Where to See Mariachi in Mexico City: Plaza Garibaldi, Xochimilco & Beyond
Best spots to catch live mariachi music in Mexico City, from the famous Plaza Garibaldi to the colorful canals of Xochimilco, and beyond. Centuries-old restaurants, fresh vegetable markets, and crowded public squares, all echo Mexico’s signature songs. drawing everyone in to hear the mariachi.
Mariachis have long been the heartbeat of Mexico, charming people like you and me with upbeat trumpets, strumming strings, and some of the most soulful lyrics ever heard, most probably already familiar to many of us through classic Mexican films.
It’s a long-lasting cultural symbol that continues to bring people together for both celebrations and everyday moments alike. What makes it more amazing is that it is not just a performance staged for tourists, but a custom, a joy, and a need strongly woven into the daily Mexican life. And although it is said to have started in Jalisco in the 19th century, mariachi music rapidly found a second home on the streets and in the cantinas of Mexico city.
So, what better way to experience mariachi in Mexico City than on your next trip?
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Mexico City Mariachis & Mariachi Music: A Short History
Mariachi Band in Mexico City, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
A Mariachi band is a kind of Mexican folk music group consisting most of the times of 4 to 8 musicians playing instruments such as mariachi guitars — the vihuela, guitarrón, the standard six-string guitar, plus trumpets and violins. Maybe you’ve seen mariachis in the movies. They are always dressed in those very sophisticated outfits, the sharp, silver-studded charro suits, and wearing the wide-brimmed sombreros.
Their music has roots in western Mexico, “extending as far north as Sinaloa and Durango and as far south as Guerrero” (Source: West Music), but some would say particularly in the state of Jalisco. Although its history can be traced back to the 16th century, when early versions of today’s mariachi instruments emerged, the genre only gained popularity in the 1930s.
This was largely thanks to the iconic “Charro” films of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, which introduced mariachi music to broader audiences and celebrated it a symbol of Mexican identity.
Mariachis performing in Mexico City, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
A key turning point for Mexico City’s mariachi was the establishment of Salón Tenampa in Plaza Garibaldi by a Jaliscan native, who brought musicians straight from Cocula to the capital to perform in his venue. Not only this legendary place introduced the mariachi beat to the capital, but became THE hub for mariachi in Mexico City, a place that remains extremely active to this day.
Mariachi music began as a regional sound that quickly spread, capturing people’s imagination and hearts with passionate ballads and brassy melodies that get everyone dancing.
Over time, mariachis became a staple of family celebrations, religious festivals, and public gatherings. They now have a major role in every aspect of a Mexican’s life.
📖 Further Reading:
The Great Book of Mexico
Random stories and fun facts on mariachi, haunted cantinas, history of tequila, top spots to see in Mexico City.
Art & Fiesta in Mexico City
A guide to best places to experience culture, local food and endless parties, from art galleries to legendary markets.
Learn Guitar with Mariachi Songs
Fast-track your guitar skills development, from beginner to intermediate learning from world-renowned Mariachi experts.
Where Can I listen to Mariachi in Mexico City?
Plaza Garibaldi Performers, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
One of the very first questions that pops up especially as a first-time visitor is: Where can I hear mariachi in Mexico City? My first experience listening to the mariachi in CDMX was at Plaza Garibaldi, despite the tourist-trap rumors, and it turned out to be quite a fun Mexican night, rain and all! In my opinion, it’s a Mexico City must-do!
But you shouldn’t stop there. Mexico City is huge and incredibly diverse, so you’ll find mariachi in all sorts of places and setting. Mariachi bands serenade the restaurants in posh neighbourhoods such as Polanco or Roma Norte, as well as the old downtown Zócalo square, and even on the streets of Coyoacán, near Frida Kahlo’s iconic home. Xochimilco borough can also be counted as notorious for mariachi party cruises on colorful boats, day and night. And even a quick grocery run in a local market can turn into a mini-concert, with mariachis appearing out of nowhere to sing along as you shop.
Mariachi music really is the soul of this culture-rich country. If you’re looking for an authentic experience on your next Mexico City night out, mariachi is the way to go. And this is where you’ll find some of the best mariachi bands performing live:
🏯 Garibaldi Plaza Mexico City: Heart of the Mariachi Music
Listening to Mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico City, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
If you want to hear the mariachis singing in Mexico City like never before, your very first stop should be Plaza Garibaldi. I’d say it’s as iconic as Bourbon Street is to New Orleans or La Rambla is to Barcelona.
This open plaza, surrounded from all sides by charming colonial buildings, is the heart of mariachi music, with lots of bands performing live, day and night, right in the square.
Mariachi at Tenampa | Guadalajara de Noche Entrance, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
But that’s not all – out of the several restaurants and bars in the area, the most famous one, Tenampa Cantina, is also one of the oldest mariachi venues. Enchiladas, mole, and tequila, with the mariachis stirring up emotions and bringing to light so many sides of the soul of Mexican culture. Since 1925, they say. In here, mariachi bands go from table to table, playing the songs you request.
A few hundred meters away from Tenampa, at Guadalajara de Noche, another lively restaurant, mariachis sing on a stage, in a bit more comfortable setting.
Tequila & Mezcal Museum | Tomas Mendez – Mariachi Statue in Plaza Garibaldi, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
In the same Plaza Garibaldi, there’s also the Tequila and Mezcal Museum (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal), which combines the experience of mariachi music with tastings of the traditional agave-made beverages. They have even a rooftop terrace from where you can view the entire plaza. (🎟️ Get your admission ticket for the museum >>)
Some might call Garibaldi Plaza a tourist trap, but I believe any famous place can be like that, depending on how you approach it. Still, I found it alive, cheerful, and warm-hearted, with people singing, dancing and partying, even in the rain. Regarding safety, everything feels fine within the plaza, though it can become a bit awkward as you start walking away. Just use Uber to get there and back, and you’ll be fine.
📌 Hiring a mariachi band in Plaza Garibaldi: Hiring a mariachi band typically costs approximately 150 to 350 Mexican Pesos (MXN) per song. That’s about 10 to 20 USD.
🏯 Xochimilco: Mariachi on Water
Mariachi Boat in Xochimilco, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
For another extraordinary mariachi experience, you MUST head over to the canals of Xochimilco.
In case you wonder why there, the story goes like this. A few hundreds of years ago, the Aztecs created the floating gardens of Xochimilco, which aren’t literally floating. These were (and still are) agricultural platforms called chinampas and were built up layering mud, aquatic vegetation, and other organic material to form stable, nutrient-rich soil.
Between these man-made landmasses, a maze of canals was intentionally left open to serve as waterway for transportation. Over time, willow trees (ahuejotes) were planted along the edges to stabilize by rooting them firmly into the lakebed.
Parked Trajineras & Mariachis performing on a rented one, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
Today, the canals are populated with floating trajineras, the colorful Xochimilco boats filled with tourists from all over the world who come here for the coolest parties ever. They cruise the canals, eat and drink local goodies, all that while being serenaded by mariachi bands.
For me, the mix of music, water, and cultural abundance created an unforgettable experience. I would always go back.
And you can too. You can join an organized tour, which is the more affordable version, or rent your own trajinera (more on this subject here: How to rent a trajinera in Xochimilco Mexico City ) and hire mariachi bands to perform for you.
Mariachis in Xochimilco, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
As you drift along the canals, mariachis will often approach you from their own boats.
The cost per song typically starts around 150 MXN, but prices can vary based on the band and the number of songs requested. To avoid surprises, always agree on the fee before the performance begins. The government has set some maximum fees. You can check at the Tourist Center before going on the water.
🏯 Mexico City Restaurants with Live Mariachi
Mariachi Band at Tenampa, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
If you’re looking to listen to live Mariachi performances while dining, there are plenty of restaurants and bars throughout Mexico City, ranging from upscale locales to the casual cantinas. Many are located in neighborhoods renowned for their culture, history, and food.
Some top spots for Mariachi music in Mexico City to check out:
Villa Maria (Polanco)
Upscale restaurant with lively Mariachi shows, Mexican dishes, and a wide selection of tequilas. Arrive early for the best seats!
La Coyoacana (Coyoacán)
A very, very Mexican cantina in most colourful neighbourhood of CDMX. When night falls, los mariachis take refuge here.
Frida Bar (Coyoacán)
Great live bands on Saturday nights. They had 3 different sets of bands and then a DJ. Banda, kumbia, salsa, etc. Drinks are cheap
Salon Tenampa (Plaza Garibaldi)
Tenampa is the first and oldest cantina in Garibaldi that was frequently visited by mariachis as far as the 1920’s. It’s the cornerstone of mariachi culture and presence in Mexico City, best place for finest mariachi bands.
Guadalajara de Noche (Plaza Garibaldi)
Almost as ancient as Tenampa, Guadalajara de Noche combines Jalisco’s gastronomy with mariachi shows and folk dancers on stage. The atmosphere is more laid back, less chaotic, and the 1-hour long show is definitely worth 5*.
El Lugar del Mariachi (Reforma)
Well known for the live performances: Mexican folk dances and mariachi. It is a friendly, non-pretentious owned restaurant serving classic Mexican food and visited mostly by locals. On weekends, they have a buffet!!
Porfirio’s (Toreo, Coapa, Polanco, Coyoacán)
It reminds us of the old Mexican salons of the late 19th century. Chamorro tacos, duck carnitas, or a piggy bank cantina sandwich are some of the delicious treats to enjoy while listening to mariachi classics like “La fiesta del mariachi,” or “Guadalajara”.
El Mayor (Mexico City Historical Center)
Right in the heart of Mexico City, a gastronomic-cultural space and a roof garden with views of Templo Mayor and the Cathedral, with food and beverage from all across Mexico. Plus live Mariachi performances. Pork meatballs in mole negro are a must try!
Bar de la Opera (CDMX Centro Historico)
It has a stunning, turn-of-the-century atmosphere. And it has been the meeting place of notable journalists, politicians, and writers for almost 100 years. Amazing food, cocktails, and Mariachi playing classics.
La Casa de las Sirenas (Mexico City Historical Center)
Fine dining and live gigs by the city’s rising bands in a charming 17th-century mansion with gorgeous stained-glass windows. Near the Zócalo. Everyone falls in love with the rooftop terrace.
La Cueva de Rodrigo de la Cadena (Coyoacán)
Piano bar and the cathedral of bohemian music in Mexico City. They have live music from the Golden Era performed by top artists and ensembles. It’s one of the best places to enjoy boleros rancheros.
Restaurante Arroyo (Tlalpan)
Opened nearly 80 years ago by a family from Hidalgo, the restaurant still delights guests with traditional dishes—like José Arroyo’s famous barbecue—served alongside lively mariachi and folk dances.
Restaurante La Polar (San Rafael)
A total classic Mexican eatery, with both Mariachis and Norteños playing inside. And it’s the best place to try birria, the famous stew of Jalisco, which gets better and better.
Restaurante Enrique (Tlalpan)
A lovely place that takes you back to colonial times. Although it seems a bit touristy, it is visited mostly by locals. The food is pure Mexican, home cooked and the stage mariachi show is a must see!
🏯 Where else?
Basilica Santa Maria de Guadalupe Mexico City, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
Beyond the usual hotspots, you can discover mariachi in most fascinating and unexpected corners of Mexico City. Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares in Coyoacán explores the genre’s history through exhibits and live shows, while Basilica de Guadalupe hosts on holidays moving mariachi Masses— yes, you understood that well! A combination of Mexican culture and Catholic liturgy, a tradition that grew after the Second Vatican Council.
Escuela de Mariachi Ollin Yoliztli in Garibaldi sometimes offers free recitals. And for a lively shopping and dining experience, head to local markets like Mercado de San Juan, Ciudadela, or El Chorrito, where live mariachi performances often pop up amid food stalls.
Mariachi Tours & Experiences in CDMX
Now, not everyone feels comfortable spending time on their own in Garibaldi, for example.
If you don’t feel like going alone to listen to Mexico City Mariachis, especially at night, there are plenty of guided tours and shows available that include mariachi performances as part of the experience. You could try a 🎟️ Lucha Libre & Mariachi tour, or join a 🎟️ Plaza Garibaldi visit with food & mariachi stops at Salón Tenampa, and Guadalajara de Noche.
Last but not least, I do recommend getting a ticket for 🎟️ the ballet performance on mariachi rhythms at the iconic Art Nouveau theatre, inside Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Annual Mariachi Events & Festivals
Zocalo, Copyright © Cooltourismical.com
In 2024, Mexico City made headlines with an epic mariachi moment: over a thousand talented musicians converged at the iconic Zócalo to shatter the record with a rousing performance of Cielito Lindo. This breathtaking spectacle eclipsed the previous record set by 700 musicians in Guadalajara and served as the grand finale to the city’s inaugural Mariachi Congress. It was the kind of vibrant, heart-stopping celebration that reminds you why mariachi is seen a way of life. (More on the event on Euronews)
Still, a well known event is Feria de la Música Mexicana, but it’s not only about Mariachi. For those who truly crave the authentic mariachi experience, time your visit to coincide with the city’s major holidays and cultural fiestas: the spirited festivities of Christmas, Día de los Muertos, or the electrifying Grito de Dolores on the eve of Independence Day (September 15th), right in the heart of the Zócalo.
And if you prefer more intimate live performances, try to keep an eye on local listings for “Noche de Mariachi” events. These are usually hosted by the city’s trendiest venues and cultural hubs. My opinion is that here’s no better way to feel part of the soul of Mexico than to let Mariachi moments be added to your travel story.
Tips for hiring a mariachi!
- 🎟️ Mariachi tips: Mariachis bands performing in the restaurants or squares charge depending on the number of the people in the band. They are usually around 5 to 8. For an hour and about 10-12 songs you can expect to pay somewhere between 2,500 to 3,000 $MXN.
- 🎺 Bargain: And always confirm the price before the performance to avoid misunderstandings. In tourist areas, rates may vary.
- 🥘 How to save: If you’re on a tight budget, consider enjoying a meal at Tenampa. There are plenty of performers already entertaining other guests, so you can listen in without paying. Even so, it’s still a good idea to leave a tip—it’s a tradition worth keeping and their way of making a living.
- 🎻 Ask about their story: Many mariachi groups are proud of their heritage and will be happy to share stories about their music and instruments, enriching your experience.
Have you experienced mariachi in Mexico City? Share your favorite memories in the comments below!
