Vibrant and Vegetated Roma District of Mexico City
In the vibrant heart of Mexico City lies the Colonia of Roma, a neighborhood that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity.
During my recent visit, I was captivated by the elegant Art Nouveau mansions and tree-lined streets such as Colima, Durango, and Orizaba. The charming plazas like Plaza Río de Janeiro and Plaza Luis Cabrera were perfect for leisurely strolls, while the local art scene, including galleries like The Olivia Foundation, added a touch of sophistication.
Roma Norte is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a gastronomic paradise. The trendy cafés, boutiques, and restaurants offer a tantalizing array of casual and refined Mexican cuisine. Popular spots like Avenida La Tizona, El Manjar, and Expendio de Maiz are must-visits, and the modern and diverse Mercado Roma food court is a haven for foodies. For those seeking a deeper dive into the local food culture, joining a tacos and mezcal crawl is a fun and flavourful option.
The creative atmosphere of Roma draws artists and writers, giving the neighborhood a vibrant, alternative vibe. For outdoor enjoyment, the nearby Parque Mexico and the Hipódromo area provide pleasant green spaces for relaxation and people watching, often combined with visits to local bars and nightclubs for nightlife.
My journey from Mexico City to the nearby city of Guanajuato was a comfortable four-hour ride inside a Volvo luxury bus, complete with spacious seats and accessible bathrooms. Upon arrival in Guanajuato, I was greeted by the sight of costumed singers parading around downtown in the evenings, drumming up participants for their singing, parading, and storytelling about the city's history.
However, Guanajuato, known for its history as the location where the Mexican Revolution began, did present some challenges. It is listed as one of the states with a high murder rate, along with Baja California, Michoacán, and Zacatecas.
Back in Mexico City, I found the bustling streets of Roma Norte to be a welcome contrast. The neighborhood's combination of architecture, art, food, and atmosphere makes it a must-visit area in the city. Key highlights include Plaza Río de Janeiro, Plaza Luis Cabrera, and Plaza Cibeles for iconic squares and strolling, The Olivia Foundation art gallery for contemporary art, trendy streets such as Colima, Durango, and Orizaba for architecture, shops, and cafes, Mercado Roma for gourmet street food experiences, tacos and mezcal crawls to explore local food culture, and Parque Mexico and the Hipódromo neighborhood for parks and nightlife.
Navigating Roma Norte was made easy by the city's ECOBICI rental system, where bike rentals cost less than $10 for a 24-hour pass. I stayed at Hotel Stanza, a centrally located hotel offering doormen and good-sized rooms.
Despite the variety of tacos, enchiladas, and mole offered in Mexico City, I found it difficult to find satisfying meals. A popular stand for hamburguesas (hamburgers) was visited, but the author did not find any meals they loved.
Visitors often remember Mexico City for its leafy neighborhoods, swanky cocktail bars, and stunning museums, but the city also has its challenges. Smog is noticeable on the horizon, but it did not affect my early-morning pickleball game in a park. Uber rides in Mexico City are about half the cost of rides in New York City, making transportation affordable.
However, the rate of increase in Mexico City's population is lower than ever in history, with the city's population surging to 22.75 million in 2025. Despite this, the city remains a vibrant and exciting destination, with Roma Norte being a standout area not to be missed.
Reference(s): [1] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/mexico-city/neighborhoods/roma-norte [2] https://www.timeout.com/mexico-city/things-to-do/roma-norte [3] https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-roma-norte-mexico-city
Discovering the vibrant neighborhood of Roma Norte was akin to combining a tranquil home-and-garden stroll with an exotic travel adventure. The charming plazas and tree-lined streets are reminiscent of a relaxing home-and-garden scene, while the trendy cafes, galleries, and food markets offer the thrill of exploring a new travel destination. Whether you're admiring the Art Nouveau architecture, joining a tacos and mezcal crawl, or lounging in Parque Mexico, Roma Norte's lifestyle blends history, culture, and modernity, making it more than just a tourist attraction—it's a lifestyle experience.
