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12 SEP 2023

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City

by: System Account | posted in: ViaHero

One of the coolest parts about traveling to Mexico City is exploring its hundreds of incredible neighborhoods. Yes, Mexico City has literally hundreds — about 350! — and they all offer a different kind of experience. 

 

Ready to discover which neighborhood suits your style? Dive into our list of Mexico City's best areas. 

 

1: Roma: Young and hip

Roma was designated as a “Barrio Magico” ("Magical Neighbourhood") by the city—and the magic of this place will be *instantly* clear when you see Roma’s vibrant Art Deco architecture.

Here, you'll find a spectacular food scene. One standout spot that locals rave about is the Mercado Roma. This fancy food hall offers everything from churros to craft beer, as well as an impressive view from its rooftop. 

Roma is also celebrated for its exceptional cafes. This vibrant neighborhood is a haven for coffee lovers, boasting a range of charming spots where you can savor expertly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to relax and soak in the local vibe. You'll find a good one just by wandering around, but locals note that Buna has a sterling reputation when it comes to coffee. 

 

2: Condesa: Chill and authentic

Condesa Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Condesa | Alejandro/Flickr

 

Roma and Condesa are sister neighborhoods with a shared history, and their proximity puts them high on our list of places to visit in Mexico City. Like Roma, Condesa is flush with color, which makes this a gorgeous day trip or home base for visitors.

Plus, its wide, leafy boulevards also make Condesa feel far from the hustle and bustle of downtown (even though Centro Historico is only a few miles away). One of Condesa’s main attractions, the gorgeous Parque Mexico, is filled with dogs, music, and plenty of benches to take it all in. 

 

If you’re craving the flavors of Roma and Condesa, the CDMX Food Tour: Condesa & Roma Neighborhoods is your ticket to a delicious adventure! Explore two of the city's trendiest neighborhoods while savoring mouthwatering local dishes that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

 

3: Polanco: Sleek and fun

Polanco is filled with high-end shopping, fancy cocktail bars, and some of the world’s best restaurants. If you’re wondering where to eat in Mexico City, you might want to start in Polanco.

And Polanco’s not just a beautiful face with a meh personality. It contains some of Mexico City’s best places to go. Visitors can explore the brilliant Museo Soumaya (another great, free activity) and the beloved Museo Nacional de Antropologia.

Locals tell us that like Roma and Condesa, Polanco is considered to be among Mexico City’s safest neighborhoods.

4: Coyoacan: Artsy yet traditional 

Coyoacan Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Coyoacan | Carl Campbell/Flickr

 

Ohhh Coyoacan. Coyoacan is the quiet artsy kid among Mexico City’s neighborhoods. It has a lot of the same attributes that make Roma and Condesa sparkle, but since it’s a bit further away it has a quieter, chiller vibe. 

Coyoacan has two great markets: Mercado Coyoacan and Mercado de Antojitos. Here you can sample the fried quesadillas and tostadas, and then work it off by taking a vigorous stroll in the nearby Viveros de Coyoacan park.

 

Did you know that Coyoacan was the home of one the most prominent Mexican artists Frida Kahlo? Her beloved home Casa Azul ("Blue House") has now been turned into a museum and invites all art-enthusiasts to learn about her passionate life. The vibrant colors and the intimate atmosphere of the museum really reflect Frida's unique spirit, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in her art or Mexican culture.

 

Have you ever visited Casa Azul, or are you planning to?

 

5: Juarez: Eclectic and up-and-coming 

Once one of the grandest neighborhoods in Mexico City, Juarez has had some difficult years. But this Mexico City neighborhood is currently experiencing an exciting renaissance. 

As a result, locals tell us that Juarez offers an eclectic mix of hip new businesses and classic spots. This is a great part of town if you want to explore art galleries and speakeasies.

 

6: Zona Rosa: CDMX's party central

Zona Rosa Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Zona Rosa has amazing nightlife | Free-Photos/Pixabay


Nestled in Juarez is Zona Rosa, a neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood known for its nightlife. There are tons of clubs, restaurants, and bars in the area, including Mexico City's best gay bars.

During the day, Zona Rosa is a great place to go shopping, or as a destination to see one of the city’s most famous monuments: El Angel (officially Monumento a la Independencia, or, basically, Angel of Independence). The monument was finished in 1910, which coincided with the 100-year anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.

 

7: San Rafael: Quirky and vibrant

Like the nearby Juarez neighborhood, San Rafael is on the upswing. The mansions from its glory days still largely remain, which results in an eclectic architectural vibe. Locals say San Rafael also has tons of great food, including the mouth-watering Mercado San Cosme.

If you’re a foodie, San Cosme is one of the best places to visit in Mexico City—it’s swimming with stalls offering things like tortas (delicious meat-packed Mexican sandwiches) and pambazos (delicious meat-packed Mexican sandwiches dipped in salsa and then fried).

For those looking to get off the beaten path, San Rafel is an excellent place to explore. The neighborhood is becoming a hub for artists, especially as they're priced out of Roma and Condesa. As a result, you'll find tons of great galleries

 

8: Centro Historico: Glamorous and historical

Centro Historico Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Centro Historico | Wikimedia Commons


Hey—just because there’s “history” in its name doesn’t mean that Centro Historico is boring. Some of the best things to do in Mexico City can be found in the Centro Historico. 

Among the best things to see in this area is the National Palace, where the president works, Zocalo Square, where all big national events or holidays are celebrated, Catedral Metropolitana, the city’s enormous historic cathedral, and the just-adjacent (and absolutely incredible) ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.

 

9: San Angel: Off-the-beaten-path and colorful

Just south of Coyaocan, San Angel shares the quiet, thoughtful nature of its sister neighborhood to the north.

Here, we suggest checking out the wonderful San Angel’s Bazar Sabado, a fantastic Mexico City market. Visitors can march across the cobblestone streets, enjoy the colorful historic mansions and old churches, and stop in the market for authentic souvenirs.

 

10: Narvarte: Tacos, tacos, tacos

Narvarte Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Narvarte has amazing tacos | Yezmin/Pixabay


Narvarte is a true hidden gem.

This middle-class, non-touristy neighborhood is known for its international cuisine, great bars, and some of Mexico City's best tacos.

 

Travelling to Mexico City? Check out the exciting tours and activities we have to offer in Mexico City to start planning your adventure!