Mexican authenticity, our roots, traditions and history are evident in every element of our culture. Our food is one of the most delicious and beloved in the world; our handicrafts are so colorful and varied that they impress all who visit; and our variety of music thrills everyone. Luckily, in the CDMX we can find incredible restaurants where you can eat enchiladas, tlayudas and cochinita pibil; tianguis and fairs for chacharear; and great places to enjoy live Mexican music concerts.
From mariachi to romantic trios, boleros or rancheras, in Mexico City there are many places where you can listen to all kinds of Mexican music in all its essence. There are all kinds: some with drinks and snacks for snacks and others, much more formal, in traditional concert format. There is a great variety to choose from!
1. Garibaldi Square
Of course we couldn’t skip this classic. We could say that this square located in the Lagunilla is the home of the mariachi. In fact, it is home to monuments to great figures of the Mexican song, statues dedicated to José Alfredo Jiménez, Lola Beltrán, Javier Solís and Pedro Infante.
These artists shot many of their movies in this plaza, but Garibaldi is also known for the constant presence of mariachi groups, trios, norteño groups or groups of Veracruz music that wear the characteristic costumes and cheer up passers-by (and partygoers) with their serenades. In case you don’t know, you can ask them to sing your favorite songs for a party or celebration.
It is clear that Plaza Garibaldi is, without a doubt, one of the most famous places to listen to mariachi in all of CDMX.
📍 Garibaldi Square, Downtown
📅 Monday to Sunday
🕛 Any time
2. Salón Tenampa
In the same plaza we find Salón Tenampa with a great vibe and great tradition. This establishment was inaugurated in 1925 and has seen the tradition of mariachi and jarocho music evolve in the area. Singers of the stature of Chavela Vargas and José Alfredo Jiménez have passed through its tables, as well as actors such as Cantinflas, who even filmed his movie El portero here.
In addition to mariachis, at Tenampa you will also hear live rancheras and boleros rancheros. Let the tequila or mezcal wash away your lovesickness. And don’t forget to try their menu, so make a reservation.
📍 Plaza Garibaldi 12, Downtown, Cuauhtémoc
📅 Monday to Sunday
🕛 Sunday to Wednesday from 13:00 to 02:00. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 13:00 to 03:00
3. Candlelight
The series of candlelight concerts that has conquered the CDMX but also other corners of Mexico and the world, in addition to tributes to classical composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mozart or Beethoven or current artists like Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny; also wanted to surround a sea of candles to the best songs of Mexican music with their concerts of ranchera music and tributes to great artists of mariachi and bolero.
One of them is their tribute to Mexican music is Candlelight: Boleros Inolvidables at El Cantoral. A journey through the most applauded songs of this genre. From Somos Novios by Armando Manzanero to Bésame Mucho by Consuelo Velázquez.
📍 Different locations throughout the CDMX.
📅 Any day of the week.
🕛 Different schedule depending on the tribute
🎟️ You can buy your tickets here
4. The Cave of Rodrigo de la Cadena
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok_qHzl5a40
If you are looking for a good drink while watching boleros in concert, maybe La Cueva de Rodrigo de la Cadena is the place for you. They define themselves as “the cathedral of bohemia in Mexico”, and the truth is that they are right.
This cave was founded by Amparo Montes in 1970 and it was Rodrigo de la Cadena who followed his tradition years later. It is one of the few places left in Mexico to enjoy the most authentic essence of bolero and its romanticism. And also one of the best weekend plans in the CDMX. We especially recommend it if you are a hopeless romantic or if you need to drown your sorrows.
📍 San Antonio 256, colonia Nonoalco, Benito Juárez
📅 Thursdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays, depending on the billboard.
🕛 Starting at 8:00 p.m.
5. Capital Bus
A curious way to enjoy Mexican music concerts is to get on this tourist bus. But not just any bus, Capital Bus takes you on a tour of the most emblematic places in the CDMX while you enjoy the most authentic mariachi music.
A plan for children and adults in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere to get to know the city in a different way and experience the traditional songs of our country to the rhythm of mariachi and rancheras. A perfect plan!
📍 Capital Bus Stop Zócalo – Ángel de la Independencia
📅 Selected dates
🕛 From 20:00 to 21:15
🎟️ You can buy your tickets here
6. La Imperial
It’s impossible to mention Mexican culture and not think of our cantinas. And La Imperial, with its architecture, service and menu inspired by the national salons of the 19th century, is proof that all good things last. Cantina snacks, drinks among friends and an atmosphere full of good vibes thanks to its live music, where mariachis and romantic trios will assure you a good song while you think “We have to go back”.
📍 Different locations around the city
📅 Monday to Sunday (except at their Torre Reforma branch, which is Monday to Friday).
🕛 From 13:00
7. La Coyoacana
In the captivating neighborhood of Coyoacán, there is a corner where you feel like stopping at least for a little while, that always smells of traditional dishes and that, after 4:00 pm, is covered with the sound of mariachis and good music. La Coyoacana is the perfect cantina to enjoy an authentic family atmosphere in the south of the city. A unique option loaded with live music and delicious Mexican recipes, from tlacoyo to sope or chicharrón, good food for your appetite and the best music for your ears!
📍 Higuera 14, La Concepción, Coyoacán
📅 Monday to Sunday
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 1:00. Sundays from 12:00 to 22:00
8. The Weaver’s Forum
Born in 1993, and since then El Foro del Tejedor has had as its objective “to give a dignified roof to the song”. Names of the stature of Jorge Drexler, Pedro Guerra, Hernaldo Zuñiga or Lila Downs have passed through its stage, and every week they offer different functions in which to enjoy music of all kinds of genres.
Son Jarocho, rancheras, singer-songwriter songs or traditional genres mixed with jazz or rock fill the walls of this emblematic place where live music is not only listened to, but also (and above all) celebrated, and in its most intimate form.
📍 Avenida Álvaro Obregón 86, Roma neighborhood.
📅 Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays, depending on the schedule.
🕛 Different times depending on the billboard.
9. Xochimilco
Talking about live Mexican music and not mentioning Xochimilco is like talking about snacks and not thinking about elotes or tacos dorados. And within this emblematic neighborhood we talk especially about its trajineras, where the beauty of the scenery during the tour joins the gastronomy and live music.
And not only mariachis, but also other typical genres such as boleros, rancheras or cumbias. Of course, if you want the mariachis to give you a “palomazo”, be sure to ask beforehand about the cost per song!
📍 Different piers in Xochimilco
📅 Monday to Sunday
🕛 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.