21 Best Things to Do in Roma Norte, Mexico City (in 2024)

We may earn income from links in this post. Please read this Disclosure for details.

Looking for a cool place to stay in Mexico City? Then head to the Roma Norte neighbourhood, the city’s bohemian hub of style and creative energy.

There are so many things to do in Roma Norte, you could spend a lifetime in this hip and happening area and still discover something new and exciting to experience.

While it’s easy to spend your entire weekend in Colonia Roma, it also happens to be a convenient base for exploring the attractions of the historic zone of Mexico City.

All of this adds up to make it an ideal place to stay in Mexico City for first-time visitors and repeat visitors like me. With friends who live in the neighbourhood, I visit regularly and even plan to move here part-time myself.

Here are some of my favourite restaurants, bars, nightlife, sights, museums and other things to do in Roma Norte on a weekend (or longer) in Mexico City:

1. Stroll the Streets of Colonia Roma

One of the best things to do in Roma Norte is to simply stroll its fascinating streets. Designated a barrio mágico (magical neighbourhood) in 2011, it’s located in the Cuauhtémoc borough just west of Mexico City’s historic centre.

While edgier than trendy, nearby La Condesa, it’s got a similar European feel.

You’ll spot hipsters and well-to-do Mexicans alongside a smattering of expats and tourists walking the tree-lined streets, often with well-groomed pups in tow.

Gracious neoclassical mansions converted into museums, boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops, bookstores and vintage stores dot its picturesque streets.

2. Soak Up Some Colonia Roma History

While sightseeing you’ll soak up a bit of background about the neighbourhood. Roma Norte and Roma Sur used to be one colonia. Today, Roma Norte is considered to be north of Coahuila street.

Roma Sur is the barrio featured in Director Alfonso Cuarón’s award-winning film Roma. His childhood home is in Roma Sur at 21 Tepeji.

Six by 10 blocks in size, this small small and easily walkable area was originally planned as an upscale Porfirian-style neighbourhood in 1902.

The investment group included British circus owner Edward Walter Orrin, along with famous clown Ricardo Bell, American engineer Cassius Clay Lamm and sons, and Mexican politician Pedro Lascuráin.

Their plan was to create a residential subdivision, designed with Parisian boulevards, for upper-class Mexicans to escape the centre of the city.

🌟 Fun Fact: Streets are named after the states and cities in which the Orrin Circus performed.

3. Explore the Street Art of Roma Norte

Although it’s being gentrified, Roma Norte has held onto its avant-garde spirit and is a neighbourhood of contrasts.

Elegant buildings are juxtaposed with pop-up art installations and street art. For the best street art head to the area around Plaza Luis Cabrera.

This popular park known for its street art — much of it political — painted on buses and cars.

4. Hang Out with ‘David’ at Rio de Janeiro Plaza

One of the must-see landmarks in Roma Norte is Plaza Rio de Janeiro, a tranquil park with a statue featuring a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.

It’s a hub for hanging out from early morning to late afternoon. Balloon vendors, shoe-shine boys, street vendors and musicians add to the lively atmosphere.

5. Discover Roma Norte’s Cool Café Culture

Enjoy the views and fabulous coffee at Cafe Toscano’s Roma Norte location. (Credit: Lindsay Lauckner Gundlock)

There are lots of spots to explore Roma Norte’s cafe culture but one of the best is Cafe Toscano, situated facing the Plaza Rio de Janeiro.

It offers a similar menu to its sister location in upscale Polanco. Delicious desayunos (breakfasts) are available daily until 1:30 pm, followed by a traditional Italian menu into the evening.

Inside, fresh baked goods line an antique wooden table. A lively barista prepares strong cafes behind a high marble top.

Quick service and tasty meals are reasonably priced for the neighbourhood. The view is unbeatable.

Another prime spot for coffee is Panaderia Rosetta. Be prepared to queue. The word is out about their oh-so-flaky French croissants, guava pastries, and fresh-pressed espresso.

But it’s worth the wait!

Across the street, El Petre also offers a filling, well-priced breakfast. It’s cafeteria-style service but the servings of french toast and pancakes are worth the effort.

If you’re in search of fast Wi-Fi and a strong espresso in a minimalist aesthetic, Cafe Cometa is a great cafe to  get lost in a book or do some people watching.

6. Marvel at Beautiful La Sagrada Familia Church

La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church, one of the neighbourhood’s major landmarks is often overlooked by tourists but is well worth adding to your itinerary of things to do in Roma Norte.

Located just steps from Plaza Rio de Janeiro, its  pointed arches, ribbed vaulting and rose window are beautiful examples of Neoromantic and Gothic revival Architecture.

7. Pay Your Respects to Jesuit Martyr at Museo Padre Pro

While at La Sagrada Familia Church, be sure to make a stop at the small but important Museo Padre Pro  inside. It’s dedicated to Father Miguel Pro, also known as Blessed Miguel Pro.

He was a Mexican Jesuit priest and martyr, born in 1891. Father Pro is remembered for his courage and faith during a period of anti-Catholic religious persecution in Mexico known as the Cristero War.

Arrested on false charges of attempting to assassinate a former Mexican president, he was executed by a firing squad on November 23, 1927.

His life and martyrdom are memorialized within the museum as a symbol of resistance to religious persecution and a testament to faith in the face of adversity.

8. Sip Cocktails on a Terrace

While you’re in the neighbourhood of  Cathedral Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia and Plaza Rio de Janeiro make a stop for early cocktails at Bottega, a nearby Italian inspired wine bar.

Lively music and a stylish wooden street patio beckons passersby until 8 p.m. An extensive wine cellar featuring reds, whites, sparkling and orange wines pairs well with the pre-dinner tapas menu.

Delicious pasta and jars of antipasto and other tasty treats are available for sale inside as well.

Filigrana, another popular terrace for cocktails, also happens to be one of the best restaurants in Roma Norte.

9. Shop for Vintage Clothing and Wares at a Street Market

Another fun thing to do in Roma Norte is to take in the weekend market run by an all-women collective near Plaza Rio de Janeiro.

A mini skateboard park lies hidden in between manicured hedges. Score some great deals on vintage clothes, books and small wares on available Saturdays and Sundays.

10. Follow in the Footsteps of the Beat Generation

When out and about, try to squeeze in a stop at Krika’s for drinks or specials like chiles en nogada. The building was formerly home to the Bounty Bar, a favourite hangout of figures of the Beat Generation in the 1950s, such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsburg and William S. Burroughs.

Tragically, it’s also where William S. Burroughs fatally shot his second wife, Joan Vollmer, allegedly while reenacting a William Tell test of marksmanship.

11. Stock Up on Gourmet Goodies at Mercado Roma

Although this 3-story food hall (View Location) was initially viewed as a symbol of the gentrification of Roma Norte, it has evolved to become a hub for the sale of locally-made artisanal products from hot sauces to kitchenware. These make great souvenirs or gifts so it’s worth popping in to take a look.

Artisanal Mexican chocolate is often made with high-quality cacao beans so stock up on chocolate bars, hot chocolate mixes, or even unique chocolate-infused products.

Browse the stalls for other gourmet snacks such as chile-flavoured nuts, dried fruits, artisanal cheeses and other unique treats.

Chill out with a snack from one of the food vendors on the rooftop beer garden or on the ground floor terrace lined with herb boxes.

12. Be Amazed by Everyday Objects at the MODO Museo del Objeto

Once you’re done browsing the eclectic shops and vintage markets throughout Roma Norte, head to The MODO Museo del Objeto to take in one of their always-interesting unique exhibitions.

Located on the corner of Cordoba and Colima, this four-storey Art Nouveau building houses a vast collection of everyday objects that form an important part of the identity of Mexico.

Check the MODO Museo del Objeto del Objeto website for details on rotating exhibits. You never know what you’ll discover.

It might be the pairing of everyday objects with literature, a retrospective history of Mexican drinks or a curated collection of objects associated with the popular sport of lucha libre.

13. Get Wowed by Contemporary Art at Galeria OMR

Further south, make a stop at Galería OMR, one of Mexico City’s most important galleries. Housed in a soaring  skylit industrial space, it has represented celebrated contemporary artists such as Pia Camil, Candida Höfer, Rubén Ortiz Torres and others.

🌟 Insider Tip: For an art-fuelled trip to Mexico City, mark your calendar for Gallery Weekend Mexico City in November. It’s a celebration of contemporary art.

14. Browse Books With Breakfast

Try El Pendulum for a quiet escape for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Housed inside a two-storey bookstore, their breakfast package is a great deal. It’s just $10 and features fresh fruit or juice, tea or coffee, and chilaquiles or other egg dish choice.

The toast, served in a paper bag to stay warm, comes with a fresh pear marmalade – a scrumptious surprise.

Afterward, browse El Pendulum’s literary offerings and gift options. If you can’t make it for breakfast, they also have a beautiful rooftop terrace with live music every night starting around 6 or 7 p.m.

15. Indulge in Mexico City’s Best Ice-Cream at Helados Cometa

With all the walking you’ll be doing, you shouldn’t feel guilty about indulging in a stop (or two) at Helados Cometa ice-cream shop (View Location).

Featuring French-style ice-cream with seasonally-inspired Mexican ingredients, Helados Cometa is widely considered to have the best ice-cream in Mexico City.

Made in small-batches with no artificial colouring or ingredients, it’s available by cone or cup.

16. Dine at Top Roma Norte Restaurants

Diez

For meat lovers, Argentine-inspired parrilla, Diez, has a corner location on Avendia Álvaro Obregón if you are craving a good steak.

Known for its attentive service, this popular CDMX chain features an extensive menu, good house wine and decent prices.

Maximo Bistrot

For French inspired farm-to-table fare featuring Mexican ingredients (much of it sourced from the chinampas of  Xochimilco), try Máximo Bistrot.

This upscale Roma Norte restaurant was featured on the Taco episode in Season 1 of David Chang’s Ugly Delicious on Netflix which adds to its buzz.

Midday it’s a popular spot among Mexico City business people and tourists, so be sure to book well in advance.

Marmota

Otherwise, you can grab a drink and some smaller dishes at the small, modern aesthetic sidewalk bar of Marmota.

Rosetta

Another fine-dining restaurant in Roma is celebrated Chef Elena Reygada’s famed bistro, Rosetta. One of Latin America’s top restaurants, it’s a must go-to for foodies in Roma Norte.

You can make a reservation online or at Open Table.

Set within a beautifully-restored mansion, it’s easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Mexico City. 

Highlights of the fusion Mexican Italian menu include the daily house-made pastas of pappardelle, tortellini and ravioli.

Lardo

Also reserve in advance to dine at Lardo restaurant. It’s another buzzing spot that’s perfect for people-watching, cocktails and Mediterranean/Mexican fare.

Must-try dishes include the mango ceviche, the arroz frito with mariscos (it’s a cross between Chinese fried rice and Spanish paella)  and the sublime squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese.

Filigrana

This top restaurant in Roma Norte is helmed by the incredibly talented Chef Martha Ortiz. Her first restaurant Dulce Patria in Condesa is known for its artistic and beautifully presented dishes.

At Filigrana you can enjoy an array of creative twists on Mexican classics such as  pescado zarandeado, res de olla as well as several enticing wines from Baja California, France and Spain.

Every dish tells a story. You’ll love the decor, service and flaming marshmallows de limon to finish.

Nonsolo

Another stop for food lovers, Italian restaurant, Nonsolo serves up delicious polenta bruschetta, pizzas, pasta and fish dishes  The provoleta and the fungi pesto polenta are must-trys.

Non Solo is spread over two floors and features a covered patio. We enjoyed a sunny lunch there complete with a refreshing Aperol spritz, homemade pasta and a seared tuna Nicoise salad as our mains. Sadly no room for dessert!

17. Enjoy an Evening of Jazz Music

For jazz aficionados, Casa Franca or Jazzatalán are  top options. We enjoyed a delicious Spanish torta and bottle of wine at Franca Bistro around the corner.

The red-walled interior offers a brief escape to a Parisian bistro with a cozy atmosphere not often found in bustling Roma Norte.

18. Practice Your Dance Moves at Mama Rhumba

To wrap up your evening, head to Mama Rhumba, a Cuban nightclub and bar that features live Latin music, DJs and drinks.

Arrive early (8:45 to 9:30 p.m.) for a free salsa dance class included in the cover charge.

19. Go Bike Riding on Sunday

Every Sunday, Mexico City closes its main thoroughfares for cyclists and exercise enthusiasts. You can rent bikes at  ECOBICI  the city-owned public bike-sharing system or ask your hotel for a referral for a better quality ride.

Those interested in a good ride can cycle to the Zocalo. Or pedal to the leafy Chapultepec park to visit the towering Museo Nacional de Antropología in Polanco, the set of Museo, starring Gael Garcia Bernal.

If you prefer to stay in the neighbourhood and get your Zen on, head to the nearby Centro Buddhisto centre of Mexico City.

20. Learn About Jewish Heritage

For those interested in the area’s Jewish heritage, there is a Jewish museum, archives, synagogue, and kosher deli at Acapulco Street #70.

You’ll find several more small Orthodox synagogues hidden inside houses on Amsterdam Avenue. There’s another synagogue at the corner of Montes de Oca and Parral streets.

21. Stay at a Unique Hotel in Roma Norte, CDMX

Whatever brings you to Mexico City, Roma Norte is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Centro and the Zocalo.

Plan on staying a few days to enjoy walking, shopping, noshing at food stalls, gallery hopping and eating at its fantastic restaurants.

Here are our top picks of unique places to stay in Roma Norte.

Hotel Villa Condesa

This boutique hotel set within a gorgeous historic mansion at 428 Colima has been updated to the latest modern standards. It features in-room safes, double windows to block out any street noise and luxurious amenities.

Opt for suite #7 (as we did) and you’ll enjoy a spacious sitting area and pretty balcony.

Hotel Villa Condesa is also just steps to several excellent restaurants including Lardo and Filigrana. A full breakfast including homemade guava jams and breads is included in the reasonable rates.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the pretty courtyard garden graced by bamboo, flowers and artwork.

Check rates and availability at Hotel Villa Condesa on Booking.com.  

La Valise

This luxury Art Deco boutique hotel is small so its three gorgeous suites that fill up quickly. Soak in the tub, sip an artisanal tea in their zen courtyard or roll out your bed to sleep under the stars (rooftop suite only)!

La Valise offers room service from Rosetta restaurant as well as attentive concierge service.

Check rates and availability at La Valise Mexico City on Booking.com

Ignacia Guest House

This elegant three storey boutique hotel sits inside one of Roma Sur’s beautiful historic buildings near Paseo de la Reforma and the Diana Huntress fountain.

Its five rooms feature award-winning retro design, a hearty traditional breakfast and daily Happy Hour. They share space with Casa Jacaranda, an excellent cooking school featuring cooking classes with Beto and Jorge, who share secrets of their abuela’s favourite recipes from Oaxacan dishes to those of northern Mexico.

Check rates at Ignacia Guest House 

Brick Hotel Mexico City

A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, the Brick Hotel Mexico City is  ideally located at Orizaba 95 (View Location) in close proximity to the best restaurants, art galleries and other attractions in this hipster heart of Mexico City. It’s a short walk to Plaza Rio de Janeiro.

This boutique hotel, constructed of pale yellow bricks in an English country house style, combines contemporary style with history. The inviting bedrooms feature claw-foot baths, private balconies, and unique features like sun-loungers and outdoor tubs, as seen in the Rooftop Suite.

The hotel’s roof terrace, surrounded by lush greenery, is an ideal spot for an afternoon cocktail. Try a Margarita de Huitlacoche or a guava collins. The BrickHotel’s onsite restaurant has some of Roma Norte’s best food with a menu featuring elevated international cuisine.

Check rates and availability at Brick Hotel Mexico City on Booking.com. 

This article was originally published in 2021 by Talia Wooldridge. Michele Peterson expanded and updated in  following visits to Roma Norte in 2023 and 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roma Norte safe?

Yes. There are a lot of street hustlers but you can avoid them if you sit off-patio.

Is it worth visiting?

For the food scene and quiet, leafy streets, absolutely! It is also offers pop-up markets, museums and galleries within the gracious restored mansions.

Do they speak English?

Most waiters and shopkeepers speak a bit of English. Google translate is a handy app to use with the neighbourhood’s free (in-and-out) Wi-Fi.

For more reliable service, you can buy a SIM card at any OXXO convenient store for $5-30 depending on your needs.

Getting Around

Download the rideshare app, Didi, for cheap rides to and from CDMX MEX airport and for getting around town to major attractions in Mexico’s Historic Centre or further afield such as Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.  Most organized tours offer pick up at your hotel or a central location.

Uber is also available in Mexico City but charges a steep fare coming and going from Benito Juarez International Airport.

Rideshare apps are especially helpful as taxi drivers can sometimes have trouble finding addresses if they’re not familiar with Roma Norte.

Staying at the airport hotel? Check out our guide to the best hotels at Mexico City Airport if you’re staying at the airport and planning on visiting Roma Norte for only one day.

Save to Pinterest!