Now that we’re finally in the throes of a sunny summer, there’s no better time to think about making the most of the weather and packing our bags for a well-earned trip abroad or a relaxing staycation. At Who What Wear we aren’t just experts in what to wear (although we have that down to a perfectly accessorised tee), we’ve also got an eye for finding chic locations too, so when it comes to planning the perfect holiday, the best people to ask are undoubtedly our well-travelled editors.
Whether you’re a city-orientated explorer, a sun-worshipping beach dweller, or a culture buff with an appetite for trying the new and undiscovered, we’ve rounded up the team’s recommendations for a very stylish summer, and we’ve thought of everything from where to stay to the best dishes on the menu. So, strap in, settle down, and prepare your saved folder. This is our guide to the very best holiday destinations to explore in 2024 (but let’s just keep these between us).
“In the last decade millennials from Europe and the US have flocked to Mexico City (or CDMX as it’s known), for its internationally-renowned restaurants, top tier shopping and a nightlife that’s second to none, but there’s so much more to this city than that. It may sound cheesy, but I was hooked after only 24 hours on the city’s vibe alone. There’s the beautiful hispanic architecture, the art scene and of course, the climate, which not only promises glorious sunshine, but also makes for ideal conditions for the city greenery, so there’s an abundance of parks and streets lined with lush green trees. It’s stunning. CDMX is the perfect blend of so many of your favourite places–it’s as photogenic as Paris, a nightlife as fun as Berlin, shopping like that in New York, and all of that plus the Latin charm you may love about Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Trust me, if it’s not already top of your list, make it so.” Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content
Where to Stay in Mexico City:
“It has to be Colima 71 for a boutique vibe, Ignacia Guesthouse for somewhere intimate and design-orientated, and for those fortunate enough, Casa Polanco for a taste of luxury.”
What to Do in Mexico City:
“CDMX has many charming, cool neighbourhoods outside of the obvious two: Roma and Condesa. Once you’ve explored those, try Juarez, Doctores and Polanco, browse the many luxury, vintage and concept stores, and have an unplanned lunch at one of the many eateries.
Design and architecture fanatics should check out the Biblioteca Central, whilst everyone can enjoy the Frida Kahlo museum (Casa Azul). If you love contemporary art, do make time for the Museo Jumex—there are excellent exhibitions throughout the year but the permanent collection is also worth a visit.”
The Frida Kahlo Blue House Museum, Mexico City.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mexico City:
“We were regulars at Rosetta, Pujol and Maximo Bistrot, but Contramar is exceptional if you fancy a splurge, and Mercado de Coyoacan is best when you want to save. The Maque bakery is also a fave (the staff uniforms are to die for!), and when you fancy a drink head to Paramo (upstairs from El Parnita, another great restaurant usually filled with cool locals), Departmento, or Jules Basement.”
Where to Shop in Mexico City:
“How long do you have, because I could go on all day! For vintage check out Goodbye Folk, Simple by Trista, 180°, Hi-BYE, MAD Woman, Balbina and Aurelia, Ikal is also cute for interior pieces. A good market is probably my favourite way to spend a couple of hours, so I seek them out in every city, and CDMX has some amazing food and flea markets, probably some of the best in the world. Mercado de Artesanias Zona Rosa is a little touristy but is great for souvenirs, ceramics and silver jewellery. The aforementioned Mercado de Coyoacan is very close to Casa Azul and is a must for good cheap Mexican food. But if you’re looking for a flea market, Tianguis La Lagunilla is the one you want. A little further out of town and only on Sundays, be sure to get a taxi to the antiques area (try to get as close as possible to the correct area when dropped off). Here you can find excellent vintage for a fraction of the cost in Condesa (or anywhere else around the world) as well as knick-knacks, artwork and antiques.”
What to Pack For Mexico City:
“Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing taking in the architecture and finding excellent beaches while I’m on holiday, but the one thing that I’m convinced can make or break a trip is the cuisine. Fellow foodies will love exploring the backstreets of Seville, the largest city in Andalusia. Go for the sprawling gardens and flamenco, but stay for the local tapas (I can’t think of a better way to while away an afternoon than snacking al-fresco on sticky, sweet pestiños or incredible Jamón Ibérico), but there is of course more to Seville than whats being served up. You won’t need to spend weeks here to see the best of the city which makes it the ideal short stay trip, so divide your time wisely between the palaces and mansions, and the neighbourhoods and shops, before finishing up your evening in the buzzy Alameda de Hércules district for drinks. It’s the perfect quick getaway for two.” Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Where to Stay in Seville:
“The newly opened Ocean Drive Sevilla is the latest in the OD Hotels family (you may already know the Ibiza, Madrid and Barcelona locations). Bright, airy and modern, the Sevilla hotel is right at the heart of the city overlooking the distinctive Metropol Parasol, easy walking distance from some of the most important landmarks and best restaurants. Well, that is, if you can pry yourself away from a sunset cocktail on the balcony.
If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi recommends a drive down to Cádiz where you’ll find La Casa del Califa, a boutique Middle Eastern inspired hotel surrounded by white sandy beaches. ‘Everything about the Califa hotel (and it’s Moroccan restaurant) is so romantic and charming,’ adds Almassi. ‘There’s also great fashion, art, and lifestyle boutiques everywhere if you fancy a break from the city’.”
The Ocean Drive Hotel in Seville.
What to Do in Seville:
“Go to Seville prepared to walk, as nothing is too far from each other and it’s well worth seeing the neighbourhoods that you’ll pass through. Like many cities in Europe Seville has a beautiful old town full of gothic architecture, and an impressive number of museums around the Santa Catalina and San Bernado areas. Start at the Museo Bellas Artes for a walk though Spanish art history, and be sure book tickets for the Royal Alcazar of Seville, if not just for the courtyard alone.”
Where to Eat and Drink in Seville:
“Mercado de Triana is an indoor fresh produce market reminiscent of Borough Market that has stalls and stalls of all of the fresh seafood, cheeses, tapas and sangria (or tinto de verano) you could ever dream of—but watch out for steep prices. You’ll find most locals in the Macarena neighbourhood for cheaper but equally delicious eats, but if you’re really looking to push the boat out, Señor Cangrejo is a five minute walk from the Cathedral, and is a slick, sophisticated kitchen-meets-bar for foodies in the know. Finish your evening in El Rinconcillo, famed for being Seville’s oldest taverna. Bottles of wine are stacked to the ceiling and the bartenders have knowledge on food and drink pairings that is second to none.”
Where to Shop in Seville:
“Try as I might to avoid shopping on holiday, Seville has some seriously tempting options. The interiors-obsessed will love the ceramics and textiles that you can find in the markets but also upscale stores like Populart. Meanwhile, fashion fans are treated a high/low mix of vintage vs luxury. Leave extra space in your suitcase for some pieces from WonderVintage, an eclectic and vibrant store with insanely affordable prices (just take a look at their Instagram and tell me you’re not tempted), meanwhile the recently opened Palazzo Belli mall houses the latest collections from the likes of Chloé, Ferragamo, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney for those looking for a designer treat.”
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