Polanco
Spending a day in one of Mexico City’s most upscale neighborhoods can be a fun and enlightening experience; Polanco is probably the most prominent shopping district in the city, because even though you can find the same corporate cookie-cutter type of shopping malls all over the metropolis, there’s a special shopping selection in Polanco, from the high-end luxury brand boutiques that line Avenida Masaryk to more intimately curated collections like the ones that can be found at Mercado Escondido (“Hidden Market”) where jewelry by up and coming Mexican designers are presented to potential buyers; the market teases its loyal shoppers not only with its relative seclusion but also with its simple availability instructions: “One weekend yes, one weekend no”.
For an eye-popping architectural experience, a visit to the sleek and sexy Museo Soumaya in Plaza Carso has to be in order. Founded in 1994 by the (now) richest man in the world Carlos Slim through his philanthropic organization, la Fundación Carlos Slim, the Soumaya Museum is named after his deceased wife who passed away in 1999. The museum exhibits prime artworks from Europe and features the works of such artists as Dalí, Rodan, and Tintoretto, among others. Trendy locals and tourists are sure to make long lines to enter the Museum on Sundays, the busiest day for Soumaya. And here’s the best for last: access is free.
Another world-class museum is right around the corner, you can walk a few steps in the path of the old Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca railroad tracks and reach the Jumex Museum, which houses Mexican billionaire Eugenio López’s private art collection, featuring works by artists such as Damien Hirst, Warhol, and Jeff Koons. Entrance costs a moderate $50 pesos.
Polanco is known for its numerous Jewish, Lebanese, and Spanish communities; it’s normal to see members of the orthodox Jewish community walking the streets. Naturally, there are delicious Spanish and Lebanese restaurants to visit, as well as kosher delis and bakeries (Sinai Deli & Bakery on Avenida Homero is a good option). You might find it convenient to get around the neighborhood on a bicycle provided by the EcoBici program, which has several bike stations around the city. You can sign up at many stations or online at this site: https://www.ecobici.cdmx.gob.mx/en/register/shortterm
The perfect location for any fashionista would be the “golden mile” along Avenida Masaryk which includes boutiques for some of the most recognized luxury brands in the world such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada, etc. Of course, it’s expensive, but even just taking a stroll down the beautiful avenue and doing some window-shopping is worth the time.
Chic and fashion are predominant in this swanky neighborhood, yet you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a worthwhile day in Polanco. Like a visit to Parque Lincoln and its tiny aviary (it costs only $7 pesos to access) will have you mingling with colorful parrots, peacocks, and cardinals. There really is something for everybody in this part of Mexico City.
