How to spend 2 days in Roma Norte

Travel Itinerary

4 ratings

Itinerary by: Caroline Oliveira

3 years ago

Traveller

Duration: 2 days

Itinerary Contents

Day 1
Day 2

Itinerary Introduction

Roma Norte, located in the district of Cuauhtémoc in Mexico City, is home to various young hipsters and new professionals from all over the globe, amazing restaurants and parks filled with people walking their dogs and trees that give you shade in the mostly sunny capital. The Federal district has a population of over 9 million and Roma Norte which is near Roma Sur, La Condesa and Polanco are some of the most beautiful and most expensive neighborhoods in Mexico City. Due to the high-end restaurants, international stores and growing number of tourists, these neighborhoods are the highlight of the modern day Federal District experience. It is safe to walk around with cell phone in hand or headphones blasting your favorite song. When you take a moment to overhear someone´s conversation it is rare to hear someone speaking Spanish, because it is such a culturally diverse city. This aspect is also shown through all the different types of foods you can find, like Vegan, Indian, Argentinean, Brazilian and so much more. Roma Norte has a magical feeling that is hard to find in bigger cities. It embraces every person who walks the streets, you just have to open your eyes and pay attention to the small details. It would take months to get to know every different place this city has to offer, therefore I have chosen a selection of my favorite places in order for you to be able to get to know little bit of everything. Most of the places that are mentioned can be reserved at opentable.com.mx or/and on their specific websites. Photo Credit: Caroline Oliveira

Useful information about Roma Norte

Getting around in Roma Norte

If you want to see houses that have European influences mixed with bright colors and trees lining every street, Roma Norte is the right choice for you. Not only can you easily rent a bike, but most places are only a 15-20 minute car ride away to other neighborhoods (always prefer an app ride rather than a taxi, due to safety reasons) some app suggestions are: Beat, Didi and Uber. The drivers almost never have change so it is a good idea to put in a credit card in order to avoid any problems. The city has a reliable underground subway system to take you to places like the Center or Coyoacán that have more of a historical element. I personally like walking around since around every corner is a little sidewalk café with its own special vibe or a building that is totally covered in street art.

Where to stay in Roma Norte

You can stay in AirBnBs that are tastefully decorated according to their owner’s personality or pay a little more if you prefer a hotel, some of which may include breakfast. If you don´t mind paying a little more for a room with a view, try a hotel close to Park Mexico or the Amsterdam Circuit near the border between Roma Norte and La Condesa. However if you are in a budget staying closer to the Juaréz district might save you a little cash, and there are even a couple of hostels.

Roma Norte - Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 in Roma Norte

Welcome to day 1 of this 2 day exploration of Roma Norte

08:00 - 10:00

Parque Mexico

Av México, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Parque Mexico is located in La Condesa, walking distance from anywhere in Roma Norte. Its 22 acres is filled with ponds, fountains and trees that tower over the visitors. It is surrounded by tiny cafés that are perfect for a light breakfast and coffee before the day begins. Walking around its twisted walkways you can find all different types of people, from tourists sitting down on benches enjoying the view, to locals exercising in the main square or walking their dogs along the sidewalks. There is even a small corner for visitors who want to read or study in which there are comfortable lounge chairs and soft music in the background. You can also find Mexican locals selling flowers, candies and handmade artisanal items, remember most of these sellers only accept cash so it is important to keep some in hand. There are a couple of places to rent eco-bikes and it also has free Wi-fi hotspots. It is an ideal way to start a wonderful morning before heading to the next destination. Photo credit: Caroline Oliveira

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Parque Mexico

10:00 - 10:30

La Pantera Fresca

Av. Parras 4, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

La Pantera Fresca is an ice cream chain that has been open for 47 years. La Pantera Fresca has a number of small shops around the city and this one is on a tiny street next to Parque Mexico. The paletas are the star of the show, from flavors varying from gummy bears to red wine, everyone is sure to find their favorite flavor. The price is low and the quality is superb. My personal recommendation is the brownie paleta, chocolate ice cream with real brownie pieces. This is a quick stop to sweeten up your day before the tour continues. Photo credit : Caroline Oliveira

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Price covers: Entry

Prices for La Pantera Fresca
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	2.00 USD

La Pantera Fresca

11:00 - 15:00

Soumaya museum

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, 11529 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

The stunning Soumaya Musuem is located in Polanco, about 15-20 minutes away from the park depending on traffic. It is ideal to take a car service since it is faster and the prices in Mexico City are usually very low compared to other countries. Going on a bike is not recommened because the avenues that connect the two neighborhoods are usually very busy. Once you get to the museum, the bent walls reflect the city skies and take your breath away even before entering its halls filled with history and art. There is no entry fee, however you can pay to have a tour guide in order to understand every unique piece, the artist and the full story behind it. The museum opens at 10:30 a.m and explores the human culture and art behind it. There are 6 floors and each one has a specific theme, ranging from sculptures, religion, and other artifacts. You can spend at least a couple hours there, depending on how much you appreciate art. The collection is huge and it is an excellent way to build up an appetite before a late lunch. Photo credit: Caroline Oliveira

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Soumaya museum

15:30 - 17:00

Sartoria

Orizaba 42, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Sartoria - a small Italian cuisine restaurant in the middle of Roma Norte next to Plaza Rio de Janeiro - is likely to impress anyone who tries their delicious authentic dishes. The owner is an Italian chef that believes that ´´ food is what brings us together´´ according to his Instagram. The gnocco frito is a crowd pleaser and the perfect entrée to a lunch filled with pasta and risottos. Each plate has an amazing presentation and before it is in put on the table you can smell the aroma as the waiter brings it over from a couple feet away. If you are not full by the end of the lunch, the dessert menu, mainly the brownie with ice cream, is the finisher that everyone needs. It opens at 1 p.m. and you can make your reservation on the site that is linked in to their Instagram @sartoriamx. Colonia Roma is known for its many culinary masterpieces and this is one you cannot skip out on. Since it is in Roma you can surely go back to the place you have chosen as a temporary home walking or biking ( there is usually a bike station in every corner) making sure to go around the plaza Rio de Janeiro, that show cases an enormous fountain, and enjoy the view.

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Sartoria

20:00 - 23:00

Toledo Rooftop

Toledo 39, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

The Toledo Rooftop has a 360 view of the city, great Mexican appetizers and dishes, and young electronic DJs to really give you the Mexico City night life experience without having to go the club. After a day of beautiful sceneries, art and good food, the Rooftop is the place to let go and meet new people on the dance floor. If that isn´t not what you like, just head in early and leave early but I doubt with the amazing skyline, splendid drinks from the bar and all different types of people from tables to private booths, anyone can leave this place without one little dance. The Rooftop is located in Juaréz and is a quick car ride from anywhere in Roma. It opens at 1 pm and closes at 2 am, you can make a reservation on the instagram @toledorooftop. Photo credit: unsplash

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Toledo Rooftop

Day 2

08:00 - 10:00

Bistro de Chapultepec

Calle Lago Mayor S/N, 2ª Sección del Bosque de Chapultepec, Bosque de Chapultepec II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11040 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

This bistro is in the Bosque de Chapultepec and offers Mexican style dishes with a view of the Park´s Lake, where you can see children playing, locals walking their dogs and street vendors, while you eat. It is a good way to enjoy and relax at breakfast time before all the walking around. It is very cozy with elegant yet simple seating and has an open concept with a breeze coming in from all sides that makes you forget you are in one of the largest cities in the world. The best part is its 105 dishes menu has vegan and vegetarian friendly options, making sure no one is excluded. The experience is pleasant and can be appreciated by all ages. It opens at around 7:00 a.m and the reservation can be made on their website www.bistrochapultepec.com. Photo credit: Caroline Oliveira

Website

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Bistro de Chapultepec

10:00 - 18:00

Bosque de Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

After breakfast you can go in deeper into the second largest park in all of Latin America. Its 1,700 acres is a mix of trails, greenery, history and art that makes it very special and an oasis to escape the sounds of cars and pollution. The possibilities to explore the park are extensive, but the most important and visited place is the Chapultepec Castle. There is a small fee to enter and it is worth it. You can visit the gardens, the rooms inside the castle and really relish in the panoramic view of Mexico City. There is also a zoo inside the park that has no entrance fee. You can go walking from the castle to the zoo, there are a lot of different animals and exhibits. Sometimes it is crowded since it is free to enter. If you get hungry, there a number of food stands with typical delicious Mexican tacos that are very cheap - my favorite is tostada de pastor con pinã, a hard shell taco with pork meat and pineapple. You can also rent a bike in order to explore the park a bit more without getting too tired. Everything is spread out around the huge park and if you want to see most of the nine museums it’s a good idea to rent one out for a couple of hours. The biggest and most famous museum is the National Museum of Anthropology, it is one of the most visited attractions in the Federal District and there is an entrance fee. It will take out a good chunk of your day and it is optional, but recommended, to pay for a tour guide due to its size and amount of history exhibits. There are other small museums around the park if your prefer to see a variety of art styles, for example: The Museum of Modern Art, that is free on Sundays and the National History Museum, that is actually located inside the Castle making it a good option if you already have the Castle on your list. Around the park you can also buy small gifts for friends and family back home for cheaper than at actual the stores, so make to take cash and not only a credit card. Photo credit: Caroline Oliveira

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Bosque de Chapultepec

20:00 - 23:00

Departamento Studio Bar

Av. Álvaro Obregón 154, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

After a lot of walking and sight-seeing it is time to visit the Departamento Studio Bar on the busiest avenue in Roma Norte, Álvaro Obregón. The reservation is made via whatsapp, linked on their Instagram @departamento_studiobar. You should be in walking distance, that is a good option for observing the night life in the various street bars on your last night, or a 5-10 min car ride away from anywhere in Roma. Once you arrive, you can have casual cocktails and dinner in the first floor with a nice ambiance that feels like an apartment, hence the name Departamento, with cozy furnishing, dim lights and chill music. Most of the time there are DJs but it is not only electronic music. You can sit down and eat if you are tired from the day at the park or stand up and meet new people on the dance floor. You can also go up to the rooftop for the smoking area. There is usually a 150-200 mx peso fee to enter per person. The crowd is varied but mostly people over 25 years of age, with locals and tourists alike. Make sure you get there before 10 p.m on weekends in order to avoid having to wait in line. After a very relaxing day it is time to have a little fun before finishing the trip to the illustrious Roma Norte neighborhood in Mexico City. Photo Credit : Caroline Oliveira

Article By: Caroline Oliveira

Departamento Studio Bar

Privacy: public

Submitted by: Caroline Oliveira, 3 years ago

About the author

Caroline Oliveira

I am a Brazilian lawyer and English teacher . My favorite places to travel to is the beach. I hope to explore more of my home country when the pandemic ends !

Reviews

Luana Bontempo Trip to Roma Norte 3 years ago

I loved touring with Caroline! I’m from NY and went to visit Mexico City, Caroline’s tour of Roma Norte was both educational and a whole lot of fun! Caroline makes sure to take her time to make a personalized intensity and take into account what the tourists wants to see and answer any questions you might have. I loved the places she recommended from historical sight seeing, to restaurants and night life.

1 person found this helpful

Yasmin Zampieri Place to travel next 3 years ago

What a fantastic article Caroline! I absolutely enjoyed it. I am planning on going to Mexico but had no idea where to go first, so your article really gave me a brilliant idea and also gave me confidence that this is an ideal place to go to. Hope you get to travel more and tell your readers more about your other journeys! :)

0 people found this helpful