Mexico City is hands down one of the coolest cities in the world. It’s the most chaotic and gigantic metropolis in the North American continent.
Rich in history, culture, world-class cuisine, and street art, you could spend months exploring this mega city and still find something new to do every day.
However, figuring out where to stay in CDMX can be an extremely daunting task. With a population greater than London and New York City, there are so many neighbourhoods to choose from.
That’s why I’ve created this Mexico City guide – to put those wondering where to stay at ease. Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, or your family and you’re on the hunt for a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, this ultimate guide will help you choose the best place to stay in Mexico City for YOU.
Free up more time to plan the parts of your trip that matter most, like where to find the best mouth-watering tacos (and other fun activities!)
Sit back, relax, and let me show you where to stay in Mexico City. Vamos.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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- Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Mexico City?
- Mexico City Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in CDMX
- Mexico City’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mexico City
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mexico
- What To Pack For Mexico City
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Mexico City
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Ok, so you’re heading to Mexico City, lucky you! I always get asked “Where should I stay in Mexico City?” Well, look no further, these are my highest recommendations for the best places to stay in Mexico City.
Hotel Catedral | Best Hotel in Mexico City
This is the best hotel in Mexico City thanks to its location just behind the cathedral in the historic centre. Hotel Catedral is a stylish hotel that has everything Mexico City visitors could want from a buffet-style breakfast to gorgeous window views.
It’s where to stay in Mexico City if you only have a few days to see the sights.
Hostel Home | Best Hostel in Mexico City
With a great location, staff, and overall welcoming and friendly vibe, it’s no wonder Hostel Home is one of the best hostels in Mexico City.
I mean, what more could you want from a hostel? It has a great atmosphere for socialising and making new friends and you’re still able to get a good night’s sleep thanks to the noise rules the hostel has in place.
You truly feel like you’re staying in someone’s home as Hostel Home was once an old house. It’s also located in Zona Roma, my pick for the coolest neighborhood to stay in in Mexico City.
Cielo Alameda | Best Airbnb in Mexico City
This stunning Airbnb has one of the best views of Mexico City I have ever seen. Just for the view alone, this place is so worth the visit. With floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the apartment, this place is amazing value.
It’s located right in the heart of the city and is one of the coolest Airbnbs in Mexico altogether. The hosts Abigaila and Rene were super responsive and I had almost no issues when staying here. Rene, I love you.
I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone with a car though as parking is not that close, but other than that, I can’t recommend this place anymore.
Mexico City Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in CDMX
Roma Norte
Roma is home to Mexico City’s quirky subculture and our recommendation for where to stay in Mexico City for first-timers. It was the original home of many wealthy Europeans who flocked to Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, and French-style mansions can still be found dotting the avenues and lanes.
Centro Historico
This is where the city was first founded. Once the epicenter of the Mesoamerican hub Tenochtitlán, the area is now home to several historic buildings and a veritable shit ton of museums.
La Condesa
La Condesa is actually comprised of three official but smaller barrios (neighborhoods) – Condesa, Condesa-Hipodrómo and Hipódromo. However, they’re all simply referred to as Condesa.
Santa Fe
These two colonias – Juarez and Cuauhtemoc – are just north and northeast of Chapultepec and west of the historic center. This is our top recommendation for where to stay in Mexico City for families.
Juarez/ Colonia Cuauhtemoc
These two colonias – Juarez and Cuauhtemoc – are just north and northeast of Chapultepec and west of the historic center. This is our top recommendation for where to stay in Mexico City for families.
With a population of 9 million people in the city proper, Mexico City is the largest city in North America.
The city is broken down into 16 boroughs, which are further broken down into smaller neighborhoods of which there are over 1700! Holy crap that is a lot of neighborhoods to sort through – and there are even more options when it comes to epic places in Mexico City!
Photo: @amandaadraper
There is a metro connecting almost all of Mexico City’s neighborhoods. Plenty of buses serve the downtown area as well as more far-flung destinations. It’s easy to find taxis, and Uber is there, too.
However, not all neighborhoods have something for gringos and although it’s perfectly safe to visit Mexico City, there are still some neighborhoods you should steer clear of. For these reasons, I’ve laid out the best, safest neighborhoods with more than enough activities to keep you busy for a few days or weeks.
Mexico City’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Right then, let’s dig into the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City in some more detail, shall we? Whether you’re looking for luxury hotels with a rooftop pool or a cheap dorm bed, there’s somewhere for everyone in CDMX. The best neighborhood for you may be different to the best one for someone else…
So, let’s find out what’s good for what, and what will suit you best.
1. Roma Norte – Where to Stay in Mexico City For Your First Time
A visit to Roma Norte should be on everyone’s Mexico City itinerary. Roma Norte is home to Mexico City’s quirky subculture. It was the original home of many wealthy Europeans who flocked to Mexico at the turn of the 20th century, and French-style mansions can still be found dotting the avenues and lanes.
The area fell into disrepair when many of those Europeans moved into newer neighborhoods. It was further ruined in the 1985 earthquake but has been going through a renaissance as the younger generation has rediscovered it.
Photo: @amandaadraper
The Roma area consists of Roma Norte, Roma and Roma Sur (a more residential area). It plays host to many art installations, and visitors could spend several hours admiring the murals throughout the neighborhood.
In addition, there’s a hipster-run shop or bar on almost every corner with plenty of restaurants for all tastes making this the coolest place to stay in Mexico City.
Hotel MX Roma | Best Hotel in Roma Area
This boutique-style hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Roma. The rooms have a sleek and swanky design and the hotel is very clean.
Some of the rooms don’t have windows, but they do offer free breakfast in addition to the deli on site. There’s even a rooftop terrace where guests can play squash! It’s our pick for where to stay in Roma!
Hostel Home | Best Hostel in Roma Area
Hostel Home consistently gets rave reviews from the travellers who pass through. Located in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City, there are plenty of awesome bars and restaurants around the corner.
This was the first backpacker hostel in Mexico City! It’s a great place for solo travellers in Mexico as you can easily meet new people.
Modern Style Apt | Best Airbnb in Roma
This modern apartment in Roma Norte (right next to Juarez) is located perfectly for you to explore both of these stunning areas. This apartment is hosted professionally by ULIV, and their professionalism really shows with this place.
Equipped with all the standard Airbnb facilities, this place also comes with access to a stunning rooftop and a fully stacked gym!
Things to See and Do in Roma
- Visit the Mercado Roma for a plethora of delicious international food options.
- Take a stroll through Plaza Río De Janeiro Park.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene of Roma Norte.
- Head out for some of Mexico City’s best nightlife.
- Enjoy views of Mexico City at a rooftop bar. (My favourite was Balmori Roofbar).
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Centro Histórico – Best Place to Stay in Mexico City on a Budget
This is where the city was first founded. Once the epicentre of the Meso-American hub Tenochtitlán, the area is now home to several historic buildings and a veritable shit ton of museums. In fact, Mexico City has the most museums in the world – check out the top 20 here!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
The buildings were built by the Spanish conquistadores on top of the Aztec temples and pyramids. Many of them date back to the 16th century. In 1987 the historic center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its importance.
The area is centered around the massive Zocalo plaza and visitors to the area can enjoy exploring the pedestrian-only streets stretching out from there. Whether it’s art, cuisine, or history you seek, you’ll find it all in the Centro Histórico.
Hotel Catedral | Best Hotel in Centro Histórico
Hotel Catedral Mexico City is great value for your money. It’s located right in the middle of Mexico City behind the Cathedral. They offer a buffet-style breakfast, spacious rooms, friendly staff, and a business centre.
It’s close to everything you want to do during the day, but it’s very quiet at night allowing guests to get a good night’s rest.
Massiosare El Hostel | Best Hostel in Centro Histórico
Massiosarse El Hostel has so many perks. The dorm beds start at a very cheap price and there’s not one, but two kitchens! One of the kitchens is vegetarian only. Even better! Cooking definitely helps you save some dough.
This is why Massiosarse is the best affordable hostel in Mexico City and my top recommendation for where to stay in Centro Histórico. Be aware that it’s located on the 4th floor with no elevator. However, there is an awesome rooftop with amazing views.
Cielo Alameda | Best Airbnb in Centro Histórico
This stunning Airbnb has one of the best views of Mexico City I have ever seen. Just for the view alone, this place is so worth the visit. With floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the apartment, this place is amazing value.
It’s located right in the heart of the city and the hosts Abigaila and Rene were super responsive. I had almost no issues when staying here at all.
I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone with a car though as parking is not that close, but other than that, I can’t recommend this place anymore.
Things to See and Do in Centro Histórico
- Head to Zócalo – the world-famous square in the very centre of Mexico City!
- Learn about the ancient Aztec civilisation you stand on at the Museo del Templo Mayor.
- Visit the Palacios Del Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).
- Head up the Torre Latinoamericana for some of the best views of the city (and a corona).
- Join the beginning of a street food tour of downtown Mexico City. Mmmm tacossssss.
- Marvel at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
3. La Condesa Neighborhood – Where to Stay in Mexico City for Nightlife
Photo: @amandaadraper
La Condesa is one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. It’s actually comprised of three official but smaller barrios (neighborhoods) – Condesa, Condesa-Hipodrómo and Hipódromo. However, they’re all simply referred to as Condesa.
It’s one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in the Mexican capital full of swanky bars & clubs, designer boutiques, and beautiful parks, which makes it our top recommendation for where to stay in Mexico City for the best nightlife. And Mexico City is arguably one of the best places to party in Latin America.
The laid-back, bohemian vibe attracts students, artists, writers, and other creative types who rediscovered the area in the 90s after being heavily damaged in the 1985 earthquake.
You can find them hanging out in one of the many unique cafes, shops, or restaurants. Known for its Art Deco architecture, it’s also home to one of the city’s most picturesque parks.
Hotel Villa Condesa | Best Hotel in La Condesa
Located in the most bohemian neighborhood of La Condesa, Hotel Villa Condesa is surrounded by stylish bars, restaurants, and beautiful parks.
The rooms are spacious and very well decorated. Although it’s a bit on the pricier side, the included breakfast and the very attentive staff more than make up for it.
Casa Pancha | Best Hostel in La Condesa
Casa Pancha is one of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever seen. The staff in this place are so wonderful and the beds were ultra comfy.
Located in Condesa, this hostel is right in the perfect spot for you to explore the surrounding area. I couldn’t recommend this place anymore. If you don’t believe me, just check all of the amazing reviews.
Gorgeous Condesa House | Best Airbnb in La Condesa
This Airbnb is simply stunning. This recently renovated 1920s home is a great choice for families in Mexico City. This entire house rental sleeps up to eight guests across six bedrooms and comes with a private garden!
The host (Danya) is a superhost who has been hosting for eight years, so she knows exactly what she’s doing here. Despite not being the cheapest, her place is gorgeous (hence the name).
Things to See and Do in La Condesa
- Join a tour of Chapultepec Castle and The Anthropology Museum.
- Walk around the Art Deco Ring (Amsterdam Ring).
- Drink some mezcal at La Clandestina Mezcaleria – (not too much guys, it’s strong stuff).
- Live it up at La Xampa – enjoy live music and upmarket drinks and food.
- Play some cool games whilst you eat at El Ocho Restaurant.
4. Santa Fe – Where to Stay in Mexico City for Couples
Santa Fe is primarily a business district, but beneath the business is a wonderful environment for couples to explore. With some of the city’s best bars, restaurants and a wide range of hotel budgets, Santa Fe is a great all-around choice for where to stay in CDMX.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Whether you’re planning an urban adventures within the city’s skyline or seeking a romantic gateaway in a cozy cabin, Santa Fe is gonna be a great choice. I don’t know about you guys, but my partner is a shopaholic. The 500-store shopping mall of Centro Santa Fe was a serious hit for her and was within walking distance of our boutique hotel.
Santa Fe features some of Mexico’s most impressive modern architecture. If you’re into that thing (like I am) then despite the area feeling very corporate, it was surprisingly beautiful and made for a fantastic half-day of some urban street photography.
Hausuites | Best Hotel in Santa Fe
Hausuites is my favourite hotel in the Santa Fe area. It’s located right near all of the great parts of Santa Fe. If you stay at Hausuites you will be within walking distance of places such as the Paque La Mexicana and Centro Santa Fe.
With over 1000 positive reviews on Booking.com, why take my word for it? Check them out for yourself!
Ramada by Wyndham | Best Budget Hotel in Santa Fe
This hotel is not only gorgeous but great value too. The rooms are spacious, the places super clean and breakfast is free! The only downside is it’s not in my favourite area of Santa Fe.
If you want to stay in Santa Fe for cheap, this would be my choice. Oh, and did I mention that the staff are super friendly although they can be quite forgetful. 🙂
DESIGN CONDO by ‘La Mexicana’ | Best Airbnb in Santa Fe
This Airbnb is a luxury condo for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay – it’s astonishing value. At the time of writing, this is one of the best-rated accommodations in all of Mexico City (9.3).
It’s right next to Parque La Mexicana and is situated in a tower complex with access to gym facilities, a rooftop, a spa and more!
Things to See and Do in Santa Fe
- Head to Centro Santa Fe for a fat dose of retail therapy.
- Roam around the wonderful Garden Santa Fe (another mall).
- Walk around at night! This is one of the safest places in the city to do so. (Take care pls).
- Stroll around the Parque La Mexicana for some nice green views.
- Ice Skate at Navidalia Ice Rink!
- Splash some cash at a premium restaurant such as Quattro or Sonora Prime.
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Grab an eSIM!5. Juarez/ Colonia Cuauhtemoc – Best Neighborhood for Families to Stay In
These two colonias – Juarez and Cuauhtemoc – are just north and northeast of Chapultepec and west of the historic centre.
Juarez has quite a long history and has continually morphed into something new. In its early days, it was home to the city’s wealthy who built massive French-style mansions. Once they moved on and demolished their mansions in favour of office buildings, the area was taken over by intellectuals.
Just like Condesa, the area was left in bad shape after the 1985 earthquake. Juarez has been revitalized and is now the city’s financial and business centre.
Another popular spot is Zona Rosa – a tourist and gay-friendly area lively with shops, tourist agencies, and restaurants. Paseo de la Reforma separates Juarez from Cuauhtemoc, which is mostly residential but has a nice selection of cafes dotting the tree-lined streets.
Both neighborhoods have quick and easy access to the entertainment options in Chapultepec. That’s why it’s our top choice for where to stay in Mexico City with a family.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Suites Rio Elba | Best Hotel in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
Suites Rio Elba is an aparthotel that is ideal for family travel. The rooms have a kitchenette perfect for cooking small meals.
Each room also has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries. The best part about this hotel is its location. Just a short walk to Chapultepec Park, you can visit a zoo, the Chapultepec Castle, and the Anthropology Museum, which is why this is our recommendation for where to stay in Cuauhtemoc.
Hostal Juarez | Best Hostel in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
Hostal Juarez is a beautiful little hostel located right in the heart of Juarez. It’s super close to Arena Mexico – so it’s a great place to stay if you want to watch some Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling).
I really liked the pod-style dorms and the common area as well as the rooftop. This hostel was really great and I would 100% recommend it to you guys!
Magenta by Kukun | Best Airbnb in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
Picking one of these Kukun apartments was a struggle. There are so many amazing ones to choose from!
Located in the same apartment complex as many other Airbnbs, I like Majenta because of its unique interior design. Whichever Kukun apartment you choose, you won’t be disappointed. They’re located perfectly in Juarez and I have nothing negative to say.
Things to See and Do in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
- Watch some world-famous Mexican wrestling (lucha libre) at Arena Mexico! This is a MUST-SEE!
- Head to Zona Rosa for some of the city’s most vibrant nightlife.
- Spend some time in the Museum of Memory and Tolerance – a museum focused on human rights, anti-genocide and you guessed it… tolerance.
- Colonia Cuauhemeto is famous for its diverse culinary scene. Find the best restaurant for you.
- Visit Reforma Avenue which runs through the heart of Juarez.
- Admire the Angel of Independence in all of its magnificent glory.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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Hide Yo’ Money!Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mexico City
Wherever you stay, make sure you have some great Mexico travel insurance. Regular travel insurance isn’t usually valid in Mexico, so make sure your plan covers you!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Mexico
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Mexico and where to stay. If you have any more questions, drop them in the comments section below. 🙂
What To Pack For Mexico City
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What’s the best hotel in Mexico City?
I like Hotel Catedral, but there are so many amazing hotels in the city. Check out Hotel MX Roma and Hotel Villa Condesa if you want to stay in those areas respectively. You can’t go wrong really, just make sure you know what YOU want from a hotel and book accordingly.
What’s the best area in Mexico City to stay for tourists?
I’d say Roma Norte. There are some great accommodation options from Hotel MX Roma to Hostel Home for each budget. It’s a lively neighborhood with lots of soul. If I was going back to Mexico City, this is where I would probably go.
Where is the best neighborhood to stay in Mexico City on a budget?
Centro Histórico for sure. There is such a great variety of budget accommodation options in Centro Histórico. Not only this but being smack bang in the city centre has its other perks. There is some great value street food, shopping, market stalls and more. This one’s a no-brainer.
Where should I stay in Mexico City?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you are looking to explore the city quickly then I’d recommend Centro Histórico. If you’ve got a little more time to explore, then Roma Norte is a great shout. Take a look through this article and find a location which aligns with what you’re looking for.
Is it worth staying in Mexico City?
Absolutely! Staying in Mexico is such a unique experience and if you’re in the area it would be absolutely criminal to avoid this iconic megacity. I would recommend visiting Mexico City just to see some Lucha Libre alone – let alone all the other cool things to do there.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Mexico City
It’s no wonder Mexico City has become a cultural hub, where people from all around the world come to enjoy its rich history and culture. From mouth-watering cuisine to historical landmarks and cute boutique shops, the biggest city in Latin America truly has it all.
Just to recap, Roma Norte is my top choice for where to stay in Mexico City for the first time and it’s the coolest ‘hood with a huge foodie and art scene. My pick for the best hotel in Roma is Hotel MX Roma.
I think Hostel Home is the best hostel in Mexico City because of its location and lively atmosphere! It was the first backpacker hostel in Mexico City and it’s a great place for solo travellers as you can easily meet new people.
Let me know if I missed anything in the comments below… Cheers!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Mexico City.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Mexico City.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Mexico instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Mexico City to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Mexico City is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Mexico.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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