Socrates

Brand New Apartment for Rent with a Leafy Balcony in Upscale Polanco

A newly constructed modern apartment at the heart of Mexico City’s upscale residential enclave of Polanco, this glass-dominated apartment feels like a perch in the trees, given its abundance of oversized windows and sliding doors. A spacious balcony with seating and dining areas fills one corner of the contemporary structure, adding to the outdoor living feel, even at the heart of the city. There are three bedrooms, three full baths feature mosaic tiling, and an office means you can get your work done before striking out to see the neighborhood's many sights.

Around

Polanco offers a leafy, peaceful residential setting and is considered one of Mexico City’s safest neighborhoods. A wealth of historical, cultural and architectural landmarks dot the area, and there are big views and lush nature at several public parks and plazas, not to mention dozens of great dining destinations. Polanco’s Presidente Masaryk Avenue is often referred to as the city’s “Champs-Elysées” for its posh boutiques and majestic, early 20th-century buildings. The Soumaya Museum stands as a bright shrine to art and innovation and has a sizable collection by Rodin. The landmark Chapultepec Castle is a short walk away, and the vistas from atop Chapultepec Hill are dazzling. A prestigious address, Polanco is lined with Spanish Colonial Revival mansions and luxe apartment buildings. High end dining, luxury shopping and splashy galleries make the neighborhood a destination, and the sprawling Chapultepec Park is a great place to put your feet up or grab a paddle boat and ply the lake at the park’s center that doubles some evenings as a movie theatre.

Another park in the area is Parque Lincoln, with a sculpture garden, aviary and museum. After taking in the collection at the Soumaya, cross the square and visit Museo Jumex, home to one of the largest private contemporary art collections in Latin America with works by Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. The building is as eye-catching as the art, a giant white cube with a jagged top designed by British architect David Chipperfield. Lovers of modernist architecture will love the yellow-tiled Iglesia San Igancio de Loyola in the neighborhood, designed by Juan Sordo in 1961. Both the church and its grounds are open to visitors.

Location

Nearest airport: Mexico City Benito Juárez (10 miles), but count on 45 minutes to an hour’s drive in traffic

Best time to visit

March to May; September to November