When I’m looking for a place to stay in a new city, I often just pull up a map, look for the main square, and try to stay as close to it as I can…. but with Mexico City, that ISN’T necessarily the best approach.
The best areas to stay in Mexico City are somewhat spread out, and whether you actually want to be near the Zocalo (the main square) depends a lot on your preferences.
As the biggest city in North America, it can feel overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay in Mexico City. Each area has its own vibe, so your location can have a huge impact on your trip and overall impressions. Luckily, I’m here to help!
Whether you’re here to visit all the incredible museums, have a crazy weekend partying, or simply to explore, I’ve got you covered.
Scroll along for my 6 favorite areas to stay in Mexico City and hotel tips for each…
- For a residential vibe, you can go for the hipster-y Roma, boutique Condesa, or the underrated/up-and-coming Juarez.
- The historic center area is the most convenient for sightseeing, though it’s not quite as charming as the more residential areas. For the best atmosphere, try to stay closer to Alameda Central Park.
- For luxury, your best bet is the upscale area of Polanco
Use map view to find a place to stay in CDMX:
1. Roma
BEST TRENDY AREA
Vibe: Beautiful parks, hipsters, cafes with outdoor seating, dog walkers, digital nomads, spacious residential streets
Location: Just a 15-minute drive or so from the sights in El Centro and Chapultepec Park
A boutique gem sitting inside a beautifully restored 1940s Art Deco building. It’s an easy stroll to Parque México—and it’s even earned a MICHELIN Key for its design and hospitality.
Why I like it:
- MICHELIN Key awarded
- Leafy streets, close to cafes, and just a short walk to Parque México.
Starting at $250/night
The leafy, spacious, and charming neighborhood of Roma makes for a great introduction to Mexico. Full of unique galleries and quirky cafes, it has a decidedly hipster vibe.
While I somewhat prefer other less-hyped areas of CDMX, such as Juarez, there is a reason I’m still listing Roma here first.
Being so welcoming and having an international feel, it’s become a bit of a default recommendation for first-time visitors. Roma is so popular with both tourists and foreign residents alike because it’s so leafy, low-traffic, and has plenty of cute markets and arty shops.
There are relatively fewer hotels in Roma and they tend to be higher-end. For example, there’s the beautiful Hotel San Fernando.
Roma became a popular area for middle-class citizens after the 1985 earthquake, but in the last ten years, it has become home to many foreigners and young Mexicans who have started gentrifying the area. It’s also known as a popular digital nomad area.
You’ll sometimes hear more English than Spanish in the trendy cafes here, but it’s undeniably a beautiful neighborhood and a perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
Things to see in Roma
- To see some beautiful street art in Roma, visit Plaza Luis Cabrera. From there, you can walk along Calle Colima. Just about everywhere you look, artists have taken over massive walls with their murals.
- Roma is also home to two of the best contemporary galleries in Mexico City, Gallery OMR and MAIA Contemporary. They house art from emerging artists in the Latin community, and it’s a must-visit for any art lover.
- After visiting the galleries, you have to make your way to the Mercado Roma, a market and trendy food hall with a rooftop garden.
2. Juárez
UNDERRATED!
Vibe: A bit of everything… leafy residential streets bounded by busy commercial avenues, beautifully restored gothic-style mansions next to (a few) derelict buildings… the definition of up-and-coming
Location: Ideally located between El Centro, Roma, and Chapultepec Forest; the Alameda Central park is within walking distance
With an 8.4/10 rating from 2,000+ reviews on Booking.com, this Juárez gem checks all the right boxes — charming old-school Mexican decor, spacious and comfy rooms, and a nice walkable location near Reforma and Roma Norte.
Why I like it:
- The rooms are huge and low-key retro
- You’re close to everything, but it’s still peaceful at night
Starting at $100/night
Juárez is one of the most eclectic neighborhoods of CDMX. If you ask me, it’s also one of the most underrated. Compact, charming, and centrally located, it makes for a perfect base in Mexico City — especially if you’re looking for somewhere a bit less touristy.
I’ve stayed here at the Soy Local Hotel, which is an excellent mid-range option with a colorful and very Mexican-style interior. I highly recommend it!
Juárez is a trendy area but also maintains its local charms. Much like Roma, it has its share of specialty cafes with outdoor seating and cozy art and boutique shops, but you may feel more like you’re truly inside the Mexican capital with authentic street tacos just around any corner.
Juárez has started to become one of the most popular places for young locals in recent years. After La Condesa and Roma became mega popular and the cost of living in those neighborhoods rose, all the cool kids started making their way north, so to speak.
For how big Mexico City is, staying in Juárez makes you feel like you’re in a small town with its tight-knit community and local markets. It’s my personal favorite area to stay that is close to all the action.
Things to see in Juárez
- Grab some colorful Mexican trinkets to take home at the Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela, a traditional market with handmade items from all over Mexico.
- Visit the Angel of Independence, where you can see the giant goddess atop the column with her arms raised towards the sky. It’s a symbol of Mexico’s independence and a major landmark in Juarez.
- Zona Rosa in the west of Juarez is a buzzing area with loads of clubs to go wild at, and it’s also the most LGBTQ+-friendly part of Mexico City. (It’s not a red light district, by the way — that would be a Zona Roja.)
3. La Condesa
BEST FOR BOUTIQUE STAY
Vibe: Residential and spacious streets with trendy cafes and brunch places. Less hipstery than Roma and not as posh as Polanco
Location: Arguably somewhat far from El Centro, but right next door to Chapultepec park, home of the stunning anthropological museum
A cozy boutique hostel that’s social but not rowdy, eco-friendly without trying too hard, and just the right vibe if you’re into chill comfort and meeting cool people.
Why I like it:
- Eco-friendly mindset – no single-use plastics, solar power
- Epic location in Condesa — walkable, safe, and full of cafes and parks
Starting at $100/night
After going to Mexico City a handful of times, La Condesa continues to romance me with its streets lined with trees and the art deco design that seemed to captivate the whole city. You might even get a sense of a European vibe as you take in the architecture and the many outdoor cafes.
I’ve stayed here at Casa Pancha, a boutique hostel that certainly fits the style of La Condesa while also being budget-friendly. However, instead of hostels you’ll mainly find boutique apartments and B&Bs in this area, like Casa Antonio by Kunkun.
Thanks to some of the finer hotels and restaurants located here, La Condesa is perfect for a boutique stay in CDMX. The area is somewhat upscale, though not to the level of the super-exclusive district of Polanco. I love how it’s a little bit fancy but also very soulful.
Condesia is definitely one of the best neighborhoods to stay in if you’re working remotely. You’ll find cafes full of laptops where mostly internationals take Zoom meetings and get some work done before the sun goes down. Once it does, La Condesa becomes a chic bar scene with a ton of different options to choose from.
Things to see in La Condesa
- La Condesa is a slow life. You’ll see tons of people out early in the morning going for a jog or heading to yoga, making it feel more like home than a tourist destination. Start your morning with a coffee from El Ocho and then meander over to Maque for their delicious Chilaquiles.
- In the afternoon, walk the streets and pop into all the quirky boutiques. You’ll find Mexican designers, vintage stores, and bookshops.
- Once the sun starts setting, enjoy a cocktail from Baltra Bar, which made the world’s 50 best bars list. Tuesdays are martini night, and you’ll see people pour in as the doors open.
4. Centro Histórico
BEST STAY IN THE HEART OF CDMX
Vibe: The sense that you’re in the beating heart of the city with lots of tourist sights and monuments; a bit of a deserted feeling at night
Location: You can’t be more central!
An intimate boutique hotel nestled on the third floor of a historic building in the heart of Centro. I was especially captivated by the traditional Mexican architectural elements like exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and locally crafted furniture that add to the hotel’s distinctive character.
Why I like it:
- Hotel room featured a private balcony with charming views of the historic district
- Despite being in the heart of a vibrant district, the soundproofed rooms provided a surprisingly peaceful night’s sleep
Starting at $200/night
For first-timers who want to spend their days exploring the history and culture of CDMX, the Centro Histórico is an appealing option. The neighborhood is literally the heart of the city as it surrounds the Zocalo (main square) and puts you right in the middle of the action.
It’s within walking distance of all the most popular museums and historical landmarks, such as the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
However, when the shops close at night, the streets can also have a bit of an empty feeling. It’s a safe enough area, but you may notice more police presence because of the many government buildings around (don’t let that give you the wrong impression!).
El Centro is great especially during the day, and it wins handily in terms of practicality and sightseeing potential, as everything is just a walk away.
If you can, I recommend staying west of the Zocalo (main square), towards the charming Alameda Central Park. This is a much better area and will put you within perfect walking distance of the most sights. The Casa Lomah Hotel is an excellent option here, which is still within a 15-minute walk to the main square.
Things to see in Centro Historico
- One of the best places to visit in Centro Historico is the Templo Mayor, which was once a major temple of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan and now serves as an archaeological site and museum.
- I also recommend visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The orange-hued dome stands out among the surrounding buildings. The cultural center hosts a variety of different events throughout the year, as well as showcases beautiful murals by famous Mexican artists.
- For the absolute best view of Mexico City, head to the top of Catedral Metropolitana, where you can climb the stairs in the church and get a 360 view of the whole city.
5. Polanco
BEST LUXURY STAY
Vibe: Upscale residential area nestled between business districts; lots of luxury apartments and high-end hotels, and shopping
Location: Somewhat far removed from the tourist sites, but close to Chapultepec Park, which is home to some of the city’s top museums.
A sleek 5-star hotel right in fancy Polanco, just a short walk from Chapultepec Park. If you’re after that sweet combo of comfort, style, and a strategic location close to all the best shops and eats, this place is totally worth checking out.
Why I like it:
- The Japanese restaurant inside (Yoshimi) is incredibly delish
- Right in Polanco, so tons of cool spots, restaurants, cafes, and cultural spots just a quick walk away
- Surprisingly, every corner has this subtle, clean fragrance that makes the whole place feel extra polished
Starting at $300/night (seasonal rates apply)
If you love to spend your evenings dining at five-star restaurants, perusing galleries with a bubbly in hand, or purchasing some luxury items, then Polanco is where you’ll want to be.
The area is known for its high rises and luxury apartments, and can make just about any visitor feel like a million bucks.
Due to its high affluence, it’s perhaps a little less soulful than other areas. Among the Hyatt Regency, the foreign embassies, and the Leica and Hermes shop windows, you’ll find many walled-off modern homes with security fences and private parking garages.
I’m probably not the target audience for Polanco as the hotels are a bit out of my price range, but if you are a luxury-loving traveller, then look no further than one of Mexico City’s most affluent (and safest) neighborhoods.
There are hotels costing over $1000 per night here, but you can also find some mid-budget gems, such as the Casa Amari.
Things to see in Polanco
- If you’re big on fine dining, you’ll immediately fall in love with Polanco. The neighborhood has multiple restaurants on the World’s 50 Best List, including Pujol and Quintonil.
- At Quintonil, you can enjoy a 10-course tasting menu showcasing modern Mexican cuisine, while Pujol offers a more traditional approach with their famous mole dish.
- In addition to dining, Polanco is also home to some of the best museums in the city. Visit the famous Soumaya Museum; with over 60,000 shimmering hexagons making up its exterior, it’s become one of the most impressive architectural structures in the city.
6. Coyoacán
FOR A TOWN FEELING
Vibe: The feeling of being in a village inside a city. Tree-lined streets, cafes with outside seating, and a mostly ‘local’ atmosphere
Location: The only downside is being 30 minutes driving south of the tourist center. However, you’re very close to the Frida Kahlo museum and the canals of Xochimilco
In this intimate 4-room boutique hotel each room is named after a mineral—Ágata, Amatista, Aventurina, and Ámbar. Stay here for the perfect balance of personalized service and authentic local experience in a convenient location.
Why I like it:
- You’re steps from landmarks like the Frida Kahlo Museum
- They offer an evening tea service
- The breakfast is thoughtfully curated and healthier than what most hotels typically offer
Starting at $250/night
Coyoacán is a colorful little neighborhood in Mexico City. Once its own town before CDMX grew to envelop it, you can still feel the village-like vibes in Coyoacán.
The barrio is famous for being the birthplace of the artist Frida Kahlo, with her former home having become one of the most-visited museums in Mexico City.
But there is so much more charm than just the people who come from the neighborhood. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful houses and green parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll or to sit and relax.
Things to see in Coyoacán
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, which was once the home of Frida Kahlo. The museum is now filled with her personal belongings and art collections.
- Another incredible art museum in Coyoacán is Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares. The small museum displays Mexican culture through beautiful textiles, pottery, and other traditional handicrafts.
- After exploring the main attractions in Coyoacan, make sure to visit the local markets, such as Mercado de Coyoacan, where you can eat some traditional food and buy some homemade souvenirs.
Tips for staying in Mexico City
To make the most of your visit to this dynamic metropolis, here are some essential travel tips that will help you navigate the city like a local, stay safe, and discover the authentic experiences that make CDMX truly special.
Are there areas to avoid in Mexico City?
I’m not gonna lie: there are definitely some bad areas in Mexico City!
The safer areas are generally west of the Zocalo (main square) or the southwest. This includes the areas mentioned in this article. If you head south or east from the Zocalo, you’re likely to end up in some bad areas.
Areas that are near tourist areas that have a bad reputation include Doctores (east of Roma) and Tepito (north of the Zocalo). However, most neighborhoods you are unlikely to end up in as a tourist, as they are distant suburbs.
Are there other areas to stay?
Yes! We’ve only highlighted 6 areas to stay in Mexico City that each have something different to offer, but there are many others.
Cuauhtémoc, San Rafael, and San Angel are some other examples of areas with a good reputation where you can look for accommodation.
You can often find great hotel deals in areas that are not the super-popular Roma or Condesa. On my most recent stay in CDMX, I found a great hotel in the mostly commercial district of Cuauhtémoc for an incredible price. However, this is less of a tourist area, so some visitors may feel like they’re missing out by staying in an alternative area.
What’s the best way to get around?
While your chosen location will matter a lot for the vibe around your hotel, for sightseeing it ultimately doesn’t matter too much. Wherever you may be located, you can still move around the city easily and see everything you want t osee.
The metro system is pretty decent, though it breaks down a lot and can get super crowded during rush hour. I only recommend taking the metro if you’re traveling on a budget.
Otherwise, your best bet is to use ride-hailing apps like Uber. While (rush hour) traffic can slow you down sometimes, it’s still a comfortable and generally speedy way to get around the neighborhoods that are of greatest interest to tourists.