Mexico City Neighborhood Guide

Mexico City is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, making it one of the largest cities in the world. The city is split up into 16 boroughs and over 350 neighborhoods or colonias. In this Mexico City neighborhood guide, I’ll dive into the 5 most popular neighborhoods to acquaint yourself with on your trip to CDMX. 

Roma Norte neighborhood in Mexico City

Roma

Roma is the it neighborhood in Mexico City right now, specifically Roma Norte. It’s a beautiful neighborhood with old-school mansions and new trendy bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Many of the businesses have taken over the old villas giving it an old-meets-new feel. 

Roma is divided into Roma Norte and Roma Sur but Roma Norte gets all the love. Within Roma Norte is La Romita, a little neighborhood within a neighborhood that is home to the Casa de Cultura Romita that aims to preserve the neighborhood’s history. Visit Roma Sur to go to Mercado Medellín, a traditional Mexican market with produce, food stalls, and treats to take home.

Points of Interest

Plaza Río de Janeiro: plaza in the middle of all the action with a replica of Michelangelo’s David 

Fuente de Ciebles: plaza with a replica of a famous fountain in Madrid 

La Romita: small neighborhood with a relaxing plaza

Mercado Medellín: local Mexican food market

Avenida Álvaro Obregón: the main drag that goes east-west through Roma Norte with many top restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops

Restaurants

Rosetta: top restaurant with European influences and Mexican ingredients

Contramar: the elevated Mexican seafood restaurant in Mexico City

Madre Café: brunch spot turned rooftop bar at night

La Docena: oyster bar

Máximo Bistrot: modern French with a Mexican twist and tasting menu

Colorful houses in La Condesa and Hippodrome neighborhood on Avenida Amsterdam

La Condesa

If you follow the tree-lined Avenida Ámsterdam, you’ll be taken on a shady walking tour through La Condesa. The neighborhood is filled with green spaces like Parque España and Parque México, two parks you must stroll through.

The lines between Roma Norte and Condesa can get a little blurry because they’re right next to each other and both home to great restaurants and shops. But, Condesa has more greenery and a more laid-back vibe. If this sounds like your vibe, it’s a great neighborhood to make your home base when you visit Mexico City. 

Points of Interest

Avenida Ámsterdam

Parque México 

Parque España

Restaurants

Merkavá: popular Israeli spot

La Vineria: European-style bistro with Mexican wine options

Patagonia: Argentinian spot for steak and empanadas

La Capital: modern Mexican cuisine

Botánico: new trendy restaurant with a nice patio/garden

El Angel in Mexico City

Juárez

Stretching from Centro Histórico to the Bosque de Chapultepec is Juárez, a lively neighborhood with great nightlife and restaurants. The Paseo de la Reforma, the main drag of the city, runs right through Juárez. The area directly surrounding the Paseo is often referred to as just “Reforma”. Within Juárez is La Zona Rosa, a historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood that has had an influx of Korean immigrants making it a small Koreatown.

Points of Interest

Paseo de la Reforma

The Angel of Independence

La Zona Rosa

Restaurants

Amaya: Baja California cuisine

Elly’s: restaurant and bar that has a friendly dog roaming around.

Havre 77: upscale French restaurant

Cicatriz: trendy all-day cafe

Taqueria Orinoco: taco chain with some of the best tacos in the city

Centro Histórico

Mexico City’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and when you visit, you’ll see why. The neighborhood is dotted with historic buildings, monuments, and museums, making it the best place to sightsee in Mexico City. Wander its historic streets and experience the bustle of Mexico City’s downtown. 

Points of Interest

Zócalo 

Templo Mayor

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Alameda Central

Torre Latinoamericana

Restaurants

Azul Centro: traditional Mexican cuisine done right

El Huequito: local taco chain specializing in al pastor

Balcón del Zócalo: restaurant that overlooks the Zócalo

Pujol, one of the best restaurants to eat at in Mexico City

Polanco

Polanco is the Beverly Hills of Mexico City. It’s just north of the Bosque de Chapultepec, which gives it an exclusive feel away from the rest of the city. In this neighborhood, you’ll find luxury homes, luxury shops, and restaurants to feed an expensive taste. 

Points of Interest

Bosque de Chapultepec

Avenida Presidente Masaryk 

Parque Lincoln

Restaurants

Quintonil: the #1 restaurant in Mexico City

Pujol: the restaurant that put Mexican fine dining on the map

Porfirio’s: traditional Mexican dinner that turns into a party

Entremar: Contramar’s second location that’s just as delicious

Other Neighborhoods To Explore

 Benito Juárez (technically a borough) 

San Rafael and Santa Maria La Ribera

Coyoacán

San Angel

Xochimilco

More Mexico City Resources

Did you find this Mexico City neighborhood guide helpful? Check out these other Mexico City posts:

The Ultimate Mexico City Guide

Where To Eat And Drink In Mexico City

7-Day Mexico City Itinerary

5-Day Mexico City Itinerary

Day Trip To Teotihuacán

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