ZONA MACO MÉXICO ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO
WHEN: April 10–14
WHERE: Centro Banamex
HIGHLIGHTS: In addition to the main exhibitors at this fair’s 10th edition, a New Proposals section, curated by Mirjam Varadinis of Kunsthaus Zurich, spotlights artists under 35. New this year will be Zona Maco Modern Art, highlighting Latin American work from the second half of the 20th century.
This property in the Polanco district gets high marks for its award-winning design — check out the stunning spiral staircase — and attention to detail, like the stocking of traditional Mexican candies and sodas in the minibar. Guests can feast in restaurants helmed by chef Marta Ortiz and then enjoy Polanco’s boutiques and nightlife nearby.
Presidente Masaryk 390A
Polanco
52-55-3300-3900
Rates: from $300
The latest offering from boutique hotelier Grupo Habita, this is the definitive party spot of the moment. A rooftop bar, pool, and sunning area add to the appeal, as do the minimalist rooms in concrete, brick, and wood, and a mezcalería on the lower level.
Isabel La Catolica 30
Centro
52-55-5130-6830
Rates: from $165
Near the Parque Mexico in the attractive Condesa neighborhood, this bed-and-breakfast bears rooms that range from budget options to a penthouse. They fill up fast, drawing creative types who flock here for the unbeatable combination of service, style, and location.
Culiacan 6
Condesa
52-55-5584-3829
Rates: from $85
Make reservations early for this mecca of Mexican cuisine, which now ranks among the top 50 tables in the world, according to a listing in Restaurant magazine. Star chef Enrique Olvera serves an ever-evolving menu and tasting plates — featuring delicacies like sea bass tacos in hoja santa tortillas and beef tartar tostadas with serrano chiles — using the best local ingredients.
Francisco Petrarca 254
Polanco
52-55-5545-3507
Right next to Las Alcobas, diners can delight in warm ambience and beautifully prepared Mexican dishes and drinks: Think the darkest of mole sauces and mezcal-based cocktails. Whimsical presentation is key: Drinks are garnished with fresh flowers, and post-dinner candies are hidden in toys.
Anatole France 100
Polanco
52-55-3300-3999
Don’t be dissuaded by the fleet of black SUVs parked outside and toughs in suits on the sidewalk in front. Sushi is a standby for upper-crust locals. This Japanese restaurant, one of three in the city, serves some of the best raw fish delicacies in Mexico City. Pair fatty tuna sashimi with rolls of fried radish or dill plum and celery.
Temistocles 61
Polanco
52-55-5281-8112
Since its opening last year this classy yet comfortable restaurant in a revamped 17th-century casa — at the same address as Downtown Mexico — has drawn foodies and celebrities for its interpretations of regional Mexican cuisine and selections of mezcal. Try the ceviche verde or salpicón de venado.
Isabel La Catolica 30
Centro
52-55-5510-1316
Tacos are a culinary equalizer, enjoyed by everyone from CEOs to construction workers. The offerings here are among the tastiest in the city. Fresh tortillas are stuffed with such fillings as steamed cactus with guacamole and even hot dogs with rice. Those feeling adventurous can order the huitla-coche, a corn fungus prized by gourmands.
Ometusco 56
Condesa
52-55-5271-6090
Perhaps the biggest and best collection of contemporary art in Latin America is hosted in an unlikely location: a former juice plant in the working-class suburb of Ecatepec, north of the capital. It’s a bit of a haul from Mexico City, but it’s well worth the trip and is located on the way to the Teotihuacán pyramids. Jumex’s participation in Maco is legendary, as is its party for A-listers.
Via Moreles 272
Ecatepec
52-55-5775-8188
Representing talents like Daniel Buren and Bosco Sodi, this space anchors the emerging art scene in the San Rafael colonia, itself home both to young artists and century-old mansions. Belgian artist Jan De Cock exhibits here this month.
Francisco Pimentel 3
San Rafael
52-55-5546-6703
MUSEO UNIVERSITARIO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO (MUAC)
This museum opened to fanfare in 2008 on the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) campus — a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its murals. This month you can see “Asco, Elite of the Obscure, a Retrospective, 1972–87,” which pays tribute to the Chicano art collective, as well as shows by Jonas Mekas and Yona Friedman.
Insurgentes Sur 3000
Centro Cultural Universitario
52-55-5622-6972
A great place for grabbing a Mexican keepsake, with items ranging from Catrina dolls (Día de los Muertos skeletal figures) to old-school Corona beer trays, Oaxacan ceramics, and colorful alebrijes (whimsical creatures fashioned from cardboard and papier-mâché).
Emilio Castelar At Temistocles
Polanco
52-55-5281-3135
This concept store has a bit of everything — Panama hats, handbags made from recyclables, amber jewelry, and even notebooks featuring campy Lucha Libre wrestlers — in a three-floor architectural gem facing Polanco’s Parque Lincoln.
Emilio Castelar 149
Polanco
52-55-5281-0800
An art market unfolds every Saturday in the Plaza de San Jacinto in San Angel, a charming neighborhood of cobble-stone streets in southern Mexico City. An indoor market bursts with artisanal wares such as blown glass, smithed silver, and high-temperature ceramics, while indigenous vendors bring traditional things like blankets and baskets.
Plaza San Jacinto 11
San Angel
52-55-5616-0082
Zona Maco México Arte Contemporáneo draws international visitors to this vibrant capital, home to craft, cuisine, and cutting-edge creativity.