{"id":250826,"date":"2022-11-28T06:17:18","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T11:17:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=250826"},"modified":"2025-08-16T13:31:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T17:31:33","slug":"where-to-stay-mexico-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/where-to-stay-mexico-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Stay in Mexico City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

Mexico City<\/a> used to be off the radar for many travelers because it was perceived as being dangerous. But things have changed in CDMX (short for Ciudad de M\u00e9xico) and today it\u2019s one of the most popular places to visit in the country.<\/p>\n

I loved my time in Mexico City<\/a>. It\u2019s an incredible foodie destination, has a fun nightlife, lots of history, green space, and boasts lots of galleries and museums to explore. (The art and literature scene here is one of the best in the world.)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a huge, sprawling metropolis, so choosing the right neighborhood to stay in \u2014 one that aligns with your interests and travel style \u2014 is important. Traffic can be slow, so you don\u2019t want to waste your visit stuck in transit \u2014 or risk your safety by staying in the wrong neighborhood.<\/p>\n

To help you decide where to stay in Mexico City, here is my breakdown of the best neighborhoods for visitors (as well as suggested accommodations in each).<\/p>\n

But, before I get to that, here are some frequent questions I get asked about staying in Mexico City:<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for foodies? <\/strong>
\nThough the entire city is a foodie paradise, Condesa and Roma Norte<\/a> are two adjacent districts that have excellent food markets, street food, and restaurants.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for families? <\/strong>
\nCoyoac\u00e1n<\/a> is pretty far from the center, but that\u2019s what makes it perfect for families. The area is tranquil, safe, and connected to the rest of the city via metro. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for partying?<\/strong>
\nYou can find a party anywhere you go but Condesa and Roma Norte are still two of the best for tourists. Zona Rosa and Ju\u00e1rez also have a lot of bars and a bustling nightlife.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for history lovers? <\/strong>
\nMexico City\u2019s Centro Hist\u00f3rico<\/a> is crammed with interesting historical sites and is pretty much unavoidable anyway since it\u2019s the most centrally located neighborhood. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood for shopping?<\/strong>
\nUpscale and sophisticated, Polanco<\/a> is bursting with high-end boutiques and outposts of famous fashion designers. If you want to shop \u2019til you drop (and perhaps max out your credit card), this is the place to do it. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best neighborhood overall? <\/strong>
\nFor me, Roma Norte<\/a> is the best neighborhood to stay in. It’s beautiful, safe, centrally located, and has lots of green spaces. It’s also home to some of the top restaurants in the city. It’s the hip place to be.<\/p>\n

With those questions answered, here is my detailed breakdown of each neighborhood!<\/p>\n

\n

Mexico City Neighborhood Overview<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Where to Stay Overall<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Where to Stay for Families<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Where to Stay for History<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Where to Stay for Luxury & Shopping<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

     
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Mexico City Overall: Roma Norte or Condesa<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"A
    \nRoma Norte and Condesa sit next to each other and are referred to as \u201csister neighborhoods.\u201d They\u2019re both super leafy and safe, with streets that are lined with world-class restaurants, awesome taco stalls, third-wave coffee shops, craft cocktail bars, and big food markets. This is the hip, artsy area of the city and it’s one of my absolute favorites. (It’s also the most “foreign” as it’s where most visitors and expats stay and live. You’ll see more Gringos here than anywhere else in the city.)<\/p>\n

    Best Places to Stay in Condesa and Roma<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Hostel Home<\/a> \u2014 Located in Roma, Mexico City\u2019s first hostel offers fast and free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and complimentary bottled water. The homey interior, decorated with vibrant murals and local artwork, is filled with potted plants and comfy furniture. If you like an \u201cold-school\u201d hostel vibe, this is the place for you. <\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Hotel Villa Condesa<\/a> \u2014 Fifteen spacious and comfortable suites make up this boutique property in Condesa. Housed in an erstwhile 19th-century mansion, the hotel is as leafy and stylish as the surrounding neighborhood. Some rooms have balconies, and there\u2019s also a lovely terrace to chill out on. There’s a complimentary breakfast, and the staff go out of their way to be welcoming and friendly too. <\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Condesa DF<\/a> \u2014 This boutique hotel is one of the coolest and most stylish in Condesa. The interior is retro-chic, and the natural light-filled rooms are equipped with LCD Bluetooth speakers, rain showers, and luxury bath products. The property also has a rooftop bar, movie theater, and a fleet of bicycles that guests can use to further explore the neighborhood.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Mexico City for Families: Coyoac\u00e1n<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"People
    \nBohemian Coyoac\u00e1n, located about 35 minutes by the metro from the Z\u00f3calo (the main square) in the southern part of the city, is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Mexico City. The cobblestone streets and colonial-era houses give the district a charming vibe. It\u2019s quiet and safe here as well. And the central park in the neighborhood, Jard\u00edn Centenario, is a great place to hang out and people-watch. Coyoac\u00e1n is also home to the Frida Kahlo Museum and a bunch of incredible food and clothing markets. It’s a really good place to stay if you want to be away from big crowds.<\/p>\n

    Best Places to Stay in Coyo\u00e1can<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Hostel Cuija Coyoac\u00e1n<\/a> \u2014 Located within walking distance of all the attractions of the neighborhood, Hostel Cuija is just as bohemian as the neighborhood, with a cozy and artistic d\u00e9cor. The hostel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. While the bunks are basic, the bathrooms are clean and the staff goes out of their way to help you make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: \u00c1gata Hotel<\/a> \u2014 This super stylish boutique property only has four rooms, making it a great place for a tranquil and luxurious stay. Rooms are decorated in soft neutral tones, with wooden accenting throughout. All rooms have marble bathrooms, deep tubs, plush robes, in-room coffeemakers, and plus-sized TVs. The Mexican breakfast is complimentary (and delicious).<\/li>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: H21<\/a> \u2014 A true boutique hotel, H21 has just five rooms. Each is decorated with unique designs and color schemes, and the walls are adorned with art by local artists and craft makers. All rooms are huge and have private patios, a seating area, in-room coffee machines, and high-end bath products.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Mexico City for History Buffs: Centro Hist\u00f3rico<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"A
    \nThe Centro Hist\u00f3rico is home to all the must-see historical sites like the Z\u00f3calo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the ruins of Tenochtitlan (the ancient Aztec capital), the National Palace (and the Diego Rivera murals inside it), the Palacio de Bellas Artes cultural center, and the Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, staying here for at least part of your visit is worth considering.<\/p>\n

    Best Places to Stay in Centro Hist\u00f3rico<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Casa Pepe<\/a> \u2014 Hands-down the best hostel in Mexico City, this hostel is spacious, clean, and has a fun vibe. Bunks are pod-like, with curtains, personal reading lights, lockers, and outlets. There are lots of common spaces (including a rooftop bar and co-working space) and there are events (such as walking tours of different areas of the city) every single day so it’s easy to meet people.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Z\u00f3calo Central Mexico City<\/a> \u2014 Housed in a late-19th-century building right on the Z\u00f3calo, you can’t get any more centrally located than this. The rooftop bar has absolutely incredible views over the square, and there are free bicycles for guests, a fitness center, and a steam room. Guest rooms have hardwood floors and ceilings, plus-sized TVs, AC, and coffee machines. <\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Gran Hotel Ciudad de M\u00e9xico<\/a> \u2014 This stately and historic Art Nouveau hotel boasts an impressive interior lobby with wrought-iron elevators and balustrades. The huge rooms overlook the Z\u00f3calo and have marble bathrooms, large TVs, desks, and AC.
    \n <\/p>\n

    Where to Stay in Mexico City for Luxury & Shopping: Polanco<\/a><\/h3>\n

    \"A
    \nThis posh district is known as the \u201cBeverly Hills of Mexico.\u201d It’s home to famed eateries like Pujol, perhaps the best restaurant in the country, as well as the upscale restaurants Mr. Chow, Morimoto, Nobu, and the Basque\/molecular eatery Biko. It\u2019s also where you\u2019ll find the densest collection of luxury shopping in the country (the Antara Fashion Hall, a high-end shopping center, is located here). Come here to max out your card on clothes, or just stroll the streets to window-shop. <\/p>\n

    Best Places to Stay in Polanco<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    BUDGET<\/strong>: Golden Buda<\/a> \u2014 One of the few budget options in Polanco, Golden Buda is a no-frills hostel with decent showers, free breakfast, and yoga and meditation classes. The bunks aren\u2019t amazing, but you can\u2019t beat the price.<\/p>\n

    MIDRANGE<\/strong>: Green Park Hotel<\/a> \u2014 Housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building, the Green Park is a large dose of comfort in the middle of Polanco. Its large suites are decorated in a traditional style with elegant wood furnishings, and have views of either the adjacent park or the courtyard. Rooms have spa baths, seating areas, flatscreen TVs, and desks. The rooftop bar is a fun place to hang out too.<\/p>\n

    LUXURY<\/strong>: Pug Seal<\/a> \u2014 This 20-room boutique hotel on Calle Edgar Allan Poe is a quirky but luxurious place to stay in the neighborhood. Each of the huge rooms at this five-star hotel is unique, designed in bright colors by a different Mexican artist. Some rooms even have a balcony. Breakfast is included, as is a fleet of bicycles guests can ride to further explore the area. <\/p>\n

    ***<\/center><\/p>\n

    Mexico City<\/a> is such a gargantuan, bustling metropolis that you need to take the time to plan out where you\u2019re going to stay. By researching the best neighborhoods in the city, you\u2019ll be able to stay safe, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible and underrated destination.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Book Your Trip to Mexico City: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

    Book Your Flight<\/strong>
    \nFind a cheap flight by using     Skyscanner<\/a>. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!<\/p>\n

    Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
    \nYou can book your hostel with     Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. <\/p>\n

    Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
    \nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It\u2019s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I\u2019ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n