Here’s How to Have an Aesthetically Inspired Trip to Mexico City, According to a Local Interior Designer

Interior designer Pamela Lastiri was born and raised in Mexico City, and every time she returns, she’s surprised by something new. “It’s a city full of contrasts, where historic architecture sits alongside contemporary design, and where you can find incredible craftsmanship, art, and food around practically every corner,” she says. 

As an interior designer she’s naturally drawn to the bustling capital city’s architecture, materials, and creative energy, and she consistently visits for inspiration. Walking through a neighborhood, discovering a little shop, stopping for tacos, or finding a quiet park in the middle of a busy afternoon leaves her feeling recharged and inspired, and with her tips on what to do, you will too. 

Where to Stay

El Cortés in Roma Norte is a relatively new boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic mansion. I love how they’ve preserved the character of the original architecture while introducing contemporary Mexican design. It feels intimate, thoughtful, and full of personality. In the same neighborhood is Ignacia Guest House, a charming bed and breakfast with gorgeous interiors and a lush garden that feels more like staying in someone’s thoughtfully considered home than a hotel, which is especially nice after a full day exploring the city.

Courtesy of Eat Mexico

Where to Eat

Mexico City has become such an exciting dining destination, and Cursi captures that creative energy. It’s playful steakhouse that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Marne Café, the bakery associated with Marne Restaurant, is a lovely neighborhood café where you can slow down over coffee or something to eat. Sometimes I just want somewhere to sit, relax, and watch the city go by. And in a city known for fine dining, you don’t always need an elaborate or expensive lunch. Incredible street food abounds, and El Fogón stands out. It’s a casual, no-fuss taquería where locals are constantly coming and going for their taco fix. There’s something wonderful about sitting down for a few good tacos and watching the rhythm of everyday life around you.

Where to Drink

Rosso Speakeasy is an intimate bar with a charmingl atmosphere. I always appreciate places where the lighting, music, and interiors are as thoughtfully considered as what’s being served. Sometimes the setting is just as memorable as the drinks. FO+MA is a cocktail bar that approaches drinks with a real sense of creativity, experimenting with ingredients and unexpected combinations. I love seeing the same curiosity and willingness to experiment that you find in Mexico City’s art and design scene carried into food and cocktails.

Thomas J. Story

What to Do

If you appreciate architecture, Casa Luis Barragán in Tacubaya is a must. Barragán’s use of light, color, and proportion is extraordinary, but what stays with me most is how peaceful his spaces feel. His work is a reminder that a room doesn’t need much to make you feel something. Museo Experimental El Eco in San Rafael, designed by Mathias Goeritz, is one of those places where the architecture itself becomes the art. His use of unusual proportions, light, and space creates an emotional experience. I love the idea that architecture isn’t simply something we look at, but something we feel. I always enjoy visiting contemporary art galleries like Galerie Nordenhake when I’m back in Mexico City. Seeing how artists explore materials, form, and space often gives me a fresh perspective on my own work, and Galerie Nordenhake is a wonderful place to do just that.

I always recommend leaving some time to wander without a particular destination. One of my favorite things about Mexico City is how many little parks are tucked into its neighborhoods. You can be walking along a busy street, surrounded by traffic and noise, and suddenly find yourself somewhere that feels completely removed from it all.

Thomas J. Story

In La Condesa, I love watching the dog walkers, some managing a dozen dogs at once, all happily going about their morning routine while their owners are off at work. There’s something so charming about watching this little world unfold in the middle of such a busy city. For a place as large and populated as Mexico City, it’s remarkable how easily you can find these little pockets of calm. Sometimes those are the moments I enjoy the most.

Where to Shop

I love furniture with a story, and Azotea Studio gives vintage pieces a new life through unexpected upholstery, interesting materials, and sculptural forms. It’s the kind of place where I can spend far too much time studying the details and imagining where a particular piece might belong.  Jewelry is another form of art, and Lengua Concept brings together contemporary designers creating stunning sculptural pieces. Even the shop itself is worth seeing, with its bold red interiors and jewelry displayed almost like miniature works of art. Colima 112 is a place to discover interesting objects and design pieces. I love finding something unexpected, especially when it reflects the creativity and individuality of Mexico City’s design community. I can easily lose track of time in a bookstore, and El Péndulo is one of those places where I never feel rushed. With its combination of books, greenery, and café culture, it’s a lovely place to browse, take a break, and see what catches your eye.