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
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
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
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
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
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