Condesa
Known for being the classier older brother of neighbouring Roma, Condesa plays host to the iconic Parque México and a ton of Art Deco masterpieces. It also has some of the city’s best nightlife.
Condesa, Ciudad de México, México
Condesa offers plenty of places to eat | © Alejandro/Flickr
It’s certainly a colourful place | © E. Krall/Flickr
Take time to appreciate the architecture | © E. Krall/Flickr
Walk the leafy streets of Condesa | © Mark Hogan/Flickr
Check out the iconic Parque México | © katiebordner/Flickr
Roma
The hipster little brother to Condesa, Roma is regularly hailed as Mexico City’s coolest neighbourhood bar none. Of course, that very much depends on your definition of cool, but Roma is certainly teeming with nightlife, contemporary art galleries and plenty of quirky cafes.
Roma, Ciudad de México, México
In Roma, you can employ the services of a traditional shoeshine | © Rodrigo Huerta/Flickr
Roma Sur is a particularly cool place to go to | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Maybe pick up some curios at Bazar Sábado? | © Alejandro de la Cruz/Flickr
You can catch a movie at Cine Tonalá | © Antonio MaloMalverde/Flickr
Head to the Mercado Medellín if you’re in a shopping mood | © E. Krall/Flickr
Zona Rosa
Often known as the gay-friendly hub of Mexico City, there are plenty of sights and sounds to explore in the Zona Rosa, whether you want to shop for sex toys or just have a quiet lunch at one of the capital’s best bakeries.
Zona Rosa, Ciudad de México, México
Zona Rosa is certainly a liberated place | © Adam Jones/Flickr
There’s no shortage of beautiful buildings to see | © Paulo César Léon Palacio/Flickr
Zona Rosa is known for being gay-friendly | © E. Krall/Flickr
A typical street scene in Zona Rosa | © E. Krall/Flickr
Coyoacán
The most famous southern neighbourhood in Mexico City, Coyoacán is legendary for being the birthplace of Frida Kahlo and playing host to her wildly popular museum. Here, you can also enjoy a familial vibe in the central square and taste test some iconic coffee.
Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
A stunning mural in Coyoacán | © Carlos Adampol Galindo/Flickr
Even the park benches in Coyoacán are cool | © Fido/Flickr
Many houses in Coyoacán are painted in vibrant colours | © megananne/Flickr
You’d be nuts not to pay a visit | © Carolina Lopez/Flickr
The Fuente de los Coyotes is a glorious sight to behold | © Christian Córdova/Flickr
Copilco
Coffee lovers ought to head to the quirky neighbourhood of Copilco, as it’s overflowing with excellent cafes. The Corredor de Copilco is the ideal spot to grab lunch with a friend and have a chat over some bargain-priced hotdogs or top-notch comida corrida.
Copilco, Ciudad de México, México
A sample of the graffiti in Copilco | © LK/Flickr
It’s not just Mexicans you’ll find in Copilco | © SanGatiche/Flickr
Narvarte
A quiet neighbourhood, Narvarte is very much on the rise and can be expected to have its moment within the next few years. Get there now before it turns into a mini-Roma, and try out some of the zone’s famous tacos.
Narvarte, Ciudad de México, México
Narvarte is very much on the rise | © ismael villafranco/Flickr
Make sure you know where you’re going | © ismael villafranco/Flickr
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Narvarte | © Lws & Clrk/Flickr
If you’re peckish, then consider trying the local street food | © Adam Jones/Flickr
There’s plenty of rustic charm in Narvarte | © cedarblue/Flickr
Juárez
Bordering the Zona Rosa, Juárez is often overlooked. However, it has some exquisite architecture and a laid back vibe, as well as some great bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Juárez, Ciudad de México, México
Fancy a taco or two? | © Paul Sableman/Flickr
Juárez also offers some more upmarket dining experiences | © Paul Sableman/Flickr
As with most cities, you’ll encounter some street sellers | © Paul Sableman/Flickr
As night draws in, you can head back to your hotel and sleep off the day’s excitement | © Paul Sableman/Flickr
There are plenty of shops in this area | © Francisco Anzola/Flickr
San Rafael
Close to the city centre, but without as much movement and upheaval, San Rafael is another destination often overlooked by visitors. It’s known as the artsy zone on the rise in the Mexican capital, due to its more affordable (read: not Roma) prices.
San Rafael, Ciudad de México, México
San Rafael is known for being artsy | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Take a break and relax in the park | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities in San Rafael | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
This place has seen better days, but it still has a certain beauty about it | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
San Miguel Chapultepec
Part of the gorgeous Chapultepec park is located within San Miguel Chapultepec, and it’s sandwiched between two of the city’s principal avenues. Definitely an underdog on the ‘cool neighbourhood’ scene, it’s worth giving San Miguel Chapultepec a chance.
San Miguel Chapultepec, Ciudad de México, México
Head to the Kurimanzatto gallery for some culture | © vladimix/Flickr
San Miguel Chapultepec is worth giving a chance | © vladimix/Flickr
A street corner in San Miguel Chapultepec | © vladimix/Flickr
If you’re tired of walking, maybe hop in a taxi and head to the next neighbourhood | © Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
Tlalpan
Just as beautiful as Coyoacán but far more underrated, Tlalpan is more residential than many of the aforementioned neighbourhoods, but it has a reputation for hosting some great food festivals and for having an enticing central square.
Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, México
Tlalpan is underrated, compared to other neighbourhoods | © Razi Machay/Flickr
There’s some stunning brickwork on display | © Enrique Vázquez/Flickr
A pinata, made in Tlalpan | © José Lira/Flickr
A serene spot, with a simple beauty that’s hard to resist | © Enrique Vázquez/Flickr