Centro Comercial Santa Fe
Laying claim to the title of the largest shopping mall in Latin America is Mexico City’s Centro Comercial Santa Fe, which has everything from ice rinks (offering hockey and skating classes) to prestigious brands like Armani and Marc Jacobs that you might one day entertain the idea of spending your next paycheck on. If you were to find yourself caught out by Mexico City’s rainy season, a day trip here wouldn’t be a bad idea; cinemas, restaurants, children’s play areas and almost 300 stores to browse through.
Av. Vasco de Quiroga No. 3800, Col. Antigua Mina la Totolapa, Santa Fe, Del. Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 3003 4330
Reforma 222
Housed in a building designed by Museo Rufino Tamayo architect Teodoro González de León, the Reforma 222 shopping mall is a glass-covered delight. Spread over four levels, there are shops to suit every budget, ranging from Todo Moda and Bershka, to upmarket cosmetics brands like Mac and high-street Spanish favorite, Zara. Bookstores, a food hall and a cinema make Reforma 222 the full package for anyone looking for a bit of downtime away from Mexico City’s hustle and bustle.
Av. Paseo de la Reforma #222, Col Juárez, Del. Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5207 6857
Perisur
Another upscale shopping center is Perisur, named for its location on the Periférico Sur, in the southwest of Mexico City. While not the largest, it is one of the most important shopping malls in the capital, known as much for its high-end feel as for its extravagant Christmas decorations. Think life-size polar bears and glittering lights. If you get bored of shopping at fancy boutiques, head to one of the integrated cinema’s 20 screens or to any one of the restaurants which range from Japanese to Italian cuisine.
Anillo Periférico Sur 4690 Ampliación Pedregal de San Ángel, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5606 8349
Paseo Arcos Bosques
Situated in one of Mexico City’s most iconic skyscrapers is the highly exclusive Paseo Arcos Bosques shopping mall. You’ll find it in the interconnected tower building, just next to the instantly recognizable and appropriately nicknamed ‘El Pantalón’ – The Pants. As well as a Cinépolis cinema, this shopping center plays host to some of the most high-end designers around, such as Swarovski and Lacoste. Sweeping glass walls, shiny floor and high ceilings only add to the upscale feel.
Paseo de Tamarindos 90, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Bosques de las Lomas, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 2167 9607
Centro Coyoacán
Small but perfectly formed and located in the Coyoacán district, made famous for being the home of Frida Kahlo, is the Centro Coyoacán shopping mall. Originally opened in 1989, and designed by architect Javier Sordo Madaleno, this mall is still going strong today and any number of shops and boutiques can be found inside. From Sephora to Kiehl’s, and Spanish brands Mango and Zara, Centro Coyoacán will suit all budgets and tastes.
Av. Coyoacán 2000, Xoco, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5605 6912
Galerías Insurgentes
Part of the Galerías brand which also includes the aforementioned Perisur shopping center, is Galerías Insurgentes, with colorful tiled floors and a glass roof. Not as large as the Perisur version, this shopping mall is still a good choice for a rainy Mexico City day and includes a range of stores that will please everyone. Build-A-Bear for the kids, Aeroméxico for the travelers, Bari Swimwear for the beach goers, and plenty of cafés for the worn out shopper to refresh and recharge.
Parroquia 194, Del Valle, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5627 8372
Antara Polanco
Exclusivity is a given in Antara Polanco, positioned as it is within the parameters of the wealthy Polanco district. A gorgeous open air shopping mall, it’s dripping in glamour – even the fast-food court offers high backed chairs with amusing silhouettes on the back, so you can class up your burger-eating experience. Elegant boutiques such as Benetton and Oysho, cosmetics stores like Sephora and Mac, plus perfumes and jewelry can all be found in Antara.
Avenida Ejército Nacional 843, Miguel Hidalgo, Granada, 11520 Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 4593 8870
Pabellon Polanco
Another Polanco option is the less exclusive Pabellon Polanco, with clean white walls and some lesser known brands, such as Tanya Moss jewelry, Fiorentina clothes and Florance beauty. However, this is a great spot for buying shoes as the mall has a high-end option with Prada, and a sporty selection in New Balance. Equally, there are some great beauty salons if you need some time out from the rush of the city.
Av. Ejército Nacional 980, Miguel Hidalgo, Chapultepec Morales, Polanco I Secc, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 1103 7454
By Lauren Cocking