Colonia Juarez, also known simply as La Juarez, is one of Mexico City’s up and coming neighborhoods. Walk it’s streets and you’ll find bakeries, cafés, bars and restaurants, along with yoga studios and art galleries. You’ll find renovated Porfirian mansions, and modern apartment buildings. You’ll also find Mexico City’s very own Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Wax museum!
Yoga, then breakfast
If you’re an early riser, head to Blanco Yoga at Milan 44 for a 7 a.m. yoga class. On the weekends, class is at 9:30 or 10, and if you’re not a morning person, or just dislike getting out of bed before dawn, there is another class at 11:30 a.m. during the week. The classes are intense, but worth it! You’ll leave feeling stretched, strengthened and challenged.
After yoga, you might feel like a healthy breakfast. If so, Ojo de Agua is a good option. It’s also located in Milan 44, so you’ll have no trouble getting there. They have fresh juice and healthy breakfast and lunch options.
If you feel like indulging, head to Panadería Rosetta on Havre. They offer delicious sweet bread and coffee, as well as eggs and other savory dishes. Panadería Rosetta is an offshoot of Rosetta, a restaurant serving international cuisine with a heavy Italian influence by chef Elena Reygadas. I recommend the cardamom roll – like a cinnamon roll but prepared with whole cardamom instead of cinnamon.
Art and culture
After breakfast, head over to the Museo de Chocolate (MUCHO) across the street from Milan 44. It includes some very detailed exhibits on the history of chocolate in Mexico. It goes all the way back to pre-Columbian times when it was so valuable that cacao seeds were used as currency. Other exhibits provide information on the chocolate industry in Mexico, as well as the traditions that have developed around the preparation of chocolate.
My favorite part of the museum are the experimental exhibits; one room offers a variety of scents including lavender and orange to smell. Another room is lined on all sides with chocolate. The smell is intoxicating! The museum has it’s own chocolate shop, in case you’re ready for a snack after walking around the museum.
Marso is a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions. The artwork is for sale, in case you fall in love with something you see there. Even if you’re not in the market for art, it’s still worth a visit. The space is in a Porfirian mansion that is worth exploring.
Shopping
If you’re looking for unique gifts and handicrafts, or clothing by Mexican designers, take a walk through Fusión Casa de Diseñadores. Also a remarkable space, this is a market housed in another old mansion. They offer events highlighting specific products like pets, mezcal and hand painted items, in addition to their permanent vendors.
If you’re looking for housewares, stop by Utilitario Mexicano on Marsella. I mentioned the smaller shop in Barrio Alameda in this post. Their shop in the Juarez is much more complete than the mini-version I visited before, and is definitely worth stoping by.
Late lunch and drinks
This neighborhood is very pedestrian friendly, and new shops and restaurants are always popping up. Take your time exploring, and then when you’re ready to eat head over to Taberna Luciferina for food and drinks.
Locations: Blanco Yoga Milan 44 // Ojo de Agua Milan 44 // Panadería Rosetta Havre 73 // MUCHO corner of Milan and Roma // Marso Berlín 37 // Fuisión Casa de Diseñadores Londres 37 // Utilitario Mexicano Marsella 3a // Taberna Luciferina Lucerna 34