination.

Chic by Accident features several pieces by Eugenio Escudero, a Spanish civil war refugee and furniture designer active in the 1950s and 1960s, during Mexico’s Milagro Mexicano period. Known for his modernist style with clean lines and quality materials, his work was influenced by both Danish and American design. He collaborated with prominent architects like Mario Pani, which helped shape his unique style. His works feature fine woods and artisanal techniques like bronze inlay and are seen as pioneering in contemporary Mexican collectible design.

Mayan Revival chair from Aztec Theater designed by Johannes Scholze.

Originario is a design gallery that came recommended by interior designer Kerry Vasquez. It is like a candy shop for a designer — not for the fans of quiet luxury. From the moment you ascend the steps at the entrance, you’re surrounded by color-drenched walls, provocative art, and bold statement pieces galore.

Colorful resin vessels available at Originario

Originario, Vasquez says, “…showcases bold hues and bulbous forms that exemplify contemporary Mexican design.” As you can tell from the images below, those influences are evident throughout the designer’s work:

More from Kerry Vasquez’s design portfolio.

Two more galleries worth taking a look at come highly recommended by architect John Ike: Masa Gallery and Clásicos Mexicanos. Both of which inspired the design of his own home in Point Loma, San Diego:

“My relationship with Mexico City was revived in 2018 and really cemented during Covid. I’ve been visiting a couple of times a year since and find it the most vital artistic and cultural place I know. Art, music, architecture, food, you name it, CDMX has it going on.” – Architect John Ike, Partner at Ike Baker Velten

Dining room in architect John Ike’s CDMX-inspired Point Loma (San Diego) home.

Museums and architecture in CDMX

Museo Tamayo

Museo Tamayo in Mexico City is a significant contemporary art institution housed in a striking mid-century modern building designed by Zabludovsky and González de León, that beautifully blends with its surroundings in Chapultepec Park. Since the 1990s, it has focused on contemporary art and regularly hosts exhibitions by international artists. Established by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, the museum showcases his personal collection to provide public access to 20th-century global art.

Museo Nacional de Antropología

Abby Ellis gave us the run-down on the Pedro Ramírez Vázquez designed Anthropology Museum: “The umbrella-like roof supported by a single pillar is a masterpiece of structural engineering. The building is as iconic as the artifacts it houses, representing the pinnacle of modernist museum architecture in Latin America.

The museum represents the pinnacle of modernist architecture in Latin America, designed to showcase Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic history. Its spaces are meticulously curated to honor the past while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.

The interior’s dramatic lighting enhances the experience, casting shadows and creating an evocative atmosphere. This design choice adds a layer of intensity to the often violent and tumultuous history of the artifacts, deepening their narrative impact.

Its central courtyard and reflecting pool offer tranquil, open spaces, providing a counterbalance to the weight of history within. This blending of nature and urban design invites reflection and underscores the connection between past and present.”

And because a tour of the Museo Nacional de Anthropología begins with an overview of the Teotihuacans, I recommend taking a trip about 30 miles outside the city to tour the UNESCO World Heritage site for an architectural tour of the Teotihucan pyramids that further contextualizes the lasting impact of one of the oldest known civilizations in the Americas, predating the Aztecs by several hundreds of years.

Luis Barragan Houses

Another architectural feat on nearly every design expert’s “must-see” list in CDMX is the work of architect Luis Barragán. Renowned for blending modernist principles with traditional Mexican elements, Barragán created a unique architectural language that has profoundly influenced global design.

Characteristic of his work is his bold use of color, particularly hot pink, minimalist geometric forms, and seamless integration of architecture with landscape.

Projects like Jardines del Pedregal redefined urban development, while his focus on serene, contemplative spaces elevated Barragán as a cultural icon. Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 1980, his work helped solidify Mexico City’s global architectural stature and reinforced the nation’s postcolonial identity.

CDMX-inspired design by Woogmaster Studio | Photo by Roger Davies

“CDMX lies at the perfect intersection of history and invention. It is grit and glamour, and its richly layered design culture is adventurous, refined, creative, and generous in a way that delights with constant discovery.” – Alex Woogmaster, Principal, Woogmaster Studio

More from Woogmaster Studio | Photos by Roger Davies

Museo Mural Diego Rivera

The Museo Mural Diego Rivera is primarily dedicated to Rivera’s iconic Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central, a monumental fresco depicting over 150 historical figures. Completed in 1947, the mural was on display inside the Hotel del Prado Misión when it was demolished in the 1985 earthquake, and the mural was the only element to survive. The museum opened shortly thereafter in 1986, located near the Alameda Central park that inspired the mural.

Casa Azul – Visit Frida Kahlo (and friends)

In the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood, you’ll find Frida Kahlo‘s home, the studio she shared with Diego Rivera as well as Leon Trotsky’s humble abode. All are open to the public and I’d recommend experiencing them together, tracing the steps from one to the other to further reinforce the Soviet revolutionary’s relationship to and influence on the artists.

Best design hotels in Mexico City

In a town full with no shortage of fabulous hotels, it was difficult to narrow down the selections but three emerged as the top contenders and offer equally fabulous, distinctive vibes, depending on what kind of experience you are looking to have.

Hotel Volga

Hotel Volga, a new luxury boutique hotel in Mexico City’s Cuauhtémoc district, combines modern design with the city’s rich cultural history. Designed by JSa Architecture, its brutalist exterior and warm, modern interior reflect Mexico City’s tradition of blending architectural styles.

The hotel offers an immersive experience with art, music and cuisine (the subterranean restaurant, Elora is incredible), featuring large-scale works by sculptor Perla Krauze, in line with the city’s mid-20th-century “plastic integration” movement. The hotel’s U-shaped atrium, inspired by local cenotes, connects to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage, while retractable iron screens outside each guest room showcase the city’s history of architectural innovation.

Ignacia Guest House

Vasquez recommends a stay at Ignacia Guest House, which she describes as, “truly singular – [the] epitome of the vibrant design-forward style of this city.” Ignacia Guest House blends a 1913 Porfirian mansion with contemporary design.

The boutique hotel preserved historic elements like the wooden floors and plasterwork, while incorporating modern Mexican craftsmanship and vibrant colors that honor the property’s long-time housekeeper, Ignacia, and indigenous visual traditions.

Its adaptive reuse and garden, featuring Oaxacan cacti and orange trees, connect the property to both Mexico’s architectural evolution and its lush natural environment.

Sofitel

Ellis highly recommends staying at the Sofitel Mexico Reforma for its fusion of contemporary luxury and cultural heritage. The hotel’s sleek, modernist design is enhanced by subtle nods to Mexican artistry, such as geometric patterns inspired by indigenous crafts and vibrant hues evoking traditional textiles.

The façade’s clean lines and glass-dominant architecture create a sense of openness and sophistication, allowing it to blend with the bustling urban environment of Paseo de la Reforma. Inside, the hotel greets guests with a grand lobby featuring polished stone surfaces, warm wooden accents, and artwork that reflects the vibrancy of Mexican culture.

Additionally, the hotel’s 171-meter height and sustainable design practices, including energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials, make it worth visiting for its architectural excellence and environmental responsibility.

Food in Mexico City

Most foodie guides to CDMX feature esteemed Michelin favorites like Pujol and Sud777 or recommend local’s favorite street food vendors. While undeniably excellent, we wanted to offer some alternatives for when you’re feeling taco’d out. We’ve also considered restaurants with exceptional interior design and branding, in addition to their fabulous menus—since, after all, this is the designers’ guide.

Contramar offers a visually stunning setting paired with an extensive menu for seafood enthusiasts. The stand out dish is the whole grilled fish, prepared two ways in their signature homemade sauces— the huge portions are ideal for sharing.

Dooriban in Roma Norte: Go for exceptional Korean food in a casual, elevated setting, and enjoy a rotating curation of local natural wines.

Elena Reygadas’ Rosetta has become a Michilin-starred city staple with various locations, from the bustling Panadería—famed for its pastries and coffee—to more refined spots perfect for a date night. Each location is fantastic, but the real standout is the pastry selection at the Panadería. Try any Rosetta croissant or bun, which rivals the best you’ll find in France.

Café Trucha is a charming brunch spot in Roma Norte, known for its thoughtful menu where everything is homemade. It is an excellent spot for some tinned fish with warm, homemade bread and freshly baked pastries.

Blanco Colima is located in a beautifully preserved Porfirian-style mansion next door to Rosetta’s most formal outpost, and offers elevated twists on Mexican classics.

Honorable mentions

The Casa de los Azulejos, or “House of Tiles,” is a stunning example of Mexico’s colonial-era splendor, with its Baroque façade adorned in blue-and-white Puebla Talavera tiles. “The fusion of European and Mexican craftsmanship makes it one of the most striking landmarks in the city,” says Ellis.

Located in the heart of a tourist-heavy area, the building’s 18th-century architecture stands out amidst the bustling crowds. Once the residence of the Count of Valle de Orizaba, it has since evolved into a cultural hub with a restaurant inside.

Dining at Sanborns within the building offers the opportunity to view the iconic murals by José Clemente Orozco, including his famous “Omniscience” mural, which blends modern social consciousness with the historic setting. “Despite its centuries-old origin, it’s a perfect example of adaptive reuse,” Ellis adds.

The House of Tiles is also located near CDMX’s Chinatown. Take a stroll through to experience an incredible mix of cultures.

Lucha Libre

While not explicitly design-related Lucha Libre’s influence on CDMX’s design and art culture cannot be overstated. It is a vibrant spectacle characterized by campy, action-packed performances that feels like watching improvised stage combat. Iconic imagery, such as the luchador masks and vibrant costumes, appear in murals, street art, fashion collections and graphic design, blending traditional and modern elements. Lucha Libre’s impact on visual culture continues to shape Mexico City’s creative landscape, reinforcing its status as a symbol of Mexican heritage.

Furniture, decor, and vintage shopping in Mexico City

In the hip neighborhood of Roma Norte, there is a row of boutiques that includes Rufina, Proyectos Republica and Escalina which offer unique curations of furnishings, home accents, clothing and jewelry both new and vintage.