Mexico City is a magnificent, crowded, exciting place to visit. Like New York City, it has something for just about everyone (unless you’re looking for a beach or an all-inclusive hotel). Mexico‘s capital is so big, in fact, that it can be overwhelming. So it’s a good idea to divide your activities by neighborhood, so you can enjoy the city to the fullest, whether you’re planning a Mexico vacation or a quick business trip.
One of the many upscale neighborhoods in Mexico that attracts a lot of attention is Condesa, a neighborhood that first attracted wealthy residents in the middle of the 20th Century. Once the site of a racetrack, which explains the full name of the neighborhood, Hipódromo Condesa (although most people never use the full name). Today, it’s a lovely place to stay, stroll and enjoy, with a relaxed feel, lots of cool shopping and dining, and noteworthy residential architecture, as well as a handful of great hotels.
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During my most recent trip to Mexico City, I spent several days staying and enjoying this neighborhood. Here’s my personal guide for 7 things to do in Condesa.
- Where to shop: Mexico City’s Condesa district is a great place to avoid big chains. For artwork, stop at Tinta Naranja Urban Gallery, which stocks fabulous photography and modern art by local artists. If the Fab Four are your thing, you may also want to stop at Abbey Rock: La Casa de los Beatles, a tiny shop that stocks — you guessed it — Beatles memorabilia.
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2. Where to Eat: There are lots of great restaurants in the Condesa district. During my most recent visit, I found myself focusing on pizza, for some reason. My favorites: Pizza del Perro Negro, which serves heaping pizzas topped with a wide variety of goodies, and has outdoor seating and a, artsy, alternative vibe inside. Also worth a visit is 50 Friends, which opens onto a street that’s great for people watching and serves lots of pizza styles, as well as good cocktails.
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3. Where to Have Dessert: Mexico is known for its pastries, and the Condesa district is a rewarding place to find out why. Pastelería Suiza has been satisfying the sweet tooth of locals since 1942. Grab a tray and a set of tongs, and pick out your favorite, sugar-dusted treats, whether it’s a cake or a crumbly polvorón cookie.
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4. Where to Exercise: In Mexico City’s Condesa district, there’s no need to lock yourself in a stuffy gym when you want exercise. Head to Parque Mexico, a historic, leafy stretch of green where workout bars and equipment make it easy to stay in shape while enjoying the city’s usually pleasant temperatures.
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5. Where to Stroll: A racetrack used to be the big draw in Condesa, and today, Avenida Amsterdam — a circular avenue lined with trees, sidewalks, shops and restaurants, as well as residences housed in beautiful architectural gems from the 20th century — traces the track’s former path. Since it’s a full circle, it makes for excellent strolling and jogging (you’ll also want to spend some time wandering the lovely pathways of Parque España and Parque México, the neighborhood’s two parks, which have benefited from recent renovations).
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6. Where to Drink: The first stylish boutique hotel to open in the neighborhood, Condesa DF is also renowned for its restaurant and rooftop bar. Take the elevator to the top and sip a cocktail as you enjoy a peaceful view of the surrounding area.
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7. Where to Stay: Decidedly one of the most beautiful places to stay in Mexico city the Hotel Hippodrome opened this year, following a major remake of a beautiful 20th-century apartment building that dates to 1931. Classic luxury with modern touches make this 16-room property an elegant and stylish choice, in the heart of the upscale Condesa district. The hotel’s small size and location on a quiet residential block near the lovely Parque México ensures a tranquil stay, with great attention to detail and attentive service. Read my full review of the Hotel Hippodrome here.