Where to Stay in Mexico City: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

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Need help finding the perfect place to stay in Mexico City? You’ve come to the right place!

Bailey and I have spent a lot of time traveling through Mexico City – we absolutely love the vibrant energy and longstanding history! While Mexico City has a reputation for being unsafe, we are happy to report that this doesn’t extend to the entire city.

In fact, we found some lovely neighborhoods (also known as “colonias”) that are safe and near the top city sights.

This blog covers the four best areas to stay and who they are suitable for. We also have picked out the best hotels in each neighborhood, so all you have to do is read, book, then pack your bags!

Don’t have time to read the full article? If you’re staying in La Condesa, we recommend checking into Casa Mali by Dominion Boutique Hotel. This hotel is within walking distance to beautiful parks and plenty of restaurants, so it’s the perfect neighborhood for foodies and those that enjoy taking walks. This hotel also offers an airport shuttle for an additional fee which is great for those that don’t want to worry about travel days.

Where Are The BEST Areas To Stay In Mexico City? 

Mexico City has a few great areas to stay in, each with easy-to-navigate tourist attractions and access to great tours of Mexico City when you want to branch out. Among my favorites are Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. 

Each of these neighborhoods has a rich cultural heritage that will leave you in awe. You will find parks, monuments, archaeological sites, and museums full of history.

At the same time, you can also enjoy the views from its skyscrapers, shopping malls, and very modern infrastructure, which clearly demonstrates that it’s one of the continent’s most modern and dynamic capitals. 

From these neighborhoods, you’ll have access to all of Mexico City’s best attractions and even some of the very best things to do in all of Mexico!

Besides just that, the accommodation here offers a great variety for all budgets. You will find everything from world-renowned hotels with plenty of amenities to more affordable options such as hostels and budget hotels, ideal for backpackers looking for a nice place to spend the night. 

Are you interested in discovering what else each of these neighborhoods has to offer? Keep reading!

Historic Center of Mexico City (Centro Histórico) – Best Area for History

If history is your thing, then the best area to stay in Mexico City for you is the Historical Center. You will be amazed by the incredible attractions in practically every corner of the oldest neighborhood in the city. Expect museums, pre-Hispanic collections, monuments, and, of course, you cannot miss the impressive Zócalo – considered one of the largest squares in the world! 

Besides that, this neighborhood is full of restaurants, terraces with spectacular views of the main buildings, and cozy cafes.  

If this is the first time in Mexico City, the Historic Center is one of the best options for lodging. The Historic Center has many places to stay at a very reasonable price, plus, many of the top tourist attractions are located here, so you won’t need to travel too far to sightsee.   

Advantages of staying in the Historic Center

• You will have access to many places of interest without traveling to other neighborhoods. It’s ideal for walking, which can save you time and money.  

• You will have the opportunity to stay in one of the most picturesque places in the city, with a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere where tourists and locals converge. 

• There are lodging options for all tastes, from 5-star hotels to simple hostels ideal for students and backpackers looking to save a little money. 

Disadvantages to staying in the Historic Center

• It is a place that tends to be very crowded and noisy.

• You must be careful, especially at night, since it is not considered one of the safest areas of Mexico City. 

• If you are visiting the city for work, be aware that traffic in this area can be heavy and may cause delays if you want to get to a meeting on time. 

The Best Places to Stay in the Historic Center

Circulo Mexicano – $$$ 

Círculo Mexicano is my top pick for a luxury stay in the Historic Center!

This incredible 5-star hotel offers beautiful rooms from $200 to $500 USD per night.

It also offers an unbeatable location- just two blocks from the Zocalo. All rooms include a comfortable terrace with an incredible view of the city. In addition to that, it offers a pet-friendly service, sauna, swimming pool, restaurant, and gym. 

Check prices and availability at Circulo Mexicano here!

NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico – $$

The NH Collection Mexico City is a premium hotel at a moderate price! Amenities at this 4-star hotel include a restaurant with a vegetarian and gluten-free menu, a fitness center, airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel.  

All rooms include a minibar, coffee machine, and air conditioning for a price ranging from $100 to $250 USD.

Check prices and availability at NH Collection Mexico City here!

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral – $

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is an excellent option for travelers looking to save a little and get a comfortable stay. It offers tours around the Historic Center and is located only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes right next to the Zocalo.

We actually stayed here a couple of years ago when we were on a very tight budget and actually enjoyed our stay very much!

It also includes breakfast every day or the option to use the shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a bar with a terrace where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Dorm rooms start around $20 USD per night, or you can book a private room for $70 to $180 USD, depending on the number of people you have!

Check prices and availability at Hostel Mundo Joven here!

La Condesa – Best Area for Parks and Restaurants

As one of the most interesting and bohemian neighborhoods in Mexico City, Condesa is one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City.

You definitely have to walk through its beautiful streets that perfectly blend colonial history with the latest artistic and alternative trends. In addition, you will love its quiet parks where you can take a nice walk to get some fresh air, play with your pet, exercise, and much more. 

In terms of the safest areas to stay in Mexico City, Condesa is probably one of the best. It’s a wealthier area with less crime than you’ll see in other areas, such as the Historical Center.

Its incredible green areas and attractive infrastructure captivate tourists from all over the world who visit this neighborhood. Condesa is the main area in the city to enjoy cultural shows, international restaurants, and modern nightlife with bars that offer live music to dance and have a great time with friends and locals. 

Advantages of staying in La Condesa 

• Its strategic location will allow you to move very easily to other parts of the city. There are several transportation options for sightseeing, including bike paths to move in the Ecobicis for public use. 

• If you are looking for a place with a very cosmopolitan style, then this neighborhood is your best option. Thanks to its beautiful streets and buildings surrounded by green areas, parks, restaurants, concert halls, galleries, boutiques, and bookstores, it invites you to explore art and nature to have a great time with your family, partner, or friends. 

 Disadvantages of staying in La Condesa 

• Traffic can be a bit slow in this area, precisely because of its central and busy location. 

• Even though it is close to the historic center, it will still take over 30 minutes in a taxi due to traffic on most days. Many tourist attractions are centered around the historic center, so you will have to be comfortable with this drive.

The Best Places to Stay in La Condesa 

Casa Mali by Dominion Boutique Hotel – $$$

Casa Mali by Dominion Boutique Hotel is an incredible luxury hotel in the heart of La Condesa that offers a very convenient location, close to iconic city landmarks such as the Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle. It also offers comfortable family rooms, access to a spacious and cozy terrace, a gym, and even barbecue facilities for all guests.  

Each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a Wii game console, a minibar, machines to prepare your own coffee, a hot tub, and, of course, air conditioning. 

You can have access to all these amenities for a price ranging from $180 to $370 USD per night.

Check prices and availability at Casa Mali here on Booking.com.

Casa Corp Boutique Suites – $$

Casa Corp Boutique Suites is a very innovative option that has very cozy areas. All of the rooms are suite-style, and you can choose which size and features are included from $140 to $180 USD per night. I love that they offer colonial or modern-style suites, so you can find one that is truly homey for your few days in Mexico City!

In addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the property, all units have a fully equipped kitchen, coffee/tea maker, terrace, and access to a spa/wellness center. 

Check prices and availability at Casa Corp Boutique Suites here!

Hostal Fungi Casa Rosa – $

Hostal Fungi Casa Rosa is a fantastic option for a budget-friendly stay in La Condesa! It’s been recently renovated but has that traditional Mexican decor that makes it so cozy. They offer shared dorms or private rooms, as well as a shared kitchen, picnic area, bike rentals, a coffee shop, and a bar.

The location is great, just a 10-15 minute walk to all of La Condesa’s top sights.

Prices start at around $30 USD for a bed in a shared dorm or around $75 USD for a private room.

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

La Roma – Best Area for Bars and Museums

This vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood is the hipster heart of the city. La Roma was built at the beginning of the 20th century, with a prestigious location very close to the Historic Center.  

Its quiet and pleasant streets reflect varied architecture with important European influences dating back to the Porfiriato. Here, you’ll see beautiful buildings in Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and neocolonial. The style is gorgeous and super unique to this neighborhood!

You cannot miss the facade of the El Parian building, the replica of the Plaza de Cibeles (precisely like the one in Madrid, Spain), the Church of the Sagrada Familia, the Casa del Libro de la UNAM, among other architectural gems.

Like the other neighborhoods I’ve told you about, it’s also very well connected to the different public transportation options such as the subway and the Metrobus. It is one of the routes on Mexico City’s Turibus. 

Its variety of lodging options, diverse gastronomic experiences, and recreational and leisure activities make it a mandatory stop in your stay if you want to enjoy a quiet area full of art and history to explore. 

Advantages of staying in La Roma 

• Its excellent location provides easy access to multiple green areas such as Chapultepec Park and México and España parks. It’s also close to other points of interest in the city such as Juarez (another neighborhood with a lot of history and heritage) separated by Reforma Avenue, one of the busiest and most important avenues in the city. 

• The cultural experience is simply fantastic: of the 170 museums in Mexico City, 78 are in the Cuauhtémoc district, with a wide variety of themes to suit all tastes. There are also bars with a lively atmosphere and live music. 

• Not only are there upscale eateries and restaurants but also food trucks, traditional food stores, and “antojitos” (snacks or appetizers) that offer a culinary tour of some of the most famous gourmet restaurants in the neighborhood. There are also great taco tours that leave from here.

Disadvantages of staying in La Roma 

• Unfortunately, there have been reports of muggings of tourists spending time in the area. Although this is not a frequent occurrence, always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid very lonely and remote streets after dark. 

• Like any downtown area, you may also encounter hours with high traffic that can cause unnecessary delays. If possible, avoid traveling by car and take public transportation options or Ecobicis as a substitute- this will save you a lot of headaches during your stay! 

The Best Places to Stay in La Roma 

Brick Hotel – $$$

Brick Hotel is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a place with luxury amenities on one of the best streets in La Roma, Calle Orizaba. The property features free Wi-Fi, a spa/wellness center, an airport shuttle service, a restaurant, and room service. 

All rooms have minibars, flat-screen satellite TVs, luxury items such as Egyptian cotton sheets, and private bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. It also offers terraces and continental, vegan, American, and take-out breakfast options. 

Prices start at $430 USD per night and can reach $1,000+ USD for the high-end suites. You’re definitely paying for luxury here!

Check prices and availability at Brick Hotel here!

Santa Casa by Tasman – $$

The Santa Casa is a perfect stay in La Roma for a moderate price point. It has a classic Mexican style that makes staying here feel extra special, with large open windows and lots of light. They offer queen or double-sized rooms.

It’s located in a really convenient part of La Roma Norte, so you can walk everywhere and see the neighborhood’s best sights.

Rooms range in price from $110 to $160 USD for a one-night stay.

Check availability and book this hotel here on Booking.com.

Hotel MX Roma – $

The Hotel MX Roma is located in one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City, close to the Ángel de la Independencia and other places of interest in La Roma, which allows you to walk around the neighborhood. It’s a safe area and very beautiful.

It has family rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TV. 

It offers a space with a terrace to enjoy with family or friends, private parking, a gym, and 24-hour front desk service. 

You can enjoy all its amenities for the price of $65 to $100 USD per night.

Check prices and availability at Hotel MX Roma here!

Polanco – Best Area for Luxury and Shopping

Without a doubt, Polanco is one of the most affluent and exclusive areas of the Mexican capital. Walking around here, you will easily forget that you are in Mexico

In recent years, Polanco has been one of the areas with more development in the city. It seems as if there is always construction going on here, so you’ll see lots of new buildings and businesses going up. It’s easily one of the top areas for tourists to stay in Mexico City!

One of its main attractions is walking along Presidente Masaryk Avenue. Here you can find the most important and renowned international fashion houses, such as Gucci, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, and Louis Vuitton, among many others. 

Another place that you cannot miss in Polanco is the lung of the city: the Bosque de Chapultepec. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the world. You will find the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Natural History, the Zoo, and the fascinating Chapultepec Castle within the park. 

Polanco is also known for its nightlife, with a wide range of bars and VIP nightclubs. Meaning you can enjoy the city with a very exclusive and refined touch.  

If you are a fan of concerts, check out the famous Auditorio Nacional. It’s considered one of the most important concert halls in the world!

As you can imagine, the hotel and restaurant scene in Polanco is first-class. You will find 5-star hotels of the most prestigious international chains and luxurious Michelin-starred restaurants to enjoy with your partner, friends, or family. 

Polanco is a must for travelers who want to experience the most cosmopolitan and sophisticated side of Mexico City. 

Advantages of staying in Polanco 

• It’s an area that is very well connected to the rest of the city’s other neighborhoods by Metro line 7. It also has a stop at the Polanco subway station, allowing easy and fast access to this area. 

• The excellent cultural, entertainment, and restaurant scene in Polanco is very diverse and dynamic. 

• It is considered one of the safest areas in Mexico City- so you can walk its streets with total peace of mind. 

Disadvantages of staying in Polanco 

• Being such an important business center, the traffic during rush hour is quite heavy, making it difficult to move easily around this area. 

• The cost of living is relatively high in this area, and tourists do not escape this reality. Therefore, I recommend that you manage your budget with caution to avoid unforeseen expenses during your stay. 

The Best Places to Stay in Polanco 

Hyatt Regency Mexico City – $$$

Hyatt Regency Mexico City is one of the most luxurious and sophisticated hotels in the city! It offers elegant rooms equipped with all the comforts of a hotel of this category for the most high-class travelers. 

You will have access to a business center, gym, swimming pool, airport shuttle service, spa and wellness center, room service, and private parking. There’s also a high-end restaurant and bar that serves amazing Latin American cuisine.

Prices fluctuate but start as low as $300 USD per night and can exceed $900 USD depending on room type.

Check prices and availability at Hyatt Regency Mexico City here!

City Suites Anzures – $$

City Suites Anzures is a very comfortable hotel decorated in the best décor style with suites that are ideal for a good night’s rest. 

Each suite includes a practical kitchenette, family rooms, a small living room with a sofa, flat-screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning with a beautiful view of the city. 

It also offers access to the fitness center and 24-hour front desk. 

The price ranges from $180 to $300 USD per night, depending on the time of year and room.

Check prices and availability at City Suites Anzures here!

Caravansaro Vazquez de Mella 347 Polanco – $

Polanco might be a notoriously expensive area, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all your money on accommodations! The Caravansaro Vazquez de Mella 347 is a budget-friendly stay in a fantastic location, very close to the Soumaya Museum and Chapultepec Forest. 

Each room has comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, a coffee/tea maker, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a desk. The property also has a fitness center, elevator, and dining room. 

Prices range from $40 to $75 USD, and you can book private or shared rooms or rooms with private or shared bathrooms.

Check prices and availability at Caravansaro Vazquez de Mella 347 Polanco here!

Things to do in Mexico City

Now that you know where to stay, you’ll want to check out all the fun things to do in Mexico City while you’re here. Trust me, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary in this bustling city! To give you an idea of what’s on offer, I’ve highlighted some of our favorite activities below.

• Soak in hot springs – If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, the crystal-blue waters of Las Grutas de Tolantongo Hot Springs are the perfect remedy. We took this full day tour, which took care of transportation, let us explore a cave, and enjoy the stunning hot springs!

• Try local cuisine – Mexican food is world-famous for good reason, and Mexico City is one of the best cities to enjoy it! The Condesa neighborhood has amazing taco stands and chocolatiers, and Calle Regina is a pedestrian-only street filled with restaurants. For a broad sampling, I recommend this food tour through Colonia Roma or even this cooking class – which also visits the local market!

• Visit Teotihuacan – Visiting the ancient Aztec ruins is a must while in Mexico City! You can elevate your experience by taking this sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan, then visit the ruins after to see them up close. It’s a true bucket list experience!

• Watch a Lucha Libre show – Lucha Libre in Mexico City is one of the most entertaining performances I’ve ever seen. This wrestling show is so quintessentially Mexican and is a ton of fun. The best way to understand the traditions and characters is through this organized tour, which also includes a mezcal tasting!

• Take a day trip to Puebla – This stunning colonial-styled city is just outside of Mexico City and is a must-visit! This tour to Puebla makes visiting a breeze and includes a stop in Cholula. Come hungry because Puebla is known for its incredible food scene.

Getting Around Mexico City

Trains and public bus

Even though Mexico City is huge, it’s actually quite easy to get around! The metro lines are well-connected, so you can get to every neighborhood mentioned above. It’s also very cheap to get a Metro card – only 15 MXN (about $0.75 USD)!

The city also has a Metrobus network with seven lines differentiated by a number and a color. No matter the distance you travel, the fare is MXN 6 or $0.30 USD, except for children under five years old and adults over 60 who can travel for free.  

The metro/Metrobus service hours are weekdays from 5 am to 12 am, Saturdays from 6 am to 12 am, and Sundays and holidays from 7 am to 12 am. So keep this in mind when planning your itinerary for Mexico City! 

Turibus (hop-on, hop-off bus)

I recommend that you take a look at the Mexico City Turibus. It’s a service with transfers to the main sites of interest in the city. It’s an excellent way to save a little money and time, especially if you are going for a short stay. The ticket price allows you to get on and off the bus at any of the predetermined stops as many times as you wish throughout a full day (from 9 am to 11 pm). 

Each of the routes offered by the Turibus has stops at key sites that allow you to learn more about the area. These buses provide audio guides in different languages, as well as an audio guide for children. 

Check out all the stops and book your Turibus ticket in advance here!

Taxi/Uber

As you can see, Mexico City is very well connected by public transportation, but there are times when it’s convenient to take a cab, even if the cost is a little higher.  

Mexico City’s cab system has authorized vehicles that you can identify by their pink and white color. However, I always recommend calling radio cab companies or taking cabs from companies operating at the airport, terminals, and hotels. 

In recent years I’ve seen a boom in the use of mobile apps for transportation in the city, such as Uber -which is the most popular-, and other applications such as Didi, Cabify, and Beat that offer a much more comfortable way to move around the city.  

I recommend considering the transfer time to and from other points of the city (about 1 hour) when deciding where to stay in Mexico City. It is essential to stay in a central area that allows you to make the most of the city. 

Thanks for reading!

Mexico City is a metropolis in constant change, every day there is something new to explore in this city! I really hope this guide is helpful to you in deciding where to stay in Mexico City and what the best area for your needs is.

Regardless of where you stay, I hope you have an amazing and unique experience while visiting this incredible city, full of history, culture, and fun. I am sure it will make you come back more than once!

If you found this blog helpful, then be sure to check out some of our other blogs about Mexico. Some you might really enjoy include:

7 Absolute BEST Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City + Our Review

Where to Stay in Puerto Escondido – The BEST Areas & Hotels

14 BEST Tours in Oaxaca City, Mexico