Guidebook for Centro
Entertainment & Activities
This is a bathhouse that is generally clean and orderly. You can rent a private jacuzzi room, a steam room, or a dry heat sauna. Fun to go with couples or close friends. Very relaxing!
Señorial
92 Isabel La CatólicaThis is a bathhouse that is generally clean and orderly. You can rent a private jacuzzi room, a steam room, or a dry heat sauna. Fun to go with couples or close friends. Very relaxing!
Art house films... right now it is closed due to earthquake damage.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
La Casa del Cine
52 República de UruguayArt house films... right now it is closed due to earthquake damage.
Arts & Culture
Spectacular building with collections and exhibitions of art from around the world.
300 Einheimische empfehlen
Museo Nacional de Artes
8 Calle de TacubaSpectacular building with collections and exhibitions of art from around the world.
This is the old central pyramid site of Tenochitlán. Very close to the house.
418 Einheimische empfehlen
Templo Mayor Museum
8 SeminarioThis is the old central pyramid site of Tenochitlán. Very close to the house.
City museum. Building is cool and synchronistic (aztec carvings in the volcanic rock). The architecture is more interesting than most of the exhibits though! Very close by.
40 Einheimische empfehlen
Museo de la Caricatura
99 DoncelesCity museum. Building is cool and synchronistic (aztec carvings in the volcanic rock). The architecture is more interesting than most of the exhibits though! Very close by.
Food Scene
Fancy & delicious Prehispanic cuisine with a contemporary flare. Expensive-ish but totally worth it. Get appetizers only if you're on a budget. The waiters will try to push the insect offerings! Closes at 11pm.
104 Einheimische empfehlen
Limosneros
3 Ignacio AllendeFancy & delicious Prehispanic cuisine with a contemporary flare. Expensive-ish but totally worth it. Get appetizers only if you're on a budget. The waiters will try to push the insect offerings! Closes at 11pm.
Open during the day only. Go up to the second floor dining room instead of staying in the groundfloor loncheria for spectacular views, food and service. Relaxed casual, attentive, business oriented.
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Don Toribio
31 Simón BolívarOpen during the day only. Go up to the second floor dining room instead of staying in the groundfloor loncheria for spectacular views, food and service. Relaxed casual, attentive, business oriented.
Bosforo is actually the mezcal bar next door, but they have a lunch/ dinner spot next door that has no name. My understanding is that it is very local food- from D.F. and Estado de México. It is delicious and soulful with simple, beautiful & authentic ambiance
126 Einheimische empfehlen
Bósforo
31 Luis MoyaBosforo is actually the mezcal bar next door, but they have a lunch/ dinner spot next door that has no name. My understanding is that it is very local food- from D.F. and Estado de México. It is delicious and soulful with simple, beautiful & authentic ambiance
One of the oldest fine restaurants in the city. Their menu is traditional had has been the same (legend has it), since 1945.
282 Einheimische empfehlen
El Cardenal
23 C. de la PalmaOne of the oldest fine restaurants in the city. Their menu is traditional had has been the same (legend has it), since 1945.
This restaurant is the sister restaurant to trendy MOG in Roma. It is almost always empty, unlike MOG where it is impossible to get a table. Japanese sushi (real, traditional, not tons of rice and mayo), Thai and Phô. Closes around 12am.
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Ah-Un
31 A Calle de MotoliniaThis restaurant is the sister restaurant to trendy MOG in Roma. It is almost always empty, unlike MOG where it is impossible to get a table. Japanese sushi (real, traditional, not tons of rice and mayo), Thai and Phô. Closes around 12am.
Cancino Alameda
9 Calle Dr MoraBurgers. Tasty
Kiosk cafe on Madero, and another location on Tacuba next to the MUNAL. Great coffee, excellent service. The food isn't great, but it opens early.
Maison-kayser Tacuba
1 XicoténcatlKiosk cafe on Madero, and another location on Tacuba next to the MUNAL. Great coffee, excellent service. The food isn't great, but it opens early.
La Pagoda Cafeteria
10-D Av. 5 de Mayo24 hour diner a few blocks from house.
INSANELY DELICIOUS ENCHILADAS in a cazuelas de barro (clay dishes). They come out boiling and are 60 pesos with soup and rice. This is your 3pm comida (daytime only). On a colorful old alley way next to house.
Las Enchiladas De La Abuela
9 1a. Cerrada 5 de MayoINSANELY DELICIOUS ENCHILADAS in a cazuelas de barro (clay dishes). They come out boiling and are 60 pesos with soup and rice. This is your 3pm comida (daytime only). On a colorful old alley way next to house.
Try the baguettes. Can do your regular shopping here or try comida corrida.
147 Einheimische empfehlen
Mercado de San Juan
21 2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto PugibetTry the baguettes. Can do your regular shopping here or try comida corrida.
Personally I don't think the food is that great, but the ambiance is outstanding. They have menus from all over the country and change the offerings frequently, so give those special items a shot. Exquisite aguas de sabor (flavored waters). Also, the deserts will never disappoint.
237 Einheimische empfehlen
Azul Historico
30 Isabel La CatólicaPersonally I don't think the food is that great, but the ambiance is outstanding. They have menus from all over the country and change the offerings frequently, so give those special items a shot. Exquisite aguas de sabor (flavored waters). Also, the deserts will never disappoint.
This place is a cab ride for sure but if you're a night owl, take note. It's been open for decades and the corner on which it stands was once a bustling train station with late night food offerings for travelers. That's all gone, but Biarritz is still open almost every night until 2am - by far the best food you'll get at that hour! The tacos are more like fat flautas and the caldo de galena is to die for. A working class, traditional spot little known to tourists and hipsters, even though it is only two blocks away from Roma Norte.
Merendero Biarritz
156 Calle Dr. LucioThis place is a cab ride for sure but if you're a night owl, take note. It's been open for decades and the corner on which it stands was once a bustling train station with late night food offerings for travelers. That's all gone, but Biarritz is still open almost every night until 2am - by far the best food you'll get at that hour! The tacos are more like fat flautas and the caldo de galena is to die for. A working class, traditional spot little known to tourists and hipsters, even though it is only two blocks away from Roma Norte.
Panadería Rosetta Havre
73 HavreDELICIOUS and a BEAUTIFUL ambiance.
Coffee is ok but not unbelievable. It's close to the house. The people who work here are really nice. Inside Downtown hotel. They open officially at 7:30 but I wouldn't be sure until 8am.
If you want nice coffee and don't mind walking, go to Panederia St. Regis next to Barrio Alameda. It is a little better but still expensive. They open later, say 9am-ish.
Café Torino
28-30 Isabel La CatólicaCoffee is ok but not unbelievable. It's close to the house. The people who work here are really nice. Inside Downtown hotel. They open officially at 7:30 but I wouldn't be sure until 8am.
If you want nice coffee and don't mind walking, go to Panederia St. Regis next to Barrio Alameda. It is a little better but still expensive. They open later, say 9am-ish.
Before I went here, I had eaten food prepared by one of the owners, Scarlet. It was very memorable and made me want to visit. Recommended if you are looking something new and gourmet made with soul! The ambiance is nice and moody - go during the day to eat and at night to drink (the food menu is delicious but very limited at night). It is a hotspot for young expats.
79 Einheimische empfehlen
Cicatriz
44 C. DinamarcaBefore I went here, I had eaten food prepared by one of the owners, Scarlet. It was very memorable and made me want to visit. Recommended if you are looking something new and gourmet made with soul! The ambiance is nice and moody - go during the day to eat and at night to drink (the food menu is delicious but very limited at night). It is a hotspot for young expats.
Hidden away, this place is a white tablecloth Lebanese restaurant that has been around for ages. Ask to sit on the terraza. Beautiful colonial building. Somewhat pricy (150-400 a person) and they give you way too much food, which they will wrap very neatly for you afterward to go. I recommend the mesa libanesa, the agua de jocoque y menta, and the café árabe along with all of the exquisite classic middle eastern deserts. They also have breakfast, I have not tried it. 9am-6pm, but double check!
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Al Andalus
171 MesonesHidden away, this place is a white tablecloth Lebanese restaurant that has been around for ages. Ask to sit on the terraza. Beautiful colonial building. Somewhat pricy (150-400 a person) and they give you way too much food, which they will wrap very neatly for you afterward to go. I recommend the mesa libanesa, the agua de jocoque y menta, and the café árabe along with all of the exquisite classic middle eastern deserts. They also have breakfast, I have not tried it. 9am-6pm, but double check!
Delicious, super cheap and fast, with tons of vegetarian options. Tacos de guisado and fresh flavored fruit waters (aguas) which you can get made to order and sans sugar. Tacos are 15 pesos each and the salsas are super. Very close to the house. Only open during the day.
Los Callejeros
10-D Avenida 5 de MayoDelicious, super cheap and fast, with tons of vegetarian options. Tacos de guisado and fresh flavored fruit waters (aguas) which you can get made to order and sans sugar. Tacos are 15 pesos each and the salsas are super. Very close to the house. Only open during the day.
Shopping
The iconic antiques market. Go to shop or just to drink micheladas, coconut water, piña colas, palomas, etc. etc. ONLY ON SUNDAYS - it is NOT the brick and mortar market (dangerous) you want to go to but rather the "tianguis" (pretty safe). Go early - 9 or 10 am to get the best stuff. It starts to shut down around 3/4pm.
25 Einheimische empfehlen
La Lagunilla Market
Pasaje AllendeThe iconic antiques market. Go to shop or just to drink micheladas, coconut water, piña colas, palomas, etc. etc. ONLY ON SUNDAYS - it is NOT the brick and mortar market (dangerous) you want to go to but rather the "tianguis" (pretty safe). Go early - 9 or 10 am to get the best stuff. It starts to shut down around 3/4pm.
Flower market. Tons and tons of flowers. Beautiful to see. I recommend eating huaraches with Celia "La Guera" stand 154 if you go. She wears lots of makeup (if I'm off on the stand number, that's how you will know!) and is really, really nice. More importantly, her food is extremely delicious and affordable. Put pápalo on it so your tummy can handle the grease.
54 Einheimische empfehlen
Mercado Jamaica
45 Guillermo PrietoFlower market. Tons and tons of flowers. Beautiful to see. I recommend eating huaraches with Celia "La Guera" stand 154 if you go. She wears lots of makeup (if I'm off on the stand number, that's how you will know!) and is really, really nice. More importantly, her food is extremely delicious and affordable. Put pápalo on it so your tummy can handle the grease.
The best vintage store in the city. Affordable and great selection. Joel, our neighbor here in the building, is the owner!
Vintage Hoe
27 JalapaThe best vintage store in the city. Affordable and great selection. Joel, our neighbor here in the building, is the owner!
Kind of a mall - it is a remodeled Art Deco building that houses little shops. Good for gifts I suppose but everything is overpriced in my opinions. You are better off going to the markets. There are some independent clothing designers and illustrators - a hard thing to find many of under one beautiful roof - so it's worth the trip if that piques your interest!
47 Einheimische empfehlen
Barrio Alameda
9 Calle Dr MoraKind of a mall - it is a remodeled Art Deco building that houses little shops. Good for gifts I suppose but everything is overpriced in my opinions. You are better off going to the markets. There are some independent clothing designers and illustrators - a hard thing to find many of under one beautiful roof - so it's worth the trip if that piques your interest!
This is IT for your Mexican craft one-stop-shop. They have everything you could ever want to bring back home.
369 Einheimische empfehlen
Ciudadela Park
José María MorelosThis is IT for your Mexican craft one-stop-shop. They have everything you could ever want to bring back home.
Drinks & Nightlife
Cute, hidden cocktail bar. Haven't tried it myself but looks really lovely. In the same hotel complex as Lagrange espadas brasileñas.
Cotidiana
45 e República de UruguayCute, hidden cocktail bar. Haven't tried it myself but looks really lovely. In the same hotel complex as Lagrange espadas brasileñas.
Greasy tasty Spanish food. Kooky, eclectic bar feel. Great for groups of friends. Always busy. A lot of meat on the menu but they do have some veg. options. A pioneer of the Centro - it has been in business for nearly 10 years.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Hostería La Bota
40 San JerónimoGreasy tasty Spanish food. Kooky, eclectic bar feel. Great for groups of friends. Always busy. A lot of meat on the menu but they do have some veg. options. A pioneer of the Centro - it has been in business for nearly 10 years.
Rooftop terrace great for drinks and escaping the bustling street.
57 Einheimische empfehlen
DOWNTOWN MEXICO
30 Isabel La CatólicaRooftop terrace great for drinks and escaping the bustling street.
Listed already in food (because of the nameless restaurant next door), but Bósforo itself is actually a mezcal bar. Go during the week when it is less busy - it gets really full and is not relaxing on the weekends. Try the agua de maricuyá (passionfruit water) if you don't drink.
126 Einheimische empfehlen
Bósforo
31 Luis MoyaListed already in food (because of the nameless restaurant next door), but Bósforo itself is actually a mezcal bar. Go during the week when it is less busy - it gets really full and is not relaxing on the weekends. Try the agua de maricuyá (passionfruit water) if you don't drink.
Great music, hip scene. A huge menu of non alcoholic drinks as well.
55 Einheimische empfehlen
La Chicha
Great music, hip scene. A huge menu of non alcoholic drinks as well.
Quality mezcal bar in La Condesa. They make it so they know it. Not very cheap but good stuff. Food is good here too.
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Antolia
132 TonaláQuality mezcal bar in La Condesa. They make it so they know it. Not very cheap but good stuff. Food is good here too.
Sightseeing
Not very safe so watch your belongings. I'm listing it since a lot of people ask me about it. Also known as the "witches market". You can buy everything from a soul cleaning to a peacock here. Interesting, exciting, authentic, yes, but also sad to see animals in cages. Not for novices.
Next to la Merced market which is a labyrinth of daily goods mostly imported from China. I recommend taking the pesera (little rickety green buses) that runs on Corrigidora versus the train. The train literally leaves you in the middle of La Merced whilst the pesera leaves you in front of Sonora Market. The bus will have a sign that says SONORA.
Proceed with caution and avoid going towards dusk.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Mercado de Sonora station
419 Fray Servando T. de MierNot very safe so watch your belongings. I'm listing it since a lot of people ask me about it. Also known as the "witches market". You can buy everything from a soul cleaning to a peacock here. Interesting, exciting, authentic, yes, but also sad to see animals in cages. Not for novices.
Next to la Merced market which is a labyrinth of daily goods mostly imported from China. I recommend taking the pesera (little rickety green buses) that runs on Corrigidora versus the train. The train literally leaves you in the middle of La Merced whilst the pesera leaves you in front of Sonora Market. The bus will have a sign that says SONORA.
Proceed with caution and avoid going towards dusk.
This is a skyscraper that is a few blocks away. Go to the mirador and have a drink to see the whole gaping beautiful mess that is Mexico City from a privileged point of view. Great photo op.
247 Einheimische empfehlen
Torre Latinoamericana
2 Eje Central Lázaro CárdenasThis is a skyscraper that is a few blocks away. Go to the mirador and have a drink to see the whole gaping beautiful mess that is Mexico City from a privileged point of view. Great photo op.
Listing this as a sight to see since the history and ambiance are more interesting than the food. It's not terrible but it's not great. However, it's worth a visit so you can check out what is the longest continuously run restaurant in Mexico City. It was once a hotel and feels like Dracula still rents a room. Take a spin around plaza Santo Domingo and head here after.
49 Einheimische empfehlen
Hostería de Santo Domingo
72 Belisario DomínguezListing this as a sight to see since the history and ambiance are more interesting than the food. It's not terrible but it's not great. However, it's worth a visit so you can check out what is the longest continuously run restaurant in Mexico City. It was once a hotel and feels like Dracula still rents a room. Take a spin around plaza Santo Domingo and head here after.
Parks & Nature
It's as close to nature as you're going to get in this area! The oldest park in Latin America. Go for a walk and get an ice cream or paleta - on the weekends it is very busy and there will be kids in the fountains!
338 Einheimische empfehlen
Alameda Central
s/n Avenida HidalgoIt's as close to nature as you're going to get in this area! The oldest park in Latin America. Go for a walk and get an ice cream or paleta - on the weekends it is very busy and there will be kids in the fountains!