33 Best Things to Do in Roma Norte, Mexico City

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Mexico City is made up of several amazing neighborhoods, but none are quite like Roma Norte.

Home to swanky bars, famous restaurants, cool mezcalerias, and lots of lush green space, it has so much to offer. The variety of things to do means you’ll never be bored, and I’m willing to bet you’ll be scheming up a trip back before you even leave.

After living in Roma Norte for four years (and counting), I’ve put together a complete list of the best things to do in Roma Norte so you don’t miss any hidden gems or unique experiences.

From walking and shopping along tree-lined streets like Calle Colima to tasting contemporary Mexican cuisine at Fonda Fina, I’ve included all my can’t-miss sites, activities, and food.

Get ready to experience Roma Norte like a local!

1. People and dog watch in Plaza Rio de Janeiro

This lively plaza is one of my favorite places to go on an afternoon walk with my dog, Colima.

In the center of this small park is a larger-than-life replica of the statue of David, and at his feet, a fountain that the local dogs love to play in (Colima included).

Park benches surround the plaza with people catching up with friends or enjoying their lunch break with coworkers. It’s a local gathering spot where you can get a sense of daily life in La Roma.

A dog-walker in a blue jacket and yellow cap walks multiple dogs on leashes across a cobblestone pathway in a lush green park called Plaza Rio de Janeiro with a fountain in the background, highlighting the daily activity of dog walking in a serene urban park setting."

2. Visit a historic Roma norte home

Casa Museo Guillermo Tovar de Teresa was once home to a famous Mexican historian and art collector.

This home, now turned museum, allows visitors to see the world of Mexican art and culture through Tovar de Teresa’s extensive collection of paintings, manuscripts, and historic artifacts inside a home built in 1910.

Step back in time and walk the halls of this incredibly well-preserved home and get a feel for what Mexico City was like in the early 1900s.

This is only one of a few museums in Roma Norte, and my personal favorite. You don’t need to be a history buff or an artist to appreciate this small but beautiful museum.

Exterior view of the Casa Museo Guillermo Tovar de Teresa, showcasing its intricate façade and entrance with visitors milling about and lush greenery in the foreground, under an overcast sky.

3. Have a picturesque breakfast in La Cibeles

The Fuente de Cibeles sits at the center of this beautiful plaza that’s referred to as “La Cibeles” by locals.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during springtime, you’ll see the bright purple blooms of the jacaranda trees surrounding the fountain, but it’s a beautiful greenspace for the rest of the year too.

La Cibeles is surrounded by restaurants with lovely outdoor seating. We love to have breakfast at La Ventanita because the food is great and the outdoor seating is surrounded by an abundance of greenery

The Fuente de Cibeles fountain is the centerpiece of traffic this round-about in Roma Norte, Mexico City, flanked by lush green trees with the colorful 'CDMX' sign in the foreground, set against a backdrop of modern buildings.

4. Walk Roma’s most scenic streets

A black dog with a red collar stands attentively on a sidewalk lined with lush trees, with the tranquil street of Durango in Colima in the background, bathed in warm sunlight.

Enjoy fresh-squeezed juice along the pedestrian walkway of Calle de Durango

There is a fruit stand on the corner of Durango and Salamanca in front of the Bancomer bank where you can get freshly squeezed juice.

They have a ton of different fruit juice combinations, but if you want to keep it simple, nothing is better than freshly squeezed orange juice (especially during peak citrus season in winter).

From here, you can walk towards Cibeles and continue straight until you hit Plaza Rio de Janeiro – a great walk that I often do with my dog.

Stroll the lively commercial street of Avenida Álvaro Obregón

This bustling street is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and historic Porfirato buildings – a nod to French architecture. It also has a pedestrian walkway in the middle of the streets making for a pleasant walk down the avenue.

Here is where you will find famous tacos like Taqueria Álvaro Obregón and Orinoco, the world-famous Limontour bar, Maximo Bistro, and plenty of other noteworthy places.

Walk from Plaza Rio de Janeiro to Plaza Luis Cabrera along Calle Orizaba

Calle Orizaba is another beautiful street that connects these two famous plazas and intersects with Álvaro Obregón in the heart of Roma Norte.

Marvel at historic Roma Norte homes on tree-lined Calle Colima

My favorite street and where we got the inspiration for our dog’s name, Calle Colima is a stunning tree-lined street with elegant historic homes to marvel at. As you stroll down this picturesque street, there are shops and cafes to stop at.

5. Enjoy an evening of live jazz at a swanky jazz club

Jazzatlan

Artists play a variety of music from traditional jazz to flamenco jazz with different musicians performing daily. It’s a relatively new spot in Mexico City that is a guaranteed good time.

Casa Franca

You wouldn’t stumble upon Casa Franca by chance. Tucked away on the second floor of a historic Porfiriato building, Casa Franca jazz club has a labyrinth of candle-lit rooms with velvet sofas for sitting and listening to live jazz.

The first time I went I felt like I was in a scene from Midnight in Paris. It’s a unique spot that fills up fast, so arrive before 9 if you want to get a seat or make a reservation.

6. Snack on churros and hot chocolate at Churreria el Moro

No visit to Mexico City is complete without a visit to Churreria el Moro. But this iconic churro shop serves up more than just churros.

Jorge and I love their consuelitos – basically the Mexican version of an ice cream sandwich and oh-so delicious – ice cream stuffed between circular churros. Their hot chocolate is also great on chillier days and pairs perfectly with crispy churros.

7. Learn to cook authentic Mexican cuisine

One of the best ways to experience a country is through its cuisine so what’s better than learning how to cook your favorite Mexican dishes to make them at home?

You can learn how to prepare an array of Mexican salsas or cook a four-course meal from scratch.

No cooking class is complete without first going to the local market for ingredients. It’s an immersive Roma Norte experience from start to finish!

A vibrant Mexican street food scene with a plate of green sauce enchiladas generously topped with crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro, accompanied by sides of beans, nopal salad, and a variety of salsas, with a glass of traditional horchata and fresh bolillo bread on an orange table.

8. Sip a mezcal at a trendy mezcaleria

You can’t come to Mexico City without trying tequila’s trendier cousin, mezcal. They say that it doesn’t give you hangovers. It’s actually become my drink of choice since living in Mexico.

There are cool bars called mezcalerias that are dedicated to serving up artisan mezcal from across Mexico. Because, unlike tequila, mezcal can be made from hundreds of different types of agaves from different Mexican states, making for endless combinations.

Some of my favoirte mezcalerias are La Botica, Mano Santa, and El Palenquito.

They are great bars to try a common Espadin mezcal or branch out and try a more unique variety of agave. Either way, you should sip your mezcal and pair it with orange slices, a beer, and maybe even some sal de gusano (worm salt).

An intimate setting showcasing a bottle of Agave de Cortes Mezcal with two filled shot glasses, softly illuminated by the ambient light of the room.

9. Try your hand at a game of Petanca

Originally played by older men in France, pétanque or petanca in Mexico, has quickly become a favorite pastime for Roma Norte locals.

A friend of ours introduced us to the restaurant/bar, Club Petanca Roma and it quickly became one of our regular weekend activities.

There’s no charge for playing. Just order a bite to eat or something to drink and your games are included. The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is lively.

10. Indulge in the local coffee culture

Mexico has several excellent coffee-growing states like Chiapas and Veracruz and there’s no better place to try the local roasts than Roma Norte’s coffee shops.

Roma Norte has a vibrant cafe culture where you can enjoy an expertly brewed coffee at a quaint table outside to take in the neighborhood activity or indoors while reading a book or getting some work done. Compay, Cardinal, and Blend Station are good ones to try.

The modern and inviting interior of Blend Station in Roma Norte, featuring a wooden coffee bar, comfortable seating, potted plants, and 'Pimp Your Blend' neon sign above a selection of magazines and books.

11. Check out the exhibitions on display at Plaza Luis Cabrera

Plaza Luis Cabrera is another small plaza with a central fountain located in the heart of Roma Norte.

Dotted around the plaza are rotating exhibitions from photography to sculptures that make for a pleasant little visit.

Plaza Luis Cabrera park offering a peaceful retreat in the city, with a variety of lush trees and plants. A distant figure is seated on a bench, enveloped by the serene atmosphere of this urban green space.

12. Go for a drink at a classic cantina

La Bodeguita del Medio

This Cuban cantina opened in 1998 in an old home with high ceilings and dollar bills and signatures plastered on the walls. It’s an eclectic dive bar that always draws a crowd and is a great place for a mojito, dancing, and live music.

Covadonga

For a more traditional Mexican cantina experience, Covadonga is a popular spot for all ages wanting to drink and catch up with friends. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s one of the few places in Mexico City that remains unchanged over the years.

Cantina Monte Rey

Food usually gets overlooked at cantinas, but not here. It’s a lively cantina where you can drink, meet up with friends, and eat delicious food from the north of Mexico.

La Riviera del Sur

I recently went to a friend’s going-away party here and loved the concept of the place. Their menu is full of Yucatan classics, the design is a nice blend of old and new, and like any good cantina, they have a generous drink menu to choose from.

13. Get a unique look at history through common and rare objects at MODO

Delve into the ordinary turned extraordinary through a captivating collection of everyday items, showcasing the beauty in the mundane at the Musuem of Objects (MODO).

From vintage toys to kitchen utensils, witness the stories and nostalgia embedded in each object, offering a unique perspective on human history.

The facade of MODO museum with red banners against a historic building, featuring cyclists and a motorbike parked on the tranquil street, encapsulating the lively spirit of Roma Norte, Mexico City.

14. Explore the neighborhood by bicycle

Roma Norte is a very bikeable neighborhood – all major streets and avenues have a designated bike lane. I exclusively move around Roma by bike or on foot because it’s so enjoyable!

You can take a guided bike tour of the neighborhood or opt to show yourself around by using the EcoBici bikeshare (that’s what I use). Renting a bike with Ecobici is easier than ever and super affordable.

On Sundays, some streets in Roma Norte and the major avenue Paseo de La Reforma (a few blocks north of Roma Norte) are closed off to cars so that bicycles and pedestrians have the lanes to themselves.

It’s a fun way to spend a Sunday and you can bike all the way to the Historic Center!

A woman riding an 'Ecobici' city bike waits at a bustling intersection in Mexico City, with cars and a red bus in motion around her, under the shade of lush green trees.

15. Experience world-class cocktails

Mexico City bars consistently rank as some of the best bars in the world and many are located here in Roma Norte.

Limantour has held a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars for years now and is one of the best places to get a cocktail.

There are also plenty of other bars that may not have as much prestige but still serve great drinks and a lively ambiance. From elegant rooftop bars to buzzing cantinas my friends and I find ourselves at a different and fun bar every time.

A handcrafted cocktail with a pineapple garnish and a chili powder rim is illuminated on a wooden table inside the elegant Balmori rooftop bar and restaurant.

16. Go for late-night tacos al pastor

Do like chilangos (Mexico City locals) do and grab some tacos al pastor before going home after a night out.

Open until the wee hours of the morning, Tacos Álvaro Obregón and Taqueria Orinoco are just two of the busiest (and tastiest) taquerías for grabbing an post-bar snack.

But you don’t have to wait until late at night, you can find delicious tacos in Roma Norte all day, even for breakfast!

If you go to Tacos Álvaro Obregón, Jorge says you have to try the tacos de lengua (beef tongue tacos). Let me know if you were brave enough to try them!

Top-down view of Tacos de Trompo from Taqueria Orinoco, served on a tray with vibrant toppings of cilantro and onions, accompanied by crispy fried potatoes, a selection of salsas, lime wedges, and a refreshing drink on a red table.

A taqueria worker in an orange shirt slices meat from a vertical rotisserie for tacos al pastor inside a colorful eatery with the sign 'Taqueria Alvaro Obregon' overhead.

17. Learn how to dance like a local at Mama Rumba

Dancing or learning how to dance is one of the most fun things you can do when in Mexico City.

Salsa is probably what first comes to mind but other popular dances are cumbia and bachata.

Mama Rumba is a popular dance club in Roma Norte with a live band that always draws a fun crowd.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, they offer classes from 8:45 to 10 pm so you can practice before the band arrives and the real dancing begins.

There are also several dance schools in the area for private or group lessons and salsa dancing tours where you can go with a group of other travelers.

18. Shop for Mexican-made pieces at local bazaars

Bazaras are a great way to shop local in Mexico City. They are full of different Mexican-made products like jewelry, candles, and clothes.

I have a friend who has her own clothing line and sells in weekend bazaars like Bazar Resiliente.

I think bazaars are the best place to find cool and unique pieces to take home with you while also supporting a Mexican designer.

Bazaars usually happen only one or two weekends out of the month so be sure to check their Instagram pages for the next one. Some other popular ones are Casa Bazar, Maxicca Verbena, Bunker Bazar, and Vanitas Bazar.

A woman with tousled, wavy hair sits casually against a crinkled beige backdrop, wearing a loose white blouse and blue jeans. She has a serene expression as she gazes to the side, with small flowers adorning her hair.

19. Sample Mexico’s craft brew scene

If you want a change from mezcal and tequila, Roma Norte has a great selection of craft beer to try.

La Roma Brewing is good for large groups, La Belga has a varied selection of craft beers from all over Mexico that you can buy to drink at your hotel, and Falling Piano Brewery is a big space with fun bar games like beer pong.

A woman smiling at a table with tropical plants in the background, enjoying a cold beer in a relaxed outdoor setting at Jardin Chapultepec.

20. Listen to vinyls at Cafe de Nadie

Cafe de Nadie is only a few years old but it has taken off in popularity amongst foreigners and locals alike and is currently one of the most popular bars in Roma Norte.

It’s a small, intimate space that fills up quickly so arrive early. Whether it’s a live DJ or classic vinyl they always have great music. Their food and drink menu is also worth mentioning as they use local and often overlooked ingredients grown in Xochimilco.

21. Learn about the history of Roma on a Free Walking Tour

If you’re interested in learning a few facts about the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, check out their daily free walking tours. Just remember to tip your guide!

23. Shop vintage at chic boutiques

Mexico City is full of cool vintage finds. Some of the best vintage clothing shops in Roma Norte are Vintage Hoe, Goodbye Folk, and Lobo Vintage.

These clothes may be second-hand but they definitely don’t have second-hand price tags so don’t expect a bargain.

24. Explore the neighboring Condesa neighborhood

La Colonia Condesa is just a stone’s throw away from Colonia Roma Norte.

Although I live in Roma Norte, I find myself in Condesa almost daily to walk my dog Colima in Parque Mexico.

The line between Condesa and Roma Norte is not obvious so you’re bound to find yourself wandering between the two without even noticing.

There are many wonderful things to do in Condesa so be sure to explore this beautiful neighborhood as well!

25. Pick out a book to read at a local bookstore

When my good friend from college (who is now a librarian) recently came to visit, we did a tour of all the libraries and bookshops around.

Her favorite was the charming three-story bookstore-cafe El Pendulo. They have a huge selection of books and quite a few English-language options.

A woman in casual attire walks past the red awning of 'Cafébreria El Péndulo', a café and bookstore, as people dine and relax at outdoor tables."

26. Try pastries with a Mexican spin at Panaderia Rosetta

Rosetta is a Roma Norte staple. They have three bakeries and a restaurant that made the 2023 list of The World’s Top 50 Restaurants.

There is always a line so you need to stop by early if you want to choose from their full selection of pastries before they run out.

It can sometimes feel overrated considering the long lines and how it feels more European than Mexican. But with that said, I do think the pastries are delicious and it’s my go-to if I’m craving a French-style treat.

I love the rollo de guayaba (a flaky croissant roll filled with sweet ricotta cheese and guava preserves) and any one of their filled donuts.

If you’re craving a pastry, then it’s worth the wait, otherwise, save yourself time and money and go for a real Mexican breakfast instead.

A close-up of a hand holding a delicate berry-flavored donut from Panaderia Rosetta with a light pink glaze and red sprinkles, presented on a piece of brown parchment paper, with a natural background softly blurred to keep the focus on the pastry.

27. Check out the contemporary art scene at the OMR Gallery

Galeria OMR is one of Roma Norte’s many contemporary art galleries that invites art enthusiasts to explore exhibitions featuring works by both established and emerging artists from Mexico and beyond.

The gallery has been showcasing art across different media and genres for over forty years and is currently located in the heart of Roma Norte in a remodeled brutalist building.

28. Indulge in contemporary Mexican cuisine at Roma’s top restaurants

Mexico City has an incredible food scene and some of the very best restaurants are found right here in Roma Norte. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Roma Norte to try refined Mexican cuisine.

An overhead view of a vibrant Mexican meal spread from Fonda Fina, featuring tacos, a bowl of meatball soup, and sauces on a table with woven placemats and fresh flowers, showcasing a variety of textures and colors.

A plate of gourmet tacos from Fonda Fina topped with grilled meat, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onions served on a black stone plate, a rustic backdrop adding warmth to the culinary presentation.

Maximo

A French-Mexican bistro that has been a staple in Mexico City restaurant scene for more than a decade. I went with my mom the first time she came to visit me in Mexico City and literally everything we tried was exquisite.

Contramar

World-famous Mexican seafood restaurant known for its tuna tostadas and grilled snapper with red and green salsa.

Fonda Fina

A slightly more under-the-radar restaurant that has also been around many years. They serve a variety of different Mexican specialties with excellent execution and attention to detail.

My favorite thing I ate last time I went were the tacos de suadero. It’s usually not as crowded as the two above and easier to get a table without a reservation.

Canton Mexicali

Newly opened but already making a name for itself, Canton Mexicali brings the cuisine from Northern Mexico where Chinese and Mexican cooking blended when Chinese immigrants settled in Mexico in the last century.

29. Travesia Cuatro Gallery

A popular gallery among the art community, Travesia Cuatro exhibits the art of new and upcoming artists.

The gallery is set in a beautiful multi-level home that’s an experience in itself.

30. Go thrifting at Jardin Pushkin

Every Sunday there is a market locally known as a tianguis in Jardin Pushkin.

People sell an eclectic mix of clothes, home decor, and furniture, and it can be a fun place to look for a diamond in the rough.

You can also have barbacoa or quesadillas for breakfast at one of the food stands before or after you shop.

31. Have a chic brunch at Madre Cafe

Set in a historic 1932 mansion, Madre Cafe is one of the trendiest spots for brunch in Roma Norte (especially on weekends).

Their menu is full of tasty food and an abundance of drinks and brunch cocktails to choose from. I love to have brunch on their patio since it’s pet-friendly!

An elaborate cocktail from Madre Café with a frothy top, garnished with fresh basil and blackberries, served in a rounded glass on a textured table.

A black dog wearing a decorative collar looks off into the distance, seated near a patterned iron gate inside a sunlit café with warm tones.

32. Dance the night away at Patrick Miller

Patrick Miller is an iconic Mexico City nightclub that has been around for over 30 years.

Only open on Fridays, it’s the nightclub to visit if you love dancing and don’t mind a very thick crowd.

Every Friday night the music has a different theme. It switches between Italian disco, high energy, and 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s hits.

The line to get in can be very long so the earlier you arrive, the better.

33. Poke around Bazar el Oro

This little market is located on the edge of Cibeles from 9 am-7 pm Saturday and Sunday.

It’s worth the 20-30 minutes it takes to stroll through if you’re looking for any last-minute souvenirs.

There are even a couple of food vendors if you want to eat something quick for lunch.

34. Get an overview of the city by Turibus

You can’t get more touristy than a ride on a double-decker tour bus. Love them or hate them, they are an efficient way to see a lot of a city, easily.

They have routes that take you around the Historic Center, Polanco neighborhood, and the south of the city.

La Cibeles in Roma Norte is a connection point for the different routes so you can start your tour there if you’re close by.

Map of the best things to do in roma norte

Getting Around Roma Norte

The best way to get around Roma Norte is by walking. It’s such a picturesque neighborhood that needs to be discovered on foot to appreciate it fully.

You can easily walk from one end of Roma Norte to the other in half an hour so it’s not too big of a feat to tackle on foot. And if you only have a day to spend in Roma Norte, let me help you make the most of it.

Of course, if your feet get tired after a day full of walking (I normally walk at least 20,000 steps a day when showing visitors around) then you can rent an EcoBici and cycle around or call an Uber.

If you need more help planning how to get to/from Roma Norte or want a guide that gives you a complete overview of Roma Norte, be sure to check out my other post for a guide to Roma Norte for first-time visitors!

Is Roma Norte safe at night?

Roma Norte is a very safe neighborhood, even at night. While it’s always best to call an Uber or bike home if it’s late at night with fewer people around (usually after 11pm or 12am) I sometimes do walk home from bars in Roma Norte to my apartment (which is also in Roma Norte) and feel safe.

If it’s earlier in the evening after dinner around 8/9pm I don’t think twice about it and will walk home alone along well-lit streets with other pedestrians. I’ve been living in Roma Norte for four years (Mexico City for 6 years) and I’ve never felt threatened or unsafe.

Final Thoughts

Roma Norte is one of Mexico City’s most vibrant neighborhoods with so many different things to see and do.

From sipping mezcal at a mezcaleria or enjoying a coffee at an outdoor patio to exploring tree-lined streets like Calle Colima or Avenida Álvaro Obregón, there is so much to see in Roma Norte.

I’ve been living in La Roma since 2020 and I am still obsessed with this beautiful neighborhood. I love its central location and how easy it is to explore other nearby neighborhoods like Roma Sur, Condesa, and Reforma.

Have questions? Join my free Facebook group, Mexico City Things to Do, where I answer your questions and share in real-time my new favorite spots and what’s currently going on in the city!