Natalie Stoclet's Guide to CDMX

An Insider's Guide to Mexico City

Natalie Stoclet is a writer, brand consultant, and interior designer based in Mexico City. Raised in Tunisia, Morocco, Argentina, England, and the United Arab Emirates, Natalie has cultivated a keen cultural sensibility and eye for the hidden marks that make a place unique, a skill that she’s honed in for clients such as AMAN, The Standard and Condé Nast Traveler. Fortunately for me, she also happens to be one of my close friends, allowing me to experience the city through her curious, art-driven lens. In this edition, Natalie shares a black book of her favorite spaces and places that make Mexico City home.

When did you move to Mexico City? 

I’m a third-culture kid. I grew up moving—change was practically the only constant in my life that didn’t change. After spending seven years in New York City, my career and love life felt stagnant; I wasn’t inspired. I didn’t move to Mexico City for a job or relationship, I moved here for me. It has always been somewhere that intrigued me because culturally, it is a place where social life, family life, and design and architecture are highly valued. I can’t explain it, I felt called here and I’m so happy I answered that call.

What neighborhood do you call home?

Like many others, I was lured in by the droves of dog walkers, streetside cafe culture, and lush tree-lined passages that line Condesa. It has a true neighborhood feel. Mexico City has over 21 million residents, and I wanted to live somewhere that felt like a jumping-off point within that. I walk around and see the same vendor sizzling carnitas, barista preparing fresh juices, artisan carving wood pieces, and florist making arrangements. I got to know those people, and that’s what makes a place feel like home. 

What do you love about living in CDMX?

Whenever I need to spark my creativity in Mexico City, all I have to do is go on a walk. If you’re open to the happy accident, there is no shortage of creative people and artful places you can stumble upon. The community here is extremely welcoming, and I feel very fortunate to have found an extensive network of creatives; whether architects, artists, writers, chefs, or gallerists. And of course, the food. Whether it’s a street vendor or a fancy restaurant, the city has such a high standard of cuisine.

Tourism is rapidly rising in CDMX -- what is one thing you'd like travelers to do more/less of?

The influx of newcomers in Mexico City is palpable. I believe that if you chose to be here because you’re passionate about the culture, you don’t want to arrive only to realize that it looks eerily like the city you left behind—laden with familiar cafes and coworking spaces yet devoid of the flavors and traditions that make it wonderfully unique. I hope that we, the travelers and new guests in this city, can contribute to it in a meaningful way. A way that benefits the greater local community economically and culturally. I’ve found that these simple rules are a good place to start: Be curious. Shop local. Befriend locals. Learn Spanish. Celebrate traditions. Have humility. Respect laws. Don’t generalize. Be allies. And pay attention; because if we don’t, we might just lose the very things that made us so eager to be here in the first place.

What makes Mexico City different from other cities you've lived in the past?

Living in Mexico City right now feels like being in the right place at the right time. Things are happening here. It is having a moment. There are endless new restaurants and bars, interesting people to meet, events and talks, and cultural exhibits to see and experience. I think this is happening because more than anywhere else I’ve lived, culture is highly valued here. And culture isn’t just tradition, it’s currency. It’s what brings people here, and keeps people coming back. Main streets in New York and London have all begun to look the same, at least to me. There’s a Starbucks a Zara and an Apple Store. Mexico City, for now, and hopefully for long, remains its own thing, with a distinct character and offering that you simply can’t copy-paste. 

What are your favorite hidden gems in the city? 

There are so many places I love in Mexico City, so I’m going to use the word ‘hidden’ to help me narrow it down here: El Minutito, Suppli, Cantina Del Bosque, Under the Volcano Books, Azaar, Esperanza Home, Erre Vintage.

STAY:
Octavia Casa
Minimal, modern and calming stay in Condesa that feels like a true refuge from the city outside. 

Stay Annex 

A curated collection of the city’s most coveted homes that honor history, locale, and artisanship.

Casa 9
A spacious, calm, private and thoughtfully-designed boutique hotel in La Condesa. 

Maison Celeste
A stunning colonial mansion with kitschy design in La Roma, snag one of only a few bedrooms.

Mister W
The most amazing and reliable Airbnb host with the city's best listing locations and designs.

SHOP:

Galería Córdoba 
A truly gorgeous collection of antique objects, furniture and art in La Roma. 

Casa Ok
A quaint shop of artisan-made objects for the home. 

NAMUH
A shop with antique furniture from Mexico to India and Indonesia, if I could furnish my whole home from here I would. 

La Lagunilla 
A Sunday market with one-of-a-kind antique and vintage finds.

Proyecto Rufina
A mix of small-batch clothing and home goods that have natural, earthy appeal.

EAT: 

Maizajo
A casual street-level taqueria with a fancier dining room on top, both the duck and shrimp tacos are a triumph.

Makan
A Singaporean spot bursting with flavor in La Juarez. Order the classic chicken + rice dish, you won’t regret it. 

Ultramarinos 
Seafood, seafood, seafood. This corner restaurant in La Juarez keeps it simple and fresh.

Cariñito Tacos
A small, casual taco spot with a Southeast Asian twist. Only five tacos on the menu, all of them delicious.

Mari Gold
A modern Mexican and Indian restaurant is only open for lunch in San Miguel Chapultepec. Order the molote tikki.

VISIT: (galleries/parks)

Arca Tierra
A series of sunrise chef pop-ups on a farm in the floating gardens of Xochimilco. 

Laguna 
An old factory with beautiful architecture that is now home to a series of shops and cafes. 

Anahuacalli 
A visit to this museum, designed by Diego Rivera in Mesoamerican style, is a spiritual experience.

Anthropology Museum 
A must, one of my favorite museums in the world, I particularly love the Mayan section.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos 
An expansive library for architecture and book lovers designed by Alberto Kalach.

Ewe
A design studio of sculptural and functional objects inspired by Mexican heritage. 

PLAY: (night clubs, dance halls, etc) 

El Ayer 
A trendy piano bar dark enough to sing your heart out without judgment. 

Salon San Luis 
A beloved salsa club with a live 18-piece band. Prepare to be pulled onto the dancefloor.

Mama Rumba
A no-frills salsa club with live music. This place is not for sitting, serious dancers only.

Salon Palomilla
A sultry bar with an open roof, great mezcalitas, and light bites.

Mimi 
A hi-fi nightclub with an iconic view of the Ángel de la Independencia.