7 Ways to Be Hipster in Mexico

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For years now, hipsters have created their own modern trends by drawing inspiration from things that are classically Mexican. Consider woven blankets, huarache sandals, and of course the national fruit of both Mexico and hipsterdom— avocados.

Despite the fact that Mexico is the originator of so many hipster trends, the idea of a vacation in Mexico evokes images of inebriated spring-breakers and resorts that feel like shopping malls. Yet there are plenty of ways to plan a unique trip Mexico and celebrate the country’s own rising hipster culture.

How to Be Hipster in Mexico

If you’re looking to do more on a trip to Mexico than sit on the beach, here are the best ways to have a unique vacation and be hipster in Mexico.

Boutique Hotels

If you want to live every day like a hipster in Mexico, you’ll need to wake up somewhere cool. Boutique hotels, which are basically the cool kids of the hotel world, are a stylish choice for travelers looking for something unique. Often independently owned, each boutique hotel has its own unique style to suit you.

For a city vibe, stay at Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Amapa, where it’s all about wellness, pastels, and an amazing rooftop hangout. If you prefer to be farther from the city and closer to the water, a boutique hotel like The Beach in Tulum is a great spot to immerse yourself in design and ocean views.

Craft Beer

Whether you’re stocking up for a day in the sand or by the pool, skip imported beer and try one of Mexico’s many craft brews. When else are you going to have the opportunity to try an oatmeal stout from Mexico?

In Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos Brewing samples a wide variety of microbrews: Tempus, Maria Bonita, and Ramuri are just a few. For something even more obscure, head to the small town of San Sebastian del Oeste’s Jardin Nebulosa restaurant, where everything is made with ingredients from the surrounding cloud forest, including the beer.

Tequila

You might have tried farm-to-table dining, but what about farm to shot glass? In the state of Jalisco, the city, Tequila, is the home of everyone’s favorite margarita ingredient. Take a day trip from Guadalajara or stay at Metices Hotel de Barrica, where you can book a room inside a giant tequila barrel. Pass your time learning about the history of the town, horseback riding through agave fields, and, of course, tasting all the tequila your heart desires.

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Visit a Speakeasy

 

If you’re looking for a cocktail more exciting than a hyper-sweet pina colada, head to Mexico City, where the speakeasy craze has found new life. Whether you prefer the modern-industrial vibe at Jules Basement, a speakeasy that looks more like an art gallery than a bar, or the Maya influence of Xaman Bar (which also has a location in Tulum), you’ll taste some of the most inventive cocktails in Mexico. What more could a hipster in Mexico need?

Explore Mexico City

There’s much more to Mexico City than the cocktail scene. You can’t truly be a hipster in Mexico without stopping by its capital city for some of the best vintage shopping, restaurants, and art Mexico has to offer. Explore some of the popular neighborhoods like Condesa to admire the Art Deco features of Parque Mexico, or head to Colonia Roma to sample alcohol-infused ice cream at Heraldo Obscuro.

Street Art

 

Home to many world-renowned street artists, Mexico is full of opportunities for street art hunting, from Tijuana, Mexico City, and even Cancun, which in 2017 invited global street art talent to revitalize its public spaces with larger-than-life murals.

If you’re stopping by any large city in Mexico, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot some. In Mexico City, pick up a spray can and leave your own artwork behind with the help of a professional: Remix. The international street artist offers a three-hour street art experience where he teaches you not only how to interpret street art, but how to make it yourself.

Tacos

A hipster in Mexico will have no trouble finding amazing food wherever they go, whether it’s in the hottest new restaurant in Mexico City or at a food truck on the corner. If it’s tacos you’re after, Mexico is full of small, family-owned taco stands. Adored by locals, these curbside establishments are a great way to sample the variety Mexico’s food in an adventurous series of quick bites. If you’re not sure where to start, sign up for a food tour like Vallarta Food Tours in Puerto Vallarta so a local guide can help you navigate the delicious off-the-grid world of Mexican street tacos.

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More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
• 5 Cheapest Places to Go for Spring Break in Mexico This Year
• The 13 Safest Places in Mexico for Travelers

Jamie Ditaranto is a writer and photographer who is always looking for her next adventure. Follow her on Twitter @jamieditaranto.

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