Mexico City, also known as CDMX, is the capital of Mexico and a trendy destination among international and local travellers. The energy, culture, colours, food, people, and tremendous variety of activities and attractions make it a destination you can’t miss. For these and many other aspects, Mexico City is an ideal location for all types of travellers you just have to pick the best neighbourhood in Mexico City
So, you decided Mexico City will be your location for the next couple of months. However, adapting to a 21 million people city may be intimidating.
When choosing the best neighbourhood in a city as big as Mexico City, you want to consider essential aspects such as proximity to shops and sites of your interest, access to public transport, touristy spots, and safety and budget. Next, you’ll find all the details about the best areas to stay in in Mexico City.
Questions arise as you land and check from above this massive Latin American capital. “Where should I live? Am I going to get lost in this concrete jungle?”.
If you are a digital nomad or just someone who wants to plan a long-term trip here, you’re in the right place because we’re about to answer these questions.
We came up with this guide to the best neighbourhoods in Mexico City to make it easier to choose not only the coolest but also the most practical, and safe neighbourhood for your stay.
La Condesa
If you’re visiting CDMX for the first time, you’ll love La Condesa. This western side of town is an excellent choice if you want to surround yourself with an old-fashioned yet modern atmosphere. Here you’ll be able to enjoy many exquisite restaurants, vintage markets, unique shops, and a great nightlife scene. La Condesa is the perfect neighbourhood for artists, writers, students, and other creatives.
Its prime location near the Chapultepec Forest, where you’ll find a magnificent historic castle, a zoo, garden, lake, and more, makes it an excellent area for families and digital nomads who love to walk around. And if you love dogs or travel with one, then you’ll feel right at home because La Condesa is a dog lover neighbourhood.
Everything you need is within walking distance: convenience stores, coffee shops with high-speed internet, laundry services, yoga studios, parks… You name it! There are many reasons why foreigners choose this neighbourhood.
It is also very well connected with Metrobús, Bus, Metro, and EcoBici stations available just a few blocks away.
Pros and Cons of La Condesa:
PROS:
- Unique ambience
- Excellent nightlife and wide restaurant selection
- Cozy and attractive accommodations
- You can peacefully walk around the neighbourhood
- It’s known to be a safe area
CONS:
- If you’re not a party person, the nightlife can be a drawback rather than something enjoyable
- It’s a little bit pricey
- If you don’t book in advance, it can be hard to find an accommodation
Local tip: If possible, check if your accommodation has been well maintained since some buildings have been severely damaged from past earthquakes.
Find houses for rent in Mexico Here
La Roma
Roma is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Mexico City. It’s divided into two districts: Roma Norte and Roma Sur.
Roma Norte is a slightly more modern and touristy spot, while Roma Sur echoes the local and traditional life of the area. Roma is one of Mexico City’s best neighbourhoods for young tourists looking for a fun time, but it can also be a good option for couples, families, and older travellers who want to stay in a nice neighbourhood with a unique vibe.
This hip and vibrant neighbourhood has (almost) the same features as La Condesa. However, here you can feel a more cultural and artistic vibe.
This historical district is mapped by main roads such as Insurgentes Ave., Medellín, Monterrey, and Cuauhtémoc Ave., which connect the city’s south with the centre. However, this neighbourhood’s core is Álvaro Obregón Ave., where you find a buzzing commercial activity. The area also provides affordable and handy services like laundries, tailors, shoe repairers, and stationaries.
Want to get fresh veggies? Then hit one of the many farmers’ markets that take over the streets.
Pros and Cons of Roma Norte:
PROS:
- The landscapes, architecture, and streets are unique
- You’ll find good food everywhere
- You can walk around the area and even to other neighbourhoods
- The nightlife and bars are first-class
CONS:
- Compared to other neighbourhoods, Roma can get a little expensive
- It’s a slightly more touristy destination
- It’s not close to museums or other popular attractions
Local tip: It is full of digital nomads and ex-pats, so search for coworking places and meet-ups.
La Escandón
La Escandón is located just across Revolución Avenue. This neighbourhood has a lot to offer to anyone who wants to build a new life without spending much. Compared to its surrounding areas, La Escandón’s real estate prices are more affordable, the buildings are more modern, and it has a local family vibe.
Its activity comes from schools, tienditas (convenience stores), late-night street antojitos, markets, and coffee shops sitting on every street. Some offices operate Monday-Friday when the neighbourhood is busier, but after 6pm, the roads get peaceful.
Pros and Cons of La Escandón:
PROS:
- Metro and Metrobus stops are within walking distance.
- Affordable
CONS:
- The roads can be hectic during the day
Local tip: Make some benchmarking in La Condesa and Roma. Prices in La Escandón should be around 30% less.
La Cuauhtémoc
Located next to the city’s most iconic monument, El Ángel de la Independencia, la Cuauhtémoc (do not confuse it with the Cuauhtémoc municipality) is having its second boom after the 60s, when most of its buildings were constructed.
Some of them are being improved, but you also find huge original with affordable rental prices. Facilities might be outdated, but they are charming.
In addition to having restaurants, nightclubs, coffee shops, 24/7 convenience stores, and hotels, the location is one of the best in the cities. Walking distance to el Centro, Polanco, Roma, Condesa and Chapultepec Park, and few blocks away from el Metrobús, and Metro.
Pros and Cons of La Cuauhtémoc:
PROS:
- Cuauhtémoc has a lively international dining scene
- It is within walking distance to key attractions and neighbourhoods
CONS:
- It is an older area so facilities might be outdated
Local tip: Walk through every street because you will find delicious ramen restaurants to second-hand shops.
Coyoacán
For artsy streets, bohemian stores and coffee shops, art galleries, and museums, Coyoacán is the spot. Here you’ll feel like nowhere else in the city, and it’s genuinely one of the freshest neighbourhoods in CDMX. Coyoacán also offers plenty of splendid restaurants, stores, and public amenities like the Jardín Centenario and the Mercado de Coyoacán; in this last one, you’ll find an incredible variety of crafts and other curiosities.
Coyoacán, where Frida Kahlo lived, is a charming, bohemian, and full of jacaranda trees district. Although modern skyscrapers changed the landscape, the centre and surrounding streets keep a historical atmosphere with the colonial architecture and cobbled streets.
Some properties used to be haciendas that now are divided into smaller accommodation like duplex houses or two-bedroom apartments.
Despite being one of the most touristic places in the city, and attended by locals over the weekends, you will be drawn to a slower pace that reminds you of Mexican villages.
Pros and Cons of Coyoacán:
PROS:
- It’s a very safe and family-friendly neighbourhood
- The restaurants have exquisite food
- There are many art galleries, museums, and creative spaces
CONS:
- It’s very far from the downtown area and its surroundings
- You’ll need public transport or Uber to be able to move around
Local tip: Traditional Mexican-style architecture is easy to find here. Prices are much lower than in other neighbourhoods.
La Narvarte
In Mexico, they say something is BBB when it is Bueno: good, Bonito: pretty, and Barato: cheap, and this is Narvarte’s accurate description. This is your place to be! If you’re looking for a more local atmosphere that offers absolutely everything you need at affordable prices…
Middle-class Mexican families mix with the busy commercial activity while enjoying one of the many parks in this square.
Being away from the tourist spots has its perks in terms of prices, but this place is surrounded by every means of transportation.
Pros and Cons of La Narvarte:
PROS:
- Easy access to multiple transportation options. You can quickly move to the city’s centre, Coyoacán and Roma, using Metrobus, subway, trolleybus, truck, bicycle or even walking.
- Its praise as the “cradle of the taco” is not in vain; in Narvarte, you can find these places on every corner, but gourmet options are also for all tastes.
CONS:
- The main tourist attractions are a little far
Local tip: Look for accommodation in smaller streets than can be quieter during the daytime.
Polanco
Are you looking for something extravagant and fancy? This is the neighbourhood for you! Polanco is the place for luxury hotels, upscale stores, fine dining, and fun attractions. The Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex, Chapultepec, and Gandhi Park are nearby attractions you need to visit if you decide to stay here. Other sites you might enjoy are the Avenida Masaryk (Masaryk Avenue) and the Museo Nacional de Antropologia. The beauty and appealing qualities of Polanco sound impressive, but this charm comes with a high price because it’s one of the most expensive areas to stay in CDMX.
Pros and Cons of Polanco:
PROS:
- Luxury and comfort are all you’ll find here
- It’s close to several attractions
- There are many options for shopping
- It’s a very safe area
CONS:
- It’s expensive
- The main tourist attractions are a little far
- There aren’t many public transport options available
Local tip: Make sure you walk to the Bosque de Chapultepec and its stellar Museo Arqueológico
Centro Histórico (Historical Downtown)
The Centro Histórico is one of the most popular areas, and it’s also the heart of the city. You’ll find attractions like the National Palace, the Torre Latinoamericana (Latin-American Tower), Templo Mayor Museum, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
The Centro Histórico Area is one of the best to stay in, especially if it’s your first visit and your budget is tight.
Pros and Cons of Centro Histórico:
PROS:
- Has easy access to public transport
- You’ll be able to find many different attractions within walking distance
- Accommodation prices are very affordable, and there’s a lot of variety to choose from
- Perfect for first-time visitors
CONS
- It’s a very crowded area, and if you like quieter and calmer neighbourhoods, the Centro Histórico can get a little noisy depending on the accommodation’s location and window/balcony setup.
- Unfortunately, pickpocketing and petty theft often occur on this side of the city.
Local tip: Visit Miralto the Restaurant and Level 40 of Latin American Tower. The Bar is located on the 40th and 41st floors, a high experience dining destination. This iconic culinary hotspot uses traditional Mexican finishes to reinforce its location and present visitors with breathtaking views.
Ready For Your Trip to Mexico City?
Now that you’ve read ALL the details about Mexico City’s best areas for extended stays and digital nomads, you’ll be able to choose the perfect fit for you. Whatever neighbourhood you decide to stay in, in Mexico City we hope you have a great time visiting this magnificent city.
If you need help finding the perfect Airbnb – check out our post here.
