Choosing the best areas to stay in Mexico City can truly shape your experience in this vibrant and complex capital. Each neighborhood displays a rich history mixed with colorful culture and a modern lifestyle, offering something unique on its own. Whether you're drawn to leafy, mellow streets or lively urban energy, there's a perfect place to match your pace and personality.
Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world, but with the right home, the city becomes cozy and easy to navigate. The city is full of vibrant neighborhoods with a bustling nightlife culture and calm traditional areas that welcome everyone regardless of age or financial status. To help you decide, here's a breakdown of the top neighborhoods, each offering flavor, charm, and reason to stay.
1. Polanco
Are you relocating to Mexico and looking for a more luxurious place to stay? Polanco has some of the best fine dining options in the city, including Pujol, luxury hotels, art deco, and fancy shopping. With its combination of modern buildings, international embassies, designer boutiques, and tasteful colonial residences, this neighborhood exudes an air of sophistication.
It's stunning, but it has a mall-like vibe about it. Polanco is the best option if you want five-star service, luxurious shopping, and easy access to major sites like Chapultepec Park and the Museo Soumaya, even though it's not as walkable or lovely as Roma and Condesa. Studio apartments in Polanco typically cost $1000 monthly.
2. Colonia Juarez
Colonia Juarez, previously a rough neighborhood, is now a hipster destination. It's one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City due to the increasing number of chefs, artists, and designers establishing themselves here. Some of Mexico City's top bars, restaurants, and boutiques are available without the exorbitant prices found in more posh neighborhoods.
There is a lot of architectural beauty, artful design, affordable hotels, and historic buildings to see in this central location. Look for the incredibly modern minimalism of Milán 44, a market-style supermarket that also provides yoga classes. The neighborhood's landmark cantinas, many of which are from the 1920s, are another option. Colonia Juarez is also easily accessible, being just a few kilometers from the city center and bordered by three major roads: Insurgentes, Paseo de la Reforma, and Avenida Chapultepec. Studio apartments in Colonia Juarez typically go for $400 monthly.
3. La Condesa & Hipodromo
La Condesa is a historic center and sanctuary in Mexico City for those who enjoy walking. Shaded by enormous trees, its parallel avenues have a central strolling route with a laid-back ambiance. While Hipódromo is the most popular place for tourists to stay in Mexico City, most people name the entire neighborhood La Condesa.
This neighborhood in Mexico City features two popular parks, Parque México and Parque España, with unique oval shapes that identify the area. The Avenida Ámsterdam, which circles Parque Mexico and is lined with trees, is one of the most picturesque streets. This region in Mexico City is ideal for staying due to its beauty and proximity to top breakfast eateries. Studio apartments in La Condesa typically go for $311 monthly.
4. Roma Norte & Roma Sur
Roma Norte is a popular spot for people who wish to experience Mexico City's liveliest side because of its variety of eateries, pubs, food markets, and coffee shops. It's one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. Dining and drinking are the main attractions here, with well-known fine dining establishments like Máximo Bistrot and Rosetta alongside more laid-back places like Dooriban, a welcoming Korean restaurant, and Mi Compa Chava, a popular choice among seafood enthusiasts.
Cocktail enthusiasts should stay near the city's first mixology bar, the storied Licorería Limantour, and fresh, daring ideas like the petite 686 Bar or the women-led Brujas. But Roma has more to offer than meets the eye, and Roma Sur provides a more subdued atmosphere. Similar to its sister area, the Roma Sur neighborhood is home to stunning early 20th-century mansions that serve as reminders of the region's earliest history. Studio apartments in Roma Norte typically go for $300 monthly.
5. Centro Historico
As the name suggests, the Centro Histórico, which includes the Plaza del Zócalo and the surrounding region, is the center of Mexico City. A few attractions in the Centro Histórico are the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor Museum.
If you're planning your first trip to Mexico City and want to visit all the prominent tourist attractions, Centro Histórico is one of the best places to stay, especially if you only have one day there. Almost all of the neighborhood is walkable, with plenty of metro stations.
Aside from being one of the nicest areas in the city for first-time tourists, this is also one of the best places to find cheap accommodation. Accommodation is surprisingly affordable for the city's most central neighborhood. Studio apartments in Centro Historico typically go for $1200 monthly.
6. Santa Fe
One of the leading commercial centers in Mexico City is Santa Fe. Don't be put off by that; there are many hidden treasures behind the sleek, glass buildings, which are beautiful. Additionally, a wide range of accommodations to suit any budget contributes to its appeal to tourists and the increasing number of affluent young professionals.
This is why the area currently boasts some of the city's top restaurants and a fantastic selection of clubs and pubs. It also boasts several shopping centers, such as the smaller Garden Santa Fe and Centro Santa Fe, the biggest in Latin America, with 500 stores, an ice rink, and a hotel.
Furthermore, green spaces are emerging between the skyscrapers. Parque la Mexicana, which features lakes, bike lanes, and running paths, is a prime example. Studio apartments in Santa Fe typically rent for $1158 monthly.
7. Colonia Cuauhtémoc
This is among the best areas to stay in Mexico City. Colonia Cuauhtémoc, which refers to a broader region including Roma, Downtown Mexico City, Condesa, and the northern neighborhoods, is located just above Avenida Reforma from Juárez. It's one of the trendiest neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and boutique hotels filled with Mexican cuisine and rooftop pools.
This neighborhood and Avenida Reforma are known for their high-modern buildings, luxurious hotels, and rooftops offering spectacular views of Mexico City. Its practical location and accessibility to foreign embassies and financial organizations have made this neighborhood a popular international hub in earlier times. There are streets with many bars where you can enjoy your cup of coffee on your way to work. Studio apartments in Colonia Cuauhtémoc typically go for $437 monthly.
8. San Angel
Some areas of San Ángel may make you forget that you are in one of the world's busiest cities with its charming cobblestone lanes, vibrant bougainvillea flowers, and colonial buildings. And that has a historical explanation. In the 18th century, this neighborhood was entirely rural, with beautiful country homes owned by wealthy families from Mexico City for weekend relaxation.
San Ángel is now home to some of the best museums in the world, such as the old convent that is now Museo El Carmen and the famous painting duo's home and workspace – Frida Kahlo and Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera.
The cobblestone streets have a lot of interesting things, including street performers. Just across the street is one of the city's most popular restaurants, San Angel Inn, which is set in an antique hacienda and serves a diverse Mexican and international cuisine menu. Studio apartments in San Angel typically go for $794 monthly.
9. Coyoacán
Coyoacán is a vibrant cultural center in the city's southern part. It's among the best areas to stay in Mexico City. For generations, Coyoacán has served as the heart of the city's artistic and bohemian life, with its coffee shops, fitness centers, and pulque and mezcal bars.
Frida Kahlo was one of its most well-known inhabitants; her house is now the must-see Frida Kahlo Museum, also called Casa Azul. Her husband, Diego Rivera, created a magnificent legacy at the Anahuacalli Museum, another local treasure.
Stay near Plaza Centenario to experience the enchantment of Coyoacán and pause for tasty street food like churros or esquites, maize kernels flavored with mayo, lime, and chili powder. You can also enjoy mezcal and real Oaxacan food at Corazón de Maguey, or frequently go to the small Café Avellaneda for unique cocktails and specialty coffee. Studio apartments in Coyoacan typically go for $USD monthly.
10. Col del Valle and Narvarte
The residential areas of Narvarte and Colonia del Valle provide a more intimate atmosphere. This prime location is filled with colonial and modern architecture. These can be a suitable choice for those seeking a long-term residence in Mexico City.
These places are usually more affordable. And, despite their distance, they are still close to the rest of the city, particularly if you live near a metro station. Most hotels have modern amenities, serve traditional dishes, and offer impeccable services. Narvarte, in particular, has emerged as a hub for some of the best taco tours in Mexico City. Studio apartments in this place typically go for $344 monthly.
11. Alameda Central
Over the past ten years, downtown Mexico City has experienced a significant transformation, for better or worse, with the Centro Histórico receiving the most of the sprucing up (or, some would argue, displacement). However, the bustling streets south of Alameda Central still offer a glimpse of the historic city center. Enjoy a little tequila in the evocative Tío Pepe, the city's oldest bar, and what Beat author William Burroughs called a “cheap cantina” in his 1953 book Junkie.
You can always find your way to El Huequito's original location, a taco eatery that has been serving up some of the city's best tacos al pastor (spit-cooked pork) for over 60 years. Mercado de San Juan, one of Mexico City's top markets, is a must-see during the quarter. Even the most hardened tourists will grin when they see the finely dressed elders participating in group danzón (a slow Cuban swing) sessions at Parque de la Ciudadela.
Naturally, a stay in this neighborhood wouldn't be complete without a stop at Alameda Central and the Palacio de Bellas Artes opera house. It features displays of exquisite murals by the three major muralists from Mexico: Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco. Studio apartments in Alameda Central typically cost $2,000 monthly.
12. Colonia Roma
This is one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. Roma borders Condesa, and the two neighborhoods have a connected history. They were once considered Mexico City's most exclusive neighborhoods, but they have since declined. They have now recovered with the assistance of inventive artists and businesspeople.
Many of Roma's original buildings still survive, and its streets are a photographer's paradise, with modernist structures nestled beside Art Deco mansions. There are also many independent galleries and bookstores here. Today, it's known as Mexico City's art area. Colonia Roma is the place to stay in Mexico City to experience the city's art culture. Studio apartments in Colonia Roma typically cost $900 monthly.
13. Paseo de La Reforma
Imagine La Reforma as Mexico City's Times Square. This main road is where everything takes place. Every mile of this iconic street is lined with monuments, stores, outdoor markets, and nightclubs. Additionally, there are a variety of hotel options to suit every taste and price range. The Paseo de La Reforma is a pedestrian-friendly area that encourages people to get out and explore. El Angel de Independencia is easily accessible on foot, and there are a ton of restaurants in the neighborhood that provide real Mexican food.
The street is lined with innumerable monuments that provide a comprehensive overview of Mexican history. The entire city is accessible on foot or by cab, making this one of the greatest neighborhoods in Mexico City to find accommodation. Because the Paseo de La Reforma runs diagonally across the city center, there are numerous options for lodging. Hostels for a few dollars per night are standard, as are high-rise, new-construction hotels with a variety of luxury amenities. Studio apartments in Paseo de La Reforma typically cost $800 monthly.
14. Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa is a lively, tourist-heavy neighborhood that never appears to stop, much less slow down. It soon becomes evident that everyone is welcome in this diverse area, which is Mexico City's most gay-friendly. If you enjoy shopping at hip stores during the day and dancing at various pubs and clubs at night, this is the ideal area to stay in Mexico City. In the late nineteenth century, Zona Rosa was first created to serve wealthy city center inhabitants and European immigrants seeking a more sedate, less crowded area.
Whatever style of lodging you want, you will most likely find it at Zona Rosa. Hotel rates are often low, even for the more premium properties in the vicinity. There are also a few hostels in the area. However, they are slightly more expensive than in other neighborhoods. If you prefer the opposite end of the spectrum, Zona Rosa also has some unexpectedly upscale residences with fitness centers, spas, swimming pools, and other amenities. These accommodations are going to cost several hundred dollars per night. Studio apartments in Zona Rosa typically cost $1,500 monthly.
15. San Rafael
San Rafael, located in the Centro, offers a peaceful residential experience without being overly touristy. It's one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City. The neighborhood is expanding and changing. Its beautiful architecture and various historic theaters attract photographers, and little gourmet coffee shops and eateries that are not your typical mom-and-pop establishments are cropping up here.
There is relatively little nightlife (but plenty of street food), so don't expect to go around at night and sit in a small café to drink and people-watch. Because of its residential atmosphere, things tend to settle down after 7 or 8. The fortunate thing is that there is an excellent tiny bed and breakfast here, beautifully designed in an ancient Porfirian mansion. There are also a couple of good art galleries and shops, notably the Eco Museum, a small, modern art museum with a lot of spunk. Studio apartments in San Rafael typically cost $1,800 monthly.
16. Xochimilco
Xochimilco, located far south of the city, is a patchwork of squat little dwellings, narrow lanes, and lovely little churches. In addition to being a safe neighborhood, it's a fantastic spot to gain a greater idea of the city's working class. Although you can get to the canals right away, most visitors don't want to stay here because it's so far south of the city center. As a result, hotels and Airbnb have fewer options.
However, Xochimilco is appealing to anyone who wants to venture out and discover more of CDMX because of its lovely parks, thriving local markets, and canals. Similar to Coyoacán, this place gives you the impression that you have left the city and are staying in a tiny village rather than Mexico's metropolis, which is extremely urban. Studio apartments in Xochimilco typically cost $1,500 monthly.
Conclusion
The best areas to stay in Mexico City reflect the city's incredible range of experiences, from artistic enclaves and historic landmarks to calm, residential streets. No matter your travel style, there's a neighborhood that will feel just right. Choose the one that matches your interests, and you'll not only rest well but also connect more deeply with everything this dynamic city has to offer.
