Mexico City-based Luisa Salas, better known by her Instagram handle @holalou, is a graphic artist and muralist whose bold minimalism exemplifies the abundant energy of Mexico City’s art scene—a place saturated with colorful design, vibrant fashion, renowned galleries, and storied architecture. A native of Durango, Salas had been living in the Yucatan peninsula before she moved to Mexico City two years ago to be closer to the robust art community. In the midst of her recent career wins—including an artist residency with Nike and a collaboration with Spotify— transitioning to an even busier life has been, in her words, “pretty wild.”
To set aside days for herself in this frenzy takes some savvy, but Salas still finds time to explore and experience CDMX. Here’s what she likes to do on her ideal weekend in this buzzing metropolis—from the must-try food vendors to her favorite hotel spa appointment.
Roma Norte street food and art galleries
On a Saturday morning, Salas, a vegetarian, looks to street food for breakfast. Savory, toasted quesadillas are a favorite and found on most street corners across the city.
“That’s something you can’t miss,” she says. “They are a great way to try some veggies that maybe you’ve never heard of.”
A few ideas? A jet-black corn fungus called huitlacoche, or perhaps squash flowers with stringy Oaxacan cheese. Jenny’s Quesadillas, a well-known stand in Roma Norte, is a great spot to find this snack.
After breakfast, Salas recommends heading to MOONI Gallery, also in Roma Norte, to scope out emerging Latin American artists, whose work is priced for a range of budgets. “Instead of being a gallery with really white walls and four spare paintings, they have, like, 2,000 paintings” says Salas. The space is laid-back and packed wall-to-wall with local art.
