The Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City: get to know them all

Mexico City is one of the most interesting Latin American cities for its variety, its multiculturalism and its wide artistic offer that depends, to a large extent, on the number of neighbourhoods into which the Mexican capital is divided and the particularities that distinguish each of these places.

Among the best things to see and do in Mexico City to discover its best neighbourhoods are taking a guided walk through the historic centre in Cuauhtémoc, visiting Frida Kahlo's house in Coyoacán, visiting the lagoons of Xochimilco, getting lost in the streets of Roma and admiring the architectural beauty of Polanco.

The neighbourhood of Cuauhtémoc is one of the most popular and picturesque in Mexico City. Located in the downtown area, this neighbourhood has become a meeting point for tourists and locals looking to experience the culture, gastronomy and nightlife of Mexico City.

One of the main attractions of the Cuauhtémoc neighbourhood is Avenida Reforma, a wide tree-lined artery that crosses the city centre and is home to some of the most emblematic buildings of the Mexican capital. The Torre Mayor, the Angel of Independence or the Monument to the Revolution are just some of the constructions that can be found on this avenue.

The Cuauhtémoc neighbourhood is also known for its great variety of restaurants and bars, where it is possible to taste the most authentic flavours of Mexican cuisine or take a gastronomic tour. In addition, some of the best hotels in the city are located in this neighbourhood, making it an excellent option for those looking for accommodation in a central location.

For its part, the Historic Centre of the capital is one of the most fascinating and historic places in the entire capital. With its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and historical monuments, this neighbourhood has become a must-see circuit for culture and architecture lovers and is often included in the best tours of Mexico City.

Interesting details

• How to get there: on Line 4 buses, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Coyoacán is a neighbourhood steeped in history and tradition located in the south of Mexico City. Known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, this neighbourhood is a charming place that attracts tourists and locals alike.

One of the main attractions in Coyoacán is the Frida Kahlo Park, also known as the Blue House. This museum is the home where the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo lived and worked, and today it is possible to visit it to learn more about her life and work.

Another of Coyoacán's attractions is Plaza Hidalgo, the heart of the neighbourhood and a place full of life and colour. This square is home to the church of San Juan Bautista, one of the main temples of the neighbourhood, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes and handicraft shops that made it one of Frida Kahlo's and her husband Diego Rivera's favourite places.

Coyoacán is also famous for its great cultural offer, which includes the University Cultural Centre, the Julio Castillo Theatre and the National Museum of Popular Cultures. In addition, this neighbourhood is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the city, as well as a wide variety of bars and cantinas offering typical drinks of the region.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 1, by Metro on line 2, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Garibaldi is one of Mexico City's most popular neighbourhoods, located in the historic centre. Known as the birthplace of the mariachi, this place is a place full of life and joy that attracts tourists and locals alike and is reminiscent of the typical culture of the Federal District.

The main attraction of Garibaldi is undoubtedly the Plaza Garibaldi, a public space where you can enjoy traditional Mexican music performed by live mariachi bands. This place is ideal for those looking for a night of music and fun, as it has several bars and cantinas offering drinks and typical dishes of the region.

Besides the music, Garibaldi is also known for its historical buildings, such as the Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, a colonial church dating back to the 17th century. It is also possible to visit the Tequila and Mezcal Museum, which offers a unique experience to learn more about these typical drinks of the region and is considered one of the best museums in the Mexican capital.

Finally, Garibaldi is an ideal place for those looking to buy souvenirs and Mexican handicrafts, as it has several shops and stalls where it is possible to find all kinds of typical products, from hats and guitars to fabrics and jewellery. Moreover, one of the best alternatives to discover the neighbourhood is to do it on a bicycle tour.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 4, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

La Condesa is one of Mexico City's most emblematic neighbourhoods, especially known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, art deco architecture and cosmopolitan lifestyle, this place is a favourite among tourists and locals alike.

La Condesa is characterised by its restaurants, bars and cafés, which offer a wide variety of gastronomic options. From traditional Mexican cuisine to international and exotic dishes, this neighbourhood is a paradise for food and drink lovers.

Besides gastronomy, La Condesa is an ideal place for art and culture lovers, as it has several art galleries, museums and theatres that offer a wide variety of exhibitions and cultural events, especially if you are planning to visit Mexico City in the summer.

Finally, in La Condesa you can also enjoy the outdoors, as it has several parks and green areas, such as Parque Mexico and Parque España, where it is possible to exercise, walk or just relax.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 2, by Metro on lines 1 and 9, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Xochimilco is a neighbourhood located in the south of Mexico City, known for its canals and floating gardens. This place is one of the main tourist attractions of the city and a living sample of the cultural and natural richness of the country.

The main attraction of Xochimilco is its canals, which can be travelled in trajineras, boats decorated with flowers and colours typical of the region. During the tour, it is possible to enjoy the local music and gastronomy, as well as the impressive views of the floating gardens and the historical buildings surrounding the canals.

Besides the canals, Xochimilco is famous for its markets and handicraft shops, where it is possible to find typical products of the region such as weavings, pottery, sweets and typical Mexican food.

Finally, Xochimilco has several green spaces and parks, such as the Ecological Park of Xochimilco and the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park, ideal for those looking for a quiet and relaxing environment to walk or exercise outdoors.

Details of interest

• How to get there: by Metro on lines 1 and 2, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

If you want to get to know one of the most exclusive and sophisticated neighbourhoods in Mexico City, you can't miss Polanco, which is known for its luxurious and cosmopolitan lifestyle. It is a favourite among tourists and wealthy locals alike.

Polanco is famous for its luxury boutiques, fine dining restaurants and art galleries, which offer a unique shopping and dining experience. In addition, the neighbourhood has some of the most exclusive hotels in the city and is one of the best places to visit in Mexico City at night due to its rich offer of discotheques and nightclubs.

Polanco is also a great place to enjoy art and culture, as it has several internationally renowned museums such as the Soumaya Museum and the Jumex Museum, which offer exhibitions of contemporary and classic art.

Finally, Polanco is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors, as it has several parks and green areas such as the Lincoln Park and the Chapultepec Forest, where you can exercise, walk or just relax.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 2, by Metro on line 1, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Roma is one of the most iconic and bohemian places in Mexico City. Located in the central area of the city, known for its alternative and artistic lifestyle, this place is a favourite among tourists and young locals.

Roma is famous for its cultural offer, including art galleries, theatres and cultural centres that offer a wide variety of exhibitions and events. In addition, the neighbourhood is known for its restaurants and cafés, which offer a variety of dining options, from traditional Mexican food to international dishes.

The neighbourhood boasts unique architecture, including art nouveau and art deco buildings, as well as some of the city's most iconic buildings. Roma is an ideal place to walk and enjoy the tree-lined streets and parks, such as Parque México and Parque España, and to see the locations where Alfonso Cuarón's film, named after the neighbourhood, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2019, was shot.

Finally, Rome is a great place for nightlife, with bars and nightclubs offering a unique experience in the city. From cocktail bars to live music clubs, this neighbourhood has something to offer for everyone.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 19, on the Metro with line 1, by taxi or on the city's hop on-hop off tour buses.

San Angel is one of Mexico City's most picturesque and oldest neighbourhoods, located in the southern part of the city. Famous for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, this place is ideal for a quiet and relaxing stroll, especially during the winter in Mexico City.

San Angel is characterised by its craft shops and art galleries, which offer a wide variety of high quality products and unique designs. In addition, the neighbourhood has open-air markets, where you can find everything from traditional food to art objects.

The neighbourhood also has a large number of old colonial-style buildings and houses, which have been kept in excellent condition over time. The centre of San Angel, which is considered an open-air museum in Mexico City, is a picturesque square surrounded by old buildings that now house high quality restaurants and shops.

San Angel is an ideal place to enjoy art and culture, with several museums and cultural centres offering a wide variety of exhibitions and events. One of the highlights is the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, which offers a unique insight into the life and work of these two iconic Mexican artists, beyond the Casa Azul.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by Naucalpan buses, taxi or the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Narvarte is a neighbourhood in Mexico City located in the Benito Juárez district, in the centre-south of the city. It is one of the youngest neighbourhoods in the city, with a large number of modern buildings and high quality services, so it also offers an ideal opportunity to get to know an alternative profile of the Federal District.

There you will find restaurants and cafés, offering a wide variety of gastronomic options, from traditional Mexican food to international dishes. You can also visit bars and nightclubs in the area, which makes it an ideal place to enjoy the city's nightlife.

In addition to its gastronomic and entertainment offer, Narvarte is famous for its green areas and public spaces, such as the Parque de los Venados, a large park that offers a lot of green and recreational spaces for the whole family.

The neighbourhood also has an excellent location, with easy access to several of the city's main avenues, so you can get there by public transport or on Mexico City's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

Details of interest

• How to get there: by Taxqueña buses, Metro line 2, taxi or the hop-on-hop-off tourist buses of the city.

The Zona Rosa is a neighbourhood in Mexico City located in the Cuauhtémoc district, in the north-central part of the city. It is one of the most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the city, known for its vibrant nightlife and its wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.

The neighbourhood is a popular tourist destination for both national and international tourists looking for a vibrant and fun nightlife experience. The streets of the Zona Rosa are lined with bars and nightclubs offering a wide variety of music and atmospheres, from electronic music to Latin and rock music.

In addition to its nightlife, the Zona Rosa is known for its trendy shops and wide range of restaurants, ranging from budget options to gourmet fine dining. Antique shops and art galleries can also be found in the area, and the Torre Latinoamericana is located nearby.

From the Zona Rosa, you can also easily access several of the city's main avenues and tourist attractions, such as the Paseo de la Reforma and the Angel de la Independencia.

Interesting details

• How to get there: by bus on line 19, by Metro on line 1, by taxi or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.