The most popular streets in Mexico City are best explored on foot if you want to experience the local atmosphere. The city’s Spanish and French influences result in a distinctly European feel to many of its tree-lined avenues. Thanks to the country’s warm and dry climate, Mexico City makes for a great destination for relaxing walks.
If you're looking to discover the real Mexican lifestyle, your best bet is to take a stroll through the city’s streets and squares. You can stop by tequila bars and restaurants that are hidden along small alleys, or marvel at Art Nouveau buildings in grand boulevards. Our list below will help you find the most popular streets in Mexico City.
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Madero Street
Shop in artisan stores and drink in local coffee shops
- History
- Photo
- Shoppers
Francisco I. Madero Avenue (Madero Street) is a pedestrianised avenue that starts at Metro Zócalo and ends at the Palacio de Bellas Artes on Avenida Juárez. This is one of the city’s busiest streets, with many coffee shops and artisan stores that open until 9 pm.
The street has numerous churches due to its history as a monastery complex. Stop by the Convent of San Francisco if you’re short on time. You can also find plenty of cool Mexican craft shops along Madero Street. Make sure to check out Café Sombreros Tardán, where you can buy tailor-made sombreros.
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Avenida Juárez
Stroll alongside one of the world’s oldest parks
- Families
- History
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Avenida Juárez lines the south side of Alameda Central Park in the historic centre of Mexico City, ending at Paseo de la Reforma. The avenue runs into Madero Street on the east side, so it’s accessible via the Bellas Artes metro station.
You’ll find the entrance to Barrio Chino (Chinatown) towards the Palacio Bellas Artes – just keep your eyes open for the Chinese archway off the street. Numerous Art Deco buildings line the street opposite the park, which is also a prominent Mexico City landmark. Founded in 1592, Alameda Central is one of the oldest parks in the Americas.
Mapphoto by sebaso (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
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Paseo de la Reforma
Walk or cycle down Mexico’s City’s main street
- Food
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Paseo de la Reforma runs through the centre of Mexico City from the northeast to the southwest. At over 14 km long, it's based on European boulevards like the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Paseo de la Reforma has all sorts to see, being one of the main thoroughfares of the city. Landmarks such as The Angel of Independence and Torre Reforma stand among dozens of restaurants and hotels. One of the best ways to explore this stretch is by bicycle. You can join the locals for a free bike ride down Paseo de La Reforma every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm.
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Avenida Álvaro Obregón
Taco and art exhibitions to start your night out
- Food
- History
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Avenida Álvaro Obregón is a notable street in the Roma Norte district of Mexico City, with Parque España and Pushkin Garden at either end. The median strip is lined with fountains based on Greek and Roman mythology, so it’s often the venue for local cultural exhibitions.
Roma Norte is a nightlife hot spot in Mexico City, with Avenida Álvaro Obregón serving as a great starting place for a night out. Daytime visitors are spoilt for choice as well, with restaurants and cafes dotted virtually everywhere. There are taquerias galore too – we recommend trying chicharron (fried pork belly) at Taqueria Orinoco.
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Amsterdam Avenue
Take a quiet stroll around a leafy park in La Condesa
- Adventure
- Families
- Food
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Amsterdam Avenue is a small camellón (walkway) circling Parque Mexico in La Condesa. It’s built around the park, which used to be a racetrack, giving the street its oval shape.
Amsterdam Avenue lets you explore the arty neighbourhood of La Condesa. You’ll see lots of greenery both inside and outside the park, so it makes for a nice breather. It’s a cool area due to shade from all the trees, and there are many cafes hidden among the Art Deco buildings. If you need somewhere to work out, you can use the outdoor gym or jog around the track itself.
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Avenida Presidente Masaryk
Explore upmarket shopping brands and restaurants
- Food
- Luxury
- Shoppers
Avenida Presidente Masaryk is a 3-km-long avenue in Mexico City that cuts through the upmarket Polanco district. Named after the first Czech president, this area went through a huge renovation from 2013 to 2015. Today, it’s one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world.
Avenida Presidente Masaryk is a great place to shop for luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and Burberry. These stores occupy elegant colonial buildings, which make for a scenic shopping experience. Music fans will love the free concerts at the National Conservatory of Music. You’ll find lots of Mexican and international restaurants ready to welcome you for a sophisticated dinner after a day of shopping in Mexico City.
Mapphoto by Protoplasma K (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Genova Street
Try a Korean lunch before a big night out
- Food
- Nightlife
Genova Street is nestled in the Zona Rosa neighbourhood, of the wider Juárez district of Mexico City. The neighbourhood is known as Mexico City's LGBTQ+ and Korean quarters. Genova Street's bohemian roots are in full display on weekends when local artists sell their works.
By day, you'll find affordable lunch deals at Genova Street’s various restaurants. A must-visit is Goguinara, which serves traditional Korean BBQ. You can treat yourself to fine French cuisine at Estoril. By night, LGBTQ+ clubs and bars open their doors to welcome any revellers.
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Regina Street
Admire local art installations
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Calle Regina (Regina Street) is a quaint, 1-km-long stretch towards the south of the historic centre of Mexico City. As it was pedestrianised during the renovations of the Historic Center in the 2000s, it's quieter than the many touristy streets around the area.
Calle Regina is mostly known for its pretty murals and art installations. You also can't miss the vertical garden – grass and flowers are planted onto the wall, with a few bikes installed towards the roof. Take a seat outside one of the many cafes to admire this marvel of urban landscaping.
Mapphoto by Eneas De Troya (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Dr Mora Street
Walk alongside the continent’s oldest park
- Families
- Photo
Dr Mora Street (Calle Dr Mora) flanks the west side of Alameda Park, running between Avenida Juárez at the south end and Avenida Hidalgo at the north. The tree-lined street is the one furthest away from Palacio de Belles Artes, across the Americas' oldest public park.
Street sports are a common fixture down Dr Mora Street, which is affectionately called "Slalom Street" by the city's roller-skaters. The local government allows skaters to show off their skills on Wednesdays from 8 pm to 10 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Get your skates on if you want to join in on the fun.
Mapphoto by Jarek Tuszyński (CC BY 4.0) modified
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Higuera
Browse Mexico City’s weekly street markets
- Food
- Photo
- Shoppers
Higuera is a small street that cuts diagonally between 2 parks, from Plaza de La Conchita at the southeast end to Centro de Coyoacán at the northwest. Sitting in the heart of Coyoacán, this street is where you’ll find some impressive murals from local artists.
Higuera is a great little street for foodies. If you want some fresh fruit or produce, check out San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market. It hosts over 120 traders every Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Mercado de Antojitos is a street food market that’s famous for its gordita (stuffed corn tortilla).
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