Polanco

Polanco, named after the Hacienda de Polanco before it began transforming into a residential neighbourhood in the early 20th century and picked up momentum in the 1940s. It now a mix of history and culture and known for its high end shops on Masaryk Street.

Polanco boarders Chapultepec park to the north, Chapultepec translating from nahuatl (Aztec) into mountain of crickets. Chapultepec has many spots worth visiting!

Ticuchi Mezcalería-Bar

One of my favourite spots - moody cave with sexy dim cande lights - and covenantally located underneath my mum’s flat. Great cocktails and a menu of Oaxacan cuisine with a modern twist.

£££

Maque Breakie

A great corner spot for a delicious Mexican breakfast! Serving all the classics to start your day, they also operate as a bakery with some fantastic "pan dulce". They have another location in Condesa as well.

££

Quintonil Fine Dining

Two Michelin-starred restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Led by chef Jorge Vallejo, the menu highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Must book in advance (never been myself).

£££££

Parque Chapultepec Park

The lungs of Mexico City - almost twice the size of Central Park in New York - worth the stroll. You will find lakes you can row in, castles crowing hills, zoos to visit and some weird monkey hats that spray water with their tails.

Free :)

Castillo de Chapultepec Castle and Museum

Perched atop the highest hill in Chapultepec Park, this castle has originally built as the residence for the Spanish Viceroy, it later became a military academy—famously the site of the final battle during the Mexican-American War in 1847. Then served as the imperial residence of Emperor Maximilian of Austria and Empress Carlota in the 1860s. Today, it stands as a museum open to the public. In a past life, I played the cello as a kid for a TV channel here - see if you can spot me!

£

Museo de Antropología Museum

This will be the ONE museum id say you cannot miss! Housing an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artefacts from Mexico’s many ancient civilisations, including the Aztec, Maya, and Olmec. The architecture, by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez its also extraordinary.

£

Casa Luis Barragán Home and Museum

Technically not in Polanco, but I’m lumping it in - it’s just south of Chapultepec Park. Still owned by a private family, the property is open for tours, but you’ll need to book well in advance. It’s a bit on the spenny side (around £30), but it’s an absolute gem! I cannot stress enough how beautiful this home is—well worth a visit if this is your cup of tea.

££