Here Are 8 Neighborhoods In Mexico City (CDMX) MADE For Travelers

Reputation: Made for first-time travelers, close to major landmarks.

411: If you’ve never been to Mexico City before and want to visit the most popular sites within 2-3 days, then stay in Centro Histórico. Just as its name signifies, the district is centrally located where you can easily walk to Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Plaza Garibaldi for live mariachi band performances, don’t forget to stop by Palacio de Correos de México (Postal Palace of Mexico City) to admire the intricate and eclectic interior design.

There’s also Templo Mayor which is an Aztec temple located in the heart of a bustling city. With 1500+ historic buildings and fascinating colonial structures in this area, Centro Histórico is where you can learn about Aztec ruins. This district is also within walking distance to other trendy neighborhoods, including: Roma and Zona Rosa.

Stay at the artistically boutique MUMEDI Hotel, then shop on the pedestrian-only Avenida Francisco I. Madero. Grab a drink at Balcón del Zócalo to admire the city view from atop while indulge in a tasty cocktail. Centro Histórico is also home to some of Mexico City’s best traditional cantinas, so it’s a fabulous idea to spend a mouthwatering afternoon cantina-crawling, from: La Faena to La Opera.

Reputation: Cool & trendy.

411: In CDMX at the moment, Roma is where to be. It’s trendy while sustaining an air of laidbackness. Roma’s shot to fame rose when Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 Oscar-winning film Roma captured the nostalgia of this neighborhood in an artistic black and white format.

After recent years of gentrification, Roma currently boasts some of the best restaurants and cocktail bars in the city: Maximo, Restaurante Rosetta, and Contramar is quite literally the best seafood option in town. For fans of local markets, check out Mercado Roma for a series of craft beers and local delicacies. Craving for barbacoa tacos? Then don’t miss the classic El Hidalguense.

If you’ve fallen in love with mezcal, then shop at Mis Mezcales – a distillery in Roma where you can select from a wide range of rare bottles. Or try a drink at Mano Santa Mezcal. If mezcal isn’t your jam, then grab a cold cerveza at Falling Piano Brewery.

After a night out, Chapultepec Park and Parque Mexico are both tranquil spaces to get your steps in.

Reputation: Boho-chic.

411: Similar to Roma, La Condesa is also presently thriving as a stylish neighborhood, located next to Roma. Although it probably welcomes less tourists than Roma; it is still within walking distance from Zona Rosa, Bosque de Chapultepec and Parque Mexico – a former horserace track later reconstructed into a park during the 1920s.

If Roma is cool but laidback, La Condesa is even more so. Some may argue that it’s even better since the ambiance is far more local. Enjoy late-night taco hops, patio cafes. There are several delicious cantinas to try: Restaurante Bar Montejo (Montejo) and El Centenario. For a hushed night cap, sip on a cocktail at one of Mexico City’s best bars: Las Clandestina.

Every Tuesday, Condesa Tianguis market makes for a vibrant shopping experience.

Reputation: Cosmopolitan financial center.

411: It’s not uncommon to witness Mexican businessmen working in finance on their lunch breaks in the Cuauhtémoc neighborhood. The pulse of this commerce area is branched off of Avenida Paseo de la Reforma and the iconic El Ángel de la Independencia monument, meaning that you’ll see several international chain hotels here.

Catering to its business-person demographic, there are delectable open-air taquerías at most street corners as well as refined restaurants featuring global cuisine. For traditional seafood eatery, don’t miss savory tostadas and a plate of raw oysters at Mi Compa Chava. For a more upscale ambiance, Sofitel’s Bajel features Chef Luis Escamilla’s passion for fermentation. On the casual but superbly delicious side, the tacos at Taquería don Felipe is a must. Sometimes, you’ve gotta have a street side taco, even if it’s at a garage!

Reputation: LGBTQIA+-friendly nightlife.

411: Right on the edge of Juárez neighborhood, Zona Rosa is often coined as the most welcoming of LGBTQIA+ community in Mexico City. Here, you’ll discover fun and pumping venues made for the perfect night out. Though Zona Rosa is renowned for its shopping and vibrant nightlife, you can also explore its artistic atmosphere at independent bookshops, charming bakeries and eccentric art galleries. For a night of fun, stop by Kinky Bar, Xaman, La Cueva de Lobos…just to name a few.

Zona Rosa has recently welcomed the Korean community, making this a must-stop for K-Pop or K-Drama fans that love some yummy Korean food. Hungry for yangnyomgaibi? Check out Biwon for traditional Korean fare. Get some adorable panda or heart-shaped buns at O’Mandu. If you want just a good ol’ bim bim bap, don’t miss NADEFO and its unforgettable Korean barbecue.

Reputation: Quiet & artistic.

411: Home to Frida Kahlo, Coyacán is evidently a colorful yet peaceful district. Approximately 25 minutes away from city center by car, Coyacán means “place of coyotes” and is especially festive on weekends with busy street vendors selling all sorts of handicrafts as well as tempting souvenirs. Of course, every traveler’s main reason to be here is to visit the Blue House where Frida Kahlo lived with Diego Rivera, her husband. If you’re looking for another museum to discover, Leon Trotsky Museum illustrates the organization which promotes political asylum.

There are several notable restaurants surrounding the main plaza of Coyacán, even if you venture into the alleys, you’ll encounter alluring cafes and dessert shops.

Reputation: Up-and-coming, hipster vibes.

411: Not only does Juárez borders Zona Rosa, it’s also where you’ll find several hidden gems. There are numerous smaller but interesting museums to consider: the historical Museum of the Revolution in the Border, the interactive La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo for its 3D room and a library. 

Since margaritas were allegedly created from Juárez’s Kentucky Club, it’s highly recommended to order a margarita while you’re visiting this neighborhood. But we think you should do so at HANDSHAKE instead. For the ultimate cocktail bar experience, you’ll need to check out HANDSHAKE SPEAKEASY. The popular cocktail bar elevates each drink into minimalist art.

For chocoholics, Chocolatería La Rifa is a must especially its steamy hot chocolates that are made from sustainable microproducers in Chiapas and Tabasco. Of course, for the best place to eat and shop, stroll through Mercado Ciudad Juarez where you can feel just like a local.