A Design-Filled Escape from Roma Norte to Oaxaca

Our recent journey through Mexico City and Oaxaca wasn’t just a vacation—it was a soul-filling, inspiration-packed escape that reminded us why we travel. From slow mornings over fresh sourdough to wandering leafy streets filled with artisan shops and sipping the most beautifully crafted cocktails, this trip gave us a creative boost and deep appreciation for Mexico’s organic, grounded design culture. Here’s a little taste of our experience, plus some travel tips and design takeaways for anyone dreaming up their next escape.

Day 1:  Mexico City’s Roma Norte

Where we stayed:  Casa Cibeles by Lumina, tucked into a beautiful old building in Roma Norte. Perfectly walkable, modern decor, and close to everything we wanted to explore.

We arrived in the early evening and did what we always do—wander. Roma Norte has this magical ease to it, with streets shaded by a canopy of trees that made the warm weather feel manageable and refreshing. Between boutique shops filled with handmade pottery and art by local makers, vintage bookstores, and curated showrooms (Golden Goose had us hooked for nearly an hour!), we were fully immersed from the start.

Dinner at Contramar was a slow and savory affair—seafood-focused with a lively energy and lots of locals. Afterward, we walked to Licorería Limantour, a top-rated cocktail bar where the drinks were like art—creative, balanced, and unexpected. We chatted with fellow travelers and locals alike, everyone feeding off the joy of the night. There’s a friendliness in Mexico City that’s just contagious.

 

Day 2: Design Details & Cultural Moments

We started our morning at Lardo, a breakfast spot that stole our hearts with its earthy, plant-forward decor—think exposed wood, natural woven textures, and a handmade bakery station with the best-looking sourdough we’ve ever seen or tasted.

A leisurely walk-through Parque México and Parque España gave us time to unwind and enjoy the beauty of these large scale parks within such a large city. One of our favorite stretches was Amsterdam Street—a circular park lined with mature trees and dotted with charming cafés. Even at 28 degrees, the leafy canopy kept us cool and content.

From there we headed to Chapultepec Castle. It sits in the middle of a lush park, and the interiors offer a look into a European-inspired, regal past. The stained-glass hallway was a personal highlight—color, texture, and elegance all in one sweeping corridor.

At the National Museum of Anthropology, we were in awe of the architecture and exhibit design. Low lighting, dark walls, and open-air ruins created an intimate experience. We highly recommend booking a guided tour if you don’t speak Spanish—many of the descriptions aren’t translated. One exhibit by Sebastião Salgado on the Amazon rainforest and its Indigenous peoples had us deeply moved. His black-and-white photography captured something primal, raw, and urgent.

Dinner was at Hugo—modern, thoughtful, and absolutely delicious. We ended the night at Tlecan, a moody, candlelit bar where the cocktails took center stage. It felt like a secret hideaway designed for sipping and savoring, not snapping and scrolling.

Day 3: Culture, Colour & Culinary Moments

We began with breakfast at Panadería Rosetta, which quickly became our favourite for its handmade pastries and warm, inviting vibe.

Then it was off to Coyoacán, the oldest part of Mexico City and home to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Book early! It was so worth the visit to walk through her home and life story. After, we wandered Mercado de Coyoacán and enjoyed a local lunch from a vendor whose flavors were unmatched—earthy moles, fresh tortillas, and such a genuine experience.

That afternoon we explored Centro Histórico, where each stop felt like a design masterclass:

Dinner at Rosetta capped off the night—it’s beautiful inside and out, with thoughtful food and a moody ambiance. After, we found ourselves at Departamento, where industrial-style decor and live music gave us one final taste of Mexico City’s creative pulse.

 

Day 4: Final Strolls & Funny Moments

One last breakfast at Lalo!, one last walk, and a few laughs over Mexico City’s chaotic—but endearing—tangle of overhead wires. (Jean now has a photo album dedicated to this phenomenon. We couldn’t help ourselves.)

Next Stop: Oaxaca (evening arrival)  Where we stayed: Hotel con Corazón, a non-profit hotel where proceeds support education for local students. One of our favorite touches? The hand-painted ceiling tiles in our room, made by a student artist. It felt good to support something meaningful.

We walked straight into the vibrant heart of Oaxaca. The Zócalo—lined with vendors, live music, and families enjoying the warm night—was magical. Dinner was at Tacos Sierra, and we ate as we strolled, soaking up the sounds and colors of the city.

 

Day 5: Shopping & Culture

Breakfast at Boulenc was next-level. Design-forward, locally loved, and serving the best almond croissants we’ve ever had (no exaggeration).

We spent the day popping in and out of local artisan shops. Talking to the makers, learning about their process—it was inspiring to hear how tourism is supporting their work again.

At Criollo, lunch turned into an afternoon. The open courtyard dining, the thoughtful details throughout the space, the cooking class happening nearby—it was immersive and beautiful.

Later, across from a cathedral near our hotel, we stumbled upon a school dance competition. Watching local kids perform cultural dances in traditional dress with such pride was a moment we’ll never forget. We were just two people sitting among families, clapping and cheering like everyone else.

Dinner at Los Danzantes—a courtyard lit with soft lights, contemporary takes on traditional dishes, and mezcal for days. Afterward, we visited Selva, rated one of the world’s top 50 bars. The cocktails were fantastic, but the decor stole our hearts: vintage furnishings, mural wallpaper, layered lighting. It was like walking into an art installation, and we left completely inspired.

Day 6: Ruins & Rooftops

Breakfast at Café Brújula, then off to Monte Albán, where ancient Zapotec ruins sit atop a flattened mountaintop—a feat of engineering that still boggles the mind. The sheer scale and story of this place reminded us how small we are in the grand scheme, and how brilliant human beings can be when working with nature, not against it.

On the way back, we stopped at San Martín Tilcajete, where artists hand-paint intricate wooden folk art. Watching them work with such precision and joy was mesmerizing.

Dinner at Tierra del Sol was the perfect finale: rooftop views, handmade tortillas, an introduction to local mole dishes, and a sunset over the Santo Domingo Church that felt like the perfect way to recap and unwind from our adventure.

 

Design Takeaways: The Rise of Modern Organic

Everywhere we looked—especially in Mexico City—we saw a return to grounded, organic design. Local clay, handwoven textiles, natural light, and spaces that breathe. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection. This trip confirmed what we’ve been sensing for a while: we’re at the start of the Modern Organic movement. It’s rooted in nature, purpose, and soul.

We left Mexico full—of new ideas, deeper appreciation, and a whole lot of good memories.

Until the next adventure,
Shima & Jean