Upscale Shopping in Mexico City
I'm almost wincing as I write this, because I don't particularly enjoy shopping in chain stores and I'm definitely not what you'd consider an upscale shopper, but I realize that people travel for different reasons and have unique interests, so I figured I'd share the best places in Mexico City for upscale shopping.
There's Avenida Presidente Masaryk in the posh neighborhood of Polanco, which is Mexico City's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills's Rodeo Drive, or Paris's Champs Elysees. A shopping district developed specifically for Mexico City's elite class, Presidente Masaryk boasts a string of names familiar to the multi-digit shopper, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany, Bvlgari, Gucci, Hermes, Escada, Christian Dior, Fendi, Montblanc, Longchamp, and at least two dozen more.
In case you're wondering, Avenida Presidente Masaryk isn't named for a past Mexican head of state with a funny name; the avenue got its name in 1936, when then-President Lazaro Cardenas named the avenue in honor of the Czech president, Masaryk, who he deemed a grand example of a democratic politician.
Today, the avenue can hardly be considered democratic; it's only equality for all at these shops if you have a well-padded wallet, but it's still an ideal destination for shoppers, even those who only plan to do their shopping through windows.
The other hub of upscale shopping, not so far away from Avenida Presidente Masaryk, is Antara Polanco, a shopping complex that's also located in Polanco. Antara is a one stop shop for the economically stable buyer, offering a range of clothing, shoe, home decor, and accessories shops like Armani, Kenneth Cole, Puma, Coach, Furla, and Sony. If all the shopping makes you hungry, then you can stop for a quick bite at the food court or indulge in a full meal at Sunka (Japanese), Syrah (Fusion), or Odeon (Mediterranean).
It's best to get to both areas by taxi; taxi stands are available all along Presidente Masaryk, and there is also one directly in front of Antara Polanco.