Digital Nomad’s Guide to Mexico City

Long, deep photograph of Mexico City walking path between buildings against blue sky.

Mexico City is a big, bustling metropolis that’s become astonishingly vegan and digital nomad-friendly of late. 

Is is safe? It’s definitely not known as the safest city, but I had no issues while there. And I walked everywhere, including at night, and rode public transit. However, everyone advised me to only take Ubers, no taxis. 

(Want to know what Mexico City sounds like? Here’s a playlist of great Mexican bands and artists.)

Coffee Shops

HAAB

Ámsterdam 255, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México

HAAB is a stylish community space with a lot of cool events. It has a cafe open to the public that’s perfect for laptop work.

Black cafe exterior on tree-lined street.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

La Rifa

C. Dinamarca 47, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México

Maybe not great for work, but this friendly, highly-regarded cacao cafe is a cute spot to hangout and meet interesting folks.

Small cafe seen in full from outside with tables and chairs.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Blend Station

Amsterdam, Av Sonora 282 Esquina, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 CDMX

Blend Station is a bike cafe chain with several  locations. I’m not sure if this one on Amsterdam is the best for digital nomads, but it’s certainly not bad.

Cafe exterior on street with black, pink, and white signage.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Restaurants

Plantasia

Puebla 120, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México

A beautiful and surprisingly big, hidden gem with an excellent 100% plant-based menu. A common favourite among CDMX’s many vegan spots.

Large buddha statue amidst trees, tables, and cushions.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Pan Comido Vegetariano

C. Darwin 118, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, 11590 Ciudad de México

Stylish and affordably-priced vegetarian restaurant with two locations and plenty of vegan options. 

Glass exterior shot of restaurant showing tables and chairs inside.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Vegamo

Merida 83, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México

A small, friendly, and great vegan cafe with wonderful bowls, among other things.

Small cafe counter with some greenery and table and chair in foreground.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Parks and Recreation

Frida Kahlo Museum

Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México

Clearly the most popular tourist attraction in CDMX, because it was totally sold out and I couldn’t go despite various attempts. You have to buy tickets online, well in advance.

Also, Frida Kahlo is like a saint in CDMX, you’ll see her face everywhere.

Artistic rendering of Frida Kahlo face with bright colourful flowers in hair.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

National Museum of Anthropology

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México

In a city with a mindblowing number of museums, the Museum of Anthropology nonetheless is regarded as one of the most essential due to its incredible collection of pre-hispanic artifacts, some of which are immense in scale.

Large circular Aztec stone with ornate carvings.

(Photo: Pexels)

Coyoacan Market

Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México

There’s an official Coyoacan Market, but basically the whole area around it is a market with all sorts of artisan crafts, art, clothing, food, etc. 

Absolutely an experience in and of itself.

Bright colourful clothing in overstuffed space.

(Photo: Marc Z. Goldgrub)

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol: Legal drinking age in Mexico is 18.

Cannabis: The state of the law regarding cannabis in Mexico is in flux. Double check official sources whenever you read this. CBD appears to be legal, but double check this as well.

Psychedelics: Plantasia (listed above) has drinks which include kava and kratom, so take from that what you will. I won’t comment on the rest.