Mexico City is one of the most exciting cities in the world. A colourful, effervescent and sprawling metropolis, infused with history, art and architecture at every turn that captures the hearts of both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers. I really fell in love with this vibrant city and, even as a solo female traveller, didn’t have any problems. But I know that Mexico City doesn’t always have the best reputation for safety. The key to having a safe and amazing time here is to do your research and carefully consider where to stay in Mexico City so that you choose a good hotel in a safe area and stick to the safe neighbourhoods.
Did you know Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city on the planet and the largest metropolis in Latin America! It was founded over five centuries ago on the site of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec Empire, and today, throughout the city, remnants of the civilization can still be seen in its buildings, artwork, cuisine and traditions making it an endlessly fascinating city to explore with many unique things to see and do including the historic colonial churches of the UNESCO world heritage listed ‘Centro Historico’ and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan.
But first, you’re going to need somewhere safe to stay. So in my mini Mexico City guide below, I’ll guide you through the safest areas and coolest neighbourhoods and give my tips and recommendations for the best hotels and places to stay in Mexico City. I hope it makes it easier for you to plan your trip to Mexico City and that you love it as much as I do!
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Where to Stay in Mexico City: The Safest Areas and Neighbourhoods
Mexico City is a huge and exciting metropolis, home to over 20 million people and often referred to as CDMX (short for Ciudad de México) by the locals. The city sits at an attitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft) so it’s refreshingly cooler than Mexico’s beach resorts but the high altitude can make sightseeing tiring until you’re acclimatised.
The city is vast with many different districts and obviously I can’t cover every single one, but I will summarise all the safest areas and neighbourhoods of Mexico City that are the most popular for visitors and tourists and my favourite hotels. Click on this links to check out the hotel or to go to a more detailed description of each neighbourhood.
I’ll also give you some tips on the best time to visit Mexico City, getting around and planning your itinerary as well as which Mexico City neighbourhoods to avoid. Mexico City sometimes has a bad reputation for safety, but like with any big city, there are safer areas and ones that you are best off avoiding, and Mexico City is no different. The most important thing is to do your research and make sure you stay in and only visit the safe neighbourhoods – then you shouldn’t have any problems.
The Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City
Here’s a quick rundown of the best areas to stay in Mexico City based on the reason for your visit. (Click on the link to take you to more on this area.)
The Best Mexico City Hotels – My Quick Picks
Confused about all the different areas? Have a look at the Mexico City map below to get acquainted with their location and then read on and I’ll describe them.
Mexico City Map
Mexico City Neighbourhoods
The Historic Centre or Centro Histórico is the best place to stay in Mexico City for history and culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, around the Zocalo boasts abundant art, historical and cultural attractions and is easily accessible from Mexico City International Airport.
To the west of Centro Histórico, San Rafael is a quieter neighbourhood with markets, museums and budget accommodation close to main attractions of the centre.
The area around the Paseo de Reforma and Chapultepec Park is a safe and upscale area with plenty of attractions, some of the best hotels and restaurants and convenient connections to the rest of the city making it handy for families and first time visitors.
Just South of Reforma, Zona Rosa, or the Pink Zone, is popular with the LGBTQ+ scene, with lively Mexican dining, shopping and buzzing nightlife and a short walk from Zona Rosa, you will discover Roma, a hipster favourite with a lively café culture, fine architecture, all within 30 minutes by bus or metro (45 mins walk) from the centre of Mexico City. These are the best places to stay in Mexico City for nightlife.
West of Roma, La Condesa is a chic and safe district punctuated with leafy streets, upscale boutiques and hotels on the edge of the city’s largest park Bosque de Chapultepec. It’s a great neighbourhood for families with plenty of activities to entertain younger travellers and one of my favourite places to stay in Mexico City.
The upmarket area of Polanco lies to the north of Chapultepec Park appealing to couples, luxury and business travellers with Michelin star dining, designer shopping, interesting landmarks and five-star hotels.
Some of the best areas to stay in Mexico City to experience life as a local are to the south of the city. The quintessentially Mexican neighbourhoods of Coyoacán , home to Frida Kahlo’s house and museum, and San Angel are primarily residential with colonial architecture, narrow cobbled streets and lively plaza’s populated with locals. If you wish to spend leisurely days immersing yourself in local culture, staying in boutique artsy hotels, dining in authentic cantinas and browsing colourful craft markets, these two areas are a great area for your Mexico City stay.
I should also mention Xochimilco – it’s great to visit in the daytime to ride the colourful canal boats but it’s quite far from the city centre and doesn’t feel so safe at night so it’s not on my list.
The Best Places to Stay in Mexico City
Centro Histórico – Best for First Time Visitors and History and Culture Lovers
Centro Histórico, or the Historic Center is the best place to stay in Mexico City for cultural attractions and historical sights. It’s the beating heart of the city – a place where grid systems converge at one of the world’s largest squares known as the Zocalo.
There are numerous cultural, historical and tourist attractions in the Centro Historico. The National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral surround the Zocalo, as do ruins of the ancient Aztec Empire Tenochtitlan on which the current city is built.
The main highlights for art connoisseurs are the Diego Rivera Mural Museum and Palace of Fine Arts, the latter displaying a stained-glass curtain curated by Tiffany of New York and works by Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamaya and David Siqueros.
Return to the Zocalo before sundown to enjoy Aztec style traditional dance performances in the plaza, before venturing to a nearby restaurant for traditional Mexican cuisine and ending the day at a rooftop bar with a cocktail.
The Centro Historico is a great place to stay in Mexico City with plenty to explore, it’s also one of the best places to stay in Mexico City on a budget, however, after dark some areas are deserted and don’t feel the safest for walking home alone, so I recommend using an uber when traveling through the Centro Historico after dark.
The Best Places to Stay in Centro Histórico
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico – Zocalo Views & Central Location
This stylish 5-star hotel in the heart of Centro Histórico is one of the best hotels in Mexico City. Overlooking the Zocalo and National Palace, it is within walking distance of Mexico City’s main tourist attractions including Templo Mayor, Diego Rivera Mural Museum and several local food and craft markets. Enjoy a sophisticated room with a view, equipped with cable TV, a work desk, free WiFi and two restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
Click here to check prices, reviews or to book
Casa Pepe – Sociable, Budget Friendly & Close to Attractions
This lively budget hotel and hostel is within a short walk of Metropolitan Cathedral and Tenochtitlan Ceremonial Centre. It has a great community spirit especially with younger clientele and backpackers, with a bar, shared lounge and kitchen, and every room – including the dormitories and family rooms have their own private bathroom and shower facilities. It’s the best place to stay in Mexico City for solo travellers, backpackers and those on a budget.
Click here to check prices, reviews or to book
Reforma – Best for Central Location, Connectivity, Safety and Green Spaces
If you are wondering where to stay in Mexico City with family, Reforma could be a great option. The main boulevard, Paseo de Reforma is one of the most famous avenues in the city and contains many attractions and museums as well as some of the best hotels and restaurants in Mexico City.
One of the most recognisable sights in Reforma is the Angel De La Independencia or Angel of Independance. Reforma runs through Mexico City’s biggest green space, the 1,695-acre Chapultepec Park. This ecological green space in the heart of the city is home to Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Castle, a lake, zoo, and auditorium.
There are plenty of shopping and dining options in Reforma too, the neighborhood is very safe and upmarket and has easy access to public transport making it a convenient base from which to explore and one of the best places to stay in Mexico City for families or first timers to get a taste of all the city has to offer with no hassles.
People also refer to these areas as Juarez or Colonia Cuauhtémoc. Whatever you call it, the area around Paseo de Reforma is still one of the safest and very best places to stay in Mexico City.
The Best Places to Stay in Reforma
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City – Award-Winning Hotel with Outdoor Pool.
Set amongst lush gardens on Paseo de la Reforma next to Chapultepec Park, this attractive 5-star hotel is perfect for couples and families. With a full-service spa, on-site dining, fitness center and outdoor pool, there’s plenty to occupy those who wish to relax after a day of exploration. There are several dining options ranging from Italian and Mexican and a well-stocked Champagne bar for sunset drinks in the pretty gardens.
Click here to check prices, reviews or to book
Monoambientes Cuauhtemoc – Walking distance to Chapultepec Park.
Just a short walk from Chapultepec Park, the Angel of Independence landmark, shops and restaurants, these 3-star budget units are more apartments than hotel rooms, thanks to a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and functional dining area. They benefit from a TV, WiFi, private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and some have their own sun terrace.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Zona Rosa – Best for nightlife & LGBTQ+ travellers
If you’re searching where to stay in Mexico City for nightlife, look no further than Zona Rosa, or the ‘Pink Zone’. This neighbourhood lies west of the Historic Centre with good transport links, a fabulous café culture, cocktail bars, clubs and great Mexican dining and shopping.
Local cultural attractions include the Angel of Independence, Museum of Wax, Chocolate Museum and Estela de Luz – a 341-foot-tall building commemorating Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The community is also well-known as friendly and welcoming for LGBTQ+ visitors with shops and nightclubs catering to all. It’s a popular and fun choice, especially if you have a mid-range hotel budget as it’s close to main attractions and one of the best places to stay in Mexico City for nightlife.
The Best Places to Stay in Zona Rosa
Geneve Hotel – A-List Treatment & Art Deco Bar
Chic 5-star hotel within walking distance of Paseo de Reforma and Chapultepec Park, near shops, bars and attractions of Zona Rosa. Dating to 1907, the hotel infuses upscale elegance with Art Deco architecture in the bar, stylish rooms, courtyard restaurant and hotel cinema. Decorated with unique works of art, the hotel also houses an on-site spa, wellness centre and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Click here to check prices, reviews or to book
Ibis Styles Zona Rosa – Within Easy Airport Reach.
One of the best budget hotels in Mexico City, 3-star Ibis Styles in Zona Rosa has 79 modern, soundproofed rooms decorated in a combination of crisp whites and bold shades, each with air conditioning, 32” TV and free WiFi. The hotel is located just 25 minutes from Mexico City’s International Airport and 10 minutes’ walk to the Angel of Independence landmark.
Click here to check prices, reviews or to book
Roma – Best for Experiencing the City Like a Local
The Roma neighbourhood is one of the coolest areas to stay in Mexico City. It is divided into two halves – Roma Norte and Roma Sur (north and south).
Roma North offers a blend of traditional Mexican and modern-day culture with excellent food options and nightlife, and as central attractions and Chapultepec Park are both easily accessible, it can be a great places to stay in Mexico City for first time visitors, foodies, couples and families.
The neighbourhood is home to Mexico’s first museum dedicated to design – The Object Museum, Casa Lamm, Mercado Roma (a trendy gourmet food hall and market) and pretty Plaza Rio de Janeiro with a statue of Michelangelo’s David displayed in the centre of a fountain.
In contrast, Roma South is more residential with local shops, cantinas, and events venues. It offers tourists the opportunity to experience a slice of local life and is perfect for sampling traditional Mexican food and longer-term stays in one of the safest Mexico City neighborhoods.
The Best Places to Stay in Roma
Sofitel Mexico City Reforma – Indoor Pool & Rooms with a View
Although not directly in Roma, this luxurious 5-star hotel is close enough to be considered as an option. It sits 250 yards from the Angel of Independence and is close to Roma’s bars, restaurants, and cultural treats. Boasting an indoor swimming pool, concierge service and comfortable hotel rooms with flat screen cable TV, private ensuite and WiFi, it’s a perfect choice for singles, couples, groups and families who enjoy being within walking access to several neighbourhoods in Mexico City.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hotel Monarca – Easy Access to Mexico Arena & Museums
This budget hotel in Roma Norte is perfect for short stays in the city. The rooms come with private facilities, flat screen cable TV and guests can walk to Mexico Arena, Pushkin Gardens and several museums. With an airport shuttle and free parking, it’s a great choice for couples or friends and several rooms come with terrace views across the city and neighbourhood.
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La Condesa – Best for Rooftop Cocktails & Green Parks
West of Roma lies one of Mexico City’s more affluent and fashionable neighbourhoods, La Condesa. It’s an easy and safe place to walk around with shady, leafy streets and parks, appealing boutique style hotels and international dining, close to Chapultepec Park attractions and museums.
La Condesa has a buzzing nightlife scene, which ranges from cocktail bars and lounges to karaoke clubs and all-night dancing. Shopping is also a treat, with a whole range of art, jewellery stores, shoes and vintage clothing shops, it may not be the cheapest area in Mexico City, but it’s certainly one of the most fun to explore. Plus, Condesa is one of the greenest and safest areas to stay in Mexico City and one of the best places to stay for everyone from couples to families and group of friends.
The Best Places to Stay in Condesa
Condesa DF – Boutique Chic with Rooftop Bar near Parque Espana
Located in La Condesa neighbourhood close to Parque Espana, this hotel is perfect for couples with a movie theatre and rooftop bar with dining. The surroundings are beautifully biophilic, decorated with plants and serene colours and guest suites and rooms are designed with signature furnishings, flat screen TV and mini bar. The luxury hotel is a short walk from Chapultepec Park Castle and Museum of Modern Art and there are several delightful restaurants nearby.
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Hostel Home – Family-Owned Hostel Promoting Art & Community Living
If you’re searching where to stay in Mexico City on a budget, this charming family home borders La Condesa and Roma neighbourhoods. Set inside a characterful building on a leafy street, there are male, female, or mixed rooms with bunk beds, shared bathroom facilities and a communal kitchen where you can get to know like-minded travellers. With quirky shops, bars, restaurants, and places of interest locally, it’s a great base for budget travellers in the city.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Polanco – Best for Luxury, Michelin Star Dining & Designer Shopping
Polanco is the city’s most exclusive district, with Michelin star restaurants, five-star hotels, designer shopping, street sculptures and colourful artworks. The neighbourhood is a great place for first timers, couples and business travellers as it gives an insight into Mexican life and feels very safe, even as a solo female I was relaxed to wander alone at night.
Local attractions in Polanco include Soumaya Museum (home to Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and Renoir artworks) and you can spend leisure time relaxing in Plaza Uruguay, a charming woodland park with murals in the heart of the neighbourhood.
For designer shopping, Avenida Presidente Masaryk is expensive and popular with affluent locals. It’s compared to the Champs-Elysees in Paris and home to top Mexican and international clothing and accessory brands. On Saturdays, Tianguis or temporary markets (dating back to Aztec times) take place selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and Mexican street food.
Polanco is the best place to stay in Mexico City for luxury travellers. Santa Fe, the main business district, could also be an alternative, although it’s located further out from the city centre.
The Best Places to Stay in Polanco
Hyatt Regency Mexico City – Walking Distance to Chapultepec Park & Designer Shops
This 5-star hotel sits northwest of Chapultepec Park close to the zoo and Museum of Anthropology, whilst also being within walking distance (10 minutes) of Avenida Presidente Masaryk – Polanco’s premier shopping street. The hotel boasts elegant, modern accommodation with glorious views, a swimming pool and 3 on-site restaurants which include a Teppanyaki grill restaurant, Japanese Zen Garden dining, a Mexican bakery and sweet shop.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Caravansaro Vazquez de Mella 347 Polanco – Budget Friendly near Soumaya Museum
If you are searching for a comfortable and affordable place to stay in Mexico City, these rooms are a great option. Each one is fitted with a microwave, fridge, coffee machine and shower facilities, there’s also a shared kitchen, lounge, and free WiFi throughout. It’s a great place to meet other like-minded travellers whilst adventuring in Polanco and it won’t break your budget.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Coyoacán – Best for Immersive Art & Village Ambience
South of the city is the picturesque neighbourhood of Coyoacán (in Nahuatl – place of the coyotes). Coyoacán is one of the best places to stay in Mexico City to experience local life. The mainly residential area is punctuated with beautiful colonial architecture, cobbled streets and there’s a lively plaza and park popular with locals.
When staying in Coyoacán you can immerse yourself in local culture and discover the life and works of creatives at Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), Leon Trotsky House Museum and Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli Museum.
There’s also a zoo dedicated to the coyotes for which the district is named and Mercado de Coyoacán, a typical Mexican market selling everything from artisan products to handicrafts, street food and groceries.
The Best Places to Stay in Coyoacán
H21 Hospedaje Boutique – Friendly Staff, Close to Parks and Museums
This elegant hotel is within a short walk of Coyoacán’s central park and fountain, Frida Kahlo Museum, the National Museum of Popular Culture and Plaza Coyoacán. Classed as an upscale boutique guest house, rooms are stylish and beautifully decorated, with air conditioning, seating area, flat screen cable TV, a terrace (optional) and a safety deposit box. If you plan to hire a car in Mexico City, there’s free private parking, plus, you’re only seven miles from Six Flags Mexico if traveling with children.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Casa Ayvar – 200 yds to Frida Kahlo Museum
Located in the heart of Coyoacán, this charming hotel is just 200 yards from Frida Kahlo House Museum, so you can get a real feel of what it was like to live in the neighbourhood. All accommodations benefit from a patio or balcony, WiFi and flat screen TV and free bikes are available to rent. The hotel offers a continental or buffet style breakfast and there’s a paid airport shuttle if you don’t want to drive.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
San Rafael – Best for Budget Travel, Local Life and Theatre Lovers.
Often overlooked by tourists in favour of more trendy locations, this residential area just beyond the Revolution Monument is arts focused, home to Aldama and San Rafael Theatres, modern art and history museums and beautiful architecture.
San Rafael is easy to access via metro and a short distance away from Diego Rivera Mural Museum, the Historic Centre and Angel of Independence monument. This neighbourhood places you in the heart of Mexico City, without paying the prices of Reforma, La Condesa and Polanco making San Rafeal is one of the best places to stay in Mexico City on a budget.
The Best Places to Stay in San Rafael
City Express Junior CDMX Sullivan – Value Accommodation next to Modern Art Exhibition
This sleek chain hotel is a great option for a few nights stay in Mexico City. It sits on the edge of Jardin de Arte Sullivan and is next door to a modern art museum, with easy access to the Historic Centre and Zocalo via metro. Hotel rooms are clean and comfortable, room service is available and WiFi available throughout the property.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hotel Sevilla – City Views, Close to Nightlife
Hotel Seville is a modern hotel, clean, comfortable and budget with city views and superior rooms with air conditioning. There’s an on-site restaurant serving Mexican and global cuisine, and nearby, further dining options, bars and nightlife. The hotel is within walking distance of the city’s main artisan market and Museum of the Revolution.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
San Angel – Best for Local Heritage & Colourful Craft Markets
Southwest of Coyoacán lies San Angel in Mexico City. This thriving local neighbourhood is a place for artisans and creatives – picturesque with parks and colonial buildings, churches, art galleries and open-air markets.
Plaza San Jacinto is the heart with rich history and superb authentic Mexican restaurants, however hotel options are limited. Visitors can venture to the Saturday bazaar, where crafts from all over Mexico are displayed for purchase, then walk to the local monastery/museum to gain a glimpse into San Angel’s intriguing history.
The Best Places to Stay in San Angel
Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes –Celebrity-Style Treatment
Nestled in San Angel district, just over 1.5 miles from Frida Kahlo House Museum and close to Arte Carillo Gil Museum, this luxury 4-star hotel boasts spacious, art-infused rooms with wooden floors, comfortable beds, ensuite facilities and a smart TV for movie watching. It’s a peaceful area, where you can fully immerse yourself in the unfettered beauty of San Angel, close to local markets and attractions. It’s a perfect couples’ retreat and close to Six Flags Mexico for families.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Hostal Cuija Coyoacán – Close Frida Kahlo House & San Angel
Just 350 yards from Frida Kahlo House Museum, this charming hostel caters to backpackers, solo travellers, friends, couples and families. It may not be directly in San Angel but it’s just a stroll through Coyoacán Park or a short bus ride. The hostel offers single, double and twin rooms with private bathrooms, dormitories for males or females and there’s a shared lounge so you can arrange to meet fellow travellers. It also has free WiFi, a delicious breakfast and free parking.
Click here to check prices, reviews and to book
Teotihuacan – a great day trip from Mexico City
My Essential Mexico City Travel Tips
Best time to visit Mexico City
Mexico City is a delight to visit any time of the year. The city has a temperate climate and affordable hotels, and multiple cultural attractions which make it a pleasure to visit whatever the weather.
High season is between March and May when weather is in the high 70-degree Fahrenheight/ 20 degrees Celsius bracket. Easter in Mexico, known as the Mexican Holy Week or Semana Santa is busy period as most businesses close and Mexican families travel to gather with loved ones meaning crowded or fully booked hotels and restaurants. If you plan to travel during this peak season, book well ahead and look at hotels near Mexico City International Airport or a little further away from the centre to save.
The best, and most temperate times to visit the Mexican capital are during September through to late November – although during Day of the Dead celebrations early in November, accommodation can be more expensive. These mid-season months are a great time to travel with children as the weather is more bearable and cooler for exploring the city.
Budget travellers will enjoy venturing to Mexico City between June and August and December to February as these months are classed as low season. There may be a few rainy days and cooler evenings, however, you can achieve amazing hotel deals and view city attractions minus hordes of tourists. If you are just passing through for a few days, avoid Three Kings Day in early January as prices can rise, and some shops and museums may be closed for the holiday.
How many days to spend in Mexico City
It’s easy to spend a week or longer in Mexico City. However, if you are short on time and are just passing through on route to Mexico’s idyllic beach resorts, allow for a minimum of 3 days. You can divide your days into different neighbourhoods, to avoid missing out on top attractions.
Here’s some Mexico City Itinerary ideas for how to spend 3 days in Mexico City:
Day 1: Centro Historico & Zocalo, spending a morning in the historic centre, exploring the architecture, key attractions and markets, followed by an afternoon of amazing art and incredible views before dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Venture to Roma, La Condesa and Chapultepec Park to explore the city’s charming neighbourhoods and green spaces, followed by dinner and dancing in La Condesa.
Day 3: Head south to Coyoacán and San Angel, browse local markets and visit the Frida Kahlo House Museum before dining in a traditional cantina under the stars.
If you can extend your Mexico City trip to 5 days, add a canal boat ride in Xochimilco to your itinerary and delve into Mexico’s history at the ancient city of Teotihuacan. It’s easy to see these as a day trip from Mexico City. Here’s the trip I took for Teotihuacan.
How to get to Mexico City and get around
Getting to Mexico City is easy via air, train, coach or car from other regions. Mexico City International Airport (MEX), also known as Benito Juarez International, is the busiest airport in Latin America and served by around 30 domestic and international airlines. It’s about 30 minutes by taxi from the airport to the Zocalo. The Camino Real Aeropuerto is the best place to stay near Mexico City’s airport – it’s connected to the airport by a footbridge and has great value luxurious rooms, pool, fitness center and spa to help you refresh after or before a flight.
Mexico City is built on a grid system, making most areas easy to navigate on foot, by bus, metro and bicycle. Getting around Mexico City can be easy too if you plan ahead. There are metro stations in almost every neighbourhood, plus, you can get around via buses, bicycles, taxis and on foot.
The city metro is a popular mode of transportation for the locals with just under 200 stations and 14 lines, and it’s cheap to buy tickets, making it a cost-effective way to explore the city. The services operate from early morning until midnight, however, try to avoid rush hour or rainy days, as when the metro is busier, there’s a higher chance of pickpocketing.
In addition to metro services, buses and peseros (microbuses) operate throughout the city. They stop almost anywhere, in any neighbourhood, and some routes to popular tourist hotel areas (such as Paseo de Reforma) operate all night.
If you prefer to explore the city on two wheels, bicycles are free to rent from kiosks next to Metropolitan Cathedral in the Historic Centre and at various locations throughout La Condesa, Paseo de la Reforma and Roma. However, stick to quieter lanes and routes, as the main city roads can be busy and erratic during peak times.
There’s also the option to drive around Mexico City by car, although this discouraged for tourists due to the heavy traffic that can make getting around slow going. Hotels can order taxis and Ubers are available via smartphone apps.
Uber is a convenient, safe and affordable way to get around Mexico City although traffic congestion means traveling across the city can take time so factor that into your itinerary. The easiest way to see all the tourist attractions is on the popular Hop On Hop Off Bus.
Where NOT to Stay in Mexico City
As with any city you’re not familiar with, you should always take care to secure your belongings, especially when out and about after dark. Mexico City has a reputation for not being very tourist-friendly when it comes to safety, however, if you are vigilant and don’t wander into specific neighbourhoods you should be fine.
Staying around the central areas of the city are usually problem-free, however, after dark areas surrounding Zocalo in the Historic Centre can feel a little unnerving with shops fully shuttered up and a large police presence. Problems with pickpocketing have also been reported in this area. I didn’t have any problems, however I wouldn’t walk alone at night in dark, lonely areas. Also keep belongings safe and don’t wear excessive jewellery or carry items worth a lot of money, especially when visiting busy markets and watching entertainment.
Other areas to avoid in Mexico City include Iztapalpa – a poverty-stricken area, Ciudad Neza, Tepito, Tlatelolco and some areas to the far north and south of the capital. The Merced market area and picturesque canal area of Xochimilco have also witnessed incidents.
It can be helpful to check TripAdvisor before visiting places to read about others experiences and known if they had any safety issues.
I hope my tips on where to stay in Mexico City have helped you to plan your own trip.
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If there’s anything I haven’t covered just leave me a comment below. Happy Travels! 😊
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