5 safe areas in Mexico City: what to do in the city

Mexico City is a destination filled with culture, history, and vibrant life in Mexico. Over the years, we’ve heard a lot about safety concerns, but we really wanted to visit this city and did some research on the safe areas in Mexico City. During our second trip around the world in 2024, we passed through Mexico and couldn’t miss visiting its capital. In this post, we’ll talk a bit about our experience in the safe areas of Mexico City and what to do in the city.

Why We Decided to Visit Mexico City

Unlike other capitals we sometimes visit for convenience, Mexico City was one of the top destinations we wanted to visit in Mexico. We decided to explore this fascinating city to discover its unique culture and cuisine for ourselves and, of course, to see if it was truly unsafe to visit. After our visit, we can confidently say we never felt unsafe and the city has a lot to offer visitors. However, it’s essential to consider the safe areas in Mexico City.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

The best safe areas in Mexico City to stay are Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. For our stay, we chose Roma and stayed at the Hotel Benidorm. It is rated between 4 and 5 stars (there are some contradictory ratings), but at an affordable price and perfectly suitable for visiting the city.

We had to choose this hotel at the last minute after the apartment we had booked with the Sonder group closed and they did not relocate us to another unit. The Hotel Benidorm turned out to be a great choice, with a convenient location and good amenities for exploring Mexico City.

Options of Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City offers a wide range of accommodations to satisfy all types of travelers. Besides the Hotel Benidorm where we stayed, here are our top picks for the best accommodations to stay in the city:

• Budget Option: Hostel Mundo Joven CDMX – Located in the Historic Center, this hostel offers dormitories and private rooms with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for meeting other travelers and exploring the city.
• Mid-Range Option: Hotel Casa Blanca – This comfortable hotel in Roma Norte offers a modern atmosphere and easy access to great restaurants and shops.
• Luxury Option: Marriott Reforma – Situated on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and panoramic views of the city, as well as being close to important tourist attractions.

Safe Areas in Mexico City

Roma

Known for its tree-lined streets, stunning architecture, and modern cafes, Roma is a hotspot for food and art lovers. The area is filled with art galleries, chic boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

• Where to eat: churros – El Moro; tacos – Taqueria Orinoco or take a Taco Tour; modern Mexican food – Páramo
• What to see: Fuente de Cibeles, Mercado Roma
• What to do: Explore art galleries, visit Mercado Roma, walk the streets and admire the neighborhood’s architecture

La Condesa

Next to Roma, La Condesa offers a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere with its parks, eclectic restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day at one of its many outdoor cafes.

• Where to eat: Onigiris – Omusubi House
• What to see: Parque México, Parque España
• What to do: Walk in the parks, relax in a café, explore eclectic shops

Polanco

This sophisticated neighborhood is home to high-end shops, gourmet restaurants, and some of the city’s main cultural institutions, such as the Soumaya Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology.

• Where to eat: Grilled meat – Pujol; Mexican food – La Casa de Toño
• What to see: Soumaya Museum, National Museum of Anthropology
• What to do: Stroll in the high-end shopping area, visit the museums, walk through Lincoln Park

Zona Rosa

Known for its LGBTQ+ friendly environment, Zona Rosa is packed with vibrant nightlife, shops, and dining options. It’s a lively area with a mix of modern and traditional influences.

• Where to eat: tacos – Taqueria Orinoco
• What to see: Angel of Independence Monument
• What to do: Explore the shops, enjoy the neighborhood’s daytime buzz, participate in cultural events, visit Péndulo bookstore 

Chapultepec

This area is dominated by Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. It is home to Chapultepec Castle, several museums, a zoo, and plenty of green space to relax and enjoy nature.

• Where to eat: pastries – Esperanza
• What to see: Chapultepec Castle, Chapultepec Forest, Museum of Modern Art, Tamayo Museum
• What to do: Visit the zoo, walk through the park, explore the museums

Safety Tips

• Travel insurance: Even if the city seems safe, there are always incidents that can happen, whether health-related or with the loss of some belongings. Getting good insurance with these coverages ensures peace of mind while traveling. Heymondo is our choice, offering some of the best coverage and prices on the market.
• Stay in busy areas: The mentioned zones are generally safe, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings.
• Use safe transportation: We always used Uber in the city when we needed to travel to more distant places or in less recommended areas. We also used the metro outside peak hours. It’s an excellent option for the price, and we never felt unsafe. There are specific carriages reserved for women and children.
• Avoid displaying valuable items: Keep your personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items. For example, in Mexico City, we didn’t use our camera.
• Get local information: Ask at your accommodation or in restaurants about areas to avoid, especially at night.

Additional Tips

• Mobile Data: There are some public Wi-Fi networks, and many establishments also provide it, but to avoid dependency and move around safely, we preferred to buy an eSIM. Stay connected at all times with Holafly eSIMs, offering unlimited data so you’re always reachable and safe. From our experience, Holafly was incredibly simple to set up and let us browse without worries about limits or connection failures, making it the perfect choice for stress-free travel. And now, you can even get 5% off your travel eSIM from Holafly!

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• Try local cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to taste authentic Mexican food in local markets and restaurants. Mexico City has a lot of street food; the main tip is to go to places with many locals and that are not too cheap. One way to explore street food is by doing a free walking food tour like this one we did.
• Visit neighborhoods at your own pace: All the neighborhoods we visited have plenty of points of interest, so plan enough time to immerse yourself in the city’s urban culture.
• Interact with locals: The local residents were always very friendly and can offer valuable tips on what to see and do.
• Enjoy the museums: Many museums in Mexico City are free on all or some days, especially on Sundays. Others require advance reservations, like the Frida Kahlo Museum – a great opportunity to enrich your cultural experience.
• Walk around: We explored these areas on foot without feeling any insecurity, and the neighborhoods are great for walking and discovering little details that make the city unique.

Mexico City is a vibrant city full of culture and history, and contrary to common concerns, it can be explored safely. The areas of Roma, La Condesa, Polanco, Zona Rosa, and Chapultepec are just some of the places that make this city a must-visit destination.