Like Roma, Condesa is primarily a residential neighborhood. The artsy, boho vibe is cool, but there aren't a ton of specific must-see landmarks. That said, there are more than a few cool scenes—the nightlife, the food, and the shopping combine to give you an indelible impression of a unique neighborhood.
Condesa DF's Rooftop Bar
If you've read our article about Condesa's hotels, then Condsea DF's Rooftop Bar will seem familiar. But as a neighborhood hotspot, in a neighborhood where nightlife is everything, the hotel's rooftop bar deserves a mention all its own. At this point, the place has become a hub for the in-crowd, offering sushi and cocktails in a gorgeous setting. It's become one of the top bars not only in the neighborhood but also the entirety of Mexico City.
Other Nightlife
Of course, the sun doesn't rise and set on Condesa DF's rooftop bar. There are plenty of other places to hit a club or grab a drink, including comedian Cantinflas' Rioma, where DJs from all over play house and chill-out music, or Tom's leather bar, where naked, muscular bar-top dancers set the mood for anyone willing to pay the cover. If you're looking for something a little less intense, there's Baltra, with its well-crafted, classic cocktails and seasonal menus. There's also Arctic Bar, Latin America's first ice bar, where the shot glasses and sofas are made of ice in a room kept at 14°F.
Parque México
This used to be a racetrack, which is why the Colonia's name is "Hipodromo," or "Hippodrome." Today it's a fairly sizable green space in a city that's been plagued with crowding and pollution for years. Located very near the line between La Condesa and Roma, the park boasts a pleasant duck pond. A few blocks away is the smaller Parque España, though you may hear locals just call the whole area "Parque México."
Shopping
Restaurants and bars may be the most common businesses around Condesa, but they aren't the only ones. Any number of unique shops are supported by the unusual neighborhood. Consider Carcoma Records, a store which is not only surviving on record sales but also specializes in punk. DIY labels and local bands are invited to sell their wares here, keeping the original spirit of the punk scene very much alive. There's also local bookstore chain Cafebreria El Pendulo, which adds a bar to the tried-and-true bookstore/coffee shop formula. Of course, there are also boutiques and local gift shops, like Tiba Boutique or Rojo Bermelo. Some of the wares might seem more stylish than practical, but if that's not something you're open to, you might not be in the neighborhood best suited to your interests.
Foro Shakespeare
The Shakespeare Forum is an independent theater company with a focus on taking theater to new places, whether that means staging unexpected productions or using theatrical techniques in unusual ways. They offer services in everything from lighting design to marketing strategies, and they have a prison program that began as a series of workshops but evolved into a full-on theater troupe that busses audiences into the prison from downtown. Mexican prisons are somewhat notorious, and what Foro Shakespeare is doing may seem small-scale, but the implications are big. It's just one way that this unique venue—and the troupe it supports—are changing the space around them.
(featured image via Flickr)
