BIBLIOTECA CENTRAL’S LIBRARY FAÇADE REQUIRES REALLIFE VIEWING
a full day of aesthetic wandering awaits you at universidad nacional autónoma de México (8 unam.mx). Its Museo universitario arte contemporáneo
(8 muac.unam.mx) offers an exciting programme of workshops. hop outside and around the corner and begin your exploration of unam’s espacio escultórico. This sculpture park will have you interacting with the natural and created landscape. a walk through the university grounds leads you to Biblioteca central
(8 bibliotecas.unam.mx) whose library façade requires real-life viewing. completely decorated in mosaic by Mexican painter and architect Juan o’gorman, its murals tell detailed stories about Mexican culture.
SHOP LOCAL
You’ll get to know mercados based on your needs – vintage clothing (Lagunilla), esoteric potions (sonora), flowers (Jamaica). But it’s at La ciudadela
(8 laciudadela.com.mx) that you’ll find artisanal heaven. open seven days a week, it’s packed with embroidered blouses, hand-carved guitars, brightly painted skulls and much, much more. Less of a tourist trap, but more pricey, is the monthly Tráfico Bazar. a trendy space with live music and food vendors, it sells the hippest local goods, from tailored trousers to contemporary ceramics. But, if it’s solely fashion you’re after, then a visit to one of carla Fernández’s (8 carlafernandez.com) stores is high priority. Taking traditional Mexican craft and her country’s rich textile heritage to the runway, her clothing is an edgy reinterpretation of her culture. equally out-of-the-ordinary is the jewellery by Luisa restrepo, which can be found in Blend (8 blendmexico.
com), an inviting concept store selling everything from local lighting to international furniture brands. IKAL
(8 ikalstore.com) is a shop that’s just as enticing. Because it only sells independent brands, you’ll find Pantera’s leather bags, caballeria’s crafted shoes and raw apothecary’s skincare products made from 100-percent natural Mexican ingredients.
SLEEP SOUNDLY
If airbnb isn’t your thing, don’t fret, Mexico city dishes out designer hotels. condesa df (8 condesadf.com), adjacent to the leafy Parque españa, is a favourite. airy suites are presented in calming tones, while the public spaces are splashed with accents of colour to remind you you’re in this vibrant city. sundowners and sushi on the fourthfloor terrace are obligatory.
With just four rooms, nima Local house hotel (8 nimalocalhousehotel.
com) offers the ultimate attention to detail, its interior patio a welcome retreat after a long day walking the city. nima’s attentive team can also help you tailor-make the perfect itinerary. n