Top Neighborhoods to Discover in Mexico City

Choosing the right neighborhood for your stay in Mexico City is essential for planning your trip effectively.

To assist you in finding the perfect area, we’ve compiled our favorite walkable neighborhoods brimming with personality and charm. In the lively Roma and Condesa districts, the party is always on with a vibrant nightlife and culinary scene. Conversely, in Centro Histórico, you can immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences and stunning historical architecture. For a more relaxed vibe, enjoy the artistic bohemian lifestyle of Coyoacán, reminiscent of Frida and Diego's era.

Centro Histórico

Top Neighborhood for Culture and Architecture

The pulse of Mexico thrives in the Centro. Boasting over 1500 historic structures, ancient Aztec ruins, lively art scenes, and some of the country's most engaging museums, Centro Histórico is the ultimate destination for culture enthusiasts.

Wandering through the Zócalo, the largest main square in Latin America, leads you to impressive Diego Rivera murals within the Palacio Nacional. Nearby, you can explore the Templo Mayor, a revered Aztec temple featuring a world-class museum.

Beyond its rich cultural offerings, Centro is framed by stunning colonial architecture, many of which have been thoughtfully transformed into hostels and boutique hotels. While the Centro can feel like a whirlwind, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, this historic hub is packed with rewards.

Roma

Top Neighborhood for Dining and Drinking

Just when it seemed this colonia had reached peak trendiness, Alfonso Cuarón's Oscar-winning film Roma sparked even more interest from visitors. Now, it feels like every few weeks, the gentrifying Roma welcomes another chic cocktail bar or fashionable fusion restaurant into its stunning French-style mansions.

While in Roma, be sure to indulge in the mouthwatering barbacoa tacos at El Hidalguense, where lamb is slowly roasted over aged oak wood, and the pulque (a fermented agave drink) flows abundantly. Make a reservation at the always-bustling Contramar, a trendy seafood spot renowned for its tuna tostadas and vibrant grilled whole fish.

After your meal, enjoy a mezcal or a cup of coffee on Álvaro Obregón, Roma's main thoroughfare, or take a leisurely stroll down Calle Colima, a lively street filled with community art galleries, small museums, and the well-loved Rosetta bakery.

Condesa

Top neighborhood for a relaxed atmosphere

While some may argue that the trendy Condesa has been overshadowed by the ultra-hip Roma, it remains one of the city's most charming places to stay, known for its friendly B&Bs, lively bars, and a wonderfully diverse range of restaurants.

At times, the boundary between Condesa and neighboring Roma blurs, as both bohemian-chic areas share a similar laid-back vibe with their lush parks, sidewalk cafés, and buzzing late-night taco spots.

Many local favorites are situated around Parque España and Parque México, the latter of which was formerly a horse racing track and was transformed into a beloved oval park in the 1920s. Close by, well-kept bed and breakfasts like Red Tree House and Hotel Villa Condesa offer an ideal starting point to explore Condesa and its surroundings.

Alameda Central

Top neighborhood for authentic experiences

For better or worse, downtown Mexico City has seen a significant transformation in the last decade, particularly in the Centro Histórico. However, you can still catch a glimpse of the old city along the bustling streets south of Alameda Central. Begin your journey with tequila at the atmospheric Tío Pepe, the oldest bar in the area, famously referred to as a “cheap cantina” by beat writer William Burroughs in his 1953 novel Junkie.

Then, stroll over to El Huequito, the original location of this small taco gem that has been serving some of the city’s most delicious al pastor tacos (spit-roasted pork) for over sixty years.

No visit to this neighborhood is complete without a stroll through Alameda Central, the oldest urban park in the Americas, which is home to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This stunning venue showcases the masterpieces of Mexico's renowned muralists: Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco.

Xochimilco and Cumbres del Ajusco

Top spots for outdoor adventures

Experience a true Mexico City delight by taking a gondola ride through the ancient canals of Xochimilco, the remnants of a once-extensive network of waterways from Aztec times.

You can also visit the eerie Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), where countless decaying dolls dangle from clotheslines and trees, intended to keep the spirit of a drowned girl at bay. Depart from the Cuemanco dock, where cervezas and tacos are available for purchase before boarding your boat.

Approximately 25km (15.5 miles) west of Cuemanco lies Cumbres del Ajusco, a national park featuring a hiking trail that leads to Mexico City's highest peak. If you appreciate the tranquility of Ajusco's fragrant pine forests, consider an overnight stay in a cozy log cabin at the family-friendly Parque Ejidal San Nicolás Totolapan.

For rock climbing and further nature exploration, head to the third and fourth sections of nearby Los Dinamos, a protected canyon area that boasts Mexico City's last free-flowing river.

Coyoacán

Best neighborhood for tranquil charm

It's easy to see why artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera made Coyoacán their home for many years. Despite being enveloped by Mexico City's growth, Coyoacán has preserved its village-like charm with its cobbled streets and vibrant plazas, and it often offers a surprising sense of peace.

Nearly every traveler to Mexico City visits Casa Azul, Kahlo's former home and studio, to gain insight into the artist's life. Its popularity has grown so much that visitors now need to book their tickets online in advance.

Located just around the corner, the Museo Casa de León Trotsky attracts far fewer visitors, yet it provides a captivating glimpse into the home where Leon Trotsky, the exiled Marxist revolutionary from Ukraine, resided before his assassination by ice axe.