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From followers of Frida to devotees of Luis Barragán’s mid-century modern style, design lovers of all sorts have long flocked to CDMX. The city, which tells a unique and compelling visual story of history, tradition, urbanization, and innovation, was named the 2018 World Design Capital, making it the first city in the Americas to receive the title. When food and travel writer Allegra Ben-Amotz moved to Mexico City from New York, she naturally fell in love with the megacity’s distinct architecture and design. Here, she shares her favorite spots in this creative wonderland.

Founder’s Note: Betting on Africa

Whether you’re into lucha libre or fútbol (that’s soccer to Americans), there are several sports arenas and over venues in Mexico City where you can see your favorite hometown athletes and teams compete.

While Park City is known for glitz and glamour, its accommodations are decidedly more diverse. One can certainly find the big-name resorts with all their amenities, but those seeking a more laid-back stay can choose from several cozy B&Bs and inns.

You’ll need an occasional hit of caffeine if you want to keep up with the pace of Mexico City. Here are a few spots—from hip to historic—where you can order a delicious cup of coffee in the capital.

Mexico City is second only to Paris when it comes to its number of museums, and many museums offer free admission. Check out the world-class exhibits—for fine art, historic artifacts, archaeology, artists’ houses, and more—at some of our favorite CDMX cultural institutions.

Though big-box stores from the U.S. have popped up all over the city, local markets remain strong, and supporting them helps ensure their survival. From crafts and fresh produce to kitchen goods and spices, from furniture to magic spells, here are a few AFAR favorite markets.

Meander the cobblestone alleyways and streets of this beautiful town.

The old, the new, and the scarcely imagined sit side by side in Mexico City, and no one blinks an eye. The more you can be curious about that balance—and the more you can achieve it yourself—the better you’ll understand and enjoy this magical city.

Far from an excessively consumerist city, Montreal likes its goods select, well designed and generally not too showy. Bling has very little place here, where status tends to be demonstrated with understated finds rather than a season’s international It piece. That means that the best stores around carry small, recherché brands, with a focus on things made here or near. From clothes to design objects to homeware, here’s a list of shops that will inspire you to keep room in your luggage.

Outside of the cities and beaches, Puerto Rico’s beautiful waterfalls, underground caves, and rivers are not to be missed. If you’re ready for an adventure, be sure to plan a day trip to hike to one of these beautiful waterfalls, go tubing down a river, or crawl through a cave.

From street food to white-tablecloth restaurants, Mexico City has a meal for every palate and budget. Plus, local, fresh, and heritage aren’t just buzzwords here—they’re a way of life. Come taste for yourself.

Pho Ga (chicken pho) is traditional to northern Vietnam and is served all day. The best time to get it from a local vendor is early in the morning because it’s SO fresh and makes for a perfect breakfast. As a side note about this photo, I love spicy food so I thought that this was the perfect amount of chili peppers. As they warmed up however they spread a layer of hot chili oil over the soup making it very very spicy. While the colors make for a pretty picture, I had a stomach ache later. Stick to about 3 slices and then see how it tastes in 10 min.

Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy and drowned in grease: just try pho, the light and flavorful Vietnamese soup that’s much loved by Seattleites. Than Brothers is the local chain, with locations all around town, but the Capitol Hill one is one of their longer-established restaurants. First-timers can start with the classic #1, medium-rare beef, before advancing to options such as tripe and tendon; chicken, meatball, and vegetarian choices are also available. The “small” bowl is a hearty, filling portion for about $5, and comes with their trademark cream puff, but add on a Vietnamese iced coffee or tea for an extra sugar-and-caffeine rush. As their menu notes, pho is particularly good when you’re feeling under the weather — Vietnam’s answer to chicken noodle soup, perhaps?

Dining in Salt Lake City means lots of international cuisines (thank you, Mormon missionaries, for introducing the foods of the world to Utah!), and you’ll also find all the favorites of the skiing and hiking crowds: strong coffee, great pizza and pasta, fresh sushi, and great drinks.