Mexico City Art Week with Miret Rodriguez

Welcome to Mexico City! 

Mexico City - A high-octane megalopolis boasting old-school cantinas, intriguing museums, inspired dining and boating along ancient canals, Mexico City is the sun in the Mexican solar system. One of the world’s mega-cities, with over 25 million people occupying a shallow mountain bowl at over 2400m above sea level, Mexico City has to be seen to be believed. Bursting beyond the official federal district, the sprawling city is edgy, yet laid-back and cosmopolitan. Around the city lie the chief relics of the pre-Hispanic cultures of central Mexico.

As the group arrives for an inspiring art-focused journey during Zona Maco, you’ll be met with the city’s vibrant creative energy from the moment you land. 

Whether you’re arriving early or later in the day, take time to settle into the hotel and enjoy your first impressions of this dynamic metropolis. 

In the evening, we’ll gather for a casual welcome, offering a chance to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and set the tone for an exciting week immersed in contemporary art, culture, and creativity.

Check in at Hotel Fontan Reforma

Facilities

Conveniently located next to Hidalgo Metro Station, Hotel Fontan Reforma Centro Historico offers free WFi throughout and a heating system, plus air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV. It is within walking distance of the historic city center, & Alameda Park. 

Hotel Fontan features an on-site restaurant that offers a lunch buffet and an à la carte menu for dinner. There are several restaurants and lounges just minutes from the Fontan Reforma. The Palace of Fine Arts and the Franz Mayer Museum are also within 3 blocks of the hotel.

This morning’s guided walk through Mexico City’s historic center offers a rich introduction to the city’s layered past and vibrant present. We begin with a visit to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera to view the iconic mural "Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda", an ideal starting point for understanding 400 years of Mexico’s history through Rivera’s visionary lens.

From there, we walk through Alameda Central, the very park depicted in the mural, taking time to pause and observe the life that continues to animate this historic space. Our next stop is Palacio de Bellas Artes, where we admire its stunning blend of Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Art Deco architecture, and view murals by Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco.

We continue along Francisco I. Madero Avenue, a lively pedestrian street full of local colour, with stops at landmarks like the Casa de los Azulejos and the Zócalo, where your guide will point out the Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, and other key buildings that define the historic heart of the city.

After this immersive morning, enjoy free time for lunch and, if you wish, explore suggested nearby sites such as the Templo Mayor on your own (entrance fee to the Museum is $95 Mexican pesos / not included).

🍽️ SUGGESTED Places to Eat (Centro Histórico)

1. Azul Histórico

   • 📍 Inside the beautiful courtyard of a colonial building on Calle Isabel la Católica.

   • 🌮 Known for: Traditional Mexican dishes with a refined twist (try the mole).

   • 🍃 Gorgeous ambiance with trees and lanterns overhead — a local favorite.

2. Café de Tacuba

   • 📍 Calle de Tacuba 28.

   • 🕰️ A historic café dating back to 1912.

   • 🍳 Known for: Classic Mexican breakfasts and lunches, in an old-school, elegant setting with live music at times.

3. El Cardenal (Palma branch)

   • 📍 Palma 23, steps from the Zócalo.

   • 🍽️ Known for: Excellent Mexican cuisine, including fresh-made tortillas and nata.

   • 🥐 Great spot for both traditional dishes and light lunch options.

🖼️ Afternoon Visits (Self-Guided or Optional)

1. Museo del Templo Mayor

• ⛪ Right off the Zócalo.

• 🗿 See the ruins of the main Aztec temple and explore artifacts that bring pre-Hispanic history to life.

2. Museo Franz Mayer

• 🖼️ A short walk from Alameda Central.

• 🏺 Offers decorative arts and temporary exhibitions — housed in a beautiful former monastery.

3. Torre Latinoamericana

• 🏙️ For panoramic city views.

• 🚡 Head to the observation deck or grab a coffee upstairs and enjoy the skyline from above.

Today is dedicated to experiencing the best of Latin America’s contemporary art scene. With expert guided visit to Zona Maco, Mexico City's premier international art fair, guests will enjoy a curated walkthrough highlighting leading Latin American galleries and rising emerging artists.

The morning’s guided visit will offer valuable context and insight into the region’s creative currents, allowing time to explore independently afterward. Guests may opt for a relaxed coffee break at the fair or browse nearby design shops for a taste of Mexico City's cutting-edge style.

In the evening, we’ll gather for an intimate dinner or drinks with a local artist at a private venue—an opportunity to connect more personally with Mexico City’s vibrant art community in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Today offers a deeper dive into the independent and emerging art scene of Mexico City. We’ll start the day with a visit to the Material Art Fair, known for its bold, experimental edge and focus on new voices in contemporary art. This fair provides a refreshing contrast to Zona Maco, spotlighting independent galleries and artist-run spaces from around the world.

In the afternoon, enjoy curated visits to local artist studios, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and the diverse practices shaping the city’s artistic identity.

In the evening, we’ll head out together to experience Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife with a cantinas and mariachis tour.

Today, we explore the cultural treasures of Chapultepec, one of Mexico City’s most iconic and expansive urban parks. We begin with a focused visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología, home to one of the world’s most important collections of pre-Hispanic art and artifacts. This 60-minute tour offers essential context for understanding Mexico’s ancient civilizations and their lasting influence.

Afterward, guests may join an optional group lunch at the museum’s café—conveniently located and ideal for relaxing before the afternoon program.

In the afternoon, we visit the Museo de Arte Moderno, where highlights include works by Frida Kahlo and a strong selection of pieces by women surrealist artists from Mexico and beyond.

We’ll close the day with a visit to LagoAlgo, a scenic and contemporary space by the lake—perfect for unwinding, reflecting, or enjoying a drink as the sun sets over Chapultepec.

Restaurant from Monday to Sunday: 8.30 - 19:00 hrs (own expense)

Expo:

Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 - 18:00 hrs, 

Last entry 17:30 hrs (Free entrance)

Today we head to Coyoacán, a charming and historic neighbourhood that was once a village on the outskirts of Mexico City—and remains a cultural gem. Our day begins with a visit to the iconic Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s former home and now a museum dedicated to her life and work. Advance tickets are required, as this is one of the city’s most visited sites.

After exploring the house and gardens, enjoy free time to wander Coyoacán at your own pace. Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit local markets and cafés, or relax in the tree-lined central plaza.  Make sure to try tostadas at the Coyoacan Market (Bright Yellow Stalls).

In the afternoon, we reconvene for a visit to the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Studio House, an architectural landmark that offers a glimpse into the artists’ daily lives and creative partnership. The museum closes at 5:30 pm, making it a perfect final stop in this artistically rich district.

Suggested restaurants:

• Danzantes (high end - recommend reservations)
• Taquería Pepe Coyotes Coyoacán (delicious, informal)
• Corazon de Maguey (Elevated Mexican & Mezcal - recommend reservations)
• La Coyacana (lively cantina)
• Los Sifones (where locals eat - informal)

On our final day, we explore Polanco, one of Mexico City’s most sophisticated neighborhoods and a hub for contemporary art, architecture, and design. The day begins with a visit to the Museo Jumex, known for its striking architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions of international contemporary art.

Just steps away is the Museo Soumaya, housing an eclectic private collection that spans European masters, Latin American art, and a notable Rodin collection—all within an iconic, futuristic building.

After these cultural highlights, enjoy free time to explore Polanco at your leisure. From luxury boutiques and stylish cafés to leafy parks and upscale restaurants, this is the perfect setting to reflect on the week and enjoy a final taste of the city’s creative energy.

Hasta pronto!

As the journey comes to a close, take time this morning to reflect on a vibrant week filled with art, culture, and connection. Whether you're heading straight to the airport or enjoying a final stroll through the city, we hope the experiences and conversations shared during your time in Mexico City continue to inspire.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.