The Best Neighborhoods In Mexico City
This post will guide you through some of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City to help you choose the best area to stay/visit/live according to your plans! Once you decide, check out our three day Mexico City itinerary. Each neighborhood offers a little different flavor. Here, I will explain the vibe and experience you will have in each, and provide links to a few options for places to stay.
Please note – I have not stayed at all of these hotels. The recommendations are based off of where I would stay if I were looking for myself in a new city and are mainly based off of location, reviews and research. For hotels, the range of prices is ~$100 – $350 per night. To easily understand price ranges, here is how I categorized them. Prices may change depending on dates of travel.
- <$100/night = $
- $100 – $150/night = $$
- >$150/night = $$$
Condesa
Condesa and Hipodromo Condesa are a very popular neighborhoods in Mexico City for visitors and expats alike. Here you will be greeted with beautiful tree-lined streets, art-deco architecture, a plethora of options for restaurants and coffee shops, and a chill vibe. Many people say that it reminds them of European cities with its greenery and easy access to Parque Mexico and Parque Espana. The name Hipodromo Condesa comes from the fact that the neighborhood used to be the location of the Jockey Club of Mexico, a horse-racing club. The form of the hippodrome can still be seen in Avenida Amsterdam – arguably the most famous street in Condesa, it’s a tree-lined circular “track” where you’ll find many restaurants, runners, and pet-lovers walking their dogs. For more on Condesa, check out my post – The Best Restaurants in Condesa.
- Casa Cleo ($$) – My parents stayed here when they came to Mexico City and loved it. It’s a great option for parents or families because the rooms come with a little kitchenette.
- The Amsterdam ($$$) – Couldn’t be a better location. Right on Amsterdam Avenue, this was also an option for my parents. Both Casa Cleo & The Amsterdam are part of the Viadora collection, which has excellent options all over the city, and depending on timing, can be a good deal.
- AR218 Aparthotel ($$) – A generally well-priced option in a great location in Condesa.
Roma Norte
Another popular neighborhood for expats and visitors in Mexico City is Roma Norte. It is similar, if not busier than its neighbor to the South, Condesa. This is probably the most popular neighborhood for expats, especially younger ones. The neighborhood has a chill and almost hippie vibe, whereas, Condesa is an upscale, more family-oriented option. Roma Norte is a good place to stay for backpackers, first-time visitors to Mexico City, and those looking to go out in the evening. There are a ton of great restaurants, cafes, and places to stay as well. We often spend time in Roma Norte on the weekends with all it has to offer. Note that based on my research, Roma Norte is more expensive to stay in than Condesa.
- Xoma ($$$) – Also a Viadora collection hotel with a good location in Roma Norte.
- Boutique Hotel Durango 219 ($$) – This is a reasonably priced offer in a good location in Roma Norte.
- La Valise Roma Norte ($$$) – I know exactly where this hotel is located and it is one I’ve walked past many times and would love to “staycation” there sometime. However, price-wise it’s on the higher side.
Polanco
Arguably one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Mexico City, this is also a popular neighborhood for visitors and expats. In general, you will find a lot of Americans in Roma Norte and Condesa, but the majority of South American expats would prefer Polanco for it’s fancy shopping malls, restaurants and shopping. Avenida Masaryk is something like the “Champs Elysee” of Mexico City, where all of the luxury stores can be found. Polanco is also home to shopping malls such as Antara and Palacio de Hierro where you’ll find more luxury and mid-level shopping. For families, this is also another good option because there are many parks, it’s very safe, and a lot of restaurant options in a concentrated area.
- Uliv Parque Lincoln ($$) – A great location near Parque Lincoln that’s walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shopping in Polanco. They also have many other options at various price points and locations throughout Polanco, so you can choose based on your preference.
- Intercontinental Polanco ($$$) – If you’re looking for a modern option that’s part of a larger hotel group, this is a great option.
- Airbnbs in Polanco
Centro Historico
If you are really interested in history and visiting some of the historic neighborhoods of Mexico City, I recommend Centro Historico. This area is arguably more chaotic and congested than Roma, Condesa, or Polanco – especially on the weekends – but there are a wealth of historical sites, museums, and places to visit. It is likely you’ll come here if you stay in the city. Some of the most popular places to see are el Zocalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Diego Rivera museum. If you visit in February or March, do not miss Alameda Central (a park between Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Diego Rivera museum), as it’s one of the best places in the city to see the beautiful purple jacaranda trees bloom.
- Casa de la Luz ($$) – A boutique hotel two blocks from Zocalo with only 18 rooms.
- Hotel Circulo Mexicano ($$$) – This hotel is right off Zocalo in a great location to walk to the sites there. Their restaurant and rooftop are both great spots.
- Kali Centro ($$) – If you’re looking for a more modern hotel option, this one has great reviews and a good price.
Juárez
Juarez is an up-and-coming neighborhood north of Roma Norte. It is a smaller neighborhood, but with some of the coolest shops and restaurants in the city. I expect that in about 5 years (maybe less), it will be as popular as Roma Norte. There you will also find great up-and-coming restaurants, cafes and boutiques. It is a more artsy neighborhood and still relatively quiet. Even if you don’t stay there, I recommend a visit.
- Casa Hamburgo 222 ($$$) – An aparthotel in Juarez that has great reviews. Has a higher cost, but can accommodate four people.
- Plaza Reforma Gallery ($) – This hotel has great reviews and looks very modern. It is also located very close to the Angel de Independencia.
San Miguel Chapultepec
Another tiny neighborhood, San Miguel Chapultepec is sandwiched between Condesa and Chapultepec Park. It’s a quiet, residential neighborhood with cool cafes and a plethora of boutique art galleries. The best part of this neighborhood is probably it’s proximity to Chapultepec park. For this reason, and for the relative quiet in a bustling city, it was initially one of my top choices for places to live in Mexico City. Chapultepec park is an absolute must if you are in Mexico City. At twice the size of Central Park in New York City, it also boasts two lakes, nine museums, and Chaputepec castle, plus much more. Since this is a tiny neighborhood and mostly residential, there are basically no hotels and more aparthotels or Airbnbs.
Reforma
While not necessarily a neighborhood – it’s between Cuahetemoc and Juarez, Reforma is the main, most well-known avenue in Mexico City. It is also where you’re most likely to find the majority of big-name hotels, embassies and high-rises where people work everyday. If it’s your first-time in Mexico City, this may be a great base for visiting the various neighborhoods and sites and provides a significant number of hotel options. Since this is not a neighborhood perse, these hotels are on Reforma avenue and in Cuahetemoc (which is located just north of Reforma).
- Sofitel ($$$) – This beautiful hotel is quite chic, and has a great spa which is fully stocked with Occitane product (the spa I have been to). A pricier option if you want to splash out on your trip to Mexico City.
- MX Grand Suites ($$) – Located in Cuahetemoc, this hotel has great reviews.
Please note that I may receive commission on the links in this post.
