Exploring Mexico City: Best Neighborhoods For Tourists

where to stay in mexico city travel and leisure

Mexico City is a sprawling, complex, ever-changing metropolis that is a study in contrasts. It is a foodie's paradise, with street food and chef-driven restaurants, and an art lover's dream, with folk and cutting-edge contemporary art. The city also boasts sophisticated hotels, grand public parks, chic shopping streets, and ancient Aztec sites.

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Mexico City include Roma, Centro Historico, Polanco, Condesa, and Coyoacan. Each neighbourhood has its own unique character and attractions, offering something for every type of traveller, from foodies and history buffs to luxury seekers and nature lovers.

Whether you are looking for boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or budget-friendly options, Mexico City has something for everyone. The city's vibrant energy, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic nightlife make it a truly unique and captivating destination.

Characteristics Values
Best Overall Hotel The Wild Oscar
🗺️ Best Location Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel
✨ Best Luxury Hotel Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
👪 Best for Families Suites Perisur Apartamentos
👔 Best for Business Le Meridien
🛎️ Best Boutique Casa Prim
🏙️ Best Near the Zócalo Zocalo Central
💵 Best Budget Hotel Patriotismo

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Roma: Chic atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and some of the best restaurants in Mexico City

Roma is a trendy neighbourhood in Mexico City, known for its chic atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and some of the city's best restaurants. Located in the heart of the city, adjacent to Condesa and Juárez, Roma has a lively vibe with digital nomads, yoga instructors, and some of the best restaurants and bars in town. The neighbourhood boasts a mix of trendy cafes, vintage thrift shops, and alternative, bohemian people.

One of the best things to do in Roma is to stroll along its tree-lined avenues and explore the vibrant dining options and well-preserved historic buildings. Avenida Alvaro Obregon, the unofficial main street of Roma Norte, is bustling with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and pretty historic buildings. The neighbourhood also has colourful street art and leafy parks, such as Plaza Rio de Janeiro and Plaza Luis Cabrera.

When it comes to dining, Roma offers a variety of options, from trendy cafes to fine dining restaurants. Here are some of the top restaurants in the area:

  • Contramar: A popular seafood restaurant known for its tuna tostadas and whole fish covered in red and green sauce.
  • Rosetta: An Italian-Mexican fusion restaurant located inside a townhouse, serving dishes like ricotta-stuffed ravioli and tagliatelle with a chilli twist.
  • Marmota: A restaurant that sources most of its produce locally and cooks its dishes in a wood-fired oven, resulting in smoky flavours.
  • El Hidalguense: A taco spot specialising in slow-cooked lamb tacos, open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Madre Café: A chic brunch spot located inside a converted colonial mansion, offering a leafy terrace and a rooftop restaurant.
  • Altanera Rooftop: A restaurant serving contemporary Mexican cuisine with a view of the downtown area. Their guacamole with grasshoppers is a unique dish to try.
  • La Corriente: A seafood restaurant with a vintage vibe, known for its whole grilled octopus and red snapper tostada.
  • Restaurante Rosetta: An Italian-Mexican fusion restaurant housed in a historic mansion, known for its corn tamales with celeriac and smoked cream.
  • Blanco Colima: A fine dining restaurant in an elegant historic house, serving European-Mexican fusion cuisine.
  • Taqueria Orinoco: A popular spot for tacos al pastor, open late into the night.
  • Mercado Roma: An upscale food court with various international and Mexican food stalls, as well as bars serving cocktails.

In addition to its culinary delights, Roma also offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in historic mansions to more affordable choices. Overall, Roma is a safe and vibrant neighbourhood, making it a popular choice for tourists looking to explore the best of Mexico City.

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Centro Historico: The city's oldest neighbourhood, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and lively street markets

Centro Histórico, or Historic Centre, is the beating heart of Mexico City. This downtown area is the oldest neighbourhood in the city, with a history that dates back to the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, upon which it was built. The area is a feast for the senses, with ornate colonial buildings, vast public squares, and a lively mix of tourists and locals. While it may not have the trendy appeal of Condesa or Roma, Centro Histórico is iconic to Mexico City.

The Centro Histórico is focused on the Zócalo, the main plaza, which is the largest in Latin America. The Zócalo can hold up to 100,000 people and has been a venue for cultural events and national-level protests. It is surrounded by important historical buildings, including the Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, and Templo Mayor. The area also boasts the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, and the Torre Latinoamericana, one of the best-known skyscrapers in Latin America.

The neighbourhood has narrow cobblestone streets and colonial and European architecture, giving it a unique look and feel compared to other parts of the city. The area is known for its lively street markets, including the Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela, where you can find handmade goods from all over Mexico. Another notable market is the San Juan Market, which offers a variety of culinary delights.

For accommodation, there are options for all budgets, from luxury hotels like the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico to budget-friendly hostels like Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel. When it comes to food, Centro Histórico has plenty of authentic Mexican options, such as El Cardenal and Azul Historico. You can also find delicious street food, including suadero tacos from Taqueria Los Cocuyos and el pastor especial from Tacos El Huequito.

Centro Histórico is generally safe, but it is busy and crowded, so it's important to be wary of your belongings. Pickpocketing is not uncommon, and it's best to stay in well-lit areas at night. Overall, Centro Histórico is a must-visit neighbourhood in Mexico City, offering a wealth of history, culture, and delicious food.

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Polanco: Luxury hotels, fine dining, and endless shopping

Polanco is the place to be for those seeking a luxurious getaway in Mexico City. This swanky neighbourhood is known for its blend of modern architecture and classic Spanish colonial-revival buildings, offering a unique blend of history and contemporary style. Here, you will find high-end boutiques, art galleries, chic cafes, and leafy streets that will make your trip unforgettable.

Where to Stay

For accommodation that exudes elegance and sophistication, look no further than Casa Polanco. This boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Polanco, just across from the serene Parque Lincoln. The architectural masterpiece combines modern and classic Spanish colonial revival styles, creating a timeless and exclusive atmosphere. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the fine walnut wood floors to the custom-designed textiles and sculptures that adorn the space. Each of the 19 rooms offers a private oasis flooded with natural light and featuring unique marble bathrooms.

If you're seeking a larger hotel with a bustling atmosphere, Las Alcobas is a 35-room boutique hotel situated on the iconic Avenida Presidente Masaryk, the heart of Polanco's shopping district. Las Alcobas offers beautifully designed rooms with high-end amenities, including custom-made furniture, luxurious linens, and spa-like bathrooms. The on-site restaurants, Anatol and Dulce Patria, are destinations in themselves, serving innovative Italian and Mexican cuisine, respectively.

For a more intimate experience, Orchid House Polanco is a turn-of-the-century mansion located on the tree-lined street of Campos Elíseos. Each suite is filled with vintage details, such as Spanish tile and punched-tin ceilings, creating a charming and elegant ambiance.

Dining Destinations

When it comes to dining, Polanco truly shines. The neighbourhood is home to some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, offering everything from innovative Mexican cuisine to traditional dishes.

Pujol is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. This gourmet restaurant is known for its creative take on Mexican cuisine, and it has garnered a reputation as one of the best dining establishments in the city.

For a more traditional experience, El Bajío offers a taste of authentic Mexican flavours. This popular spot is often frequented by locals and tourists alike, and it's a great place to indulge in the country's rich culinary heritage.

Shopping and Attractions

Avenida Presidente Masaryk is a shopper's paradise. This bustling avenue is lined with high-end boutiques and chic cafes, making it the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy. Whether you're looking for designer fashions or unique local crafts, you'll find it here.

For art lovers, the Museo Soumaya is a must-visit. This stunning museum, with its exterior of over 16,000 reflective hexagons, houses one of the most impressive art collections in the city, including works by Auguste Rodin.

Polanco is also home to green spaces like Parque Lincoln, where you can take a leisurely stroll or simply relax amidst the lush surroundings.

With its blend of luxury, culture, and vibrant energy, Polanco is the perfect destination for travellers seeking an upscale and memorable experience in Mexico City.

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Condesa: Charming, safe, and stylish, with excellent eateries and cozy boutique hotels

Condesa is a charming, safe, and stylish neighbourhood in Mexico City, with excellent eateries and cozy boutique hotels. The area has a bohemian spirit and is packed with gorgeous restaurants, bars, bookshops, boutique hotels, and leafy parks.

The area's main thoroughfare is Amsterdam Avenue, a former horse-racing track now lined with shops, bars, and local businesses. Parque México and Parque España are popular parks in the area, with the former being Condesa's central park.

  • Casa Pancha: A stylish and affordable boutique hostel located in a Condesa family home. There are five shared bedrooms and one private bedroom. Communal areas include a balcony terrace, a spacious rooftop, and a patio with a kitchenette.
  • Andaz Mexico City: Set in a historic art deco building, this hotel has 213 guest rooms, a spa, a ground-floor cafe, a pet-friendly beer garden, and a rooftop pool with city skyline views.
  • Condesa DF Hotel: Located across from Parque México, this luxury hotel occupies a 1928 French neoclassical building with modern interiors. Guests can enjoy a large courtyard and a rooftop bar.
  • Hippodrome Hotel: Located on a quiet side street near Spain Park and Mexico Park, this trendy hotel offers a tranquil setting and bespoke, attentive service.
  • Hotel San Fernando: A small boutique property with stylish and thoughtfully designed rooms. The hotel has a rooftop patio where breakfast is served and a bar called Lounge Fernando, which serves small plates and cocktails.
  • Casa Decu: An art deco hotel with funky tile floors, private patios, and a rooftop restaurant and garden. The hotel offers a continental breakfast and is located near Parque México and cozy cafes.

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Coyoacan: Art galleries, museums, and a big traditional Mexican market

Coyoacan is a charming area of Mexico City, known for its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. It is famous for being the former home of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and has since become a haven for art and culture. Here is a guide to the art galleries, museums, and traditional Mexican market that Coyoacan has to offer.

Espacio Escultórico

This sculpture park is filled with quirky and beautiful exhibits, the most notable being a multicoloured square sculpture that is highly Instagrammable. It is the perfect place to start your day of exploring Coyoacan as it opens and closes earlier than other artistic offerings in the area.

MUAC

After visiting Espacio Escultórico, head to the nearby MUAC, which is also situated in Coyoacán's Ciudad Universitaria district. MUAC is best for those who love contemporary art as it has a permanent archive of pieces from a wide range of artists, as well as temporary exhibits by names such as Anish Kapoor.

UNAM's Central Library

Take a brief detour to UNAM's Central Library to see the external artwork by famed Mexican muralist Juan O'Gorman, who was born in Coyoacan. If you want to go inside, it opens daily at 8:30 am.

La Casa Azul (Museo Casa Frida Kahlo)

Take a stroll through the picturesque Viveros de Coyoacán to get to La Casa Azul, one of the most famous art destinations in the area. This iconic museum dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo opens daily at 10 am, but be prepared to queue. Go on a weekday to reduce potential waiting times.

Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli

An optional destination is the house of Diego Rivera, which is somewhat removed from other sites in Coyoacan. Many tours offer entry to both La Casa Azul and Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, including transport. Visit if you're interested in pre-Hispanic artefacts and Rivera's murals.

Mercado de Coyoacán

This market is a must-visit, especially if you love food and quirky artesanías (handicrafts). It is known for being the market where Frida Kahlo did her shopping and lunching. You can find everything from delicately hand-painted mirrors to elegant glass products and traditional Mexican dolls here, but be aware that it is highly tourist-oriented and prices reflect that.

Museo Nacional de la Acuarela

After visiting the market, head to the city's only (as far as we know) watercolour museum for a unique and enchanting look at a different side of Mexican art.

Arte Hoy

Just two blocks from the heart of Coyoacan, this contemporary art gallery was inaugurated in 2011 and predominantly features sculptures. It is the perfect place to learn about 20th and 21st-century Mexican art beyond Frida Kahlo.

Casa de Luna

For a more intimate artesanías buying experience, visit Casa de Luna, which has been selling arts and crafts items for a long time. What sets it apart from other similar stores in Coyoacan is the contemporary art gallery that sits above it.

Museo Nacional de las Culturas Populares

End your day at this museum, which is conveniently open until 8 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It features huge courtyard murals, quaint patios, and rotating exhibitions that explore Mexican artistic heritage.

Frequently asked questions

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Mexico City depend on what you're looking for. Condesa, Roma and Centro Historico are great for food, ambiance and history. If you're looking for luxury and shopping, head to Polanco. For nightlife and LGBTQ+ travellers, Zona Rosa is the place to be. Coyoacán is a good option for art and families, while Escandón is perfect for a more laid-back, local experience.

Hotel Patriotismo in Escandón is a good budget option. Mumedi Design Hotel in Centro Historico is also a great choice, with a perfect location and stunning rooms.

Stanza Hotel, Hotel Marbella and Brick Hotel Mexico City in Roma are good mid-range choices. Kali Centro Mexico City and Casa Lomah Hotel in Centro Historico are also recommended.

The Wild Oscar in Polanco is an exclusive and stylish boutique hotel. The St. Regis Mexico City and Casa Polanco are also excellent luxury options.

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