Top Spots to Explore, Dine, and Stay in Mexico City’s Roma Neighborhood

Mexico City is my go-to destination that I find myself revisiting regardless of my travel itinerary. The city’s allure lies in its breathtaking architecture, diverse culinary scene, and rich array of museums that have drawn me back every year since 2021. Like many urban areas, the choice of location is crucial in Mexico City, and finding the perfect base among its 16 boroughs, known as alcaldías, can be quite a task.

My top recommendation for a visit is the Roma neighborhood in Mexico City, particularly the vibrant northern section known as Roma Norte. With its myriad of dining, shopping, nightlife, activities, and lodging options, this area is a fantastic starting point for exploration.

What is Roma in Mexico City?

Roma is a neighborhood situated within the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City. It consists of three main areas: Roma Norte, famed for its abundance of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries; Roma Sur, which has a more residential feel; and La Romita, a smaller residential enclave within Roma. The divide between Roma Norte and Roma Sur is marked by Coahuila Street, which runs centrally through the neighborhood.

Roma is situated approximately eight miles from Mexico City International Airport, but the actual travel time will vary based on traffic. Roma Norte is conveniently located within walking distance of the Condesa, Hipódromo, Juárez, and Doctores neighborhoods. Visitors can navigate the area easily using public transport, taxis, rideshares, or simply by walking.

Things to Do in Roma

Consider visiting the Museo Objeto del Objeto for your first (or second) time.

• Must-See: Museo Objeto del Objeto
• Address: Colima 145, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

As you explore Roma, you’ll likely encounter the Museo Objeto del Objeto (MODO) frequently, thanks to its prime location. Situated on bustling Colima Street, this museum features a rotating selection of exhibits centered around historically significant objects. With updates every few months, it's worth stopping by during each visit to Mexico City. Notable past exhibitions include The Museum of Broken Relationships, The Objects of Confinement, and Mexico in Color.

Get a glimpse of a traditional Roma residence at Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa.

• Must-See: Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Museum
• Address: Valladolid 52-P. B, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

Discover the former residence and art collection of Mexican historian and art enthusiast Guillermo Tovar de Teresa at the Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Museum. The museum showcases thousands of paintings, books, and textiles, while also offering a glimpse into a classic colonial home in Roma, complete with a personal library and a sculpture garden. Admission is free, and the museum welcomes visitors from Monday to Sunday.

Discover emerging talent at Galería Mascotaz

• Must-Visit: Galería Mascota
• Address: Valladolid 33, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

Galería Mascota showcases up-and-coming international artists, featuring a diverse array of media, from paintings and photographs to captivating sculptures. Notably, Yves Scherer’s Eternity combines vibrant floral-inspired paintings with a striking cat sculpture. The gallery also boasts a quaint, inviting courtyard.

Experience contemporary art at Galería OMR

• Must-Visit: Galería OMR
• Address: Córdoba 100, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

Opened in 1983, Galería OMR was instrumental in establishing Roma Norte as a hub for art. The gallery showcases contemporary works, often exploring themes related to ecological issues, subconscious desires, and natural events. A recent highlight, Desert Flood, features a two-room installation with neon signs and a sand-filled desert model designed to raise awareness about climate change.

Enjoy your day and night at Departamento

• Must-Visit: Departamento
• Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 154, first floor, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

By day, Departamento offers a restaurant experience with a lush terrace, but as night falls, it transforms into a lively nightclub. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the venue features an exciting lineup of DJs and performers to keep the party going. For details on upcoming acts, curious guests can check its Instagram account. (Be sure to bring pesos; a cover charge usually starts at 100 pesos.)

Get ready to dance at Mama Rumba Roma

• Must-Visit: Mama Rumba
• Address: C. Querétaro 230, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

For those eager to dance until dawn, Mama Rumba is the perfect spot. This nightclub features a live band and serves salsa music all night long. Guests will mingle with both locals and travelers while enjoying cocktails from the full-service bar. Expect a cover charge of about 50 pesos.

Experience Decades of Dance at Patrick Miller

• Address: Merida 17, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

At Patrick Miller, you’ll find a no-frills atmosphere dedicated to themed nights featuring music from the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s. This spacious two-floor disco is open only on Fridays from 9:30 pm to 2:30 am. Arrive early with some cash, as expect long lines and a cover charge of 100 pesos. The club serves only two drink options—beer and water—so if you fancy a cocktail, consider stopping at a nearby bar like Bar Las Brujas, which is just a short walk away.

Shopping Spots in Roma

Casa Bosques

• Address: Córdoba 25, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

At Casa Bosques, a bookstore and concept shop located at the edge of Roma Norte and Juarez, you can find stationery, prints, magazines, and even decor inspiration. The store features an impressive array of international magazines and books, making it hard to leave without a unique postcard or magazine that's hard to find in the United States.

Esculturas Vivas

• Address: Tabasco 188, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

For a truly distinctive souvenir, Esculturas Vivas offers face-shaped ceramics that are sure to impress. This cozy shop, adorned with plants and a turf-lined floor, is filled with clay planters, cups, vases, and shot glasses, all featuring carved and painted faces with a variety of expressions.

Audette

• Address: Frontera 105, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

At Audette, you'll find beautifully crafted leather bags that make it a perfect spot for picking up a new accessory or indulging in some window shopping. Designed by French duo Aude Jan and Charles Gout, these bags are handmade in Spain. My personal favorites include the half-circle-shaped Le Nuit and the takeout-container-inspired Baguette styles. Plus, the brand offers free international shipping, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on one of their stunning bags after you leave.

Dining and Drinking in Roma

Panderia Rosetta

• Address: Colima 179, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

When it comes to breakfast in Roma, Panderia Rosetta should be your top choice. This bakery, run by chef Elena Reygadas—who also operates the nearby Rosetta restaurant—welcomes a constant stream of guests eager to enjoy pastries and coffee at the outdoor bistro tables. On my last day in Mexico City, I always make it a point to stop by Panderia to pick up a few pastries to savor back home (they're that irresistible). If you want to dodge long wait times, aim to arrive before 11 a.m. While the extensive pastry menu can feel daunting, you can't go wrong with a guava roll, a dulce de leche bun, or any concha or berliner flavor.

Lalo!

• Address: Zacatecas 173, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

The lesser-known sister of the popular Maximo restaurant, Lalo! is an excellent spot for brunch or a leisurely lunch. Its straightforward menu offers a delightful mix of Mexican, Italian, and American dishes, including classic breakfast items, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas. I always order the French toast, topped with fresh fruit and delightful whipped cream, whenever I visit.

Páramo

• Address: Av. Yucatan 84, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

Don’t be surprised if you strike up spontaneous conversations with the people at neighboring tables while dining at Páramo. The restaurant is packed with tables, including those by the bustling bar and balcony windows (my favorite spot). The walls are adorned with captivating artwork, sculptures, and dried flowers, creating the ambiance of dining in a stranger’s cozy living room. The menu features a variety of tacos, tostadas, and chalupas, with options like shrimp, steak, pork, and chicken topped with unique flavors such as pineapple vinaigrette and poached or fried eggs. Expect long wait times, so it’s wise to put your name on the list and enjoy a cocktail from Páramo’s bar while you wait.

Contramar

• Address: Calle de Durango 200, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

Both locals and tourists flock to Contramar for a vibrant dinner experience in the heart of Roma, Mexico City. The seafood-centric menu features highlights like the shrimp aguachile (a spicy shrimp dish similar to ceviche), calamari toast, and a rich meringue strawberry dessert.

Pro tip: If the wait is longer than you can handle, consider visiting Entremar, Contramar’s sister restaurant in Polanco, which offers the same delightful menu.

El Moro

• Address: Frontera 122, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

After indulging in tacos, seafood, and pasta, head over to El Moro for a delectable late-night treat. This beloved churrería has multiple locations throughout Mexico City, and the one in Roma stays open until 11 p.m. every night. In addition to churros, El Moro offers Mexican, French, and Spanish styles of hot chocolate. If you grab some churros, don’t forget to order the chocolate dipping sauce to enhance your experience.

Licorería Limantour

• Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Norte | View on Google Maps

The inventive cocktails and vibrant atmosphere at Licorería Limantour have earned it a spot on numerous best international bar lists, and for good reason. The clientele is generally young professionals who are well-versed in the art of cocktails. The bar spans two floors, featuring lively music and blue-hued lighting in the evening, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a drink or two before heading out. Its cocktail menu caters to all tastes, including classic espresso martinis, a unique margarita al pastor (made with taco seasoning), and the refreshing sgroppino limantour, crafted with grapefruit and pink pepper sorbet.

Bar Las Brujas

• Address: La Casa de Las Brujas, Calle Rio de Janeiro 56 Local B Col, Roma Nte., 06700 Ciudad de México | View on Google Maps

For a bewitching nightcap, visit Bar Las Brujas, a witch-themed bar with an all-female staff that truly enhances the coven atmosphere. With fewer than 20 tables, the intimate vibe is perfect for enjoying cocktails that draw on apothecary inspirations, featuring unique ingredients such as yellow jasmine, squash blossoms, and cocoa bitters.

Accommodation options in Roma

La Valise Mexico City

Be quick to secure a reservation at La Valise Hotel, as it offers only three exclusive suites. Each suite boasts its own unique highlight: the Patio suite features an outdoor space with a hammock, the Luna suite has a rotating door shaped like a full moon, and the Terraza suite includes a movable bed that can be pushed outside for a stargazing experience. The hotel provides breakfast service, and you'll find plenty of dining options in the restaurant-rich Roma Norte area for your other meals.

Brick Hotel

Named for the yellow bricks imported from London in the early 20th century that form its facade, the Brick Hotel is a prime option for a modern retreat while remaining conveniently situated in Roma Norte. Its in-house Mexican restaurant, the Brick, offers a diverse menu featuring favorites like pork belly buns, tuna tostadas, and ragu pappardelle. Additionally, the hotel includes a spa, sauna, and fitness classes. The highly sought-after rooftop suites span two floors and come with private patios, breathtaking views of Roma, and sun loungers.

Getting to Roma

The easiest way to navigate Roma is by using Ubers, Didis, or registered taxis, all of which are very budget-friendly! This is also the most convenient option for traveling from the airport to Roma Norte.

Mexico City's public transportation can be tricky and may involve multiple transfers depending on your starting point. However, if you want to bypass traffic and travel swiftly, the metro (5 pesos per ride) and Metrobús (6 pesos per ride) provide a cost-effective solution during peak hours from morning to early evening.

Roma, located in Mexico City, is relatively compact compared to larger areas like Centro and Polanco. To traverse from North Roma to South Roma, walking or biking are your best bets. If you choose to walk, expect to spend about 30 minutes making the journey from north to south.