If I had to choose one neighbourhood in Mexico City where I could spend a whole day without any particular plan, it would be Roma Norte.

After a few days in the bustling historic centre and some trips out of town, it was here that the city showed us a completely different side.

• 👉 Our first hot-air balloon flight over the pyramids
• 👉 A day trip to the Tolantongo waterfalls

Wide, tree-lined streets, dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars, and a much more peaceful atmosphere than around the Zócalo.

This is exactly where I would recommend heading for anyone who wants to experience modern-day Mexico City.

The neighbourhood where we spent most of our time

Roma Norte isn’t a place you go to see a specific landmark.

The atmosphere itself is the main attraction. Just stroll through the streets, stop for a coffee, pop in for brunch or choose one of the local bars in the evening.

It is here that you’ll find several venues from the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list, including the famous Handshake Speakeasy.

• 👉 5 bars in 5 days: why we went to Mexico

Compared to Polanco, Roma Norte feels less luxurious and more authentic.

In contrast to the historic centre, however, it is significantly quieter and tidier.

What should you not miss in Roma Norte?

You’ll find the highest concentration of cafés, restaurants and bars around Álvaro Obregón, Colima, Orizaba and Plaza Río de Janeiro streets.

We particularly liked Colima Street, with its many stylish shops, modern ‘flea markets’ and lovely cafés.

If you’re into architecture, do take note of the many well-preserved houses dating from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of them now serve as galleries, restaurants or boutique hotels.

Is it worth staying here?

In our opinion, definitely yes.

If we were to return to Mexico City, we would choose to stay right here.

Most of the interesting places are within walking distance, and you also have easy access to Chapultepec, Polanco and the historic centre.

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of restaurants, bars, safety and atmosphere, Roma Norte is one of the best neighbourhoods for accommodation in Mexico City.

Here are our top picks for hotels we’ve considered:

• ONTO Tonalá *****– best value for money for a modern luxury hotel
• ULIV Pulse Roma Norte ****– a popular choice for digital nomads, an affordable modern hotel
• Hotel MX mas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham ****– a very affordable hotel, clean, simple, modern rooms, the assurance of a major brand

View all hotels in Roma Norte

Is Roma Norte safe?

During our stay, we felt safe here both during the day and in the evening.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can forget about basic precautions, but compared to many other parts of Mexico City, Roma Norte feels very pleasant and tourist-friendly.

That is precisely why it is often recommended by both locals and foreign travellers.

• 👉 Safety in Mexico City: places to avoid

Who will enjoy Roma Norte?

I recommend Roma Norte especially to those who enjoy an urban atmosphere, cafés, fine dining and nightlife.

If you’re looking for historical sights, you’ll spend more time around the Zócalo. If you’re interested in luxury and shopping, Polanco will probably appeal to you more.

For us, however, Roma Norte was the most pleasant neighbourhood in the whole of Mexico City.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Mexico City.