Santa María la Ribera
Mexico City, Mexico City
Santa María la Ribera is a so-called barrio mágico (magic neighborhood) home to verdant parks, mansion houses, multiple museums, and the impressive and elaborate Kiosko Morisco bandstand. A more off-the-beaten-path alternative to the city’s other hotspots, Santa María is an ideal place to escape the crowds in the Mexican capital.
Visit Santa María la Ribera independently or explore on a private tour, during which you’ll benefit from a customizable itinerary, round-trip transportation, and insider insight that you wouldn’t get alone. Highlights of the historic neighborhood include the art nouveau El Chopo museum, central Kiosko Morisco bandstand, and nearby Vasconcelos Library, as well as Japanese, Italian, and traditional Mexican restaurants which many tourists miss.
Art and architecture fans will enjoy the mansions and museums of this under-the-radar neighborhood.
The neighborhood is also known for a selection of international eateries, ideal for foodies.
If you plan on shopping at the Santa María street markets, take loose change and small bills; cards will not be accepted.
The sidewalks in Santa María la Ribera are often cracked, narrow, and uneven, so may not be easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Santa María la Ribera is located just northwest of the historic center and north of the Juárez neighborhood. The neighborhood runs alongside the Metrobus Line 1 and is served by the Revolución and Buenavista stops. On the metro, the Revolución and San Cosme stations (both Blue Line) and the Buenavista station are also within walking distance of the neighborhood. Rideshares are also convenient ways to arrive.
There’s no bad time to visit Santa María la Ribera, which enjoys a bustling, lively atmosphere year-round; however, the principal sights and sounds are best enjoyed by day, as the neighborhood can become unsafe after dark. Also keep in mind that Mexico City enjoys a robust rainy season from roughly April to September, with downpours common in the afternoon.
Santa María is arguably one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, but Juárez to the south is equally scenic, with wide streets, historic buildings, and a wealth of great restaurants. Farther south still, Roma and Condesa are perhaps the most popular tourist districts, while the Historic Center to the east is home to many of the city’s top attractions. For great tacos, don’t miss Narvarte.
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