6 Best Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Digital Nomads

Check out: The Ultimate Mexico City Bucket List (by Neighborhood)

What are the top neighborhoods in Mexico City for digital nomads?

La Condesa

La Condesa is probably the coolest and trendiest neighborhood in Mexico City. It has nice tree-lined streets with people out walking their dogs, hip coffee shops, shaded parks, and cool jazz bars. Some might say it gives a ‘hipster’ vibe.

It is located right by the extensive Chapultepec park, and walking distance to the Anthropology Museum, two of CDMX’s best attractions.

After living in Mexico City for several weeks, we decided to relocate to La Condesa and just fell in love with the neighborhood. If I came back, this is where I would stay again.

It is so fun for a night out, working and sipping coffee at a café, or reading in the park. Young professionals, digital nomads, and expats have been flocking here (which can be both a good and bad thing).

Roma

The very large Roma area is actually made up of three distinct districts: Roma Norte (north), Roma Sur (south), and La Romita.

The two biggest neighborhoods are divided by Coahuila street, while La Romita, a small, fashionable neighborhood, is located just north of Roma Norte.

Colonia Roma has evolved quite a lot since its inception, from wealthy 16th century Spaniards to Mexico City’s elite, a destructive earthquake and population decline to the rebirth and modern renaissance of present-day Roma.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the three Roma districts, but here is the breakdown…

Roma Norte

Roma Norte is the largest and most lively with trendy bars and cafes, colorful murals, and a growing population of young professionals. The culinary scene is one of the top in the city, rivaling Polanco for best restaurants, including my favorite, La Pitahaya Vegana (even Jack loves it).

As the most central of these neighborhoods, Roma Norte is practically walking distance to all major sights and attractions.

Roma Sur

Roma Sur is quiet and more residential. Home to many mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, Sur gives a more traditional, community-oriented vibe. It is very quaint and colorful, and has been slower to gentrification compared to its counterpart to the north.

Get in the mood by watching Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-nominated Netflix original, Roma (2018), filmed in Roma Sur at 22 Tepeji!

Juárez

Juárez is a dynamic neighborhood sandwiched between Roma to the south, and Av. Paseo de la Reforma to the north. According to The Washington Post, it is undergoing a “hipster renaissance,” and was even featured in Vogue.

It follows a similar story as Roma: once home to the city’s elite, then nearly destroyed by an earthquake. Now renovations and development are attracting artists, intellectuals, and more, giving Juárez a new life.

It is home to the famous Zona Rosa, a ‘gayborhood’ lined with lively bars and nightclubs. This is the place to be during Pride to attend the mega events and parades.

Juárez is poised in the best location. It is almost in the exact middle of all other neighborhoods, museums, parks, and monuments, as well as adjacent to the most important street in Mexico City, Paseo de la Reforma.

Polanco

Polanco is one of Mexico City’s most luxurious and upscale neighborhoods. The Rodeo Drive of Mexico, only better.

Just north of Chapultepec Park, Polanco is where you’ll find amazing shopping, iconic museums, and upmarket eateries. It is also considered one of Mexico City’s safest neighborhoods.

Chic, stylish, and glamorous, Polanco has a combination of Spanish colonial and modern architecture. This mix of old and new gives this neighborhood a dynamic energy. 

It is well worth spending an afternoon sipping on a glass of wine on the sidewalk of a nice café. And then try a vegan churro at Churrería El Moro. The restaurants in Polanco are known as CDMX’s finest.

Polanco is also home to the city’s most interesting history and art museums, as well as some incredible parks. Find out what else you can do in Polanco!

San Rafael

The small and often overlooked San Rafael is an eclectic and artistic neighborhood. It is must less touristy than Roma or Condesa, and offers a glimpse into typical Mexico City life.

Although it is one of the more quiet neighborhoods on this list, you will still find bustling restaurants and cafes, including the famous La Polar, and of course taco stands!

Young artists have been flocking here during the recent development due to the bountiful art galleries and theaters. And it’s still very affordable compared to the increasing costs to live in Roma or Condesa.

San Rafael is conveniently located between Centro Historico and Polanco, with Roma and Condesa just to the south. If you like walking, you can walk pretty much everywhere from here.

Centro Historico

As the name suggests, it is the historic center of Mexico City and home to many of Mexico City’s best attractions. Centro Historico is the cultural, political, and religious hub of the city.

After the mass exodus of Mexico City’s elite to Roma, Juárez, and Condesa, Centro fell into a state of disrepair. And, after the earthquake, was quite literally crumbling. This has only added to the charm of the neighborhood with interesting architectural juxtapositions.

Jack and I stayed in Centro Historico for 3 weeks, and although it is the most ‘seedy’ neighborhood on the list, we never had an issue. The key to staying safe here is to avoid walking around at night (although we often did anyway…), but it is quite vibrant during the day.

I will also mention there is a hot taco stand scene. Jack ate at a new spot practically every day – and you cant beat the price.

What neighborhood will you choose to digital nomad in Mexico City?

These are the best 6 neighborhoods in Mexico City for digital nomads. I’ve already done the hard work narrowing them down – now you decide which one fits your vibe! Each one is unique, safe, and charming in its own way.

And since all these neighborhoods are in relatively the same area, it’s easy to flow between them and take advantage of the incredible walkability of the city.

So which neighborhood is right for you? Posh Polanco? Cute Condesa? Resilient Roma? I’d love to know which one you choose!

Visiting CDMX? Read more: The Ultimate Mexico City Bucket List (by Neighborhood)