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After visiting every country, people are shocked that I still get ‘travel overwhelmed’. Every time I’m planning a trip to Mexico City, I question: What is the best area to stay in Mexico City for tourists?
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, with over 20+ million inhabitants! It also happens to be one of my favorite cities in the world. Year after year, I am continually drawn back to Mexico’s fascinating layer of cultures, museums and those mouth-watering tacos.
Unlike smaller towns in Mexico like San Miguel de Allende, where you stay in Mexico City really matters! In this article, I will share with you the best areas to stay in Mexico City for tourists, with pros and cons for each – and the safest area to stay in Mexico City.
If you stick around until the end, I will tell you where I always stay and why.
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How to decide what area to stay in Mexico City
Choosing where to stay in Mexico City really depends on a few questions:
- Is it your first time in Mexico City?
- What are your interests? Mexico City’s Historic Attractions? Food & Dining?
- Are you traveling alone or with a group?
As you read through the different area guides, keep these questions in the back of your mind!
1. Historical Centre
The Historical Centre is the heart of ancient Mexico City. Much of the colonial town is built literally on top of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, and you can even see the ruins of the Templo Mayor here.
Pros of staying in the Historical Centre
- Close to all the major historical sites and main attractions of Mexico City: the Zocalo, the murals of the Palacio Nacional, and the Templo Mayor. If you are on a tight 3 day itinerary of Mexico City, it makes sense to stay central!
- Vibrant street life, including performers in Aztec-era costumes and lots of cheap street food.
- Even amid the chaos, many smaller hotels here offer a safe place to stay in Mexico City.
Cons of staying in the Historical Centre
- Particularly crowded and noisy (even for Mexico City) – which means during the day you need to keep a close watch on your pockets!
- After dark, this area gets very quiet and I would not recommend walking around alone here, particularly for solo female travelers to Mexico City.
If it’s your first time in Mexico City, I would always recommend a walking tour to get started. There is so much history at every corner here and you don’t want to miss out!
Where to stay in the Historical Centre
I would recommend as close to the Zocalo (main square) as possible. I recommend Zocalo Central, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, and the Hampton Inn to stay walking distance to the Zocalo.
2. Colonia Juarez
Once the home to Mexico City’s elite, Colonia Juarez is known for its grand and elegant 19th century architecture and for its proximity to Reforma – the Champs d’Elysees of Mexico City.
Pros of staying in Colonia Juarez
- Juarez has a historic charm, with tree-lined streets and beautiful buildings.
- Some of the best bars in Mexico City, including Handshake Speakeasy and Xaman Bar.
- As a super central location, this will likely be the starting point for any Mexico City tours or Teotihuacan day trips from Mexico City – an important consideration if you are visiting Mexico City for the first time!
Cons of staying in Colonia Juarez
- Much like the historic center, after dark this area can become a little spooky.
- I find Juarez lacks the historic atmosphere of the Historic Centre and the cool, chic vibes of Roma or Condesa.
Where to stay in Colonia Juarez
I’ll only recommend hotels that are within walking distance to Reforma – where you want to be! The best hotels in Colonia Juarez are Nima Local House Hotel, Hotel Geneve, Marquis Reforma Hotel Spa and Hotel MX Reforma.
3. Roma and Roma Norte
These adjoining neighbourhoods are the beating Bohemian heart of Mexico City. If you are looking for a younger, artsy and more hip side to CDMX (as the locals call it), Roma is for you.
Pros of staying in Roma
- Trendy and hip with a thriving café culture and nightlife (including another of my favourite bars, the poetically named Café de Nadie).
- Home to some of Mexico City’s best vegetarian restaurants.
- This really is Mexico City’s art district, and a short wonder down the backstreets will bring you to some of Mexico City’s best galleries and independent bookstores.
- As an arts district, you can expect to find some of Mexico City’s hip boutique hotels, like La Valise Mexico City.
Cons of staying in Roma
- Limited luxury hotel options – you’re not going to find the best hotels in Mexico City with a pool and gym here.
- Does get noisy on the weekends, especially if you are staying near Avenida Alvaro Obregon.
Where to stay in Roma, Mexico City
If you are staying in Roma, I would recommend as close to Avenida Alvaro Obregon as possible, including La Valise Mexico City.
4. La Condesa
Once the home of European migrants to the Mexican capital, today La Condesa is famous for its Art Deco architecture – a favorite of the Mexico City Instagram community.
Pros of staying in La Condesa
- Very laidback (especially when compared to Roma).
- One of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City – as a solo traveler, this is always my primary concern.
- Many of Mexico City’s best bars and restaurants (including my favorite bar in Mexico City, the Charles Darwin themed Baltra).
- Lots of green open spaces, including Parque España and Parque Mexico. As well as the beautiful pedestrian green walkway of Ámsterdam.
Cons of staying in La Condesa
- More expensive than other areas to stay in Mexico City. If you are traveling to Mexico City on a budget, the odds are you won’t be dining in La Condesa’s restaurants.
- Few big-name hotels (although maybe this is a pro, with Condesa being home to some of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City).
Where to stay in Condesa, Mexico City
I would recommend staying on Ámsterdam, if possible. The best hotels in the area are Hotel Parque Mexico Boutique, Casa Mannach, Mondrian in Condesa and Casa Decu.
5. Polanco
Polanco is one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Mexico City. In Polanco, most of the architecture is modern and prices are higher than elsewhere in the city. While some say visiting Polanco feels like you have taken a weekend trip from Mexico City, I am still a fan – this is just another side to one of the most complex cities in the world!
Pros of staying in Polanco
- Safe and clean streets. After dark, you will see people walking on the streets (one of the few areas in Mexico City!)
- High-quality shopping, food and dining (including the uber luxe restaurant, Pujol).
- Walking distance to Parque Cuahutemoc, the green lung of Mexico City.
- For those who are regular visitors to Mexico City, Polanco is home to some unique museums, such as the Museo Soumaya and smaller boutique galleries.
- With high security across Polanco, the hotels here could perhaps be the safest hotels in Mexico City.
- For those traveling with kids, Polanco is a great contender for the best place to stay in Mexico City with family, with many aparthotels and Mexico City family hotels.
Cons of staying in Polanco
- Higher prices, especially for accommodation and dining.
- Less of the stereotypical Mexico vibe – the streets are quieter during the day, with less street food stalls and no mariachi bands.
- Those visiting Mexico City for the first time may be put off by the distance from the main Mexico City attractions (such as the Palacio Nacional).
Where to stay in Polanco, Mexico City
I would recommend staying as close to Polanco metro station as possible. Based on location, I recommend Las Alcobas, the W and Casa Newton 46. If you are traveling to Mexico City with children, definitely take a look at the Grand Polanco Residencial – it is an excellent value for money aparthotel.
If you think Polanco sounds like your vibe, don’t miss our dedicated Ultimate Guide to Polanco.
Where Dan stays in Mexico City
After visiting Mexico City several times, I prefer to stay around…
La Condesa
I love the little village vibe of La Condesa, with people walking their dogs down Amsterdam, as they go and pick up a coffee before work. As one of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City, I don’t have to watch my back here.
But I should add – on my first solo trip to Mexico City I stayed in Juarez. A more central location for visiting the major Mexico City must see attractions.
Weigh up what is important to you and let me know in the comments what is your favorite neighborhood in Mexico City!
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