Where to Stay In Mexico City: 6 Safest Neighborhoods (+ Hotels)

With Mexico City being one of the biggest cities in the world, I'm not surprised that you might need some help and advice on where to stay in Mexico City.

Speak to people who've been, including me, and they will tell you how much they love this city. It is actually one of the coolest places in Mexico; you just need to know where to go!

I know some people have mixed opinions about the city, but in this guide, I'll show you just how amazing Mexico City is for tourists. If you're into culture, you'll be blown away by the incredible museums, architecture and historic landmarks.

And let's not forget about the nightlife – the restaurants, bars, and food scene here are some of the best in the world.

I've put together this guide to share my favorite, and let's face it also safest areas, and some of the best hotels for all budgets. Hopefully, it'll make planning your next trip to one of the biggest cities in the world a little easier.

Best areas to stay in Mexico City

Mexico is an absolutely massive city with loads of different areas and neighborhoods to explore. Did you actually know Mexico City is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the world? Holy guac!

While most of my favorite areas are in the city center, there are some super cool and safe spots in the outskirts too.

For first-timers, La Condesa is hands down one of the best areas to stay in. It's pretty centrally located and offers some of the best hotel and restaurant options in the city. This is where I stayed most recently too!

Roma is another fantastic area which, in my opinion, has the best food scene in Mexico City. So if you're a foodie or looking for a good nightlife, Roma, in particular Roma Norte is definitely your go-to spot.

If you're traveling on a budget or you're a backpacker in search of hostels, the Centro Historico, which is the historic center, has the best budget options.

One of my personal favorites is Juarez because it's somewhat of a hipster district with super cool vibes. It's a bit quieter and more local than Roma and La Condesa.

Just outside of the city center, there's a great neighborhood for families and people who prefer luxury hotels and luxury shopping, called Polanco.

Lastly, if you're looking for a more authentic and local experience, I highly recommend staying in the beautiful neighborhood of Coyoacan.

1. Where to stay in Mexico City for the first time: La Condesa

La Condesa is considered by many locals as the coolest neighborhood in Mexico City, and I totally get it. The architecture here is stunning, and you'll find plenty of boutique shops, bars, and restaurants that create a very lively atmosphere.

It's no wonder that many young couples, locals and students choose to call La Condesa their home sweet home. I stayed here with my other half on my recent visit too.

Being centrally located with excellent public transport options, La Condesa is the perfect base for exploring the rest of Mexico City.

I would say that La Condesa itself is quite walkable, at least if you don't mind taking a stroll along a few blocks. You can even walk to Chapultepec Park, where you'll find some of the city's finest museums and attractions.

When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of cool boutique hotels and apartment rentals available in La Condesa. However, it's worth noting that prices can sometimes be a bit on the higher side due to the neighborhood's popularity.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Young people

• Shopping

• Very safe

Things to do in La Condesa

La Condesa is packed with cool things to do. Even just wandering around, shopping for souvenirs, and grabbing a bite to eat is more than enough fun when you're staying in this neighborhood. But to be honest, La Condesa also has some of my absolute favorite things to do in Mexico City.

You can easily walk to Chapultepec Park, where you'll find some of the city's finest museums and attractions. Some highlights include the National Museum of Anthropology, Museo Tamayo, and Chapultepec Castle. There are also little street food stalls within the park for a bite to eat.

For a more laid-back afternoon, head to Parque México and Parque España. You can relax in the greenery, enjoy the street performers, and just soak up the good vibes.

There are plenty of trendy cafes and bars in La Condesa to check out too. One of my personal favorites is Enhorabuena, a little cafe that serves some seriously amazing Chilaquiles and great coffees and juices.

I also recommend Cedron, order the Croque Madame here! Otherwise, breakfast at Cafe Milou and dinner at the next-door Italian restaurant Veccino Forno.

Best hotels to stay in La Condesa

($$$) Casa Luciana Condesa

A 5-star hotel in the La Condesa neighborhood, offering amenities such as express check-in, a cute garden, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. With rooms featuring city views and a variety of dining options, including Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine, the hotel also provides a hot tub, tour desk, and 24-hour front desk services.

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($$) Condesa Cibel

I stayed at this sustainable Junior Suite apartment on the top floor. The suite itself was rather small but the large terrace with its stunning city views made more than up for the room size. The suite also features a minibar and a flat-screen TV. Having experienced a stay firsthand, I can confirm that the hotel's incredibly convenient location truly added to the overall comfort of my stay. The 24-hour front desk and secure entry further enhanced my experience.

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($$) Casa Malí

My favorite boutique hotel in La Condesa, Casa Malí offers stylish and comfortable accommodations with a touch of local charm. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, the rooms are spacious, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for relaxing with a drink after a day of exploring.

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($$) La Palomilla Bed & Breakfast

A fantastic mid-range option in La Condesa is La Palomilla Bed & Breakfast. It offers cozy rooms and a delicious breakfast in the heart of La Condesa.

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($) Casa Bis

Casa Bis offers fantastic value for money with bright, clean rooms in an excellent location. It's like a charming boutique hotel that's also super affordable.

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2. Where to stay in Mexico City for the best nightlife & food: Roma

The Roma area is technically divided into two neighborhoods – Roma Norte and Roma Sur.

However, most people just refer to it as Roma in general. Both areas have tons of trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs that make for an amazing night out.

Most people choose to stay in Roma Norte, which is very bohemian, compared to the more residential and quieter part of Roma Sur, which has a more family-friendly atmosphere.

Roma is also known for its incredible food scene. You can find everything here, from street tacos to fine dining experiences that will blow your mind (and taste buds).

Many local chefs and restaurateurs choose to open up shop in Roma due to its diverse and creative food scene, and I'm all here for it!

Don't miss the Mercado Roma, a gourmet food market that brings together a variety of culinary delights under one roof.

Best area for:

• Nightlife

• Foodies

• Trendy vibes

Things to do in Roma Norte

When you're not overeating on tacos or getting stuck in some of the nightclubs, mezcalerias or salsa bars, there are still plenty of things to see and do in Roma. The architecture is just as beautiful as La Condesa, and there are some fantastic street art displays to check out.

One of my favorite things to do in Roma is simply wander around and take it all in. There's no shortage of cafes and bars with outdoor seating that's perfect for a stop and some people watching or just enjoying the lively atmosphere.

If you want to check out the local markets, then on the weekends you should head to Bunker Bazar. It's a cool market packed with individual businesses selling fashion, art, design, crafts, and more.

And in general, you should definitely check out Colima Street. That's where you'll find the coolest and best shopping opportunities!

($$$) Brick Hotel Mexico City

For a trendy and modern option in Roma Norte, check out the Brick Hotel Mexico City. I'm a big fan of the industrial-chic design and the fantastic rooftop bar with beautiful views.

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($$) Roso Guest House

One of the most charming hotels in Roma is Roso Guest House. It offers luxurious rooms with a rustic and artistic atmosphere, and it also has a super cool rooftop terrace and bike rental.

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($) Uliv Roma Norte

For budget-friendly accommodations in Roma, Uliv Roma Norte is an excellent option. This boutique hotel is located within walking distance of many restaurants and has a super chic and modern decor.

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3. Where to stay in Mexico City for budget travelers & backpackers: Centro Historico

If you're on a tight budget but still want to experience all that Mexico City has to offer, then Centro Historico is the perfect area for you. As the oldest neighborhood in the city, it's also one of the most culturally rich areas.

Centro Historico is great for travelers who love history and architecture. It's home to many of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks, including the Zocalo Plaza and Metropolitan Cathedral.

You can easily spend hours wandering around the area, admiring the incredible colonial buildings and learning about Mexico's fascinating past.

If you're interested in history, be sure to visit the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) and the Franz Mayer Museum. Both are located close to each other and are just a 20-minute walk from Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers

• History buffs

• Cultural experiences

Things to do in Centro Historico

One of the things I love about Centro Historico is the amount of free activities it offers. You can explore the Templo Mayor Museum (free on Sundays!), visit the National Palace, or enjoy a traditional Mexican dance performance in front of Palacio de Bellas Artes – all without spending a single penny!

There are also plenty of free walking tours you can join to dive deeper into the area's rich history and culture.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of these tours as they not only let you explore the city with a local guide but also provide an opportunity to meet new people. Great when traveling solo!

When it comes to Mexican food, Centro Historico is simply amazing. It may not have the fancy hipster cafes and restaurants like Roma and La Condesa, but it does offer something special – cheap eats!

And if you ask me, Taqueria Arandas is my go-to spot for delicious and affordable tacos.

Best hotels to stay in Centro Historico

($$$) Downtown Mexico Design Hotel

Set in a restored 17th-century palace just two blocks from Zócalo Square, featuring an elegant design, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Mexico City. The hotel offers stylish rooms with high ceilings, traditional tiled floors, and modern amenities, along with an on-site restaurant, bar with a terrace, and a courtyard garden for relaxation.

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($$) Casa Sabina Down Town

Casa Sabina Down Town is a stunning boutique hotel located right in the heart of Centro Historico. It offers elegant rooms and an unbeatable location – perfect for those who want to be close to all the main attractions.

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($$) Colmena Centro

Colmena Centro is an awesome boutique hotel that fits your budget. It offers modern and stylish rooms, and cool amenities like a coworking space, fitness center, and shared kitchen. Perfect for all you digital nomads out there.

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($) Hostal Regina Down Town

For an affordable hostel option in Centro Historico, Hostal Regina Down Town is a fantastic choice. It's located right by the Zocalo Plaza and offers both dorms and private rooms at very reasonable prices.

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4. Where to stay in Mexico City for couples & the coolest atmosphere: Juarez

Juarez, or as some call it, Zona Rosa, may not be the most well-known neighborhood in Mexico City, but it is definitely one that's becoming increasingly popular.

This hip and trendy area is full of charming cafes, quirky bars, and unique shops. It's situated on the southern border of Paseo de la Reforma, right next to Roma and La Condesa, and you can already see that it's gradually taking on the vibe of those two areas.

However, at the moment, it still has more of a local hipster feel, which is pretty awesome! The neighborhood of Juarez is a well-frequented area among the LGBTQ+ community as well.

It's also a great area for couples as there are plenty of romantic spots to explore. From rooftop restaurants with stunning views to cozy wine bars, Juarez is definitely something special.

Best area for:

• Couples

• Hip and trendy atmosphere

• LGBTQ+ community

Things to do in Juarez

One of the best things about Juarez is just strolling around and exploring the neighborhood. You'll come across countless beautiful street art pieces, adorable cafes, and one-of-a-kind shops along the way.

For a romantic evening, I recommend heading to La Casa de Tono en Zona Rosa. It's a cozy, traditional restaurant that serves some of the most delicious and authentic food in the area. Just keep in mind that it's quite popular, so try to book ahead or arrive early so you can avoid a long wait.

We ate at Zanaya Restaurant on our last night, which is set within a beautiful courtyard inside the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, surrounded by the soft glow of hundreds of fairy lights and enchanting gardens, great for a special occasion and it's really romantic.

If you're a fan of coffee, pastries, and breakfast, then you're in for a treat at my favorite cafe in the area – Cafe Nin. They possibly serve the best flat white in the city and trust me, their sandwiches are super tasty too.

If you and your partner are into museums, there are two cool places to visit: the Chocolate Museum and the Wax Museum. Both are unique attractions that make for a fun and interesting date.

Best hotels to stay in Juarez

($$$) Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

Located near Chapultepec Park on Paseo de la Reforma, the Four Seasons Mexico City boasts a luxurious stay with contemporary rooms, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool and notable dining options, including Zanaya Restaurant (that I mentioned above), Becco for Italian cuisine, and Pan Dulce for Mexican-French pastries.

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($$) Hotel Clé Reforma Insurgentes

Hotel Clé Reforma Insurgentes is an upscale hotel situated in the heart of Juarez. It offers spacious and beautifully designed rooms, plus a fantastic rooftop pool with amazing city views.

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($$) Galeria Plaza Reforma

If you're looking for a more affordable, yet still luxurious option in Juarez, then Galeria Plaza Reforma is the perfect choice. This four-star hotel has modern rooms and amenities like a gym, spa, and a stunning pool area.

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($) Ibis Styles Mexico

For budget travelers, Ibis Styles Mexico is a fantastic option. It's located just a short walk away from the heart of Juarez, and it's super affordable.

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5. Where to stay in Mexico City for families: Polanco

Polanco may be known as the most upscale and exclusive neighborhood in Mexico City, but don't let that intimidate you.

This area is also a fantastic choice for families looking to explore Mexico City with their little ones. Yes, prices can be a little higher here, but there are some great budget options available as well.

Located just north of Chapultepec Park, the Polanco neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces for kids to run around and play.

It's also home to some of the best museums and attractions for families, such as the Papalote Children's Museum and the Natural History Museum, which are must-visits.

In my opinion, the area is absolutely perfect if you're looking for a peaceful and secure place to stay, yet still close to busier neighborhoods like Roma and La Condesa. And even if you're planning to visit the historic center, you can easily hop on the Metro or grab a taxi.

Best area for:

• Families

• Upscale atmosphere

Things to do in Polanco

As mentioned, Polanco is home to some of the best museums in Mexico City. Aside from the Papalote Children's Museum, you can also visit the National Museum of Anthropology, which has impressive exhibitions but trust me it's massive and one of the biggest museums I've ever been to so you might want to plan the whole day for it.

If you're looking for a fantastic upscale family dinner, I can't recommend Pujol enough. It's one of the best upscale restaurants in Polanco, and the food is delicious. It might be a bit pricey, but trust me, it's totally worth it.

And of course, no trip to Polanco is complete without a visit to the famous Chapultepec Castle. This historic castle offers stunning views of the city and is a great spot for a family picnic.

Best hotels to stay in Polanco

($$$) Pug Seal Polanco Allan Poe

Located in the heart of Polanco, Pug Seal Polanco Allan Poe offers elegant and spacious guest rooms perfect for families. The entire hotel is an old villa with a lovely courtyard, giving it a cozy and homely feel.

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($$) Grand Polanco Residencial

For a more affordable yet still luxurious option, try Grand Polanco Residencial. This luxury collection hotel offers apartments with separate living areas and kitchenettes, making it perfect for families. Personally, I think it's an amazing hotel and probably some of the most upscale hotels in Mexico City.

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($) Lamartine 619 Residencial

For budget travelers, Lamartine 619 Residencial is an excellent choice! It offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location in Polanco, just a short walk from all the main attractions. And when I say budget, I mean budget for Polanco. This place is still amazing and luxurious compared to the rest of Mexico City.

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6. Where to stay in Mexico City for an authentic experience: Coyoacan

For a truly authentic Mexican experience, there's no better neighborhood to stay in than Coyoacan.

Tucked away in the southern part of Mexico City, this charming neighborhood is known for its traditional architecture, colorful streets, and lively atmosphere.

Coyoacan is also rich in history and culture, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore. It's the perfect place for those wanting to immerse themselves in Mexican culture and try some of the best traditional food in the city.

I know it's not the most convenient to stay here because it is a bit far from the center, but it is well connected to public transport so you can easily get around.

Best area for:

• Authentic experience

• Traditional architecture

• Away from the crowds

Things to do in Coyoacan

One of the coolest things to do in Coyoacan is to check out the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. It used to be the home of the famous artist Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, and now it's a museum showcasing their incredible work.

If you're into art and culture, you should visit the National Museum of Popular Cultures. They've got some really cool modern art on display.

Now, one of my absolute favorite spots in Coyoacan is the Mercado de Coyoacan market. It's filled with street food stalls and local vendors selling handicrafts. It's my favorite spot to try some authentic Mexican snacks and I recommend to pick up souvenirs while you're there.

And of course, you can't leave Coyoacan without trying some traditional Mexican food. For the best Mexican food in town, head over to La Casa de los Tacos. And if you're in the mood for a delicious coffee, Cafe el Jarocha is the place to be. They make a killer flat white or latte.

Best hotels to stay in Coyoacan

($$$) H21 Hospedaje Boutique

H21 Hospedaje Boutique is a beautiful boutique hotel located just a short walk away from the main square in Coyoacan. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Especially for how affordable this place is, I thought the quality was amazing, and it might be worth staying outside the city center to save some money.

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($$) Villa Alfonsina

A little more basic but still lovely and well-located is Villa Alfonsina. This guesthouse is just a short walk from the Frida Kahlo Museum, making it perfect for exploring Coyoacan on foot. It's also within walking distance from some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood.

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($) Casa Molcajete

For budget travelers, Casa Molcajete is a fantastic option that offers affordable apartments with their own kitchen and terrace, perfect for anyone who wants to save money on food.

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Where to stay in Mexico City – Frequently Asked Questions

❓Is it better to stay in Roma or La Condesa?

Honestly, there's not much of a difference because most people even think they're in the same place. But if you ask for my personal opinion, I love La Condesa and think it is the best neighborhood to stay in for any first-timers. But the food scene in Roma incredible, and it has way more cool bars than La Condesa.

📅 How many days should I stay in Mexico City?

I would wholeheartedly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Mexico City to truly experience the city and its vibrant culture. However, if you have more time to spare, why not stay for a whole week and fully immerse yourself in everything this amazing city and its surroundings have to offer? There are also so many great day trips you can take from Mexico City.

🚫 Is Mexico City dangerous?

Just like in any big city, certain areas may be considered a bit dicey. However, as a tourist, if you stick to the more popular and well-known neighborhoods, you shouldn't run into any problems. Just be mindful not to wander into any sketchy areas, especially at night. And I always recommend catching an Uber to get back to your hotel safely.

🚶‍♀️ Is Mexico City walkable?

The short answer is no, but don't worry! The city is massive, and the popular neighborhoods are spread out. While you can definitely explore some areas on foot, like Roma and La Condesa, when you want to head to a different area, it may not be very walkable. But luckily, Mexico City has a great public transport system with the metro which is safe to take, and Ubers here are fairly affordable as well. So getting around won't be a problem. Just keep in mind Mexico City is big and traffic is wild during rush hour!

🏛️ What is there to do and see in Mexico City?

There are so many incredible things to do in Mexico City. You can explore the historic center and check out the amazing museums, sample all the delicious street food, or dine at fancy restaurants. Don't forget to take day trips to nearby towns and natural wonders if you have time. You can't miss visiting ancient ruins like Teotihuacan or going on a boat ride through the famous floating gardens of Xochimilco. Believe me, you'll want to stay for a whole week to truly experience all the awesomeness this city has to offer.

Where to stay in Mexico City – Final Words

I have to say, I'm absolutely in love with Mexico City! The food, the people, the culture – it's all so authentic and exciting. Believe me, if you step out of your comfort zone a bit and explore beyond the touristy areas, you'll be blown away.

Whether you're craving delicious tacos, looking for some fun nightlife, or eager to dive into the rich Mexican culture, Mexico City has it all and then some.

After checking out this guide on where to stay in Mexico City, I hope you're feeling excited to plan your trip and I am sure you'll find the perfect neighborhood that matches your travel style.