Welcome to the coolest neighborhood in Mexico City: Colonia Roma.
This hipster haven, split into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, is a quirky blend of art deco mansions, colorful street art, and a retro-elegant vibe thanks to its many businesses set inside repurposed townhouses. Think of it as the cool, creative cousin of nearby Condesa.
Of the two Roma areas, Roma Norte is the more “happening” area. At least it is for visitors like us.
Roma Norte is a food lover’s dream, home to iconic spots like Contramar (known for their aguachiles and their famous pescado a la talla dish) and bustling markets like Mercado Medellín and Mercado Roma. Grab a seat at El Parnita for classic Mexican dishes or sip on expertly brewed coffee at Quentin Cafe, often hailed as a must-do in Roma Norte.
You can explore offbeat museums like Museo del Objeto del Objeto (MODO) or check out the cutting-edge exhibits at Galería OMR. When night falls, don’t miss the chance to hit the dance floor at one of Roma’s lively clubs.
For those of you concerned with safety, don’t be. Roma Norte is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in town.
Need help deciding what to do when you get to Roma Norte? Here are a handful of our favorite things to do in the area.
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Table of Contents
Get pastries at Panaderia Gala
Panadería Gala is a must-visit. This charming bakery is a French-influenced Mexican bakery known for its amazing conchas—though, fair warning, they sell out fast!
When we arrived, the conchas were gone, but we ended up trying the passionfruit cruffin, the plain croissant, and some sort of a U-shaped apple pastry, and let me tell you, they were all absolutely majestic.
Panadería Gala has an open kitchen setup, so you can watch the bakers work their magic as you wait in line. The space is small, with only about 8 seats at one long table, so it’s best to grab your treats to go if it’s busy.
Hands down, Gala served up the best pastries I had on my most recent trip to CDMX. Don’t miss it while you’re in Roma Norte!
👉 Pro Tip: Need a coffee to wash down your pastry? Right around the corner is Almanegra Cafe. Go there for simple but wonderfully made coffee drinks with various extraction methods.
Take a free walking tour of Roma Norte
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for Roma Norte beyond its pretty architecture and trendy shops, I’d recommend opting for a free walking tour of Roma and Condesa.
These neighborhoods are modern icons of 20th-century Mexico City, with over 1,500 historical buildings lining their streets. As you stroll through tree-lined avenues and charming plazas with your local guide, you’ll uncover the stories behind their growth into some of the city’s most beloved areas.
Your guide will take you to iconic spots like Plaza Río de Janeiro, home to a replica of Michelangelo’s “David,” and Parque México, a lush urban oasis with Art Deco flair. You’ll also visit Mercado Roma, a trendy food hall, and Plaza La Romita, one of the oldest squares in the city with a quaint, village-like feel.
Along the way, you’ll learn more than you ever thought you could about the history, architecture, and culture that make these neighborhoods so beloved!
Looking for more free walking tours in CDMX? Some tours are mural-focused, some are taco-themed, and others are neighborhood-specific. You can browse through all your options on FREETOUR, home to a large selection of tip-based tours run by locals. Our favorites include this off-the-beaten-path tour of Coyoacan and this free taco tour (bring pesos to buy your own tacos!).
Shop at all the cute independent boutiques
Roma Norte is a dream come true for people who enjoy a good indie / lifestyle + fashion store. The Roma Norte is teeming with cute boutiques selling everything from clothing, candles, trinkets, handmade jewelry, kids stuff, ceramics, home decor, and more.
To get you started, add the following stores to your day out in Roma Norte:
- HAPPENING: all kinds of stuff for men, women, kids, and home (pictured above)
- 180 Shop: A wide selection of clothing, shoes, lifestyle goods, etc. by local brands
- Amor & Rosas: ethical clothing for men and women, bags, and more
- Casa Bosques: A bookstore specializing in photography, film, architecture, music, and contemporary art.
- Casa Ananda: Vintage finds inside a historic townhome.
Enjoy the charm of El Parian
El Parian is a little shopping alleyway that feels like a mini trip to France or Italy. The aesthetic here is SO on point, perfect for photos!
Inside, you’ll find a cute Japanese-style coffee shop, a sushi restaurant, a ramen restaurant, a wine bar, and a few high-end concept stores selling jewelry, locally designed clothing, and more.
You don’t need to linger long here if you don’t plan on eating or browsing the stores. There are bathrooms on the second floor.
Get yourself a great cup of single-origin coffee
Mexico City’s coffee scene has exploded in recent years, and it’s no surprise why. With its high-altitude location, Mexico is one of the world’s top coffee-producing countries, and CDMX has become a hub for specialty coffee lovers.
Local roasters and cafes are embracing everything from traditional café de olla to third-wave brewing methods, making it a haven for coffee enthusiasts.
The concentration of good coffee spots in Roma Norte is pretty insane. Really, if you pop in the word ‘coffee’ on Google Maps, you’re gonna see 20+ listings come up all at once.
Start your day at Drip Specialty Coffee, known for its meticulously brewed pour-overs and the cutest little mascot that runs towards you if you’ve happened to also order a croissant, Benito, the pug!
For a trendy spot with Instagram-worthy lattes, head to Dosis Cafe, where the coffee is as artful as the decor. And if you’re looking for a laid-back hangout, Blend Station offers a great selection of single-origin brews and pastries.
If you’re willing to venture a bit further, Camino a Comala in Roma Sur comes highly recommended. Our churro-making class host, a certified coffee professional (yes, he had the certification hanging in his house!), swore by this spot for its expertly crafted drinks and warm, welcoming atmosphere. They also have delicious brunch bites too!
Take a churro-making class
While we’re on the topic of churros… If you’re looking for a fun, hands-on activity in Mexico City, this churro-making class is a must! I did this during a bachelorette trip, and it was an absolute blast.
Our host, Christian (the pastry chef and coffee pro), was incredibly personable and taught us how to make churros in all kinds of creative shapes—plus, we learned the secrets to perfect café de olla and homemade dipping chocolate.
The two-hour session is perfect for all ages, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying your freshly made churros with a homebrewed cup of coffee. You even get a copy of the recipe at the end of class so you can fuel your love for churros at home.
This was hands down the most fun group activity we did on our group trip. Highly recommend!
Museo del Objecto del Objecto (MODO)
Set in a gorgeous 1906 Art Nouveau house in the heart of Roma, MODO is an absolute dream for design lovers. This museum is anything but your average sleepy museum—it’s a deep-dive into Mexican culture through everyday items and knick-knacks, from photos and street signs to ads and toys.
I’ll admit, I’m usually not a fan of museums because I tend to get sleepy and bored without a guided tour, but MODO was anything but boring.
The mastermind behind this project is founder Bruno Newman, who started collecting curious and rare objects over 40 years ago. Today, the museum’s archive contains more than 100,000 items dating from 1810 to the present, with themed temporary exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on Mexico City’s history.
And don’t skip the gift shop on your way out! It’s filled with unique finds like notebooks, coffee mugs, and jewelry that make perfect souvenirs.
Explore Medellin Market
Medellín Market (or Mercado Medellín) is a one-square-block public market in Roma Sur that’s a favorite among locals and curious travelers alike. If you’re expecting a trendy food hall experience, this place is not that.
This market specializes in fresh produce, dry goods, and unique finds from across Latin America—Colombian and Honduran flags fly proudly over stalls selling rare imported vegetables, dried chiles, moles, and even handcrafted furniture.
Mercado Medellín also features flavors from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. You’ll find everything from Colombian ajíaco to Cuban ice cream, making it a fantastic spot to graze your way through a culinary tour of the region.
Like all of Mexico City’s neighborhood markets, Mercado Medellín is a feast for the senses, with rows of colorful stalls and friendly vendors. This can be a good spot to pick up cooking ingredients and local specialties to bring home.
Admire the architecture of the neighborhood
Roma Norte is a feast for the eyes, especially if you’re an architecture enthusiast. As you stroll through its tree-lined streets, you’ll be surrounded by decadent Art Deco and French Art Nouveau buildings, each one more unique than the last.
Walking aimlessly around the area is just so dang peaceful here (especially in the mornings)!
This neighborhood is a living museum of early 20th-century design, with intricate facades, wrought-iron balconies, and grand entrances that tell the story of Mexico City’s golden age. Don’t forget to look up—the rooftops and details are just as breathtaking!
For architecture that’s truly one of a kind, add a stop at La Casa de las Brujas (which is covered on the free walking tour of Roma/Condesa too).
Dine at the Contramar
No trip to Mexico City is complete without a meal at Contramar, one of the city’s most iconic seafood restaurants.
Helmed by celebrated chef Gabriela Cámara, this place is famous for its fresh, flavorful dishes like pescado a la talla (grilled fish with two sauces) and tuna tostadas. Their clam pasta was also one of my personal favorites, and they certainly know how to make good-tasting cocktail drinks.
Make a reservation—this place is always packed for a reason. Eva Longoria even featured this place in her TV series, Searching For Mexico!
Roam around Casa Edén
Need a quick pit stop? Head to Casa Edén, a chic multi-level space that’s perfect for grabbing a drink, using the free bathroom, or browsing the small vendors inside.
This place is one of those delightful surprises you stumble upon while aimlessly wandering around Roma Norte. The laid-back decor and unique shops make it a fun little detour.
We stumbled upon so many of these little hamlets of shops and food truck areas while exploring the area! If you have the free time, I recommend just strolling in a general direction and popping into whatever establishments you pass by.
Part of the fun here is letting curiosity guide you—the neighborhood is packed with independently owned-businesses just waiting to be found.
Jenni’s Street Quesadillas
For some of the best street food in the city, head to Jenni’s Street Quesadillas. These aren’t your average quesadillas—they’re stuffed with everything from squash blossoms (flor de calabaza) to huitlacoche (corn fungus) and served with a side of homemade salsa. Simple, delicious, and totally unforgettable.
When you spot the random line on the street, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Jenni’s cart!
Tortas al Fuego
If you’re craving a hearty meal on the go, Tortas al Fuego is the spot. Their tortas are known to be packed with flavorful fillings like al pastor, chorizo, and grilled veggies, all served on freshly baked bread.
But we actually didn’t try their tortas. We were there for their taco special — 5 al pastor tacos for 65 pesos! We started with one order between the two of us and had to put in a second order because of how easy to scarf down and delicious they were.
Stroll through Plaza Río de Janeiro
Tucked away in Roma Norte, Plaza Río de Janeiro is a charming little park that feels like a hidden gem. At its center stands a striking replica of Michelangelo’s “David,” surrounded by a fountain (which, sadly, was off when I visited at night—but I could imagine how magical it must look during the day).
The plaza is ringed by ornate, picturesque buildings, making it a peaceful spot to relax and soak in the neighborhood’s vibe. It’s the perfect place to bring your torta (from Tortas al Fuego, of course) and enjoy a quiet moment amidst the greenery and the dog walkers.
Grab drinks at Licorería Limantour
If you could only visit one bar in all of Mexico City, make it Licorería Limantour! This cocktail bar has become an institution in Mexico City’s bubbling nightlife scene and was even voted as one of the world’s best bars.
The space is beautiful, the drinks are colorful, creative, and delicious as heck, and there is really nothing to not like about this place!
Because it’s world-renowned now, you’ll want reservations — especially if you’re visiting with a larger group!
Dinner and live jazz music at Jazzatlán Capital
End your day with smooth tunes and craft cocktails at Jazzatlán Capital, one of Mexico City’s coolest jazz bars. The intimate setting, live music, and expertly mixed drinks make it the perfect place to unwind.
There are jazz performances nightly and you can be seated in one of two rooms — the main floor or the upper level. They serve actually good food too!
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