You can know a lot about a city through its books. I’ve always considered myself kind of a bookworm, so visiting the literary offers of a city has always been a must in my trips. And Mexico City sure had a lot to bring to the table. Here is a list of my favourite bookish spots in the Mexican capital.
Cafebrería El Péndulo
Every time I visit Mexico I have to make a stop in this place. El Pendulo is a mixture between a bookshop and a café. They have several stores around the city, but the one in Polanco is my absolute favourite. Just look at this scenery! You can’t get into the place without having a Beauty and the Beast moment.
One of the greatest things about El Péndulo is that they offer this not-so-typical selection of books. Of course, you can find your usual best sellers and YA. However, they have this amazing illustration books section and a shelf full of classic novels with the loveliest editions. During my visit I had to keep repeating to myself that I didn’t need another Alice in Wonderland copy (no matter how unbelievably adorable it was).
The restaurant is also incredible. This last time I had some vegan pastor tacos. Most Mexicans will cringe at this, because pastor tacos are a signature food from Mexico City and they’re originally made with pork. But I don’t eat red meat and it is very hard to find vegetarian-friendly options in a place like Mexico! These were mushroom-based and were delicious! Likewise, their mango beverage is amazing.
José Vasconcelos Library
I’d read quite a lot about Vasconcelos Library, but I had never actually been there. I must confess I was a little discouraged to go. I got there by subway and let’s just say the neighbourhood wasn’t particularly appealing (and I was a bit paranoid). But once I entered the place, boy was it worth it.
Just look at that! The moment I crossed the doors it was like I had just stepped into Borge’s Library of Babel or something. The place was an elongated construction, composed by several floors of endless metallic shelves that intertwined like a labyrinth. The floors were somewhat sheer so you could see people’s feet over your head and glimpse the endless space beneath you.
The library also hosts several events and meetings. They exhibit movies every week and present shows in the children’s literature section. Don’t mind what judgemental parents tell you, 24 is an age as good as any to watch The Little Prince puppet show.
Elena Garro Cultural Centre
There’s a tree inside the bookshop! Do I need to say more? Elena Garro Cultural Centre is not only beautiful to watch, but it’s also located in an amazing part of town. It is very near Coyoacan, a must-see spot and is within walking distance from other touristic places like the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Their selection of books is marvellous. I found these never-before-seen titles and had to keep reminding myself that I now have 25 kilos limit on my life. I think I only managed to get out of there without a purchase because I had some tea in their coffee shop while I leafed through heir art nouveau section.
Porrúa Bookshop
Porrúa is a Mexican editorial house. They are widely known in for their awesome displays and very creative in-store decorations. They win the prize to the best stand every year in the International Book Fair in Guadalajara and are also famous for its endless bookshelves and old-fashion covers (though they also translate characters names to its Spanish equivalent and that’s monstrous). In any case, before I got to this particular bookshop, I was expecting something big and it didn’t let me down.
Although the shop was incredible (again, in-store trees just do it for me), I guess its main appeal was its location. This particular bookshop is set just at the entrance of Chapultepec Forest. Chapultepec is one of the main attractions in Mexico City. Not only you can find the castle that was home of Maximilian and Carlota of Habsburg–Lorraine, but there is also a zoo, several museums and a bunch of fat squirrels with no respect whatsoever for your personal space.
The bookshop resembles some sort of green house. Even in the inside you still feel like you are part of the forest. You can see the lake from one of its windows and relax while you sip a cup of coffee and restrain yourself from spending money on books you won’t be able squeeze in your carry on.
This might be because I’m nerdy, but, to me, Porrúa Bookshop is definitely one of the main attractions in Chapultepec. So, if you are planning a visit to the forest, make sure to add it to the itinerary.
I’m sure there are plenty more bookshops and libraries in the capital, but one week was not nearly enough to see them all. If you know about a must-see bookish place, make sure to write it on the comments.
I guess I’ll see you on the road.
Love,
