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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Mexico City Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in CDMX
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.
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 neighbourhoods of which there are over 1700! Holy crap, that is a lot of neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhoods. 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 neighbourhoods have something for gringos and although it’s perfectly safe to visit Mexico City, there are still some neighbourhoods you should steer clear of. For these reasons, I’ve laid out the best, safest neighbourhoods with more than enough activities to keep you busy for a few days or weeks.
Mexico City’s Seven Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
Right then, let’s dig into the best neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhoods. It was further ruined in the 1985 earthquake but has been going through a renaissance as the younger generation has rediscovered it.
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 neighbourhood.
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.
Highlights of Roma Norte:
- European vibes
- Easy to meet other travellers
- Great bar and restaurant options
Lowlights of Roma Norte:
- Feels like a tourist bubble
- Expensive
Photo: @amandaadraper
Things to See and Do in Roma
- Visit the Mercado Roma for a plethora of delicious international food options. I can spend hours here tucking into tortas, tacos, empanadas and other top notch Latin American street foods. It’s a pretty stylish place too, with hip and modern décor.
- Take a stroll through Plaza Río De Janeiro Park. Don’t worry guys, we’re not in Brazil’s most famous city here, this Rio de Janeiro is safe. It’s a nice park to walk through. And next door is the infamous Witches’ House, which is said to be haunted. Spooky!
- Explore the vibrant street art scene of Roma Norte. I can spend hours here checking out the bohemian neighbourhoods full of street art. You can even check it out on a bike tour which is pretty cool!
- Head out for some of Mexico City’s best nightlife. Licoreria Limontour even tops “world’s best bar” lists on regular occasions. And trust me, it’s worth it, even if the prices aren’t very broke backpacker-friendly. La Botica is also cool, and a little easier on the wallet.
- Enjoy views of Mexico City at a rooftop bar. You cannot beat sipping a good cocktail whilst taking in this sprawling metropolis from above. My favourite spot was Balmori Roofbar. Well worth the cost of a good cocktail.
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 neighbourhoods 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!
2. 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 19 here!
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 centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to its importance.
The area is centred 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.
Highlights of Centro Historico:
- At the heart of the main attractions
- Much more affordable than Condesa, Polanco or Roma Norte
- Good vibes with a lot going on
Lowlights of Centro Historico:
- Fewer amenities than tourist hotspots Condesa or Roma Norte
- Borders some dangerous areas (Doctores, Tepito and Merced)
- Can be quite loud at times
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Things to See and Do in Centro Histórico
- Head to Zócalo – the world-famous square in the very centre of Mexico City! You can take your classic tourist pics by the CDMX sign, with a giant Mexico flag and the cathedral behind it. Come in the day though as it’s sketchy after dark.
- Learn about the ancient Aztec civilisation you stand on at the Museo del Templo Mayor. The Aztec civilisation is no more, but many of their descendants and artifacts are still around today. I really enjoyed the impressive displays as I learned about this bygone era.
- Visit the Palacio De Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). Looking at the cool building from the outside is fun enough, but if you go inside you’ll discover a lot going on in this arts hub. Dances and operas are common, but I enjoyed seeing the murals on a tour.
- Head up the Torre Latinoamericana for some of the best views of the city (and a Corona). This giant skyscraper is as good as it gets if you want to see Mexico’s giant capital from all angles. Tickets cost around $12, but you get in for “free” if you buy a drink.
- Join the beginning of a street food tour of downtown Mexico City. Mmmm tacossssss. Mexican street food absolutely hits the spot every single time, and a food tour is a must during your stay here.
- Marvel at the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral! It’s an architectural masterpiece built by the Spanish. Religion is taken very seriously in Latin America, so it’s interesting to see locals engaging in ways that are important to them.
Photo: Eliisakarolina (WikiCommons)
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
Massiosare El Hostel has so many perks and is one of the best hostels in Mexico City. 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.
Funky Loft in Downtown | Best Airbnb in Centro Histórico
If you’re after a place with character, charm, and zero risk of a snoring stranger in the bunk above you, this apartment is a winner. Bright, stylish, with everything you need it’s hard to go wrong. Comfy beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy living area to kick back after a day of exploring. Whether you’re working remotely or just soaking up the city, this ideal for keeping costs down without sacrificing your comforts.
3. La Condesa Neighbourhood – 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 (neighbourhoods) – Condesa, Condesa-Hipodrómo and Hipódromo. However, they’re all simply referred to as Condesa.
It’s one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods 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.
Highlights of La Condesa:
- Very safe
- Surrounded by amenities
- Lots of other tourists nearby
Lowlights of La Condesa:
- Lots of other tourists nearby (this is a positive for some and a negative for others!)
- Expensive
Things to See and Do in La Condesa
- Join a tour of Chapultepec Castle and The Anthropology Museum. The scene of the 1990s hit movie Romeo and Juliet is home to some great art installations. If you base up in La Condesa, then it should be roughly a 30-minute walk from your hostel.
- Walk around the Art Deco Ring (Amsterdam Ring). Avenida Amsterdam, to use its real name, is full of picturesque art deco buildings. It’s a pleasant spot to walk around, and there’s even an exercise spot where you can swing on the monkey bars to strengthen up!
- Drink some mezcal at La Clandestina Mezcaleria – (not too much guys, it’s strong stuff). Mezcal is a Mexican favourite, and it’s similar to tequila. I’ve had many wonderful nights at La Clandestina, but can also blame it for many horrible mornings.
- Live it up at La Xampa – enjoy live music and upmarket drinks and food. The vibes here are top-notch, and you can splash out a little on the finer things in life if your budget allows.
- Play some cool games whilst you eat at El Ocho Restaurant. My amigos kicked my a*se at Connect 4, but we still had a blast eating dinner here, and capping it off with one of El Ocho’s comically oversized milkshakes with a calorie count similar to Elon’s wealth.
Hotel Villa Condesa | Best Hotel in La Condesa
Located in the most bohemian neighbourhood 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 more. 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).
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 adventure within the city’s skyline or seeking a romantic getaway in a cosy 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.
Highlights of Santa Fe:
- A safe business-focused part of CDMX
- New and modern
- Great for shopping
Lowlights of Santa Fe:
- A long way from most points of interest
- No metro stations
Things to See and Do in Santa Fe
- Head to Centro Santa Fe for a fat dose of retail therapy. This shopping mall has a ton of shops and restaurants, an ice rink, a cinema, and even a casino which will turn every broke backpacker into an even more broke backpacker.
- Roam around the wonderful Garden Santa Fe. This is another mall, and a much smaller one, but decent if you’re looking for a fancy lunch, or just want a quieter spot. I found the crowds were much smaller here than at Centro Santa Fe.
- Walk around at night! This is one of the safest places in the city to do so. Just take care pls. Normal Mexico precautions still apply, of not getting your phone out after dark, and not dressing flashy to make yourself an easy target.
- Stroll around the Parque La Mexicana for some nice green views. It’s open daily from 5am to 9pm, and I love strolling around here amongst the many dog walkers and pedestrians enjoying the chilled out vibe.
- Splash some cash at a premium restaurant such as Italian restaurant Quattro or steakhouse Sonora Prime. CDMX is one of the world’s top foodie cities, Italian cuisine is some of the best on the planet, and steak is surely THE best, so what’s not to love?
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 Parque 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 place is 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!
5. Juarez/ Colonia Cuauhtemoc – Best Neighbourhood 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 revitalised and is now the city’s financial and business centre.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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 neighbourhoods 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.
Highlights of Juarez and Cuauhtemoc:
- Good entertainment options nearby
- Good choice of cafes
- Relatively safe
Lowlights of Juarez and Cuauhtemoc:
- Can be rowdy at night
- Higher risk of pickpocketing and drunken behaviour here
Things to See and Do in Juarez/Cuauhtemoc
- Watch some world-famous Mexican wrestling (lucha libre) at Arena Mexico! This is a MUST-SEE! I thought watching cholita’s wrestling in Bolivia was absolutely bonkers, but this is something else. Lucha libre wrestling is an art form.
- Head to Zona Rosa for some of the city’s most vibrant nightlife. Hanky Panky is a speakeasy bar inspired by the US prohibition era, and it’s even listed as one of the top bars in the world. This is my top pick for a decent cocktail around here.
- Spend some time in the Museum of Memory and Tolerance – a museum focused on human rights, anti-genocide and you guessed it… tolerance. A change of scenery, as this is kinda heavy, but travel introduces you to more opportunities about our planet’s past.
- Colonia Cuauhemetoc is famous for its diverse culinary scene. Find the best restaurant for you. Diana Restaurant is one of my favourites, with a ton of great Mexican foods to choose from, but you can also find Asian, French and Italian restaurants here.
- Visit Reforma Avenue (Avenida Paseo de la Reforma) which runs through the heart of Juarez. This is one of my favourite streets in Mexico City. They always have something going on, with regular exhibitions along the side of the road.
- Admire the Angel of Independence in all of its magnificent glory. This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mexico’s capital, and has become a central point for protests and celebrations alike. It was quieter when I visited, but it’s still an impressive monument.
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 Magenta 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.
6. Narvarte – Best Neighbourhood for Authentic Living
Narvarte offers an alternative option to the mainstream neighbourhoods such as Roma Norte and Condesa. It isn’t particularly touristy here, and I guess that’s what makes me such a big fan.
As you’ve probably come to expect from Mexico City, there’s a ton of awesome art here. The Instituto del Arte Mexicano del Azucar (sugar art museum) displays some impressive work that you can see whilst you’re here.
What I really love about Narvarte is just how authentic it feels. You can find some sweet taquerias, for prices that you’d associate more with residential areas of CDMX rather than Polanco, Condesa and other tourist hotspots.
For something a little more shocking, you can find the Altar of Santa Muerte round here. Santa Muerte is “Saint Death”, and she’s basically Mexico’s answer to the grim reaper. The Catholic Church distance themselves from this anti-saint figure. But she’s built up a cult following of devotees who do ask her for blessings.
Narvarte is one of those places where you should consider staying if you want to get away from the priciest and busiest spots of the city, but still remain pretty close to the action.
Highlights of Narvarte:
- Lots of great taquerias
- Cool spots for art lovers
- Away from the major tourist spots
Lowlights of Narvarte:
- Not as exciting as some other neighbourhoods
- Infrastructure isn’t so good here
Things to See and Do in Narvarte
- Enjoy some craft beers at Hop The Beer Experience 2. With over 50 options on tap here, you’re gonna have a quality time, and can easily spend a few evenings working through them if your head and stomach can hack it.
- Tuck into tacos! One of my favourite parts of this neighbourhood is the authentic taquerias dotted all over the place. Roma and Condesa can feel a little bit like “tourist Mexico” at times. Narvarte is more like “real Mexico” in comparison.
- Check out the altar of Santa Muerte. This spooky worship spot is dedicated to Saint Death as she is known in English. Bonus points if you’re here during Dia de Muertos.
- The Mexican sugar art museum (Instituto del Arte Mexicano del Azucar) is a fun and quirky spot offering exactly what it says on the tin. It’s actually located in the host family’s home, so you’ll need to contact them in advance to ensure you can visit. It’s a fun alternative to the V&S Galeria which has closed for now.
- Shop at Parque Delta. This is a pretty standard shopping mall with all your western brands if I’m honest, but if you fancy something that feels a little more like home, then this is a good place to stop for an hour or two.
Suites Heriberto Frias | Best Hotel in Narvarte
There aren’t many accommodation options in Narvarte. Fortunately, there are at least some good ones available, and Suites Heriberto Frias is the pick of the bunch.
I loved how calm it was, away from the hustle and bustle of Roma Norte. There are only private rooms here, and they provide towels and have good Wi-Fi, plus there’s a nice small desk in the corner of your room which can double up as a quiet workspace.
My only criticism would be the keypad to get into the room. It was quite fiddly to work out, and I thought I was going to get locked out of my room initially.
Whilst there are other accommodation options in Narvarte, none are worth writing home about, so we’re gonna keep this section short and sweet.
7. Coyoacan – Best Neighbourhood for Culture
Coyoacan is a neighbourhood in Mexico City with a ton of green spots, colourful bohemian neighbourhoods, and iconic cultural attractions including Frida Kahlo’s house, and the Leon Trotsky Museum, where the infamous Soviet revolutionary was killed.
I love Coyoacan because it’s fascinating to see where these famous figures lived their lives. And hey, if it’s a good place for notable artists, and, er, political figures to live, then it’s gotta be interesting right?
You’ve got several other museums too. Although that’s kinda a given since CDMX claims to have more museums than any other city in the world. Then there’s a bunch of small markets around, so if you’re into handicrafts then you’ll appreciate the little things going on in Coyoacan.
It’s a nice neighbourhood with a different feel compared to the big spots to stay in.
Highlights of Coyoacan:
- On the doorstep of some of CDMX’s most interesting attractions
- Some nice green spaces around
- Interesting markets nearby
Lowlights of Coyoacan:
- Can be noisy here
- Not as well-connected to other parts of the city
Things to See and Do in Coyoacan
- The Frida Kahlo Museum is the most popular attraction in this neighbourhood, so let’s start there. You can’t miss the bright blue building from the outside, and once you go in, you’re surrounded by the famous artist’s works.
- Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky is where the communist revolutionary met a grisly end after getting whacked in the head with an ice axe after falling out with his comrades. Poor bloke couldn’t escape the USSR, even in Mexico, but you can learn all about his life here.
- Plaza Coyoacan and Plaza Jardin Hidalgo and neighbouring green spaces which are the heart and soul of this neighbourhood. Whenever I come down here on a weekend, there’s always something different going on. Definitely recommend hanging out here.
- Mercado de Coyoacan is the main marketplace round here, and it’s like a maze full of everything from tacos to trinkets, often inspired by local heroes such as Frida Kahlo. You can grab cheap street food to eat on a plastic stool, then get your souvenir fix here.
- Check out the Anahuacalli Museum which is home to a ton of pre-Hispanic artworks. It was designed by another famous local artist, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo’s husband. If you love art, this is a top spot to see what Mexico was like before Spanish influence.
Villa Coyoacan | Best Hotel for Families in Coyoacan
Villa Coyoacan is a vintage-style place to stay with all the amenities you need for general living. I had a kettle, an ironing board and many other small things here that made this place feel more like a home than a hostel or hotel.
It’s clean, secure with a digital keypad on the door, and the host is very welcoming, even supplying a free breakfast every day. It’s a bit pricy for solo travel, but great for families.
Villas Sol y Luna Coyoacan | Best for Relaxation in Coyoacan
A relaxing spot to stay in. The real draw of this place, is the nice little garden outside, where you can sit by the pond and relax without being distracted by the hustle and bustle of the city.
The rooms are cleaned daily, which isn’t usually the case with this style of property. I also found the rooms to be pretty quiet too, so you don’t need to worry about outside noises here.
Suites Cuija Coyoacan | Best for Solo Travellers in Coyoacan
It’s pretty expensive for a hostel, but still offers great value for solo travellers. I had a great breakfast here, which the host changed up daily, and it was far more comfortable than a lot of other hostels in CDMX.
But best of all, it’s located less than 10 minutes from the Frida Kahlo Museum, which is THE place to see in Coyoacan. Throw in a few nice parks nearby, and you’ve bagged yourself a beauty with this place to stay.
El Balcón de SúperAnfitrión Coyoacan| Best All-Round Accommodation in Coyoacan
Located just over 3 blocks from Leon Trotsky’s House, this property is in a great location for a spot of sightseeing in Coyoacan.
The owner Luis is incredibly attentive. He was always around to respond quickly to messages. With a private entrance, spacious rooms, and all amenities needed, this house had everything I needed. There’s even a big smart TV if you wanna wind down after a big day of exploring.
Places to Avoid Staying in Mexico City
Perhaps you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to stay in the gringo spots, and wants something a little more authentic. That can be fun, but can also end up with your belongings disappearing, or something far worse.
I don’t want to scare you, but when things are bad in Mexico, they can be REALLY bad. With a bit of common sense however, you can easily avoid the worst places. As a beginner, stick to the spots mentioned above and you’ll be fine.
Now, Centro is a great spot, BUT there are some dodgy parts nearby to avoid. Don’t go to Tepito, Merced or Doctores, neither for visiting nor staying. You can tell you’re straying too far from the centre when the trees disappear and the buildings look run down.
As a rule of thumb, if looking for places to stay around Centro, stay south of Plaza Garibaldi, west of the Zocalo, and north of Avenida Arcos de Belen.
Iztapalapa is another place to stay away from. Locals warned me of high crime there, often including violent attacks, as well as in Ecatepec, which is especially dangerous for women.
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!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
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’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 neighbourhood with lots of soul. If I was going back to Mexico City, this is where I would probably go.
Where is the Best neighbourhood 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 City 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
Which Part of Mexico City Should You Choose?
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
