For Julia Sloan, designer and founder of namesake label SLOAN, Mexico City is more than just a beautiful place and business hub—it’s home. Since relocating to the country nearly a decade ago and building her business from the ground up, Julia has embedded herself in the cultural fabric of CDMX in a way few transplants ever do. Her love for the city goes beyond aesthetics and reaches into the beating heart of the community, which also happens to be the ethos behind SLOAN.
Her designs and silhouettes are often quiet, yet boldly powerful with a deep commitment to community craftsmanship, thanks to a production network of female artisans. When she's not overseeing production in her women-run atelier, you’ll likely find her treasure-hunting in hidden-gem Centro, flipping through indie magazines at Casa Bosques, dancing to cumbia at a friend’s DJ set, and, of course, stopping for the non-negotiable cup of coffee and tacos (but not in that order). Her version of Mexico City is certainly no tourist trap and much more than a checklist of hot spots; it’s a love letter to the capital's beautiful underbelly.
From where to find vintage leather gems and under-the-radar jewelry to the dreamiest Basque cheesecake in town, Julia’s ultimate Mexico City guide is a curated map of her most-loved spots, below.
Where I Shop in Mexico City
Julia Sloan
XINÚ Perfumes: A fragrance store that feels more like an art installation. The scents are incredible, locally made and the bottles feel like sculptures.
Aurelia: A great selection of Mexican designers.
Azaar Vintage: Incredible curation and the kind of vintage spot where you find that one piece you didn't know you needed.
Void Condesa: This place really feels like a hidden gem. Visit for the building as much as what is inside. A minimalist's dream with a selection that's always on point. Don’t miss Cafe Parral on the roof.
Roma Vintage: Great selection of vintage leather jackets.
Casa Bosques Bookstore: Love slowly flipping through magazines and books here.
Zii Ropa: Baja-inspired minimalism that feels both effortless and intentional. Love the accessories they carry as well.
Jewelry & Accessories
Julia Sloan
Avec Joyería: Delicate pieces that add just the right amount of edge. I wear a stack of her rings every day. Also the best gifts.
Montserrat Messeguer: These boots are a statement— but super easy to wear and comfortable enough to dance all night in.
Audette: Chic, sculptural handbags that blend french minimalism with Mexican craftsmanship.
Crudo Caan: Great spot for locally made silver jewelry and objects.
Homewares
Julia Sloan
Esperanza: A treasure trove of ceramics and homewares sourced from Guatemala. Love this spot for everything tabletop.
Originario: Bold pieces that celebrate Mexican artisanship with a bit of a contemporary twist.
Territorio: Gallery-level design objects in a beautiful space in San Miguel Chapultepec. Hit up Masa gallery and Kurimanzutto galleries while you’re in the hood. Stop at Maregold for lunch afterwards.
Galería Córdoba: GORGEOUS furniture gallery in Roma with tons of mid century gems.
Laguna Cyprien Soaps: Love these soaps for the house.
Where I Eat
Julia Sloan
Bar Niño: Formerly the no-named Italian restaurant from the owners of Hugo (my personal favorite). Bar Nino is delicious and the interior feels like a little jewel box. Super intimate and food is consistently incredible. They also make a fabulous martini.
Hugo: My favor go-to in CDMX. Consistently delivers and they have the BEST wines by the glass.
Alfil: Just ate here for the first time and was blown away. A blend of Arabic and Mexican food that is beyond delicious.
Martinez: Another one of my favorite meals in CDMX. Do NOT miss the green salad (it is white literally the perfect salad - trust me) and the steak. You won’t be disappointed.
Ultramarinos Del Mar: Fresh seafood in a super chic setting. Love the interiors here and food is just as good.
Café Tormenta: The perfect spot for a coffee stop.
Zuppli: Some of the best pasta in CDMX
Tetetlán: A space that's as inspiring as the menu. Incredible spot for authentic Mexican.
Caracol Del Mar: The newest spot from the owners of Contramar. A fun alternative and the space is just as gorgeous.
Cicatriz: Love this spot for a healthy, casual breakfast or lunch option
Omusubi House: Onigiri that's simple, fresh, and one of my favorites for a quick weekday lunch
Bou: I dream about their Basque cheesecake.
Where I Dance
Julia SloanClub San Luis: An old-school salsa club that's tacky in the best way.
Tonal: A venue started by friends, offering a mix of electronic and cumbia with great DJs.
Hiya: A speakeasy record bar hidden behind a Japanese restaurant—intimate and vibey.
Favorite Activities in CDMX
Julia Sloan
Taking long, meandering walks through the city, popping into galleries, and stopping for coffees, pastries, and tacos along the way; Scouring the flea markets at Lagunilla and Pushkin for treasures; Visiting the Mercado 100 organic farmers market on Sundays;
Reformer Pilates at The Good Studio and sauna/cold plunge sessions at Koti; Exploring Biblioteca Vasconcelos.
A Perfect Day in CDMX
Julia Sloan- Start with a morning meditation hosted by Safe Place at General Prim.
- Grab a coffee, panini, and fresh cut fruit at Minutito - this cafe feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film.
- Stroll through La Juárez, stopping into shops on your way to Roma.
- Take a rest in Plaza Río de Janeiro.
- Visit Olivia Foundation, Galería Mascota, and Casa Bosques Bookstore.
- Enjoy tostadas and a michelada at Contramar for lunch - a classic for a reason.
- Walk through Condesa and around the Hipódromo on Amsterdam, admiring the puppies in Parque México.
- Stop for a treat at Odette in Plaza Popocatepetl.
- Take a nap and rest your feet before dinner at Bar Niño or Hugo.
- Take an post-dinner stroll to Salón Palomilla or the upstairs cocktail bar at Rosetta for a night cap.
Getting Around
Julia Sloan
Walking or biking is the best way to discover hidden gems and avoid the city's (horrendous) traffic.
Beauty & Wellness Spots
Julia Sloan
Koti Wellness: Book the private cabins in Roma for an infrared sauna and cold plunge—my favorite place to decompress after a long week. They have one room that is indoor/outdoor and such a dream.
Face Evidence: For great lymphatic drainage and oxygen facials.
Scape Massage: Affordable massages that come to your home.
Energy Glows: For hydra facials that cure post-travel dull skin.
Best-Kept Local Secret
Julia Sloan
Centro is full of hidden corners waiting to be discovered. I often go there for work and sourcing, and despite the chaos and pollution, it feels like stepping back in time. I've found African bead stores, silversmiths, antique jewelry dealers, and silk providers. Recently, I stumbled upon an incredible shell and bead provider. After some exploring, I met a craftsman on the second floor of a building filled with jewelry stalls. He not only dealt with vintage watches but also agreed to make me anything I wanted in silver. It's pure magic if you’re feeling up for a little adventure.
