Where to Stay in Mexico City

I spent two months living in Mexico with most of my time in Mexico City. With only about two weeks split between Quintana Roo and Puerto Vallarta. I loved every moment of it.

Mexico City has some of the most interesting neighborhoods I’ve ever seen. Every area is unique and has its charm. You can find anything you want in Mexico City, from amazing food to historical landmarks.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City to stay.

Mexico City’s Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

Centro Historico – The Heart of the City

The Centro Historico, aka the historic center, is the heart of Mexico City and where most people visit on vacation. Everything is within walking distance to some major landmarks like “El Zocalo” (Mexico’s Main Square). The neighborhood is safe for walking at almost any time of the day. There are tons of places to eat, drink, and visit. Not to mention renowned art galleries like Bella Artes.

San Angel – A Little Gem in Mexico City

San Angel is known as a “Noble Neighborhood”. It is primarily known for its beautiful Coyolxauhqui Stone, which is an Aztec Calendar and was recently uncovered and restored. The neighborhood has a lot of cobblestone streets with plenty of cafes and restaurants to eat at. It is one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City.

La Condesa – An Up-And-Coming Neighborhood

La Condesa is a super trendy and hip neighborhood. There are tons of bars, cafes, clubs, and restaurants to visit including a couple of taco places that have queues going out the door for their amazing tacos. There really isn’t anywhere else in Mexico City where you can find this amount of variety with such good quality.

This is where I spent most of my stay. I’m partial to this neighborhood. There are many restaurants and cafes with quality food here. You do get a lot of performers that come to you if you seat outside (which I would recommend). A lot of them are quality musicians. It has a romantic Parisian feel to it. Romance is in the air here.

Coyoacan – The Historical Neighborhood

Coyocan is one of the most historical neighborhoods in Mexico City. It used to be an independent city before it was swallowed up by Mexico City’s rapid expansion. There are many museums here, including Frida Kahlo’s House Museum and Studio Museum. This area is known for its well-preserved buildings and spectacular tree-lined streets.

This place has an authentic village vibe to it. If I were staying longer term, this is probably the neighborhood I would stay in. Also if you end up visiting here, be sure to check out the Coyoacan Market. Great place to get a local lunch, or souvenir.

What is the best part of Mexico City to stay?

Polanco is the most privileged part of Mexico City to stay with everything within walking distance. This neighborhood will allow you to acclimate to the Mexican culture with ease. High-quality foods, buildings, safety and service is rampant in this neighborhood. Most of all, most people will speak English here.

Wherever you decide to stay in Mexico City, I’m sure you will love it. There’s so much culture and history here for you to enjoy. Also there are many different neighborhoods to choose from if you want a whole new experience every couple of days.

Safest Places to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is a safe city, but as with every other place in the world some places are better to stay than others. Polanco and Zona Rosa are two of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Security guards can be seen at pretty much any door or building in these areas.

I have also felt completely safe walking around in neighborhoods such as Condesa and Roma Norte after midnight. You can’t do this with all neighborhoods in Mexico City. However, I don’t remember going to any areas where I have felt unsafe.

What is the safest area to stay in Mexico City?

Condesa, Roma Norte, Zona Rosa and Polanco are Mexico City’s safest and best neighborhoods.

This is where the wealthiest of Mexico City will also stay. If you’re going to stay here, I would probably recommend staying in Polanco as it feels like a mini-city within itself with all the familiar brands and restaurants.

Where should you avoid in Mexico City?

You probably want to avoid any and all neighborhoods in the outskirts of Mexico City. There may be a lot of cheap hotels and Airbnb’s out here, but you really don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. I definitely recommend staying within the city center to limit your transportation time as well.

Is it Safe to Stay in an AirBnB in Mexico City?

I have stayed in several AirBnBs in my two months exploring Mexico City. I’ve also stayed in AirBnBs there with less than 10 reviews. To some that might be sketch. But AirBnB is usually good in matching you to real hosts with identities fully verified.

Mexico City is fully amenable to tourists with AirBnBs as a safe option to stay in. As with any other AirBnB listing, due diligence can come by verifying reviews as well as the host’s reputation. This can be simply done bye checking other properties they manage as well as their verification status on AirBnB.

A neighborhood where you can find good AirBnB’s will be near Zona Rosa or Chapultepec Park.

For the best hotels, I’d check out the city proper, or the Polanco neighborhood.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for the Nightlife

I have only been to a couple of the nightclubs during my stay in Mexico City. Around Spring 2021 the only areas open were areas people would call “Clandestino.” In other words, a “Clandestino” is the nickname given to the underground nightclub scenes.

I remember walking around one night with some friends to find a nightclub. By walking the sidewalks of Condesa, near Parque España, we found ourselves being invited to one of these “Clandestinos.” The rest is history. Needless to say, resourcefulness will always defy the obligatory.

Anyways, I want back again in June, and found the best nightlife to be in Roma Norte. You can find EDM and Raggaeton within elaborate venue settings. Classy, and no longer “Clandestino.” The whole nightlife escapade was an adventure, now looking back.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for Luxury

Polanco is synonymous with luxury. Especially when you’re choosing where to stay in Mexico City. Polanco is where the high-end hotels are located such as the Four Seasons, St. Regis and the Park Hyatt. As well as the luxury brand stores such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier just to name a few.

Where can you stay in Mexico City for luxury?

If I were looking to stay in one of the best areas in Mexico City for luxury, it would be Polanco. The Four Seasons is probably a crowd favorite hotel here. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, as well as upscale shopping all around this part of Mexico City.

If you want to stay somewhere with a copious amount of cleanliness and service, I would probably recommend staying in Polanco or Zona Rosa during your visit here. Condesa is a good fit for the higher-tiered luxury feel Mexico City can bring.

If you’re looking for the 5-star hotels in Mexico City, Polanco is where you’ll find them.

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City for 5-star Hotels

Polanco and Condesa will be the two best areas to stay in Mexico City for 5-star hotels. Plus they have the best hotels.

Polanco is an obvious first choice. If you’re looking to stay in one of the best areas in Mexico City for luxury, it would be Polanco. The Four Seasons is probably a crowd favorite hotel here. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, as well as upscale shopping all around this part of Mexico City.

Condesa is also another area to stay in Mexico City if you want that 5-star experience. It boasts a street called Hipodromo that loops around Parque Mexico and is lined with restaurants filled with great service and food. There is also another park called Parque España where you’ll find Condesa Hotel DF – this is one of the best luxury hotels with an appropriate rooftop restaurant overlooking the park and Mexico City.

Stay in Mexico City’s Top Neighborhoods

Where Should You Stay in Condesa?

Condesa is an artsy up-and-coming area of Mexico City, but it’s quickly becoming a trendy neighborhood filled with boutique hotels. To me it’s the coolest neighborhood. As far as where you should stay, it really depends on what your focus is on during your visit here.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Condesa because I actually lived here for many months when I first moved to Mexico City. Rumors are that a few years back, Condesa was quieter than it is now. My first time there was in Spring 2021, it was not the hustle and bustle of a NYC street (which I expect knowing what was going in the world at the time). It was an area that could provide endless entertainment, terrific street food, and a good night’s sleep in the same area.

Condesa was actually an incredibly vibrant city when I was there. It was full of life. I met people out in the parks. I made amazing friends there. I ate churros, and drank coconut milk purchased from the sidewalk vendors.

And if you’re looking for this vibrancy, the best place to stay in Condesa is anywhere walking distance of Parque Mexico. Everything happens here and is suitable for everyone. Be careful, lest it sucks you into a Parisian-like feel and stay in Mexico City forever.

One of the best hotels in the Mexican capital can be found here, Condesa DF. It’s a cool hotel where you have a private bathroom, a fitness center, free wi fi, and an on site restaurant. This restaurant has an amazing view of Parque España.

Where Should You Stay in Roma Norte?

Roma Norte is probably one my favorite places to stay when looking for the best areas in Mexico City. I’ve been out to restaurants and some discotech places in the area. I felt super safe the entire time I was there. It doesn’t have the same Parisian feel as Condesa, but it is still a nice neighborhood.

One of the best places to stay at Roma Norte is Hotel de Cortés. This is a hotel located on one of the main streets in Roma Norte, and has an incredible rooftop area with amazing views, good food and good company. Great to meet people here.

Roma Norte is usually known for its nightlife and party scene. Because this area is walkable, anywhere is usually good. But if you want to be near good restaurants and the best life, my recommendation would be to stay near the Departamento. It has great vibes with a rooftop. And as the evening goes on, you’ll find it common for good live EDM music to fill the different floors there.

Where should you stay in Polanco?

Polanco is the neighborhood to go to if you’re looking for the creme de la creme place to stay in Mexico City. This neighborhood is regarded as one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City because of the reputation of wealth in this neighborhood. The best malls, the best brands, the fanciest restaurants, and luxury hotels are found here.

If you were to stay in Polanco, I would imagine you’d want to stay in a boutique hotel:

Orchid House Polanco – A mansion converted with suites surrounded by lush greenery. From here you are also placed within walking distance of the Chapultepec Forest.

Las Suites Campos Eliseos – There are 91 suites in this building and a rooftop pool with a great view of the city.

The Green Park Hotel – For a natural feel, this hotel would probably be one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. It overlooks Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the largest natural parks in Mexico City). This hotel also has a rooftop pool with views. What makes it special is that it’s edged towards the forest, so at night you can find yourself on the roof or at your suite’s patio watching the sun go down in the backdrop of the forest.

Where should you stay in Coyoacan?

Coyocan is a neighborhood that isn’t talked about much in Mexico City, but if you’re going to be visiting the city for some time and need to find a place with long-term housing, Coyoacan would be an ideal location. The metro line runs through here so it makes travel easy. And there are some great restaurants and stores here.

There are not many hotels or hostels in Coyoacan, but if you do need to find somewhere cozy, I have seen reviews for a little house in Coyoacan: La Casita de Coyoacan – This place looks very quaint. It’s a house that has been refurbished into a bed and breakfast.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for Families

There is a lot of options in Mexico City for families. But my gut instinct would say that Coyoacan would be most suitable. With kids always running around and parks nearby, Coyoacan would probably be the best place to stay in Mexico City for families.

Viveros de Coyoacan is a forest where families go-to exercise. It has a ton of trails around the forest for jogging and hiking. In front of the park is a playground/park, which is perfect for families with younger children.

You can experience afternoon lunches locally at the Coyoacan Market. Be sure to get hormigas. These are fun little foods kids would enjoy experiencing. While mostly seen as insects to be controlled in the USA, they are delicacies for local flavor in Mexico.

Where to Stay in Mexico City to Experience Mexican Culture

There are certain neighborhoods in the city where you can find a lot of culture. While it might be expensive to stay here, I would imagine Coyoacan would be one of the best places to stay in Mexico City if you want to feel more connected with Mexican culture.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for First Time Visitors to

When I travel to a new place, I like to stay in location that gives me access to public transportation. If you want to be near the city center and accessible through the metro system, I would recommend staying in Zona Rosa, Polanco or Roma/Condesa.

These areas are centrally located and give you easy access to visit popular landmarks such as the Zocalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Alameda Central.  

If you’re in Mexico City for a long time or if this is your second trip to the city, I recommend staying in Coyoacan. This neighborhood isn’t talked about much but it’s nice to experience local flavor.

If traveling with a family, I recommend staying in Polanco. It’s centrally located and there are a lot of attractions near the hotel for families with young children.

If you’re looking to spend a couple of days exploring local markets and restaurants, I suggest staying in Roma/Condesa. This area is best to enjoy nightlife and Mexican culture outside your hotel/apartment.

How Long to Stay in Mexico City

The answer to this question really depends on what you plan to do in Mexico City. If you’re visiting for a weekend and want to experience the best of nightlife and eat at great restaurants, I suggest staying 3-4 days in Mexico City.

Mexico city is visited by many businessmen and families with young children. Because of this, it’s best to stay in the city for 2 weeks or more if you plan to explore many attractions.

What I’m trying to say is that Mexico City is a great place for tourists, but it’s also an amazing place for people looking for international residence. The location of the city makes it easy to travel outside of Mexico City if wanted, and there are a lot of great neighborhoods in the city that give you a taste of Mexican culture and family life. I hope this article answered the question about where to stay in Mexico City.

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City for Americans

If you’re an American and want to stay in Mexico City, you will have plenty of options that can gradually introduce to the Mexican culture. In all of Latin America, it’s proximity to the USA makes it almost a kindred spirit.

For exploring the arts and landmarks it’s best to stay near the historic center. This is where most of the tourist attractions, the main square, and art galleries will be located. As well as view plenty of the historic buildings that line the neighborhood.

Other neighborhoods as an American considering a stay in Mexico City would be Polanco, Condesa, Roma Norte, Coyoacan and Zona Rosa.

• Coyoacan has a feel for a traditional Mexican market.
• Zona Rosa is known as a gay friendly neighborhood.
• Roma Norte has a bohemian vibe attracts students.
• Polanco has the best hotels.
• Greater Mexico City you’ll find more natural side of things. Like mountains.

Downtown Mexico City is worth the visit if you want to get a NY like feel of the hustle and bustle. I’d imagine it’ll be a rare few who are business travelers who will want to check out this business district.

But if you want leisure I’d stick around to where there’s more natural feel such as Chapultepec Park.

Mexico City is the largest city in Mexico, and one of the largest in Latin America. So you’re sure to find everything you need. Whether your budget travelers, luxury travelers, who want budget accommodation or gourmet dining.

Hip Places to Stay in Mexico City

Zona Rosa is considered a hip place to stay. But also look into Condesa.

In Roma, you can find the Art Deco architecture, Art Deco buildings and plenty of street art.

A hip place to stay is in the heart of Condesa. If you’re looking for a more lively experience, that’s also safe then Roma Norte or Condesa would be ideal for your trip. You can find many bars and nightclubs around this area. It’s best to choose an Airbnb on Avenida Amsterdam.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for Backpackers

Backpacking hostels, guesthouses and AirBnBs are a popular option for backpackers.

Stay near the center where you’ll find plenty of places to grab a drink or dance the night away. These areas also have more affordable accommodations.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can also save money on purchasing excellent street food.

Cheap Places to Stay in Mexico City

You can find very cheap places to stay in Mexico City.

If you’re looking for something on a more comfortable budget, the best place would be Zona Rosa or near the border of Roma and Condesa. It’s also recommended not to stray too far from the historical center because many areas you’ll find further from the center won’t be as safe.