4. Insider’s Tip
Ring the bell at 288 Contreras Medellín, a virtually unmarked building in the centro, to find the Taller Mexicano de Gobelinos, a working textile workshop where a small group of artisans creates tapestries for contemporary artists like Joaquin Segura and Damián Ortega using a centuries-old technique. The Arena Mexico contemporary art gallery runs the space, which also includes a small exhibition area where receptions are held, but visitors are invited to drop by anytime to shop or just look around—there’s always something on display (open weekdays 9–5, Saturdays 10–2; admission is free).