Mexico City/Polanco

Polanco refers to an area of Mexico City north of Chapultepec Park. This district is delimited by Paseo de la Reforma to the south, Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho (aka Periférico) to the west, Avenida Ejercito Nacional to the north and Avenida Mariano Escobedo to the east. Many streets in the area are named after famous writers, philosophers or scientists; its most notable street, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, is named after a Czech president. Today, Polanco is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods of Mexico City and commands some of the highest real estate prices, and offers a wide range of upscale boutiques, restaurants and numerous art galleries.

Polanco is known for its cultural diversity: it is home to one of the largest Jewish and Lebanese communities in Mexico and there are several synagogues in the area. North of Polanco is a wealthy residential neighborhood, Lomas de Chapultepec (and further out more wealthy copycat neighborhoods collectively known as Las Lomas) which is difficult to get to without a car, but has some additional places to visit.

Get in

By subway

The Metro is an easy way to get in, as 🌍 Polanco station (Line 7, or the orange line) is located conveniently in the middle of the area and one block away from Avenida Presidente Masaryk.

By rideshare

Another convenient option is to take an Uber or another rideshare service. Safe, convenient (and depending on traffic) quick solution. Uber in Mexico is known to be incredibly cheap and as such a preferred means of transportation for many.

See

Polanco is an urban business hub that is best explored on foot. Eclectic and Nationalist styles, flourish in Polanco.

  • 🌍 Plaza Uruguay (on Av Horacio, between Hegel and Lope de Vega). A small, nicely wooded park with a fascinating concrete sculpture in the middle; good place to stop and rest if you are tired of shopping. 
  • 🌍 Museo Soumaya, Blvd Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, ☏ +52 55 1103 9805, . Daily 10:30-18:30. A private museum and collection owned by Carlos Slim, who is ranked as the wealthiest man in the world. The collection includes art from many well-known European artists, including an extensive selection of works by Auguste Rodin, and the building was designed by Slim's son-in-law, architect Fernando Romero. Free. 
  • 🌍 Museo Júmex, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, ☏ +52 55 5395 2618, . Tu-Sa 11:00-20:00, Su 11:00-21:00. This privately-owned modern art museum houses an extensive collection of work by Mexican and international artists, including Orozco and Amorales, and hosts special exhibits. M$50 (foreign nationals), M$30 (Mexican citizens), M$15 (students/teachers), free (seniors/children under 15), free admission on Sundays. 
  • 🌍 Acuario Inbursa, Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 386, Amp Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, ☏ +52 55 5395 4586, . 10:00 - 18:00. Large, very modern aquarium extending 5 floors below street level. 45 exhibition areas, including coral reefs, an antarctic habitat for our tuxedo clad penguin friends, an enormous shark tank and many more. M$260. (updated Dec 2022)

Do
  • Sample the internationally-renowned cuisine of one of the city's most famous restaurants, such as Aguila y Sol or Izote.
  • Window shop, or purchase if you can afford it, amongst the designer boutiques on Presidente Masaryk.
  • Stop by the Architecture and Design Center at Avenida Juan Vázquez de Mella number 481.
  • See a film in one of the cineplexes in the neighborhood, including the arthouse theater Cinemex Casa de Arte.
  • Look at all of the foreign embassies and impressive buildings scattered throughout the area.

Buy
  • Avenida Presidente Masaryk (alternatively, though incorrectly, spelled Mazaryk, or Masarik). Masaryk is one of the trendiest and most expensive shopping areas in Mexico City, where the local jet-set supply themselves. Many designer boutiques-- from Armani to Zara-- and luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Tane, Rolex, Cartier, Gucci, Bulgari, Corneliani and Tiffany's, can be found on Masaryk.
  • Museum store, Aristoteles 8, ☏ +52 55 5281 5595. Sells eclectic trinkets that are not only appealing but let you see the humorous side of the Mexican psyche. (updated Aug 2019)
  • Piel Canela, Oscar Wilde 20 (near the Lincoln Park), ☏ +52 55 5280 8464. Sells butter-soft leather handbags and accessories. (updated Aug 2019)
  • TANE (www.tane.mx), Avenida Presidente Masaryk 430, ☏ +52 55 5282 6200, . M-F 11:00-20:00, Sat 11:00-19:00, Sun 11:00-18:00. High-quality silver, silver tableware, hollowware and other objets d'art, all handcrafted in Mexico. (updated Aug 2019)
  • Sergio Bustamante, Hyatt Regency, Campos Eliseos and Emilio Castelar, ☏ +52 55 5282 2638. For those without a budget, head to this store which sells the work of artist, Sergio Bustamante, whose playful sculptures made from copper, bronze and papier mache go for a eye opening price. (updated Aug 2019)

Malls
  • Antara Polanco Mid to high-end shopping mall with foodcourt and cinemas
  • El Palacio de Hierro Flagship on Avenida Molière 222
  • Pabellón Polanco More accessible shopping mall, and cinemas
  • Plaza Polanco

Department Stores
  • El Palacio de Hierro
  • Liverpool

Eat
  • 🌍 Fisher's, Horacio 232, ☏ +52 55 5531 0567. Daily 09:30-23:00. Serves fish and shellfish in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. It is worth paying the slightly high prices due to the ample variety of shellfish that is found here and is not available at other places. 
  • 🌍 Rincón Argentino, Presidente Mazaryk 177, ☏ +52 55 5254 8744, . Daily 12:30-00:30. Although somewhat commercial (the restaurant is outfitted like an Argentinean ranch), this restaurant is well known for its exquisite cuts of beef. Its a meat lovers paradise, although vegetarians are catered for with delicious salads. 
  • 🌍 Pujol, Tennyson 133, ☏ +52 55 55454111. 13:30 - 21:30. Contemporary Mexican cuisine in one of Mexico City's top restaurants, operated by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera. Reservations are a must and are usually made months in advance. M$3000. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 Suntory, Montes Urales 535, Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec, ☏ +52 55 5536-9232. One of the oldest (and more traditional) Japanese restaurants in the city. The sushi is excellent as is the tepenyaki. There is another branch at Torres Adalid 14, Colonia del Valle. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 Centro Asturiano, C. Arquimedes 4. Relatively close to Chapultepec, the Centro Asturiano is where some of the Mexican-Spaniards gather. It has an excellent restaurant offering delicious Iberian treats. A second location is in Coyoacan. 
  • 🌍 El Pendulo, Alejandro Dumas 81. +52 55 5280 4111. Hip, bright, clean coffeehouse/bookstore with a wide selection of drinks, desserts, and light foods, plus shelves and shelves of (mostly Spanish-language) books and DVDs to peruse. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 🌍 El Bajío, Alejandro Dumas 7 (near the Hard Rock), ☏ +52-81-82-45. Daily 08:00-23:00. Some people call this the best place in the entire ciudad for traditional Mexican food. All of the tacos have a great flavor, and don't miss their mole sauce (even if on arroz). Bebidas buenoes - the horchata margarita and the cafe de olla are must haves. The restaurant is out of the way of the main Polanco area, but don't be fooled, it's usually busy so expect a wait. M$10-20. 
  • 🌍 Hacienda de los Morales, Vázquez de Mella 525, ☏ +52 5552833055. 08:00 - 12:00 (breakfast), 13:00 - 00:00 (dinner). Traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in brunch, but with a spectacular dinner menu as well. Set in a large hacienda with spacious dining rooms, opulent ambience, and live Mexican music. An experience: like having dinner with one of the old Spanish dons. M$300-400. 
  • 🌍 Animal, C. Calderón de la Barca 108, Polanco III Secc, ☏ +52 55 7691 3120. 13:00 - 01:00. Contemporary restaurant with jungle motif. Innovative dishes and large, well-made cocktails. Big desserts are perfect for sharing. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 Rosa Negra, Presidente Masaryk 298, ☏ +52 55 5282 2603. 12:00 - 02:00. Elegant restaurant with sophisticated menu featuring steaks and seafood. The colossal octopus and the wagyu beef steaks are favorites. Valet parking available. M$1000+. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 La Cabrera, Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 843, Granada, ☏ +52 55 5282 3838. 12:00 - 01:00. Argentinian beef restaurant that also serves pasta and other dishes. Casual but expensive. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 🌍 Sylvestre, Anatole France 74, ☏ +52 55 5281 2147. 13:30 - 01:00 (til 19:00 Sun). Elegant restaurant with valet parking, International menu. M$1000+. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 🌍 Dawat, Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 676, Polanco III Secc, ☏ +52 55 5281 8020. 13:00 - 20:00. Modern casual restaurant serving Indian cuisine. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 🌍 Quintonil, Newton 55, ☏ +52 55 5280 2680. M-Sa 13:00 - 24:00, closed Su. Elegant dining in one of the city's top restaurants. Locally sourced ingredients are used to stylishly present nouveau Mexican cuisine. Dishes include a chilayote in mole sauce and seasonal offerings. Reservations are a must. (updated Jan 2024)
  • 🌍 Guizina Oaxaca, Presidente Masaryk 513, ☏ +52 55 5282 1820. M-Sa 09:00 - 23:00, Su 09:00 - 18:00. The best food in Mexico is from the city of Oaxaca. Sure, other cities dispute that but that's because they lie. Celebrity chef Alejandro Ruiz grew up in Oaxaca and he celebrates his city's famed cuisine in this elegant traditional restaurant. Quesadillas stuffed with flor de calebaza are a great entree, and the mole oaxaqueno is not to be missed because its a deep black and redolent with chocolate and chile and its served over turkey (the traditional way rather than the modernized practice of using chicken). (updated Jan 2024)
  • 🌍 Au Pied de Cochon, Campos Eliseos 218, ☏ +52 55 5327 7756. 24 hours. If you're an uber-billionaire landing your jet at Mexico City International at 3 in the morning, you are not going to one of the city's myriad late night taco shops no matter how bad the munchies hit you. Instead, you make a beeline to Au Pied de Cochon, a 5-star French restaurant in the heart of the city's ritziest neighborhood, where of course 5-star restaurants open all night, just like Denny's (if Denny's served escargot). Elegant dining, an extensive wine list, and all the classic French dishes at appropriately 5-star prices. M$1000. (updated Jan 2024)

Drink
  • 🌍 Blue bar, within Camino Real Hotel, Mariano Escobedo 700, Col. Anzures, ☏ +52 5 263-8888. A cool, relaxed place to have a drink and a nice chat. Average prices and good service. 
  • 🌍 Jaso Restaurant, Newton 88, ☏ +52 55457476. 14:00-02:00. Jaso is an ideal place for enjoying the finest Signature Cocktails in Mexico City surrounded by a cool ambiance. M$400-600 per person. 

Sleep
  • 🌍 Camino Real Polanco, Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo 700, Anzures, ☏ +52 555 263 8888. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 13:00. Architecture students visit the hotel to study the cutting edge work of architect Ricardo Legorretta, but everyone else visits because it's one of the city's top hotels with first-class service, posh restaurants and bars, and luxuriously appointed guest rooms. 
  • 🌍 Habita Hotel, Av. Presidente Masaryk 201, ☏ +52 55-5282-3100. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Boutique hotel with a minimalist interior, the Habita Hotel has changed the style of the Mexican hotel industry. White and grey/steel is a common colour theme, elegant gray Mexican marble lining the bathrooms from floor to ceiling. Located on the rooftop terrace, the hotel's AREA bar remains among the city's most popular nightspots. From M$6400. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 Hotel Polanco, Edgar Allan Poe 8, ☏ +52 55 528 08082. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 13:00. A local favorite that often gets overlooked amidst the grand hotels in Polanco, but still offers many of the amenities of larger hotels, but at a much better price. Pleasant furninshing and attentive staff round out a good deal. Across the street from República del Líbano garden (some rooms have garden views). Italian restaurant on premises. M$1800 (Mar 2023). 
  • 🌍 Grand Polanco, Av. Isaac Newton 119, ☏ +52 55 5004 3434. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00. Comfortable apartment hotel with large rooms in an older building about 3 blocks from Metro and close to Masaryk shopping district. 
  • 🌍 Dominion Polanco, Aristoteles 21, ☏ +52 55 5281 0155. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Large, modern apartments with full kitchen. Busy neighborhood near bars, restaurants, shopping. Family friendly, pet friendly, located across the street from Lincoln Park. M$6000. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 🌍 Alest Hotel, Eugenio Sue #45 (on Plaza Lincoln), ☏ +52 55 90277 343, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Tastefully elegant traditional boutique hotel with a large urban park directly across the street. Excellent on-site restaurant. M$6000. (updated Apr 2023)
  • 🌍 Las Alcobas, Av. Masaryk 390, ☏ +52 553 300 3900. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 13:00. Posh luxury hotel in the heart of Polanco's Presidente Masaryk shopping district. 37 rooms and suites with upscale furnishings. On-site 5-star restaurant and on-site spa. M$9000. (updated Oct 2023)

Connect

Several cell carriers provide service in Mexico City. The largest is Telcel. Districts in the center of the city, such as Polanco, have 100% 5G coverage.

WiFi service is provided at virtually all hotels and restaurants in the area and is also provided by the CDMX city government as a free service in public parks.

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