The 10 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Mexico City
If you’re looking for cool neighbourhoods to explore on your next visit to Mexico City, you’re in luck. The Mexican capital has what is often considered to be one of the world’s coolest barrios, such as Roma and some more underrated but equally artsy zones like San Rafael. Head south and you’ll find Copilco and Tlalpan, which are practically unvisited by the casual tourist. There are plenty more too, and here are 10 of the coolest neighbourhoods that visitors should consider checking out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.