Mexico City, as the novelist Carlos Fuentes eloquently put it, is a phenomenon where every imagination finds its space. As the oldest, highest, and largest metropolis in North America, it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with contradictions, mysteries, and undeniable magic. Join Marfa-based arts and culture writers Molly Mandell and James Burke, former residents of this captivating capital, as they unveil its allure through an insider’s tour. From a modernist guesthouse to an inspiring craft showroom, and from mindful cold plunges to delectable dining experiences, prepare to discover the picture-perfect essence of Mexico City, ideal for your very own Mexico Wallpaper inspiration.
Casa Pani Guest House
Exterior view of Casa Pani guest house in Mexico City, showcasing a modern staircase and architectural design
Casa Pani, a guesthouse conceived by architect Miggi Hood, entrepreneur Marie Cazalaa, and mezcal brand owner Yola Jimenez, thoughtfully addresses a unique niche in Mexico City’s accommodation scene. Housed in a building originally designed by modernist pioneer Mario Pani, its architectural integrity has been preserved and enhanced. A new rear structure, distinguished by a striking circular staircase and a focus on natural light, harmoniously echoes Pani’s original vision. Hood describes the location as perfectly situated: ‘It is close to everything but not slap bang in the cacophony and chaos of Roma and Condesa, nor the shopping district of Polanco.’ The rooms are designed to foster interaction while maintaining privacy, featuring only six suites and communal areas like living and dining spaces, a kitchen, and a dipping pool inspired by sculptor Valentine Schlegel. Complementary Oaxacan-style breakfast, in-room massages, and an art concierge program further enrich the experience. Leaving Casa Pani, guests are likely to feel creatively invigorated and connected, perhaps with a new circle of friends. The visual harmony and modernist lines of Casa Pani offer a sophisticated aesthetic, making it a prime source of Mexico wallpaper ideas for those who appreciate architectural beauty.
Martínez Restaurant and Wine Bar
Close-up of beautifully plated food at Martínez restaurant in Mexico City, highlighting vibrant colors and textures
While exploring authentic Mexican cuisine is a must in Mexico City, Lucho Martínez’s eponymous restaurant and wine bar offers a compelling deviation, paying tribute to both his Mexican heritage and international influences. His newly opened establishment draws inspiration from Parisian bistros, yet creatively utilizes seasonal Mexican ingredients. The drink menu features vermouths, spritzes, and beers, but the curated collection of 150 wines truly stands out. ‘I wanted a place that showcased my approach to food and hospitality in a more casual way,’ explains Martínez, also the mind behind the acclaimed Em and its upstairs 686 bar. This venture is deeply rooted in family collaboration – his mentors, Eduardo García and Gabriela López of Máximo, are partners, his wife Fernanda Torres manages operations, and their daughter Emilia contributes as a taste-tester. The interiors, a collaboration with Sonora-based ET Studio and Chloé Mason Gray, and the custom details like wine glasses and plates designed by Carlo Canún, evoke the charm of France within Mexico City. The artful presentation of dishes and the warm, inviting ambiance of Martínez provide rich visual textures, perfect for capturing the essence of sophisticated Mexico wallpaper.
M.A Estudio Craft Showroom
Bright studio space with a wooden floor in Mexico City, filled with artisanal crafts, plants, and natural light
M.A Estudio, the vision of Melissa Ávila, our former neighbor, is an appointment-only showroom showcasing a curated collection of textiles, ceramics, and woven baskets. Created in partnership with over 30 artisans from Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Mexico City, the pieces blend traditional handicrafts with contemporary sensibilities. A visit to the studio offers more than just acquiring beautiful objects; it’s about connecting with meaningful stories and supporting artisans. Ávila is deeply committed to ethical practices, ‘It’s not only about supporting the artisan sector, but also ensuring good practices between designer and artisan and preserving ancestral knowledge and processes,’ she emphasizes. Located in the art deco Edificio Humboldt, built in 1922 and a haven for creatives including magazine Terremoto, fashion designer Carla Fernández, and architecture firm O’Brien Van Der Steen, M.A Estudio adds to the building’s artistic vibrancy. The showroom’s playful colors, organic forms, and innovative designs bring a unique radiance, making it a treasure trove of visual inspiration for Mexico wallpaper that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and vibrant Mexican culture.
Ticuchi Bar & Restaurant
Interior of Ticuchi bar and restaurant in Mexico City, featuring lush greenery, warm lighting, and stylish tables and chairs
Enrique Olvera’s culinary talent is well-known, but his genius in collaboration truly shines, particularly at Ticuchi, situated in the original Pujol space. Ticuchi stands out for its consistently exceptional music, selection of small-batch Mexican spirits, and a tempting menu of shared plates, all underpinned by its remarkable staff. Bar manager Karina Arellano, originally from Oaxaca, utilizes her extensive knowledge of mezcales and sotoles to highlight the most skilled producers in the industry. While these spirits are best savored in their purest form, the bar’s expertly crafted cocktails are equally unmissable. Complement your drinks with dishes like mole negro with squash or a succulent octopus taco, and make an evening of it, especially on Wednesdays. Mid-week, Ticuchi comes alive with DJs like Bógar Adame Mendoza spinning norteño classics or Ritmonzón playing cumbia, creating an infectious energy. The ambiance of Ticuchi, with its blend of organic elements and sophisticated design, offers a visually rich and textured backdrop, inspiring unique and atmospheric Mexico wallpaper concepts.
El Club del Hielo Cold Plunges
Person immersed in an ice bath at El Club Del Hielo in Mexico City, showing hands and knees above the ice
Winter swimming, a deeply rooted practice in Eastern European and Nordic cultures, offers both invigoration and meditative calm. In Mexico City, where warm waters are the norm, Begoña García, a certified Wim Hof method instructor, organizes cold plunges in unexpected settings. Classes and plunges occur in early 20th-century architectural gems like Casa Versalles and Edificio Vizcaya, as well as modern locations such as Grupo Habita’s Hotel Condesa. García also extends her practice to retreats in places like Hotel Terrestre in Puerto Escondido. ‘Cold exposure and breathwork changed my life,’ García reflects, emphasizing its profound impact on her health, wellbeing, and personal growth. Instructors and participants dress in black, fostering a sense of community. Workshops are available via Instagram, and club membership provides weekly access to plunge and sauna sessions, encouraging participants to ‘seek discomfort’. García emphasizes inclusivity, ‘Anyone, regardless of their age, gender or physical condition, can become a member. All you have to do is come with an open heart.’ The stark visual contrast of ice baths in striking Mexican architectural settings creates a compelling and unique aesthetic, perfect for impactful and unconventional Mexico wallpaper.
Lago / Algo, Restaurant / Gallery
Modern bar area at Lago / Algo in Mexico City, featuring a concrete ceiling and stylish, minimalist design
Located on the edge of a man-made lake in Bosque de Chapultepec, a vast 1,600-acre park in the city’s heart, Lago / Algo is a new, freely accessible cultural space. Housed within a brutalist paraboloid designed in 1964 by Leónides Guadarrama and Alfonso Ramirez Ponce, and defined by triangular walls of towering windows, the concept has been revitalized by design firm Naso. They stripped the interiors to reveal the raw concrete and original patina, honoring its history. Lago, a farm-to-table restaurant led by chef Micaela Miguel, forms one half of the project. Miguel, who divides her time with Valle de Bravo, sources ingredients from her partner Lalo Perez Varona’s Reserva Peñitas farm, promising a menu featuring fresh, seasonal produce. ‘It’s customary to think of an idea and then look for the ingredients,’ she notes. ‘Here, the dishes are inspired by the ingredients – their producers and seasons – themselves.’ Algo, the other half, is a gallery with rotating exhibitions curated by the prominent modern art gallery OMR. Envisioned as a space of constant evolution, both restaurant and gallery are shaped by artists, visitors, and the surrounding natural environment. The raw, industrial beauty of Lago/Algo, combined with its natural setting and artistic elements, provides a visually striking and contemporary source of inspiration for modern Mexico wallpaper.
Mercado Jamaica
Vibrant flower stall at Mercado Jamaica in Mexico City, showcasing colorful flowers in plastic pots
Mexico City’s culinary landscape is as vast as the city itself, ranging from fine-dining to street tacos. Shopping for a night in at Mercado Jamaica is an experience in itself. Beyond produce, meat, medicinal herbs, candles, and piñatas, it hosts over 1,000 vendors specializing in more than 5,000 plant and flower varieties. It’s a dinner party planner’s paradise. Baker and Mexico City native Odette Alpuche, of Elly y Gatsby café, is a regular at Mercado Jamaica for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. ‘I love it for many reasons,’ she says, ‘the most logical being the prices, but for me, it’s really the whole experience – the colours, the smells of the flowers and plants, the quality.’ Her tip: enjoy the food while browsing. ‘I never miss the quesadillas, especially the ones with flor de calabaza, which are my favourite in the city!’ The explosion of colors, textures, and life at Mercado Jamaica makes it an unparalleled source of vibrant and dynamic Mexico wallpaper, capturing the true essence of Mexican markets.
Guillermo Prieto 45, Jamaica, Venustiano Carranza, 15800 Mexico City, Mexico
Escorpio Wine Shop
Interior of Escorpio wine shop in Mexico City, featuring a curated selection of wines and a relaxed atmosphere
Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, rooted in a sense of place and artisanal practices, naturally fosters a growing appreciation for wines from small producers, local grapes, and traditional methods among Mexico City’s young creatives. Escorpio, owned by importer Alonso Maldonado and restaurateur Jake Lindeman, is the city’s pioneering low-intervention wine shop in Colonia Juárez. Featuring visionary vintners from Mexico and globally, including Aldo Quesada and Silvana Pijoan, Escorpio is both enjoyable and educational. Groovy music sets the mood as Maldonado, Lindeman, and their team share their expertise with anyone eager to learn (Thursday tastings are a highlight). The space features custom tiles, furniture by local design studio La Metropolitana, and occasional window art by Ricardo Gonzalez of It’s A Living. Crucially, its casual and welcoming environment aims ‘to create and reinforce our city’s natural wine community’, according to Maldonado. The warm, inviting interior of Escorpio, with its focus on artisanal products and community, offers a cozy and authentic aesthetic, perfect for creating warm and inviting Mexico wallpaper themes.
