We recently went to Mexico City with the kids. Although we’d been in the past, it was the first time we had visited with Harriet and Luca in tow.
This gave us a conundrum—which neighbourhood should we stay in? Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, so there is no shortage of choice.
We opted for Polanco, and had no regrets. Here’s why we think it is the perfect base for anyone who wants to visit Mexico’s capital with their children.
1. It’s Walkable
Mexican cities are not known for their walkability, and Mexico City is no exception. Like most places in North America, the car reigns supreme. If you’re travelling with kids, that is not ideal. Busy roads carry endless dangers when you have little ones with you.
The Polanco neighbourhood is one of the few exceptions. Of course, the roads are still car-centric rather than pedestrian, but there are lots of areas where the danger is significantly reduced.
For example, the grand boulevard of Avenida Horacio, has a wide pedestrian section down the middle, with plenty of benches, trees, and small-scale vendors. It offers a great way to see some of the best sights of the area while enjoying a relaxing stroll.
There’s also Polancito, the small sub-district of Polanco where our Airbnb was located. It consists of a maze of narrow streets and is jammed with restaurants and coffee shops that spill onto the pavement.
Even the main shopping street, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, has sidewalks that are several meters wide, letting you roam more freely. It’s especially welcome if your children still use a pushchair.
2. Chapultepec Park is Nearby
Chapultepec Park is the second largest park in Latin America and is one of Mexico City’s best attractions for people of all ages.
From Polanco, the park is easily accessible by foot. Just head south until you reach Paseo de la Reforma and then walk east for about 800 meters. You can do the entire walk in no more than 20 minutes. Having such a great park nearby is fantastic if you’re with your kids, and the fact it is so easy to get there only adds to the sense of walkability you get while in Polanco.
Once inside, you’ll find that Chapultepec Park has lots of great family activities on offer, including a large zoo, kids’ museums, cultural sites, playgrounds, and more. Of course, it also means your kids can run free and burn off some energy without the usual worries of letting them off the leash in a big city. As any travelling parents know, tiring out your kids is the key to a successful vacation!
3. Parque Lincoln (The Best Playground in Mexico City!)
Keeping with the theme of tiring our your kids, Polanco is home to one of the best playgrounds in the entire city—Parque Lincoln.
Located in the southern section of the neighbourhood, a two-minute walk from Polancito, the park is easy to get to and offers an oasis of greenery to hang out in.
The playground itself is vast, with activities for kids of all ages, large swings, big slides, walls to climb, mini zip lines, and more. The park also has a small aviary, ponds, and small vendors selling snacks.
Running along the northern perimeter is a row of restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars where you can all refresh after a good romp.
4. Incredible Choice of Food
Mexico City is no stranger to great food. The place is packed with top restaurants and cafes that cater to all tastes and budgets.
However, nowhere else in the city will you find such a high number of amazing places to eat in such a small area. From the densely packed restaurants all over Polancito to the larger establishments on Avenida Presidente Masaryk and beyond, this neighbourhood has it all.
Some of our favourites included Butcher and Sons (amazing burgers, make sure you check out their homemade sauce), Maison Kayser (a European-style restaurant that offers the best light breakfasts in town), and Rocco and Simona (an incredibly well-priced Italian restaurant with risotto to die for).
Also—big props to Rocco and Simona for giving Dan a blanket when he was freezing cold late one night!
And if you want to really break the bank on a luxury eatery, the world-famous Pujol (which is consistently ranked among the best restaurants on the planet) is also in Polanco. You will find it at Tennyson 133, just off Avenida Presidente Masaryk.
Oh, and don’t forget to sample the ice cream; it’ll keep the kids (and the adults!) happy. For kids, the best place is Sabishii; it’s Japanese-themed and includes lots of neon lights and fun characters. If you prefer quality, Amorino is the place to go.
5. A Submarine-Themed Aquarium
In our experience, aquariums can be hit-or-miss. Some provide a few pools and call it a day, whereas others really go to town to provide an immersive experience.
Acuario Inbursa, located in the north-westernmost corner of Polcanco, definitely falls into the latter category. The entire establishment is split over four levels, all of which are underground. As you go down, you’ll realise that most of the interior is submarine themed, which only adds to the kids’ delight.
6. World-Class Shopping
Well, if you’ve spent all weekend entertaining the kids, you’re entitled to a little bit of adult-time, right?
If you’re a fashionista, Polanco is the place to be. The main strip of Avenida Presidente Masaryk has dozens of high-end shops and luxury boutiques from some of the biggest fashion labels in the world. It’s widely considered to be the most prestigious shopping street in the city (think Rodeo Drive or Champs Elysee) and is where Mexico City residents come when they want to splash the cash on a new outfit.
Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Bvulgari, Cartier, Gucci, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co all have a home here, but that’s just scratching the surface.
Which Is Your Favourite Mexico City Neighbourhood to Visit With Kids?
Do you agree with our assessment? Is Polanco the best Mexico City district to use as a base when you travel with kids? Or is Roma or La Condesa better? Maybe you’d even prefer to stay in the historic centre?
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