Guide to working remote in Mexico City

I planned on visiting Mexico City for two weeks. I stayed for six. Every time I tried to leave, the city pulled me right back in. It’s the ultimate destination for remote workers. I’ll explain why.

Ciudad de Mexico or CDMX as it’s more commonly referred to, is the largest city in North America and can feel overwhelming at times. Follow this guide to discover the best places to live, eat, drink, work, and party. From the leafy avenues of La Condesa, to the expansive markets, and bustling clubs, and amazing cafes, there are endless options to discover.

Where to Stay

Roma Norte

  • Overview: A bohemian neighborhood with Art Nouveau architecture and a creative vibe. Tree-lined streets house trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. I’d highly recommend looking into Roma Norte as a place to stay.

  • Highlights:

    • Remote Work Haven: Tons of great cafes, expat bars, and cheap eats.

    • Diverse Dining: From street food to upscale restaurants.

    • Green Spaces: Relax at Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Plaza Luis Cabrera or the outdoor calisthenics gym at Ramon Lopez Velarde Garden.

La Condesa

  • Overview: Adjacent to Roma Norte, this upscale bohemian area features Art Deco buildings and tree-lined avenues. It's known for its parks, eclectic nightlife, and boutique shopping.

  • Highlights:

    • Parque México: Offers jogging paths and a serene lake. Nearby Avenida Amsterdam is a tree-lined boulevard with restaurants, cafes, and a running path.

    • Vibrant Nightlife: Bars, clubs, and live music venues.

    • Fashion Boutiques: Showcases local and international designers.

Juarez

  • Overview: Situated near the historic center, Juarez boasts old-world charm and emerging cultural attractions. It's a growing neighborhood with a burgeoning culinary scene. Juarez is near Rome Norte

  • Highlights:

    • Cultural Landmarks: Monument to the Revolution, Museo Franz Mayer.

    • Gastronomic Growth: New restaurants and cafes.

    • Central Accessibility: Easy access to various parts of the city.

Polanco

  • Overview: An upscale, cosmopolitan neighborhood renowned for luxury shopping, fine dining, and high-end residences. It's an exclusive area with a sophisticated ambiance.

  • Highlights:

    • Luxury Shopping: Designer boutiques and upscale malls.

    • Gourmet Dining: Acclaimed restaurants with diverse cuisines.

    • Cultural Institutions: Soumaya Museum, Jumex Museum.

Where to Eat

Upscale

  • Contramar - High end seafood. Books out months in advance but they have some open bar seating.

  • Gardela - Argentinian steakhouse. Great spot if you’re craving some meat.

  • SARDE - Nice small plates spot in Roma Norte.

  • Santo Hand Roll Bar - Hand roll bar. Expensive but tasty.

  • Campobaja - Tasty seafood with a nice ambiance

Cheap Eats and Streetfood

  • Tacos La Chula - Had a ‘homestyle’ vibe for me. I loved their chicken soup and ate it like 5 times when I needed a quick meal.

  • Taqueria Orinoco - Taco chain known for their ‘Al Pastor’ tacos. Expect long lines.

  • Tortas al Fuego - Open 24/7. Cheap and tasty and great for after the bar.

  • Hambuerguesas a la Parilla - Great street food burger stand

  • Tortería Los Güeros - Super cheap and tasty tortas (mexican sandwiches). Literally good size sandwiches for like $2

  • Fonda 115 - A traditional Mexican ‘Fonda’. 3 course meal and super tasty.

Brunch

  • Catamundi - Upscale brunch spot, really tasty. This was my first meal ever in CDMX!

  • Basico - Healthy food. Great avocado toasts and smoothies.

Where to Work

This section will consist of cafes that I worked from with strong Wifi and great coffee.

Where to Drink

  • Departamento - 3 floors of house music with a very international crowd. You’re bound to make new friends here and get lost in the grooves of house music. This place is so fun.

  • Toledo Rooftop - Beautiful outdoor rooftop with great cocktails

  • Supra Roma Rooftop - Rooftop bar with sweeping views of the entire city. There’s also a fun nightclub one level down. Enter through the underground parking on the right. If you speak english, they’ll let you in. Gringos got that money apparently.

  • Wallace Whiskey Bar - Fun bar in La Condesa

  • Tlecan - Standing room only. Great place to taste Mexican mezcals and tequilas.

  • Ladina Bar - Nice cocktail bar for a few drinks

  • Bar Las Brujas - Nice outdoor seating near Plaza Rio de Janeiro

Aaron Fried