Where To Stay In Mexico City In 2023

Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Nellie Huang

Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? I’ve put together a detailed guide to show you the best places to stay in Mexico City for different types of travelers.

Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world, with more colonias (neighborhoods) than you can count! Roma appeals to digital nomads and hipsters, Polanco draws in the well-heeled traveler, while La Condesa attracts the beautiful and glamorous. Each neighborhood has its own unique flair, that resonate with different kinds of travelers.

If you are not sure where to stay in Mexico City, this article will help you decide which is the best area for you — whether you’re a budget traveler, digital nomad, or family traveling with kids. I’ve stayed at many of these hotels and done plenty of research, so you can trust me on this!

where to stay in mexico city - best areas to stay in mexico city

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Mexico City
- How to Get Around Mexico City
- Mexico Travel Requirements
Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City has grown tremendously over the years, with many new areas popping up and offering more well-designed and affordable accommodation than ever before. I have chosen 6 best areas to stay in Mexico City, and shared the best hotels in each of these areas.

Centro Histórico — best area for first-time visitors
Juarez (Zona Rosa) — best area for upscale travelers
Roma — best area for digital nomads and hipsters
Polanco — best area for families
La Condesa — best area for restaurant and nightlife lovers
Coyoacan — best area for creatives and artists

How to Get Around Mexico City

One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is the metro system, which is cheap and easy to use. Just buy a ticket (“bolleto” in Spanish) from the booth. A metro ticket costs only 5 Pesos ($0.23). You can change as many times as you need to without having to purchase the ticket.

We usually take Uber everywhere in Mexico City as it’s just so convenient and affordable. It costs around US$2-6 to take an Uber within the historical center. It’s also easy to take the Uber on day trips from Mexico City. To get to Coyoacan or Xochimilco from the historical center, it ranges from US$15 to 30 depending what time you’re traveling.

Mexico Travel Requirements

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

Centro Histórico: Where to Stay in Mexico City for First-Time Visitors

The Centro Histórico (historic center) is the palpitating heart of Mexico City, and it’s where I recommend staying if it’s your first trip to Mexico City. The area is centered around the massive Zocalo plaza and many of the main attractions are within walking distance. The best museums in Mexico City are also concentrated here.

We feel very safe when in the Centro, and haven’t found any part of it to be dodgy or unsafe. But be warned: it can be crowded, especially on weekends or special holidays like Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead). If you want to be in the city center but in a quieter area, then continue reading the next point.

Things to Do in Mexico City Centro Histórico

This is just a summary. Click here for the full list of things to do in Mexico City.

Visit Catedral Metropolitana where you can climb both towers for an expansive 360 degree view of CDMX.
Outside the Cathedral, you’ll usually find indigenous people perform traditional dance routines. The traditional healers offer a spiritual cleansing ritual called limpia.
See the ruins of Templo Mayor and the remains of sacrificial victims from the Aztec era. There’s an excellent museum that showcases the history of Mexico City.
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most famous landmarks of Centro Historico and it houses the country’s most important art collections. For a cool view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, head to the Sears Rooftop Cafe across the road.

Best Hotels in Centro

Budget: Casa Pepe

Located 600 m from Zocalo Square, this funky and hip hostel (pictured) is steps from interesting sights and it’s got really groovy vibes. Rooms are super clean and tastefully designed. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Hampton Inn & Suites

We stayed at this hotel in the historic center and loved the location, just two blocks from the main square (Zocalo). Originally built over 200 years ago, many of the original details such as the iron railings and mosaics on the building’s facade have been maintained. Suites are spacious and comfortable, highly recommended for families. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Zocalo Central

Right next to the Cathedral overlooking the Zocalo (main square), this stylish design hotel is housed in a 1890s building and features a contemporary design. Their rooftop restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Mexico City. Check the rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Círculo Mexicano

A top choice for ultra-lux travelers, Círculo Mexicano is located on the upper floors of a 19th-century building. The chic boutique hotel has elegant, minimalist rooms that come with patios that open up to Cathedral views. Check the rates here.

Families: Casa Donceles Penthouse

Located right by the Museum of Fine Arts, this two-bedroom apartment has an excellent location and plenty of space. It’s fully furnished with a complete kitchen, two spacious bedrooms and extra sofa-beds. Great option for families! Check rates here.

Juarez (Zona Rosa): Where to Stay in Mexico City for upscale Travelers

To the west of Centro, Juarez has a reputation of being one of Mexico’s most exciting and vibrant areas. It lies between Centro and Bosque de Chapultepec (the city’s green lungs), and it’s just a 10-minute Uber ride to get to either of these areas.

Paseo de la Reforma, a wide avenue that runs diagonally across the heart of Mexico City, is dotted with plenty of affordable luxury hotels like Marriott and Hampton Inn. Here is where you’ll find many of the best rooftop bars in Mexico City. The area is also home to the Zona Rosa, a gay-friendly district of sidewalk bars, Korean restaurants and lively nightlife.

Things to Do in Juarez, Mexico City

Admire the Angel de la Independencia, a golden monument built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence.
Head to the Museo de Cera or wax museum, especially if you’re exploring Mexico City with kids. Don’t miss the chance to get a photo op with a massive chair in the lobby and enjoy the simulator ride.
Visit the Museo de Chocolate and learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico and learn to make some chocolate. It’s a one of the best Mexico City museums for kids.
Budding artists love to gather on the streets of Zona Rosa, particularly on Londres Street and at the Plaza del Angel, to show and share their work with passers-by, alongside keen antique sellers.

Best Hotels in Juarez

Budget: Hotel MX Reforma

Located steps from the Angel of Independence, this budget hotel has small but comfortable rooms. Everything is brand new and the rooftop terrace is especially attractive. Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel Geneve CD de Mexico

Originally built in 1907, Hotel Geneve (pictured below) is located in Zona Rosa, steps from shops, restaurants and attractions. The heritage hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities and facilities, including an on-site spa. I loved staying at this iconic hotel oozing with character! Check rates here.

Luxury: Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel

Also overlooking Paseo de la Reforma, this luxury hotel may be old but rooms have been newly renovated and those on the high floor have excellent views of the city. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: The St Regis Mexico City

Located along the famous Paseo de la Reforma, this luxurious hotel (pictured below) is lauded as one of the best in the city. Suites are sophisticated and feature a chaiselounge and larger-than-usual king beds. St Regis also boasts of butler service and 3 on-site gourmet restaurants. Check rates here.

Families: The Local Way – Berlin

This 3-bedroom apartment is perfect for big families who need space and facilities. Located by the embassy district, the apartment is equipped with a spacious living area, washing machine and dryer, gym and rooftop terrace. Check rates here.

Roma: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Digital Nomads

If you’re a digital nomad wondering where to stay in Mexico City, Roma is your answer. Further south of Juarez is the famous Colonia Roma, named a “Barrio Mágico” (“magical neighborhood”) in 2011. Originally a neighborhood for Mexico City’s upper-class, Roma became a middle-class district after the 1985 earthquake. Thankfully, the neighborhood enjoyed a recent renaissance in recent years, with newly restored art deco mansions, colorful street art, and hipster vibes.

Many of the neighborhoods’s galleries, shops and restaurants are housed in former Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical buildings dating from the 20th century. The neighborhood has grown so much that it’s no longer a single colonia but now two officially defined ones, Roma Norte and Roma Sur, divided by Coahuila street.

Things to Do in Roma, Mexico City

Colonia Roma’s most welcoming open space is the Plaza Rio de Janeiro, famed for its replica of Michelangelo’s David in the central fountain.
Visit the bizarrely cool Museo del Objeto del Objeto, a museum of everyday objects. It sounds mundane, but it definitely has an edge over the more traditional museums.
Admire avant-garde art at one of Mexico City’s most established contemporary art galleries, Galería OMR.
Eat at the ultra-hip Mercado Roma, a modern food hall packed with gourmet taco stands and fusion food stalls. Vendors sell everything from craft beer to cheese to churros—all of which can be enjoyed on the public rooftop.

Best Hotels in Roma

Budget: La Querencia DF

This budget-friendly bed & breakfast is housed in a colonial-style home in Roma Norte. You’ll notice it straight away because of its bright orange color and cute little balconies. Rooms are brightly colored, clean and cozy. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Casai Roma Luis Cabrera

Fresh and modern, this one-bedroom apartment has an excellent location in the lively Roma neighborhood. It’s perfect for digital nomads who are looking for a comfy temporary home with great WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, dining and outdoor terrace. Check rates here.

Luxury: Nima Local House Hotel

With interiors that look like they came out of a magazine, Nima Hotel Boutique (pictured below) is tastefully designed with high-end furniture that are assembled in a stylish way. The house itself has tons of history, and it’s surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightclubs. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Brick Hotel Mexico City

Located on Orizaba Street in Roma, the stylish Brick Hotel Mexico City is an ultra-sexy hotel housed in a newly restored 20th-century building. Discreet, fancy and well located, this extravagant hotel is just a 5-minute walk from OMR Gallery and subway access. Check rates here.

Families: The Local Way – Azul Cordoba

Perfect for families with kids, this 2-bedroom apartment is spacious, bright and airy. It has a stylish Nordic living room and a small dining area, and patio doors that open up to the leafy gardens. Check rates here.

Polanco: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Families

North of the Bosque de Chapultepec is the trendy, upscale neighborhood of Polanco. The main shopping avenue is flanked by elegant Spanish colonial homes, while the lush side streets play host to avant garde architecture such as the futuristic Museo Soumaya, an enigmatic monument that stands out from the Mexico City streetscape.

Polanco is the most upscale residential area in Mexico City, and there are plenty of safe, kid-friendly spaces here for families with little ones. It’s also here where you’ll find the highest concentration of Airbnbs and apartments suitable for families.

Things to Do in Polanco, Mexico City

Wander around the Soumaya Museum (one of the best art museums in CDMX) and admire works of art from world-famous painters like Picasso, Renoir, Dali, and Van Gogh. The collection of more than 66,000 pieces has been split into two buildings: one in Plaza Loreto and the other in Plaza Carso.
Shop along the Avenida Presidente Masaryk, considered the Champs-Élysées of Mexico. It is the cosmopolitan vibe of this boulevard that has given Polanco the reputation as an upmarket area.
Considering Polanco’s proximity to the Bosque de Chapultepec, it’s easy to hop over to the Museum of Anthropology for a wander. This is the most visited museum in Mexico, housing one of the largest collections of Mayan artefacts in the world.
Visit the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros, a multi-functional exhibition space designed by celebrated Mexican muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Best Hotels in Polanco

Budget: Ayenda Terraza 158

There aren’t many backpackers hostels in Polanco, but this budget hotel is a great option with very affordable prices and comfortable rooms. With a central location steps from shops and restaurants, this newly renovated hotel is excellent for flashpackers and digital nomads. Check rates here.

Midrange: Suites Obelisk

Steps from Lincoln Park, this stylish hotel features an all-white colonial exterior but contrastingly modern interior. All of its rooms are spacious suites, with separate living and dining areas. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Wild Oscar

One of the coolest hotels in Polanco is the elegant and chic Wild Oscar (pictured below). With sleek black-and-grey furnishing, the hotel offers private residential-style accommodation. All suites feature a wide work desk area, smart TV, french style bathtub, kitchenette, living and dining area. I absolutely love this hotel and definitely wish I can stay here on every trip to Mexico City! Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Hotel Las Alcobas

This Luxury Collection Hotel is undoubtedly the best hotel in Polanco. The ultra-lux property has plush rooms that feature contemporary decor and immaculate maintenance. Every room has a hydromassage bath and views of the Bosque de Chapultepec. Check rates here.

Families: ULIV Apartments – Polanco

Located near the Polanco metro station, the two-bedroom ULIV apartment is a 5-minute walk from fashionable shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s ultra modern, stylish and practical with all the amenities a family will need. There’s also a swimming pool and fitness center. Check rates here.

La Condesa: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Restaurant and Nightlife Lovers

To the west of Roma lies La Condesa, a fashionable neighborhood synonymous to the good life. Wide tree-lined avenues and stately art nouveau mansions give it European vibes while cutting edge fashion stores line the leafy streets. It’s on the southeastern edge of the Bosque de Chapultepec, making it very convenient to explore the park from here.

Here you’ll find the best restaurants, European bistros, open-air cafés and taquerías in the city. Strolling through this area at night will reveal cool hipster bars and edgy clubs – all just waiting until midnight so they can let loose under bright lights.

Things to Do in La Condensa, Mexico City

Sample the international culinary scene at restaurants such as Contramar and Polish outlet Specia. Koku is another excellent restaurant worth checking out, with its tatami floors and fusion dishes including elote and conch sushi and coconut curry ramen.
Grab some churros to-go at the most well-known churreria in town, El Moro, and enjoy them on a walk around Parque México just next door.
Watch a show at the Foro Shakespeare, a theater that breaks from the traditions of Mexican drama. This theater, with a multi-modal space and five theater halls, promises a unique experience from independent theater companies.
See arts performances at El Plaza. This former cinema and casino is now a multi-theater. The building has excellent acoustics and lighting and is used for all types of artistic and cultural shows.

Best Hotels in La Condensa

Budget: Casa Pancha

With modern and Tulum-style decor, this hostel features clean, simple lines and outstanding interior design. It’s surprising how affordable the prices are! A night in their Japanese style sleeping pods costs just $28! Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel MX Condesa

I’ve stayed in this hotel and highly recommend it for those with a midrange budget. The funky hotel has simple rooms, but a gorgeous central patio that’s fantastic to work in or lounge around. The staff here are always in a good mood and happy to help! Check rates here.

Luxury: FlowSuites Condesa – Adults Only

Featuring teak wood all around, FlowSuites (pictured below) is a super stylish hotel with minimalist design. All of its rooms feature dark wood ceilings and original works of modern art. Be sure to try the delectable mezcal cocktails at their gorgeous rooftop bar! Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: Condesa DF

This is one of the most expensive hotels in Mexico City for good reason. The eclectic hotel isn’t like any of the five-star chain hotels. Its eccentric design and Dali-esque character are what make it stand out. It’s also home to one of the best rooftop bars in town. Check rates here.

Families: ULIV Apartments – Condesa

Families or groups of friends looking to splurge would love this three-bedroom apartment in Condesa. It’s a chic loft-style apartment with massive floor-to-ceiling windows, big terrace and spacious rooms. Every corner of it is stylish and functional at the same time. Check rates here.

Coyoacan: Where to Stay in Mexico City for Creatives and Artists

Once an independent town, Coyoacan has an old-world village feel with bohemian, artsy vibes. Home to the artistic types including world-famous Frida Kahlo, this bohemian neighborhood is lined with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial style homes, cute cafes and boutiques.

Yes, it’s a 20-minute Uber ride (that cost around $10 each way) from the historical center but it really has a unique flair that I absolutely love. You’ll find more apartments than hotels here, and prices are definitely lower than in other parts of Mexico City.

Things to Do in Coyoacan, Mexico city

See the San Juan Bautista Church, located at the central square. This baroque building was one of the first churches in the Americas and, while it’s a reminder of the cruel and brutal colonial period.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, see her art studio and wander through the garden in which she spent her afternoons dreaming or entertaining guests. Tickets must be booked online. They can be sold out for weeks, so book your tickets at least a month in advance!
Wander through the Coyoacan Market, and sample some of the city’s best tostadas (toasted tortilla filled with all kinds of topping).
Browse through the Mercado Artesanal de Coyoacan, which boasts a huge variety of handcrafted textiles, artwork and quirky souvenirs. Keep an eye out for traditional indigenous items such as rebozos (shawls) and huipiles (tunics) from the regions of Chiapas and Oaxaca.

Best Hotels in Coyoacan

Budget: Coapa Rooms

A new bed and breakfast in Coyoacan, this shared house has bright, pastel-colored rooms and an inviting lounge. The family-run house is perfect for budget travelers who want to stay long-term. Check rates here.

Midrange: Mansión Papilio

Experience staying in a palace at the historical Mansion Papilio (pictured below), which has surprisingly affordable rooms. Every corner of the Mansion Papipilio is designed with French-inspired details, which make this a different and exclusive space. Check rates here.

Luxury: Agata Hotel Boutique & Spa

Steps from the Frida Kahlo Museum, this hotel might not look like much on the outside, but once inside you’ll see its charm. With an air of elegance, rooms are tastefully assembled and designed. I especially adore the hanging egg-chairs in the outdoor patio. Check rates here.

Ultra Luxury: H21 Hospedaje Boutique

With a discreet location along the quiet cobblestoned streets of Coyoacan, this boutique hotel has an understated charm to it. Rooms are super stylish and come with outdoor terraces. Perfect for couples seeking privacy and romance! Check rates here.

Families: Hermoso Departamento de Coyoacan

Families who are staying long-term in Mexico City will love this cheerful and spacious 2-bedroom apartment. Splashed in turquoise and yellow, the bright apartment is a happy place to stay for families looking to immerse in local life. It even has a bunk bed that kids will love! Check rates here.

Where NOT to Stay in Mexico City

All of the areas I’ve mentioned above are safe to explore whether you’re traveling solo or with family or friends. I have always felt super safe in Mexico City and had no security issues at all. Of course, I wouldn’t be hanging out alone late at night or getting drunk on the streets.

All in all, stay in one of the districts covered in this Mexico City accommodation guide and you’ll be fine. Here are some areas in Mexico City to avoid:

Iztapalapa
Tepito
La Lagunia
Mercado Merced
Doctores
Ciudad Neza

Planning A Trip around Mexico?

I hope this Mexico City accommodation guide has answered your question on where to stay in Mexico City. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below. I’d be more than happy to help you plan your Mexico City trip!

Read my articles on Mexico below:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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Where to Stay in Mexico City in 2023