Mexico City with a Toddler - Best Neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Thinking about a fall trip to Mexico City with my 3 year old toddler. I’m narrowing in on Polanco, La Condesa and Roma, so thought I’d see if anyone had experience staying in those areas with a toddler? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We stayed in Polanco with a 15-month-old. Too young to care about playgrounds or activities. We were close enough to walk to that big park, the name of which I’m forgetting, as it’s been 6 years. I felt safe and secure, even walking alone.

[Anonymous]

I'm curious why Mexico City. I've been there a bunch of times, but can think of so many other places that would work well for a toddler. The late dining hours were tough even on older kids, who were old enough to appreciate the museums, etc.

[Anonymous]

Interested in a short, direct flight and I have heard amazing things. Reason enough for me after no real travel for 2 years.

[Anonymous]

We are planning on staying in an Airbnb so not worried about late dining.

[Anonymous]

My 1st instinct was Roma but I think you would be fine with any of the 3 you mentioned, they are very similar

[Anonymous]

But Cancun/Cozumel is a much shorter/more direct flight. I still vastly prefer Mexico City but getting there usually means a layover or verrrry early morning (and more $$$$$) flight

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But Cancun/Cozumel is a much shorter/more direct flight. I still vastly prefer Mexico City but getting there usually means a layover or verrrry early morning (and more $$$$$) flight

Ugh, Cancun is awful. Let OP go to Mexico City if she wants! OP, all of your choices would be great. Polanco is a bit more upscale than Roma, but Roma's a bit more fun. La Condesa is somewhere in between.

[Anonymous]

have you considered Lisbon? there are some direct flights and it's hands down the MOST family friendly place I've ever been. Especially with babies/toddlers! everywhere people prioritize families, they make you cut the line almost everywhere, go out of their way to help you, etc.
pushing a stroller can be a bit of a hassle, so plan to bring a front or back carrier.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But Cancun/Cozumel is a much shorter/more direct flight. I still vastly prefer Mexico City but getting there usually means a layover or verrrry early morning (and more $$$$$) flight

There is a direct flight from Dulles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:have you considered Lisbon? there are some direct flights and it's hands down the MOST family friendly place I've ever been. Especially with babies/toddlers! everywhere people prioritize families, they make you cut the line almost everywhere, go out of their way to help you, etc.
pushing a stroller can be a bit of a hassle, so plan to bring a front or back carrier.

OP here - love Lisbon! Agree on family friendly.

[Anonymous]

I vote Condesa! Close to the playgrounds, very cute and walkable, very safe.

Polanco is kind of suburban and boring imo - I'm sure it's a great place to live but not that fun to visit. Roma is also great but more of a young/hipster vibe, so the bars and restaurants might be a little less kid friendly.

My favorite city in the entire world, have so much fun! I'm trying to convince H to go there for fall break with our two kids this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I vote Condesa! Close to the playgrounds, very cute and walkable, very safe.

Polanco is kind of suburban and boring imo - I'm sure it's a great place to live but not that fun to visit. Roma is also great but more of a young/hipster vibe, so the bars and restaurants might be a little less kid friendly.

My favorite city in the entire world, have so much fun! I'm trying to convince H to go there for fall break with our two kids this year.

Thank you! I hope you get to go this fall.

I have to say the amenities in the airbnbs in Polanco are making me want to stay there with the indoor pools, play areas and outdoor space. Hmm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I vote Condesa! Close to the playgrounds, very cute and walkable, very safe.

Polanco is kind of suburban and boring imo - I'm sure it's a great place to live but not that fun to visit. Roma is also great but more of a young/hipster vibe, so the bars and restaurants might be a little less kid friendly.

My favorite city in the entire world, have so much fun! I'm trying to convince H to go there for fall break with our two kids this year.

Thank you! I hope you get to go this fall.

I have to say the amenities in the airbnbs in Polanco are making me want to stay there with the indoor pools, play areas and outdoor space. Hmm.

Yeah I can see that. Here are my (very very rough) DC approximations to the neighborhoods:
Polanco is Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase. Nice houses, good shopping, but a lot more global brands. Further away from the city center.
Condesa is Dupont Circle, maybe a little Georgetown-y. Leafy and walkable, lots of families, closer to the city center. But mostly you're going to find small houses or condos.
Roma is Shaw. Newer places opening up, lots of young fashionable people, still a little rough around the edges but overall safe.

This is kind of silly and Mexico City is better than any DC neighborhood but maybe this is helpful?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I vote Condesa! Close to the playgrounds, very cute and walkable, very safe.

Polanco is kind of suburban and boring imo - I'm sure it's a great place to live but not that fun to visit. Roma is also great but more of a young/hipster vibe, so the bars and restaurants might be a little less kid friendly.

My favorite city in the entire world, have so much fun! I'm trying to convince H to go there for fall break with our two kids this year.

Thank you! I hope you get to go this fall.

I have to say the amenities in the airbnbs in Polanco are making me want to stay there with the indoor pools, play areas and outdoor space. Hmm.

Yeah I can see that. Here are my (very very rough) DC approximations to the neighborhoods:
Polanco is Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase. Nice houses, good shopping, but a lot more global brands. Further away from the city center.
Condesa is Dupont Circle, maybe a little Georgetown-y. Leafy and walkable, lots of families, closer to the city center. But mostly you're going to find small houses or condos.
Roma is Shaw. Newer places opening up, lots of young fashionable people, still a little rough around the edges but overall safe.

This is kind of silly and Mexico City is better than any DC neighborhood but maybe this is helpful?

Very helpful! I used to live in Dupont Circle so I think Condesa would be right up my alley, will look there and Polanco. If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the best way to get around? I have read Ubers, but wondering about the subway there? I really appreciate your thoughts!