Mexico

Mexico City 

Live Music

Drinks

David Hanes-Gonzalez

David Hanes-Gonzalez is a first-generation Mexican American artist who specialises in lifestyle and documentary photographer.

Using his lens to explore his own cultural identity and get closer to his roots, Hanes-Gonzalez most recently exhibited his series 

. Created across two years in collaboration with World Boxing Council and the Mexican boxing brand Cleto Reyes, 

is a series of black-and-white images that capture the intimate details of boxers and this shared sense of community formed within the city's gyms. This year, Hanes-Gonzalez was also recognised as a rising talent, and was selected by El Centro de la Imagen for their 2023 PICS Emerging Artists Class.

Having spent two years documenting boxers, Hanes-Gonzalez is all too familiar with Mexico City's training venues and where people go to eat after their sessions. Below is a guide featuring the city's best spots for training, alongside a selection of photography labs, record stores and eateries.

Boxers from all across the city and state flock here every Saturday morning. Better known as La Casa de Sparring. Ask for Coach Chicano and you’ll be in good hands. Getting here is an equally thrilling experience. You must travel through 10-15 minutes of tianguis, passing hundreds of people, carnicerias, fruit and vegetables vendors, and eventually walk up a flight of stairs of a large warehouse.

Arguably the most scenic place to train in the city. Coach Tony Vega holds private and group classes early in the morning and every evening Monday to Saturday. A great place to train outdoors with a view.

A historic gym located in the Transito neighbourhood. If you are an amateur boxer fighting in Mexico City this place is a rite of passage.

Tucked in the middle of Tepito is another historic gym and home to many champion boxers. It’s open throughout the day with access to a soccer field as well. Come in early morning or around 4pm to train with some of them.

The centre for photography in all of Mexico. I'm very thankful that this institution exists. They have rotating exhibits featuring work from Mexican and Latin American artists, and frequently host workshops, portfolio reviews and other activities for artists of all ranges.

Looking to surround yourself with fellow photographers, develop and buy film, and work on your creative projects all from a rooftop? At Dichroic Lab you can do all that. My go-to place for my film developing needs and nerding out on all things photography.

Come for the coffee, stay for the music. Half coffee shop, half record store where the baristas DJ vinyl. A great space to edit photos or catch up with a friend. The music is so good that using headphones is almost frowned upon. At night they become a cocktail joint with rotating DJs. A must visit.

My perfect night out consists of live music. Former apartment-turned-jazz-club featuring music from local and international musicians. An intimate space, perfect for a date night or gathering with a group of friends. Make a reservation two days in advance so you can get a seat in the main room.

A good indicator of a classic taqueria is one that doesn’t have Instagram or accepts cards. This is my favourite in all of the city. If you need a reason why, read the 40,000 reviews on Google Maps or check out the line on any given Saturday or Sunday morning. Order the carnitas, you won’t be disappointed.

A small pulqueria and cantina located in Roma. A place I like to take visitors. Come here during the day or late night with a group of friends. Order a round of mezcal shots and pitcher of coconut pulque while listening to Mexican classics like Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel and Los Angeles Azules.

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Yasmin

Currently living in Mexico City, DJ, Singer and Songwriter Yasmin has taken the music scene by storm with her soulful mixes and beats. She started touring the globe age 19, collaborating with artists such as Breakbot, Major Lazer, Gorgon City and Infinity Ink along the way. Yasmin's travels fuelled her curiosity about people and places leading her to co-found Trippin.

Check out her guide below where she gives us the lowdown on her best nightlife spots around CDMX. 

I love playing at YuYu cause it’s what a real nightclub should be - a dark, sweaty little basement, a sound system you can feel in your bones and a no phones on the dance floor policy. Mostly techno & electronic music, but you can find some more soulful disco and house played here too.

A slick Japanese inspired speak-easy bar with a delicious hi-fi sound system. The house record collection is great, the cocktails are great and the heated toilet seats are also, great.

Casa Franca is a sexy spot and my favourite place to enjoy live music. They host regular Jazz and Blues nights with a rotating line-up of the cities finest musicians and the place itself has lots of cosy corners to make out with your date in also.

As a straight woman I’m probably not the one to tell you what the best Queer club night  is, but I have enjoyed many a Saturday night dancing in Sic. They always have a sick (pun intended) line-up of DJ’s and a dance floor full of friendly faces. Only open on Saturdays.

I love love love Teatro Lucido, it’s part theatre, part venue, part club, part someone’s home.. It’s a unique experience where everyone is a part of the performance, from immersive theatre to live bands to erotic poetry to DJ sets, anything can happen at Teatro Lucido. Check their instagram for dates / events.

An absolute must if you’re visiting CDMX, guaranteed good times with a live salsa and cumbia band in a beautiful Salon with checkered dance floor. Get a table with your friends, buy a bottle, order some fries and stay there dancing till 4AM. I’m not telling you to take mushrooms here but I’m not telling you not to either.

Choza is everyone’s favourite spot to be honest. Its got a vibe like no other, the food is out of this world and owner Tyler and in-house selector / MD Covagrooviest have been building a record collection full of rare and wonderful audio delights for years. On Mondays they have the “Lunes Listening Lounge” where they play 3 records in their entirety alongside guest DJ’s, friends and family. You can catch me there hanging, eating and sippin’ most weekends.

As the name suggests, this is the spot for Sunday afternoon through evening partying. Always bringing a heated line-up of international and local electronic DJs, the venue is pretty special also, located in the Historic Centre of the city on the 6th floor with killer views, definitely slide through for a sunset rave.

Casa Franca

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