Best Area in Mexico City to Stay | Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
In search of the best area in Mexico City to stay? I visited and one person in our group is originally from Mexico City! It certainly took the angst out of planning and sorting out where to stay. After spending 4 days in Mexico City, I can recommend the neighborhood we stayed, but also some areas I enjoyed that I’d consider staying in on a return trip!
As you plan your trip and decide the best area in Mexico City to stay, I’ve outlined the best neighborhoods and reasons they should be considered. There are also a couple maps to help with the planning!
Quick Picks for Mexico City
- Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México (Centro Histórico)
- Boutique Hotel: La Valise Mexico City (Roma Norte)
- Mid-Range: Casa Decu (Condesa)
- Budget: Hotel Marlowe (Centro Histórico)
- Family: Suites Obelisk (Polanco)
- Couple: Sosa 277 (Coyoacán)
- Solo: Agata Hotel Boutique & Spa (Coyoacán)
My Go-To Travel Tools
Hotels | Booking.com
Hotels & Cars | Expedia
Tours | Viator
Research & Hotels | Tripadvisor
Travel Insurance | Insubuy
Roma Norte | Trendy and Walkable
When considering the best area to stay in Mexico City, Roma Norte should be a top option! We didn’t stay here, but I loved it when we visited! The area feels artsy, exciting, and there are plenty of restaurants at varying price points. This would be a top option for me if I ever return to Mexico City.
You’ll find a mix of trendy restaurants, independent shops, and a buzzing nightlife scene—plus incredible street art around nearly every corner. It’s safe, central, and well-connected, making it an ideal home base for travelers who want to experience the best of CDMX’s contemporary edge.
Quick note about Roma Sur. It’s not considered quite as desirable overall. It’s more residential, less polished but still charming. Could be good for longer stays, but Roma Norte is considered one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City.
Quick
Picks
- Luxury: Brick Hotel
- Upscale: Nima Local House Hotel & Spa
- Mid-range: Caliza Roma Residences by Tasman
- Budget: METRO Boutique Hostal
Roma Norte Highlights
- Casa Lamm Cultural Center – A stunning early 20th‑century mansion offering art exhibitions, cultural events, and a charming garden café.
- Mercado Roma – A modern food hall with gourmet stalls, craft beer, and artisanal bites. Great for sampling a variety of local street‑food flavors.
- Rosetta – Chef Elena Reygadas’s flagship, offering Italian-Mexican fusion; known for exquisite pastas and pastries like her famed guava roll.
- Maximo Bistrot – Farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus, relaxed yet refined ambiance. One of the city’s enduring culinary gems.
- Licorería Limantour – A top-tier cocktail destination: inventive drinks served in a sleek, two-floor art-deco townhouse. Often ranked among the best in Latin America.
Condesa | Leafy, Stylish, and Relaxed
Condesa offers a relaxed, stylish vibe that’s perfect for couples, digital nomads, and anyone seeking a quieter pace. The neighborhood is known for its art deco buildings, dog-friendly parks like Parque México, and a strong café and brunch culture. While it’s a bit more laid-back than neighboring Roma, Condesa still delivers great food, nightlife, and boutique stays. It’s one of the greenest areas in the city and feels more residential, yet still cosmopolitan and safe.
Quick
Picks
- Luxury: Condesa df
- Mid-range: Casa Decu
- Budget: Condesa Suites
Condesa Highlights
- Parque México – A lush, art-deco park with walking paths, fountains, and an open-air theater. A favorite among locals, joggers, and dog walkers.
- El Pescadito – A casual seafood spot famous for Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos with generous toppings.
- Lardo – Stylish Mediterranean-influenced restaurant by Elena Reygadas, offering wood-fired dishes and an outstanding breakfast menu.
- Felina Bar – Cozy neighborhood cocktail bar known for quality drinks, low lighting, and a speakeasy-style vibe.
Polanco | Upscale and Family-Friendly
Polanco is Mexico City’s most upscale neighborhood, filled with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and fine dining—including the world-famous Pujol. Its wide avenues and modern architecture contrast with other historic areas of the city, and its central location near Chapultepec Park and top museums makes it a favorite for families and travelers seeking a refined experience.
We stayed in Polanco and overall had a great experience! While pricier than other neighborhoods, Polanco offers polished amenities and a secure, peaceful atmosphere. I think Roma had a lot of personality and seemed to offer more restaurants at varying price points. However, Polanco is safe, close to great restaurants, and centrally located making it a great base for our four days in Mexico City.
Quick
Picks
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
- Mid-range: The Wild Oscar
- Budget: Suites Obelisk
Polanco Highlights
- Museo Soumaya – An architectural marvel housing a massive private art collection with works by Rodin, Dalí, and Rivera. Admission is free.
- Museo Jumex – Across from Soumaya, this sleek museum features contemporary art exhibitions from Latin America and beyond.
- Pujol – Frequently ranked one of the world’s top restaurants, chef Enrique Olvera’s tasting menu is a refined celebration of modern Mexican cuisine.
- Quintonil – Another world-class dining experience, this intimate spot offers inventive dishes that spotlight native ingredients and sustainable practices.
- Avenida Presidente Masaryk – A polished, tree-lined shopping street with luxury boutiques, designer stores, and cafés.
Centro Histórico: Cultural Core
The heart of Mexico City, Centro Histórico is steeped in history and home to many of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Zócalo, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Templo Mayor ruins. The area is busy and energetic during the day, with museums, markets, and street performers drawing crowds. At night, some parts can feel less safe, so it’s best to stay near well-reviewed accommodations. For travelers interested in history and culture, Centro offers a front-row seat to the city’s rich past at budget-friendly prices.
This area is definitely buzzing, and there were protests happening as well. While we felt relatively safe, I definitely felt safer in Polanco, Roma, and San Angel!
Quick
Picks
- Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View
- Mid-range: Hotel NH Collection Mexico City
- Budget: Hotel Marlowe Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico Highlights
- Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) – One of the largest city squares in the world, framed by historic landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
- Metropolitan Cathedral – The largest cathedral in Latin America, famous for its baroque and neoclassical design—and its noticeable tilt due to centuries of sinking.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes – Iconic cultural venue with a breathtaking Tiffany glass curtain and performances ranging from opera to ballet.
- Templo Mayor – Excavated Aztec ruins and museum offering deep insight into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history.
- Café de Tacuba – Historic restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine in a beautifully preserved building dating back to 1912.
- Torre Latinoamericana – A skyscraper with a panoramic observation deck and bar—one of the best city views.
- Balcón del Zócalo – Elegant rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Zócalo and cathedral. Perfect for brunch, cocktails, or sunset dining with a view.
Coyoacán | Artsy and Bohemian
Coyoacán feels like a charming small town tucked within the city. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and the famous Frida Kahlo Museum, this neighborhood is perfect for travelers who want a more relaxed and artsy vibe. It’s quieter than the city center and ideal for a slower pace of sightseeing, but still felt busy as a whole. You won’t be able to walk to the major tourist attractions, but it’s a lovely area to spend a few nights or at least a full day.
This area wasn’t my favorite, at least the part I saw. I much preferred the neighboring San Angel. However, this neighborhood definitely had more of a buzz, and the market was still packed on a late Sunday afternoon!
Quick
Picks
- Luxury: Sosa 277
- Mid-range: Ágata Hotel Boutique & Spa
- Budget: Casa Frida Coyoacán
Coyoacán Highlights
- Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) – Frida’s former home filled with her art, personal items, and insight into her life with Diego Rivera.
- Plaza Hidalgo & Jardín Centenario – Central squares perfect for people-watching, with street performers, fountains, and vibrant energy.
- Museo León Trotsky – The fortified home where the exiled Russian revolutionary lived—and was assassinated—in 1940.
- Los Danzantes – Elevated Oaxacan cuisine in a romantic courtyard setting, with standout mole and mezcal offerings.
- Café Avellaneda – Small but mighty specialty coffee shop known for its expert baristas and creative brews.
San Ángel | Quiet and Colonial
San Ángel is a peaceful, upscale neighborhood that feels worlds away from the city bustle. With its cobbled streets, leafy plazas, and colonial architecture, it’s an excellent choice for romantic getaways or return visitors looking for a deeper cultural experience.
The San Ángel Saturday Bazaar is a must for art and craft lovers. While it’s less centrally located, its tranquil charm and historical character make it worth the extra distance—especially if you’re looking to relax and enjoy the more traditional side of CDMX.
We spent a little time at the Bazaar, which spilled over to Sunday. The area is super charming and one of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City. We also ate lunch at San Ángel restaurant and loved it!
There are mostly guesthouses for this area, so if you’re looking for luxury, consider Sosa 277 which is close by on the Coyoacán side.
Quick
Picks
- Guesthouse: Terraza & Loft San Ángel
- Hotel: Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes
San Ángel Highlights
- San Ángel Saturday Bazaar (Bazar del Sábado) – A colorful artisan market with handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and fine art, all in a charming colonial building.
- Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo – A functionalist architectural landmark and former studio of Rivera and Kahlo, filled with personal artifacts.
- Plaza San Jacinto – A tranquil plaza surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and colonial homes—great for a leisurely stroll.
- Fuente de las Conchas (Shell Fountain) – A beautiful 18th-century baroque fountain adorned with seashell motifs, tucked beside Plaza San Jacinto. A peaceful and photogenic spot that reflects the colonial charm of the neighborhood.
- Saks San Ángel – Upscale Mexican dining in a colonial setting, known for traditional dishes with refined presentation.
Best Area in Mexico City to Stay | My Thoughts
When trying to decide on the best area in Mexico City to stay, consider what you want to see and do! You’ll also want a safe area and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Luckily, Mexico City is not lacking in charming and safe neighborhoods!
We stayed in Polanco, and overall it was a great place to stay! The area felt safe, there were upscale shops, and plenty of good restaurants! While we didn’t stay in Roma Norte, I really enjoyed exploring that area. It had great shops and restaurants and felt very artsy and fun!
I loved San Angel, but based on location and accessibility, it’s not the best choice for your first trip to Mexico City. However, it’s charming, beautiful, and felt safe. The historic center is another great area and likely part of your Mexico City itinerary, but it can feel less safe than the other neighborhood options.
We never made it to Condesa, but it’s definitely worth considering when deciding the best area in Mexico City to stay. Coyoacán is also a lively place to stay, though I’d personally choose Polanco or Roma over Coyoacán.
Roma Sur and Zona Rosa are additional areas to consider. However, both are lacking compared to the other options in my opinion. If you’re not able to find something in your budget in the other neighborhoods, consider these two areas as well.
Best Area in Mexico City | Quick Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | Best For | Vibe | Safety | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roma Norte | First-timers, foodies | Trendy, artsy | Safe | Cafes, markets, street art, walkable |
| Condesa | Couples, digital nomads | Leafy, relaxed | Very safe | Parks, bars, pet-friendly, stylish stays |
| Polanco | Luxury, families | Upscale, modern | Very safe | Museums, shopping, luxury hotels |
| Centro Histórico | Culture buffs, budget | Historic, lively | Mixed | Zócalo, architecture, major landmarks |
| Coyoacán | Artsy travelers, slower pace | Bohemian, traditional | Safe | Frida Kahlo Museum, plazas, colonial charm |
| San Ángel | Romantic getaways, charm | Quiet, colonial | Safe | Artisan markets, peaceful atmosphere |
Mexico City Accommodations Interactive Map
Safety in Mexico City
Generally, I think Mexico gets a bad reputation in the States when it comes to safety. Yes, there are areas to completely avoid, but overall Mexico isn’t that bad! Mexico City is specifically rated a “2 – Exercise Increased Caution” on the US Travel Advisory site. This is a normal rating, and while Mexico has states rated at a “do not travel,” they also have states rated at the lowest level of caution.
Like any big city, keep your belongings close and stay aware of your surroundings. Mexico City is super populated, which adds to its intimidation, but similar to New York City, it’s a generally good place to visit. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to check for updated travel advisories regardless of where you are traveling!
Getting Around Mexico City
By far, the easiest way to get around Mexico City is with Uber. It’s affordable, plentiful, and used by locals and tourists. I’ve driven in many places, but only five minutes after leaving the airport in the Uber, did it take for me to decide never would I drive in Mexico City.
Aside from Uber, tours usually offer transportation. Most will start super early in order to avoid the traffic, so keep that in mind! We LOVED the Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, and you can read more about our experience on the Teotihuacán Mexico Hot Air Balloon Tour here.
There is public transport which you can elect to use. Overall, it’s so crowded and intimidating that I enjoyed using Uber. The various areas and neighborhoods are walkable, but as a whole, Mexico City is HUGE! I’ve walked Manhattan in New York City, but that isn’t really an option in Mexico City. It’s massive and will require transportation to various areas.
Best Area in Mexico City to Stay
Whether you choose the buzzing Centro Historico, the artsy and fun Roma, or the upscale Polanco, Mexico City has great options for your trip! This city is huge, but the neighborhoods give it a charming and inviting feel.
I hope you were able to find the best area in Mexico City to stay! Mexico City will leave many impressions, at least it did for me. So I hope you enjoy the vibes, crowds, and culture in this massive city in Mexico!
