Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a popular Latin American tourist destination. Today, it is one of the world’s largest and most populous cities. It boasts some of the world’s greatest heritage sites, including its historic center and the UNAM university campus. Mexico City is a cultural destination, and between museums, opera houses and historic sites, there’s plenty to see. It’s also a very modern and lively destination where you’ll find cantinas, bars and clubs as well as parks, gardens and local markets. That said, when it comes to accommodation, it’s easy to get lost. So, where to stay in Mexico City?
In this guide, you’ll find our recommendations of where to stay, with the accommodations we recommend, sorted by price. Find out everything you need to know before choosing where to stay in Mexico City
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting your accommodation in Mexico City, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. This should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Mexico City:
- $ this hotel, offers modern, well-appointed dormitories for comfortable, low-cost accommodation.
- $$ this hotel is well decorated and very charming for staying in La Condesa.
- $$$ this luxury establishment, offers elegant rooms and has everything you could wish for when staying in Mexico City.
Map of Mexico City neighborhoods to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Mexico City, you’ll find on the map below all the Mexico City accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the different neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Mexico City
Places to stay in Mexico City
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Mexico City.
Lodging in the historic center, the ideal location
The Centro Histórico de Mexico City is the area from which the city grew. It's a real open-air museum, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this area,architecture adorns the streets.
If you choose to stay here, you'll be close to most points of interest. Many sights are within walking distance of your accommodation. Alternatively, it's easy to get away by public transport, mainly bus or metro. Staying here gives you the opportunity to take in the sights.
This is where you'll find the Zocalo, the central square on which the famous National Palace is located. The area is very touristy and lively, with numerous stores, restaurants and bars.
Staying in this area is a great advantage, as accommodation prices vary and you're sure to find affordable hotels to suit your criteria. If you choose to stay here, you'll be right in the center and close to all amenities: tourist attractions, stores, restaurants and more. The area is also well served by long-distance buses, so you'll have no trouble traveling around the country.
In short, staying in the historic center is a great idea, especially for travelers who want to discover more about Mexico City'shistory and culture, and enjoy the comfort of staying in the heart of Mexican life.
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Ideally located in the center of Mexico City, this hotel offers dormitory and suite accommodation at very affordable prices, with modern decor.
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This hotel offers its guests clean, well-decorated rooms. The staff are pleasant and attentive.
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This 5-star hotel is located on the Plaza Zocalo in downtown Mexico City. Its architecture is refined and very pleasant. It's a rather expensive hotel, but it does offer some extra comforts.
Staying in La Condesa: the trendy district
La Condesa is to the southwest of the city. It's a trendy area of Mexico City, often compared to Roma.
It's packed with trendy restaurants, cafés and boutiques. The nightlife here is quite active. In the evenings, the chic bars and discos attract young tourists and Mexicans alike.
Staying here is also an opportunity to enjoy the area's sophisticated architecture and beautiful buildings. The streets are pleasant, and there are many parks such as Parque Mexico and Parque España, among the most popular.
But above all, staying here is an opportunity to discover theAvenida Ámsterdam: an avenue made up of a central pedestrian zone and traffic circles named after Mexico's main peaks (Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and Citlaltépetl). You can also admire the Art Deco buildings that make it so popular.
If you choose to stay here, you'll also benefit from the proximity of Roma and Polanco, which border La Condesa. You'll find plenty to do nearby, but you'll probably have to take public transport to visit the whole of Mexico City in greater depth. La Condesa is well served, so this won't be a problem, and you'll have the same options as in the center: metro or bus.
It's a little less touristy than the Centro Histórico and a little quieter, but just as pleasant and lively at times. In fact, you'll see more locals here.
Accommodation is a little more expensive, but still affordable. It's a great place to stay if you're looking for a quiet, leafy spot close to all amenities.
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This budget hotel offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere. The apartments feature a fully equipped kitchenette.
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This boutique hotel is charmingly and elegantly decorated. It is conveniently located in a quiet area close to all amenities.
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Popular with guests, this hotel is well located and offers real comfort. The decor is pleasant and the rooms are well-equipped.
Roma, Mexico City's bohemian quarter
Roma is Mexico City's bohemian and artistic spot. The atmosphere is calm and residential, with a strong historical influence. The streets are very pleasant and feature the same elegant architecture, with Art Deco and modern buildings.
If you choose to stay here, you can also enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and art galleries. The area is quite similar to La Condesa, lively but also very green. There are plenty of green spaces in which to relax, such as Plaza Ríode Janeiro and Parque México .
The nightlife here is quite lively, with a number of cocktail bars and discotheques. Staying here is the perfect way to enjoy the calm and local Mexican atmosphere, while taking advantage of the neighborhood's historical influence and local services.
As in La Condesa, accommodation prices here are relatively high for Mexico City, compared to other areas. Nevertheless, it is possible to find affordable accommodation.
Staying here is also an opportunity to visit neighboring areas, such as La Condesa. You can also take advantage of public transport to travel around the country. This location is perfect for those seeking an urban lifestyle while enjoying green spaces and local services. Staying here is a good alternative to the center, for travelers who prefer to get away from the touristy areas.
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This apartment has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The accommodation is fully equipped and affordable.
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This hotel is conveniently located in the Roma district. It offers well-decorated, modern rooms.
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This luxury hotel offers elegant rooms and top-notch service. The staff are friendly and attentive.
Accommodation in Polanco: a chic neighborhood
Polanco is an elegant and sophisticated area.
If you choose to stay here, you can enjoy streets lit up by luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and modern buildings. It's famous for its grand avenues. Presidente Masaryk is the best known, and is often compared to the Champs-Élysées.
Staying here is a good idea if you enjoy shopping and fine dining. You'll also find museums such as the Soumaya Museum and the Jumex Museum.
Polanco is one of Mexico City's most expensive neighborhoods. As for accommodation, there are plenty of five-star hotels and luxury residences. Nevertheless, it's possible to stay here on a budget.
Once again, staying here won't compromise your visits, as there's plenty of bus traffic in the area.
It's an ideal place for travelers looking for comfort and security.
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This affordable accommodation features comfortable, fully-equipped rooms. The establishment is close to local attractions.
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Featuring a terrace, this 5-star hotel offers luxuriously decorated rooms. The hotel is conveniently located.
Coyoacán for history
Coyoacán is an authentic and artistic place.
Historically known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses and plazas, the atmosphere here is more provincial than downtown. There are fewer tourists, but more locals and artists. If you choose to stay here, you can discover the Frida Kahlo house (Casa Azul) and the Casa de León Trotsky.
Staying here is also an opportunity to discover the city's handicraft market and stroll through the neighborhood's parks. Although the area is less lively than Mexico City's other neighborhoods, there are plenty of cafés, bookstores and even cultural festivals.
Although quite remote, Coyoacán is nevertheless well served, so you can easily get into town, even if you choose to stay here.
Prices are affordable but can vary: there's a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes.
This is a great place for travelers looking for a cultural experience, who want to discover the city's history in a more local atmosphere. It's also the perfect setting for families.
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These accommodations are accessible and functional. Some rooms have a terrace.
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This establishment offers comfortable rooms. The staff is attentive and caring.
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This upscale establishment offers elegant suites and peaceful surroundings. Also conveniently located, the accommodation is close to the center.
Juárez: between history and modernity
Juárez may be a good alternative for staying in Mexico City.
It's one of the city's most cosmopolitan and diverse neighborhoods. You'll see a lot of young professionals. In the midst of a renaissance, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the area is both modern and historic. You'll find art galleries, boutiques and new restaurants.
Staying here will allow you to enjoy Mexico City's nightlife, especially in the famous Zona Rosa, part of Juárez. This is the city's lively LGBTQ+ district, especially at night, when young Mexicans and tourists come together to party.
There's a good variety of accommodation, varying in price but often affordable. That said, the area is becoming gentrified, so prices are generally higher than in recent years.
If you choose to stay here, you're right next door to Roma and Centro Historico, both of which are within walking distance or easy reach by public transport.
This neighborhood is ideal for travelers looking for a lively, accessible place to stay, without straying too far from the center.
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The accommodation is clean and functional. Guests appreciate its location, in a quiet street close to all amenities.
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This hotel features an outdoor pool, SPA and much more. Very comfortable and quite affordable, it's ideal.
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This hotel offers comfortable, soberly decorated accommodation. Guests also have access to an indoor pool and SPA.
Summary
As you can see, there are many good places to stay in Mexico City. It’s a beautiful city, rich in history and culture.
That said, choosing where to stay can be a real headache, as each area offers a different experience, between the historic center for sightseeing or Polanco for comfort, for example. That’s why it’s crucial to plan ahead and choose the right place to stay when visiting Mexico City.
Generally speaking, prices are fairly accessible and relatively low all year round. The summer period is the most touristy and therefore the most expensive. All districts are well served by public transport, whether by metro for short distances or by bus for longer ones, but if you want to be close to the main points of interest, it’s best to stay in the city center