If you feel like an outsider to Mexico City and want to fit in, come to Polanco, where you’ll find large and globally diverse ethnic populations as well as international boutique and designer stores and luxury hotels. More than any other section of Mexico City, Polanco represents the chic and cosmopolitan aspects of this important global capital.

Perhaps surprisingly, the area has drawn an exclusive group of Mexico’s immigrant residents for nearly 100 years. In the 1920s, the huge Morales Hacienda estate was divided into smaller plots of lands. Groups of wealthy non-native traders moved from the historical centre of town to this more open area. Today mingle with the descendents of these Jewish, Lebanese, Spanish, German and Russian immigrants as well as the international artists and sports celebrities who are attracted to living and visiting here.

Along with private residences and shopping, the area has added numerous hotels, art galleries and office and apartment skyscrapers, creating a modern centre that contrasts markedly with the city’s historical centre, about 4 miles (7 kilometres) away. See the old and the new during your trip to Mexico City.

Walk along Presidente Masaryk Avenue to find luxury stores and shopping malls. Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna, Mont Blanc, Salvatore Ferragamo and Burberry are all within a few short blocks along this boulevard lined with trees. You’ll find less expensive brands and ubiquitous international coffee shops as well.

Polanco is just over 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) north of the beautiful forested park, Bosque de Chapultepec. Visit several of Polanco’s cultural attractions in and around the park: the National Anthropology and History Museum, the Rufino Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum. The ultra-modern CAD Mexico Architecture and Design Centre for interior design is just west of the centre of Palanco. Look for the Polanco stop on the metro.