Beauty Brand Owner Adama Conté Santiago's Guide to Black-Owned Mexico City

As one of the largest cities in the world, deciding where to stay in Mexico City can be tricky, especially for the first-time visitor. “If you want to hang out with expats and people of all nationalities, or you’re looking for a youthful neighborhood with a party spirit, I’d recommend staying in Roma or Condesa,” says Adama.

For a more local experience, there are two clear options—Coyoacán, known for its leafy plazas and the popular Frida Kahlo Museum; or the Centro Historico, with its historic buildings and world-class attractions.

For Adama, it’s worth exploring both barrios (neighborhoods) and museums in Mexico City, including Centro Historico, where you’ll find the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes); Santa María la Ribera, home to the El Chopo Museum; and Chapultepec Park’s Anthropology Museum and the Tamayo Museum. Polanco’s Jumex Museum is another favorite of hers.

Then, ride a bike down Paseo de la Reforma, tour the cantinas on Plaza Garibaldi, or browse and buy at La Lagunilla Market in the company of a local guide. Don’t miss the Alameda Central, the MUAC, and the futuristic-looking Vasconcelos Library (Biblioteca Vasconcelos) either.

Few places do dining quite like Mexico City, home to options ranging from streetside vendors cooking up local snacks to splurge-worthy restaurants in districts such as Polanco. Adama agrees, serving up an all-caps recommendation for budget travelers: “TACOS. You’ll find a taco stand on any corner where you can eat a lot for a little. You can also eat in markets and tianguis [open-air street markets].”

If there’s a little more wiggle room in your budget, “check out any Coyoacán restaurant for typical Mexican dishes, or head to Santa María la Ribera for burgers and snacks in a charming neighborhood.” Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, meanwhile, are the places to go big or go home when it comes to great dining in glamorous restaurants.

For post-dinner drinks, Adama suggests visiting cocktail bars such as Supra Rooftop, Toledo, Fifty Mils at the Four Seasons, Bar Oriente, and Gin Gin. Wherever you go, look for places with a rooftop terrace “because the city at night is a show worth watching.”

When it comes to other Black-owned businesses in Mexico City, Adama recommends Emaye for cosmetics and textiles, and Laurice Fox for sustainable footwear for femmes, designed between New York City and Mexico City.

She also has some tips for other Black-owned businesses in the Mexican capital: “Don’t be afraid to show your roots; you’ll be surprised how many people identify with your story. Demonstrate that cultural diversity exists in Mexico City.”

Much like in Peru, Black Mexicans were only recognized on the census in recent years, with some Afro-Mexicans reporting being wrongly deported to Haiti or Honduras by Mexican authorities. However, Adama has seen progress in recent years.

“A decade ago, you’d see few Black people in Mexico City, but in the last four years, it’s been incredible to watch as more and more Black people have migrated to the city. [Meanwhile], more Afro-Mexicans are recognizing their roots,” says Adama of the capital.

All quotes from Adama Conté Santiago have been translated from Spanish to English by Lauren Cocking.