Orientation & Neighborhoods
Mexico City (officially: Ciudad de México, short CDMX) is located at an altitude of 2,240 m in a former lake basin, surrounded by volcanoes. The sheer size (1,485 km², 21 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area) can be intimidating — but the tourist-relevant neighborhoods are compactly situated.
The Main Neighborhoods
- Centro Histórico: The historic center around the Zócalo. Aztec ruins, cathedral, National Palace with Diego Rivera murals. Lively during the day, quieter in the evening.
- Roma & Condesa: The hippest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Art Deco architecture, tree-lined avenues, craft coffee shops, international restaurants, boutiques. Most tourists stay here — and rightly so.
- Coyoacán: The "village in the city" in the south. Frida Kahlo's Blue House, colonial squares, churros, and elote on weekends. Bohemian atmosphere.
- Polanco: The upscale neighborhood: luxury hotels, designer stores, the Anthropological Museum in Chapultepec Park. Also home to Pujol, Latin America's best restaurant.
- San Ángel: Colonial gem in the south. The legendary Bazaar del Sábado (handicrafts) on Saturdays. Quiet and elegant.
- Xochimilco: In the far south: the floating gardens (Chinampas) of the Aztecs, navigable on colorful Trajineras.
💡 Tipp
Roma Norte and Condesa are the best neighborhoods to stay in: safe, pedestrian-friendly, full of restaurants and cafes. From here, you can reach everything by metro or Uber in 15–30 minutes.
