An Insider’s Guide to Barrio Alameda, Mexico City

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

Northern England Writer

Barrio Alameda is one of Mexico City’s coolest places to shop, grab lunch or get a quick drink, right in the heart of the historic centre, just off from the ample and historic Parque Alameda Central. However, given that it’s home to 30+ businesses, it can seem overwhelming to the first timer; so, here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

History of Barrio Alameda

What is now the Barrio Alameda building was once a rundown Art Deco edifice, one of many in Mexico’s historic centre, left over from the 1920s heyday which saw it serve as office space for the practice of a German doctor. As the century progressed, it gradually became a hub for lawyers, accountants and journalists, before the 1985 earthquake somewhat sped up its deterioration. It wasn’t until 2013, with the intervention of the Somos ACHA team, that this historic building began its road to recovery, one which the developers hoped would provoke something of a renaissance throughout the Alameda Central zone as a whole.

Having since been revamped in keeping with the Art Deco style and design of the original, four-floored Barrio Alameda is now a stylish hub of food, drink and commerce in Mexico City’s historic centre.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

Where to eat in Barrio Alameda

If you want dinner with a spectacular view at Barrio Alameda, then La Azotea (a restaurant which also doubles as a laidback bar and sometime open-air cinema) is unrivalled. However, for people watchers and burger lovers, grabbing a table at the street side, ground floor Butcher and Sons comes a close second, as does neighbouring pizzeria Cancino. For regional Mexican cuisine, head to Marquesitas, which specialises in Yucatecan food, and round it off with ice cream at Glacé afterwards.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

Where to drink in Barrio Alameda

If you’d rather just get an after work drink, or take a post-sightseeing break, then mezcal bar Mundana with its unique cocktails is never a bad option, nor is Guillos, which is both a Mexican restaurant and bar.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

Where to shop in Barrio Alameda

There is no shortage of stores and shops to browse through in Barrio Alameda, whether you’ve got niche interests or just love high quality Mexican-inspired products.

If you’re looking for clothing, you’ll be spoiled for choice between Xico, HoM or Casa Salt, but don’t forget SnkrLab if you want to pick up some trainers. La Marin is the place to head for hats, while you can get groomed at either Barbería Capital or La Casa del Barbero before getting a tattoo at the pleasingly named InkInc.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

For a Mexican twist on things, head to Frida México or get retro at Singular Vintage Shop, both of which sell clothing and accessories. Meanwhile, El Hijo del Santo is dedicated to anything and everything lucha libre related.

If you’re in the market for something a little more niche, Casa Navaja stocks all things skateboarding, while Decomixado is a self-declared comicbrería (comic book store) and El Club del Rock & Roll is all about the records.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

On the homeware end of things, you can get your fashionable succulents from Decorería La Suculenta and Mexican designed everyday items from Utilitario Mexicano.

Finally, for art lovers there’s plenty to see and do too – pick up some silk-screen prints from Zagal or check out photography workshop La Máquina del Tiempo.

Courtesy of Barrio Alameda
Courtesy of Barrio Alameda

Barrio Alameda, Calle Dr Mora 9, Colonia Centro, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5512 3810

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article