6 Must-See Mexico City Neighborhoods and How to Visit

In the very heart of Mexico City, the bustling Centro Historico is home to many of the capital’s top tourist attractions, including the 16th-century Metropolitan Cathedral; the impressive Palace of Fine Arts with its shimmering roof tiles; and the ruins of the Templo Mayor. Explore it all on foot or head to the skyscraping Latin American Tower for unrivalled views over the downtown, before blending in with the locals at a traditional cantina or catching a rowdy lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) show at Arena Mexico.

Mexico City’s premier tourist neighborhood, La Roma is a lively area populated with cocktail bars, third-wave coffee shops, and dining options that range from budget to upscale. Modern art galleries, quirky museums, and specialist bookstores populate the tree-lined streets, while colorful facades and massive street art murals make this neighborhood an Instagram dream. Don’t miss the vegan street food offerings or the hustle and bustle of Medellín Market (Mercado Medellín).

Sandwiched by Chapultepec Park to the west and the Centro Historico to the east, Juárez (which also includes the more rundown Zona Rosa area) is a former middle-class enclave which is often overlooked in favor of the nearby Roma and Condesa. However, Juárez is a quieter but eclectic alternative with a more local feel. From the feminist shops to the clutch of Korean restaurants that mingle with traditional local lunch spots, there’s an ideal blend of tourist-friendly comfort and throwback Mexico City appeal.

The one-time stomping ground of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and other key figures of the art world, the center of Coyoacán is now a vibrant neighborhood characterized by wide streets and multicolored colonial houses. Explore the area’s artsy legacy at Frida’s Blue House, stop by the Leon Trotsky Museum, and pay a visit to Diego Rivera’s imposing Anahuacalli Museum. Afterwards, grab coffee at the original El Jarocho café before chowing down on fresh churros or corn in Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario.

As one of Mexico City’s so-called barrios mágicos (“magic neighborhoods”), Santa María la Ribera makes a great escape from the crowds of Mexico City’s better-known central reaches. Santa María—as it’s known locally—is home to dozens of architecturally and historically notable mansion houses; the Arabic-inspired Morisco Kiosk (Kiosko Morisco); and a surprising amount of understated but excellent restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Japanese and Italian to Russian and Indian. Don’t skip the Museo del Chopo either, a hub of contemporary art in a striking wrought iron-and-glass building.

Divided into five separate districts—Poniente, Oriente, Piedad, Atenor Salas, and Vértiz—Narvarte is one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods for taco tasting. Home to several famed taco stands, including El Vilsito which is known for tacos al pastor (marinated pork tacos) and several spots featured by Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, there are few better places for classic street eats. Stray beyond these taco hubs though and you’ll find old-school, residential Mexico City charm combined with craft beer bars, bustling markets, and far fewer tourists.