The 10 Best Things to Do in Polanco Mexico City (That Even Locals Love)

Having lived in Mexico City since 2018 (off and on), I love to spend a leisurely day in Polanco from time to time — and I’m sharing all my top spots with you here.

One of Mexico City’s most upscale, stylish neighborhoods, this area is also one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

Known for luxurious shopping, incredible food, chic rooftop bars, and an impressive art scene, Polanco has earned a reputation as a place to indulge.

But don’t be fooled by its fancy facade because there are many cool places in Polanco, whether you’re into world-class art or mouthwatering street tacos.

Below, you’ll find my list of my Top 10 best things to do in Polanco CDMX so you can plan your visit like a local.

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1. Take a Polanco Food Tour

If you want to truly experience Polanco like a local, a guided food tour with a local guide is the best way to do it.

This top-rated 5 Star Polanco Food Tour will take you on a culinary journey through one of CDMX’s most delicious neighborhoods with a chef.

A 3-hour walking tour, you’ll enjoy tastings at up to 7 different foodie hotspots, from gourmet restaurants to hidden gem taco spots you’d never find on your own.

You’ll try traditional dishes like cochinita pibil, Mexican cheeses, tamales, and gourmet chocolate — all while learning about the neighborhood’s history and architecture.

It’s the perfect introduction to Polanco’s food scene and a great way to explore all the yummy places you might otherwise miss.

2. Check Out the Art at Soumaya Museum (It’s Free)

One of the most unique and recognizable buildings, Museo Soumaya ranks among the most beautiful landmarks in Mexico City.

With its futuristic silver exterior made of 16,000 aluminum hexagons, it’s a photo-worthy spot even before you step inside.

But the best part? It’s one of the top free things to do in Mexico City, as there’s always FREE entry (no matter the day).

Inside, you’ll find more than 60,000 pieces of art, including works by Rodin, Dalí, Van Gogh, Diego Rivera, and more.

The museum is home to one of Latin America’s most important art collections, and funded by billionaire Carlos Slim, one of the most famous Mexican people.

Art lover or not, this museum is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and cultural significance alone.

3. Go for a Stroll in Parque Lincoln

Need a break from stress of travel, and/or the hustle of city life? Head to Parque Lincoln, a serene oasis right in the middle of Polanco.

The park features walking paths, fountains, sculptures, a duck pond, and even a tiny clock tower.

There are plenty of shady spots to relax, or you can grab a coffee and go for a peaceful stroll.

Locals love to hang out here on weekends, and it’s easy to see why. On Sundays, you may even catch some live music or an art market.

4. Shop Till You Drop on Avenida Masaryk

Fashionistas, take note: Avenida Presidente Masaryk has some of the best shopping in CDMX for those with no budget.

Known as the “Fifth Avenue of Mexico City” (though I’ve also heard it called the “Rodeo Drive of Mexico City”), this tree-lined street is home to luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s still a fun area to window-shop, people-watch, and soak in the posh vibes.

You can also stop into a chic café or ice cream shop along the way — and make sure you snap a photo at the famous Mexico Mi Amor sign on Avenida Masaryk.

5. Splurge on a Meal at Pujol or Quintonil

Two of the world’s top restaurants just happen to be located in Polanco, and they’re both on the short list of Mexico Michelin Star restaurants.

If you’re a foodie, booking a table at Pujol and/or Quintonil is an absolute must — as these both earned TWO Michelin Stars in 2024.

Led by Enrique Olvera, one of the most famous Mexican chefs of all time, Pujol is known for its elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine.

Their signature dish? The Pujol mole madre that’s been aged for more than 6 years (and counting).

Run by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo (who used to be assistant chef at Pujol), Quintonil focuses on sustainable ingredients and innovative flavor combinations.

Personally, I enjoyed my meal here more than at Pujol, and though you can’t go wrong with either, know that vegetarians will have more options at Quintonil.

💡 Pro Tips: Reservations are essential for both. As you might imagine, these meals won’t come cheap, so plan for $75-150 USD per person (or more).

6. See the Contemporary Art at Jumex Museum

Located next door to the Museo Soumaya (#2 on this list) is Museo Jumex — another one of the best museums in Mexico City.

Known for its clean, modern architecture and rotating exhibits, Jumex is one of Latin America’s leading contemporary art museums.

You’ll find works by international artists like Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp, Gabriel Orozco, and Damien Hirst, along with exciting pieces from rising Mexican talents.

They also have a rotating lineup of exhibits, and the last time I visited I saw the Jeff Koons exhibit with some of his Balloon Dogs and the Seated Ballerina.

💡 Pro Tip: You can easily visit Jumex and Soumaya in one afternoon, as they’re literally steps from each other.

7. Sip Cocktails at the Best Polanco Rooftop Bars

Some of the best rooftop bars in Mexico City are located in Polanco — and they really come to life when the sun goes down.

💡 Pro Tip: Dress to impress, as this is one of the most stylish neighborhoods in the city.

Whether you’re in the mood for a chill drink or a glam night out, there’s a CDMX rooftop with your name on it. My top picks in Polanco include:

• Area Bar at Hotel Habita for amazing views of Avenida Presidente Masaryk
• Kaye Rooftop for creative cocktails and a lively vibe
• Terraza Palacio for drinks after shopping at Palacio de Hierro Mall
• Cityzen Rooftop Bar at the Sofitel which is just outside Polanco, but close enough that I had to add it to the list because it’s known as the best rooftop bar in CDMX

8. Try the Michelin Tacos at Siembra Taquería

Want to sample some of the Michelin tacos in Mexico City?

Then head to Siembra Taquería, one of the best places to eat in Polanco CDMX, to try their tacos with a gourmet twist.

This modern taquería earned a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand distinction in 2024, and is a favorite among foodies in-the-know.

A casual sidewalk cafe with cool vibes and a wide variety of tacos, Siembra is sure to please every palate.

With about 15 taco options on the regular menu, and 1-3 daily specials, this is a place that’s fun to come with a group so you can try a bunch of tacos.

If you need suggestions, here are my go-to’s:

• Cecina con chorizo verde: A combo of thin-cut steak meat and Mexican green chorizo (This one’s my favorite 🌮)
• Arrachera: Steak taco with French fries (Their take on steak frites)
• Gaona: Thin-cut beef filet, which you can get with or without melted cheese
• Pescada del día al pastor: Fish of the day cooked in the same spices used for tacos al pastor

9. Eat at El Turix (Known as the Best Tacos in Polanco)

For delicious and cheap eats in Polanco, Taquería El Turix serves only one thing, cochinita pibil — and some call it the best cochinita in Mexico City.

The menu at this tiny, no-frills taco joint is super simple: Tacos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), and panuchos stuffed with juicy, slow-roasted pork.

To eat cochinita the traditional way, you should top it with pickled red onions and habanero salsa (but it’s spicy, so be careful 🌶️).

There’s no seating so you have to eat standing up, which is admittedly messy, but the food is so flavorful that it may ruin all other Mexico City tacos for you.

10. Visit Bosque de Chapultepec Park

Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Park, is one of the world’s most-visited urban parks.

It is massive at about 1,700 acres (7 km²), and divided into three distinct sections with Section 1 located at the southern edge of Polanco.

The Polanco side of Chapultepec Park is close to the famous Mexico City Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Zoo and Chapultepec Lake.

Of course, there’s MUCH more to see and do in this giant park, so check out my detailed guide to The 21 Best Things to Do in Chapultepec Park to plan your day.

My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Polanco

From splurging on the tasting menu at Pujol and grabbing a street taco at El Turix, to shopping on Avenida Masaryk and people watching in Parque Lincoln — there’s no shortage of amazing Polanco things to do.

The area has a laid-back elegance that makes it so easy to fall in love with, as well as something for everyone.

Whether you’re seeking yummy food (don’t miss this 5 Star Polanco food tour), art, fashion, shopping, parks or architecture, you’ll find it here.

So if you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, make sure Polanco is on your CDMX itinerary because you won’t regret spending the day in this posh neighborhood.