Roma Condesa Mexico City: The Beautiful Bohemian Heart of the Capital
Welcome to the most hipster and bohemian places in Mexico City: The Roma and Condesa districts! These residential and restaurant areas sit gracefully on either side of Insurgentes Avenue — Condesa on the west and Roma on the east. Together, they create one of the largest and most delightful parts of the city.
Are you a fan of street art, Mexican food, chic cafes, and adorable puppies? If so, this post is tailor-made for you!
Let’s dive in!
Reason 1: Doggie Schools 🐶
Reason 2: Parque Mexico (Mexico Park) 🌳
Reason 3: Architectural Marvels 🏰
Reason 4: Location, Location, Location 🗺️
Reason 5: Bike-Friendly Hangouts 🚲
Reason 6: Gastronomic Wonders 🌮
Reason 7: Bookstore Cafes ☕
Reason 8: Huerto Roma Verde and Secret Cinemas 🌴🎥
Reason 9: Museums Galore 🏛️
Reason 10: Cosmopolitan Vibes 🏠
Roma and Condesa in Mexico City
These neighborhoods were the first to emerge in Mexico City, planned and built with all modern comforts. Think wide streets, tree-lined boulevards, and streets named after Mexican states and cities.
Here are 10 reasons to visit and admire the artistic charm of Roma and Condesa in Mexico City!
Doggie Schools
Situated between Roma and Condesa, this spacious dog school offers a thousand square meters of canine paradise. There are hydration stations, waste disposal spots, and ample space for your furry friend to frolic freely.
Where exactly? It’s located in Condesa, between Vicente Suárez, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, and Benjamín Hill streets. Easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation via the Campeche and Sonora Metrobus stations.
Expect a parade of Chihuahuas, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers, making it a joyous sight!
Visit Parque Mexico and Parque España
These parks are a green oasis, perfect for reconnecting with nature. On weekends, catch live music and dancers practicing their moves. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, quiet reads, or even a romantic rendezvous.
At Mexico Park, behind the “La Fuente de Los Cantaros” statue, various activities thrive, from group dancing to skateboarding and dog-walking. There’s even an “audiorama,” offering peaceful outdoor relaxation.
What can you do at Mexico Park and Spain Park?
- Stroll along the park’s paths and enjoy the lush greenery.
- Join a yoga or fitness class held in its open spaces.
- Try delicious churros and hot chocolate at Cafe El Moro.
- Visit the dog area to witness adorable pup activities.
- Explore art exhibitions and cultural events frequently hosted here.
Architectural Wonders
Roma and Condesa have diverse architectural styles — French, Italian, Neo-Gothic, and Arabic — thanks to the Porfirian period from 1876 to 1911. While Condesa flaunts its parks and main avenues, Roma shines with uniform architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets.
These neighborhoods have been globally recognized among the best 50 neighborhoods. Their multicultural vibe and different activities are astounding.
Discover five iconic buildings:
- Casa Lamm (Lamm House): A neoclassical beauty housing an art gallery and cultural center.
- Casa Gilardi (Gilardi House): An impressive creation by architect Luis Barragán, famous for its impressive colors and natural light.
- Edificio Condesa (Condesa Building): A stunning Art Deco structure now converted into apartments and businesses.
- Casa de Las Brujas (Witches House): A striking Art Nouveau residence and a favorite spot for photos and urban legends.
- Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family Parish): A breathtaking church showcasing Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements.
Location, Location, Location
Centrally placed, these neighborhoods have easy access to Chapultepec, Mexico, and Spain Parks. Nearby lies the Juárez neighborhood, rich in history and heritage.
Roma and Condesa are not just residential neighborhoods but significant work centers in Mexico City. Convenient transportation routes link them to Del Valle, Anzures, and Polanco neighborhoods.
Biking Adventures
While many neighborhoods in Mexico City support cycling, Roma and Condesa excel with numerous bike routes and rental points. Pedaling from one place to another here is not just practical but a delightful experience, thanks to their closely situated bike stations.
“The public bicycle rental system in Mexico City has seen remarkable growth. From zero subscribers in 2010 to 233,000 by December 2016, it’s been a success story with extensive social and economic benefits.”
(Source: Labrujula.nexos.com.mx)
How to rent an Ecobici bike?
To rent an Ecobici bike, download the Ecobici app on your smartphone. Set up an account, and add your details, including credit or debit card information. Find a nearby Ecobici station, select an available bike via the app, unlock it, and you’re set to ride!
The first 45 minutes of each trip are included, and additional time incurs extra charges. Return the bike to any Ecobici station using the app, follow road rules, and wear a helmet for safety. Happy cycling!
Gastronomic Delights
In Mexico City, you can taste foods from all around the world — Thai, Peruvian, French, Korean, and more! In Roma-Condesa, lots of cool restaurants offer different kinds of food from different countries.
You can find fancy restaurants, food trucks on the street, and old-style food shops in these areas. No matter if you’re eating in a posh place or grabbing a snack from a street cart, the food here is delicious and will make your food adventure awesome!
Five Must-Try Restaurants:
- Sarumino: A vegan ramen and taco paradise with creative spins on classics.
- Delirio: Offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes using fresh local ingredients.
- Cancino Roma: Popular for wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings.
- El Pescadito Condesa: A beloved taqueria specializing in seafood tacos.
- Frutos Prohibidos: Serves salads, a delicious combination of juices, chilaquiles, and mouth-watering veggie-type burritos.
Bookstore Cafes
The combination of bookstores and cafes in these neighborhoods creates a perfect atmosphere to hang out. Reading enthusiasts and coffee aficionados find a lovely shelter at El Péndulo Roma, Cafe Garat, or Blend Station Cafe.
Recently, people worldwide have been drawn here, even for remote work options.
Four Charming Cafes:
- Santas Conchas Condesa: It is famous for its freshly baked goods, offering a variety of pastries and bread that are often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Boicot Cafe: An independent coffee shop with a relaxed vibe.
- Bola de Oro: It’s celebrated for serving high-quality Mexican coffee and a variety of traditional baked goods.
- Cielito Querido Cafe: Serving traditional Mexican drinks alongside pastries and salads.
Huerto Roma Verde and Underground Cinema
Huerto Roma emerged post-1985 earthquake, bridging ecology and culture. Amidst growing beans or squash, it hosts concerts, movies, and workshops.
Nearby is Cine Tonala, a distinctive cinema in Roma. It screens independent and foreign films, accompanied by art exhibitions and live music, boasting a stylish and bohemian ambiance.
How to reach Huerto Roma and Cinema Tonala?
- Huerto Roma: Near Tonala and Chihuahua streets, accessible via Centro Médico Metro Station (subway).
- Tonala Cinema: Close to Tonala and Campeche streets, reachable via Chilpancingo and Centro Medico metro stations.
Museums Galore
In Mexico City’s Cuauhtemoc Delegation, which includes La Roma, there are about 170 museums. When exploring Roma, you’ll find some interesting museums.
For example, there’s the Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Object Museum), where you can see everyday objects from the past. At the Casa Lamm Cultural Center, they regularly change the art exhibitions and hold workshops.
Noteworthy Museums:
Cosmopolitan Charisma
Roma and Condesa are places that pull in people from all over the world. Lots of folks have made this area their home and started their businesses here, loving the vibe and style.
These neighborhoods mix fancy and old-school feels, attracting people who love art, good food, and real experiences. If you’re into art, cool places, delicious street food, and local vibes, Roma and Condesa are waiting for you to explore!
