12 Things To Do While You’re In Mexico City’s Polanco Neighborhood

Neighboring Bosque de Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s Polanco neighborhood is one of the loveliest areas in the city.

Compared to other neighborhoods in Mexico City, Polanco has a rather posh and luxurious air to it. In fact, Polanco is famed for its luxury shopping along Presidente Masaryk Avenue, the most expensive street in Mexico.

Staying in this area also means you’ll be close to hotspots like Museo Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of Anthropology), Museo Soumaya, and Chapultepec Park.

In addition to luxury shopping, upscale hotels, and popular museums, the area is a gastronomic mecca, home to several modern bars and some of Latin America’s top dining establishments.

If you’re looking to discover a few new activities to partake in when you’re in town, below are some of the top things to do in Polanco, Mexico City.

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Looking for a fun-filled Mexico City travel itinerary? Check out my 4-day Mexico City itinerary that hits up the city’s highlights and hidden gems.

Have breakfast at Guzina Oaxaca

Tucked away on a chic street in Polanco, Guzina Oaxaca is an ode to the rich flavors of southern Mexico. Helmed by acclaimed Chef Alejandro Ruiz and executed by Chef Carlos Galán—both Oaxacan natives—this restaurant celebrates the region’s iconic cuisine, rooted in corn, chiles, and complex moles.

The menu is a tribute to Oaxaca’s culinary traditions, with dishes like memelitas tradicionales, tlayuda, and tamaliza de mole negro con pollo taking center stage. Adventurous eaters can even try grasshoppers, a local delicacy.

And don’t leave without sipping on a cup of Oaxacan chocolate—it’s the perfect way to end your meal.

Experience Mexico City’s fine dining scene

Polanco is often called the “Beverly Hills of Mexico,” and for good reason. This upscale neighborhood is home to luxury hotels, high-net-worth residents, diplomatic missions and embassies, and some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

This neighborhood is a culinary powerhouse, boasting some of the best restaurants in Mexico City—and arguably the world. You’ll find two of the city’s top fine-dining destinations here: Pujol and Quintonil.

Pujol Mexican Restaurant

Ask any fine-dining enthusiast about their must-eat list in Mexico City, and chances are, Pujol will be at the top. Ranked by The Wall Street Journal as the finest Mexican restaurant in the city, Pujol is the brainchild of Enrique Olvera, the chef behind New York’s Cosme and Atla.

At Pujol, you have two dining options:

1. The Tasting Menu: A multi-course experience served in the formal dining room, showcasing Olvera’s innovative take on Mexican cuisine.
2. Taco Omakase: A more casual (but equally impressive) option at the bar, featuring a rotating selection of tacos, antojitos (small bites), and botanas (snacks).

No matter which you choose, you’ll likely get to try Olvera’s legendary Mole Madre—a dish that’s been aging for over 2,500 days (yes, you read that right).

Pro Tip: Reservations are a must. Pujol is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the country, so book well in advance.

Quitonil Mexican Restaurant

While Pujol often steals the spotlight, Quintonil is just as deserving of praise. This restaurant is a love letter to Mexican ingredients, with a focus on native foods like maize, beans, squash, chiles, mushrooms, and other more daring local specialties—yes, we’re talking about bugs.

That’s right, Quintonil isn’t afraid to incorporate ingredients like escamoles (ant larvae) and chapulines (grasshoppers) into their dishes. These might sound unconventional, but they’re a nod to Mexico’s rich culinary history.

Quintonil offers a nine-course tasting menu that’s a journey through Mexico’s flavors, with a few meat dishes sprinkled in. If you’re not up for the full-tasting menu, the à la carte options are equally stellar.

And don’t skip dessert—Quintonil’s sweet creations are as memorable as the mains.

Grab drinks at Licorería Limantour

If you can only visit one bar in all of Mexico City, make it Licorería Limantour! This cocktail bar has become an institution in Mexico City’s bubbling nightlife scene and was even voted as one of the world’s best bars.

The space is beautiful, the drinks are colorful, creative, and delicious as heck, and there is really nothing to not like about this place!

In Mexico City, Limantour is regarded as the bar with the best cocktails; its mixologists are so good that they even teach others around the city. Numerous cocktail experts come here to witness the craft in action, but it’s also well-liked by a usually hip audience. 

The food, which includes a variety of small dishes, including crab tostadas and Spanish-style potatoes, is excellent.

Explore Museo Soumaya

Since its inception in 2011, the Soumaya Museum has swiftly become one of Mexico City’s most recognizable attractions.

Not just because of the art that’s inside, but also because of the way the building looks. The massive silver structure, tiled with hundreds of silver hexagons, is one of the city’s most showy pieces of architecture. 

The museum’s 66,000-piece collection includes works by great artists such as Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo. Aside from Mexican painters, the collection is dominated by European classics such as Matisse and Degas.

Museo Jumex

Museo Jumex is home to one of Latin America’s most significant private collections of modern art, featuring works by heavyweights like Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst.

The museum showcases a diverse range of media, from paintings and sketches to light installations and video art, making it a must-visit for contemporary art lovers.

But the art isn’t the only showstopper here—the building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by British architect David Chipperfield, the museum is a striking 15,000-square-foot white concrete cube topped with a sawtooth roof. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as the art inside.

Museo Jumex is located right across the square from the iconic Soumaya Museum. That means you can easily knock out two cultural gems in one day. Talk about efficiency!

See the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros mural

For people who love grand-scale murals, the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros is a must-see in Mexico City.

This iconic building is hard to miss—it’s covered in one of the world’s largest murals, The March of Humanity by David Alfaro Siqueiros. The mural spans the walls and ceilings, depicting humanity’s evolution from past to future, and it’s a sight to behold even if you’re not an art buff.

Inside, you’ll find a circular theater and a small museum with photos and artifacts that tell the story of the mural and its creation. Fun fact: the building itself was designed around the mural, with an international team of experts working on it for over a decade.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time or want more context on murals throughout CDMX, you should join a free walking tour. Some tours are mural-focused, some are taco-themed, and others are neighborhood-specific. You can browse through all your options on FREETOUR, where you’ll find a handful of tip-based tours run by locals.

Go shopping at Antara Fashion Hall

If you’re in Polanco and love a mix of luxury and leisure, Antara Fashion Hall is a must-visit. This open-air mall is equal parts shopping destination and architectural experience.

Spread across three floors, Antara is home to high-end fashion brands like Burberry, Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, and Hugo Boss, as well as beauty staples like Sephora and unique finds like Hamley’s.

The architectural designs make it a beautiful place to stroll around, even if you’re just window-shopping. When you’re ready to take a break, there are plenty of chic restaurants and cafes to refuel at, offering everything from casual bites to upscale dining.

Stroll through El Palacio de Hierro

Let me start by saying this: I’m not a mall person. But El Palacio de Hierro in Polanco? It’s the exception.

Located right in the heart of Polanco, this high-end mall spans four entire blocks, and the best part? There are no walls or partitions between the stores. It feels more like wandering through a chic, open-concept museum than a mall.

During my visit, they were showcasing the 100 Years of Mexican Couture Collection, which made strolling through the department store so much more entertaining. Even if you’re not here to shop, the visual feast alone is worth the trip.

The mall has three levels packed with fashion—think clothes, shoes, accessories, watches, and more—from all the big-name brands you’d expect.

If you’re not into shopping, head to the top floor. The top floor is a food lover’s paradise, with around 15 options ranging from Spanish tapas and Mexican classics to vegan dishes, Lebanese cuisine, and even decadent desserts like churros, ice cream, and artisanal chocolates.

Oh, and did I mention the food court often has live music? Yeah, it’s that kind of place. Honestly, I’d go back just for the food court.

Visit the Inbursa Aquarium

Immerse yourself in the underwater world at Inbursa Aquarium, the only underground aquarium in Latin America. Home to over 5,000 creatures and 230 species, this place is a must-see for marine animal lovers.

Start your journey by taking the submersible elevator down to the basement, where you’ll find a sunken ship and interactive exhibits on storms, waves, and tsunamis.

As you ascend through the levels, you’ll encounter everything from colorful corals and graceful jellyfish to piranhas, penguins, and even sharks.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the retail area for educational materials or a quirky souvenir to remember your visit.

Soak in the Beauty of Polanco’s Parks

Polanco is surrounded by some of Mexico City’s best green spaces, and Chapultepec Park is the crown jewel. Think of Chapultepec as Mexico City’s equivalent to NYC’s Central Park or Chicago’s Hyde Park—a sprawling 1,700-acre oasis filled with museums, botanical gardens, a massive lake, and even a zoo.

For a unique experience, hop on the park’s scenic cable car or rent a pedalo boat to float on the lake. And if you’re visiting after 8 p.m., don’t miss the Boat Cinema at Bosque de Chapultepec. Watching a movie under the stars—it’s as magical as it sounds.

But Chapultepec isn’t the only park worth exploring. Here are a few more gems in Polanco:

• Plaza Uruguay: A small, tree-lined park perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. Look for the bronze statue of General José Artigas, a key figure in Uruguay’s independence movement.
• Calzada de los Poetas: Located within Chapultepec Park, this peaceful pedestrian walkway is lined with trees, benches, and tributes to Mexican poets. It’s the ideal spot for a quiet stroll or a moment of reflection.
• Parque Lincoln: A charming, dog-friendly park in the heart of Polanco. With its towering trees, small lake, and statues of Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, it’s a lovely place to relax and soak in the views.

Saturday Market at Parque Lincoln

If you’re in Polanco on a Saturday, don’t miss the Tianguis de los Sábados at Parque Lincoln. Tianguis—Mexico’s beloved open-air markets—are a weekend tradition, and this one is a true local gem.

Wander through stalls brimming with fresh fruits, veggies, and handmade goods, or treat yourself to irresistible street food like tacos, tamales, and tropical fruits sprinkled with lime and chili.

The energy is lively, the prices are wallet-friendly, and the experience is 100% authentic.

Get a taste of Polanco’s nightlife

When the sun sets, Polanco comes alive with a nightlife scene that’s as diverse as it is energetic. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening at a speakeasy, a night of salsa dancing, or an all-out club experience where you dance until sunrise, this neighborhood has you covered.

Start your evening by bar-hopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Mexico City’s most expensive street and the heart of Polanco’s upscale vibe. This glamorous stretch is lined with trendy spots where you can sip cocktails, enjoy live music, or even catch a mariachi band in action.

For something a little more underground, venture off the main avenue to discover hidden gems like Virgilio, a well-known club with a cool, intimate atmosphere.

If speakeasies are your thing, don’t miss Jules Basement, the city’s first hidden bar, accessible through a quirky refrigerator door. For a more glamorous vibe, head to La Santa, where the dress code is as posh as the cocktails. And if exclusivity is what you’re after, Dinsmoor is the ultimate spot—entry is by personal invitation only.

Just keep in mind that Polanco’s nightlife tends to be on the pricier side—upscale venues mean upscale prices.

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Where To Stay In Polanco, Mexico City

Polanco is one of the safest to stay in Mexico City. If you’re looking to stay in this neighborhood, here are a few hotels we like:

Where To Stay In Polanco, Mexico City:

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ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR VISITING MEXICO CITY

• Mexico City sits about 7,382 feet above sea level. You’ll want to prepare yourself for the high elevation by drinking lots of water, avoiding alcohol your first day, and using sunscreen at all times.
• Mexico City’s air pollution is really bad, so on days when the air quality is extra poor, you’ll want to travel with a mask to avoid breathing in all the bad air.
• If you’re looking to save money on your trip, take public transportation — but with caution. Riding the bus or the metro costs less than $1 each ride, but it does come with the risk of being pickpocketed.. or robbed.
• Do not use the metro after dark, especially if you are traveling alone. The metro and its surrounding areas can be hotspots of crime at night. It’ll be better to just order an Uber, just to be safe.
• Avoid moving around the city during rush hour. The roads, buses and trains are especially crowded from 7 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 9 pm. Stick to walking during these hours or prepare to be on the road with a lot of others.
• Most museums are closed on Mondays. If your 4 days in Mexico City fall on a Monday, do plan accordingly and try to schedule your museum days either before or after Monday. Other aspects of the city (restaurants, bars, shops, etc.) are business as usual.
• During lunch try comida corrida, the three / four-course lunches that many restaurants serve at a fixed price. The value for food is great!
• Tipping is a thing in Mexico. As a general rule, tip a minimum of 10% in restaurants and bars. Tipping taxi drivers or street vendors is not necessary.
• Don’t flush your toilet paper! Most places in Mexico have plumbing that isn’t equipped to deal with excess paper, so be sure to throw your used toilet paper in the trash bin instead. (This one is hard, but do try to ignore your muscle memory of tossing it in the toilet!)
• Exercise caution when traveling throughout Mexico City. Do not flash your money or phone freely, even when taking taxis or Ubers. It is not uncommon for phones/other belongings to be snatched right out of car windows. (This actually happened to one of our Uber drivers while she was giving us a ride…)

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MEXICO CITY: ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST

Along with your usual travel clothes, here are a few things I suggest you bring for your Mexico City trip:

• Travel Documents | Passport, student ID, medical card, proof of travel insurance, printed documents of your flight/hotel bookings, etc.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not lose the little immigration form paper you receive once you leave the airport. you will need this to leave the country of Mexico. Put this in a safe place (preferably with your passport) for the duration of your trip. If you lose this paper, you will have to pay a fine of $60 USD.
• Packing Cubes | Start packing the smart way. The key to smart packing is going to be compartmentalization, aka your packing cubes. By using packing cubes, it’s so much easier to pull out only what you need, rather than dig through all of your luggage to find that one thing you’re looking for.
• Laundry Bag | Warm destinations + lots of exploring = lots of sweaty, smelly worn clothes. Don’t spoil your entire bag by mixing worn clothes with your unworn clothes! Definitely bring a laundry bag to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes to maintain the utmost freshness.
• Flip Belt | A travel belt is a smart traveler’s best friend. They are the best thief-proof tool for airplane travel, public transportation travel, walking around abroad, and just about everything else in between. I always, always use a Flip Belt to carry around identification, important documents, and money that I want to keep safe and right by my side.
• Rain Jacket | If rain is in the forecast, don’t forget to bring a rain jacket so that you are not deterred from exploring the city.
• Packable Puffy Jacket | If you’re traveling in the fall or wintertime, you’re going to need layers. A jacket that’s packable is key.
• Travel Daypack | I’m a huge fan of the Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack. It’s stylish and has ample room for all the essentials, snacks, and water you’ll need while exploring. For something more thief-proof, check out a few of our favorite anti-theft travel bags here.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes | One pair of closed-toed shoes is always crucial for any trip. My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! Really, you can walk miles and miles without feeling foot pain! And the best part is that they have them for both men and women.
• Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures… the last thing you want is to be exploring with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of urban exploration without it.
• Travel Adapter | If you’re traveling from abroad (outside of the Americas), a universal travel adapter is a necessity. This 5-in-1 travel adapter is perfect for travel use with cell phones, laptops & other devices anywhere in the world.
• Soft Hydration Flask | Stay hydrated throughout the day with a water bottle that can go anywhere with you—and fold up when not in use. I love the packability of these bottles!
• Sunscreen | A must for any sunny destination. Sunscreen is especially important given the high elevation of CDMX.

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