11 Safest Neighborhoods in Mexico City+Where to Avoid

If you’re wondering which are the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City, then you’ve come to the right place!

I lived in Mexico with my family for over a year and spent almost six weeks exploring Mexico’s capital! I know firsthand what neighborhoods are safe in Mexico City.

After a rather dodgy historical reputation, Mexico City has revamped many of its neighborhoods with beautiful murals and public areas with cool parks and other beautification projects.

This means there are more choices than ever in choosing the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City for your next vacation.

Based on my own experience and research while living in Mexico, here’s my list of the best and safest neighborhoods Mexico City has to offer!

Safest Mexico City Neighborhoods

The safest neighborhoods Mexico City has, according to recent statistics, include Polanco, Roma, Condesa, and Centro Historico.

These areas are known for their low crime rates, well-maintained streets, and high presence of security personnel. Travelers and residents can enjoy a peaceful environment while exploring Mexico’s vibrant capital city.

The neighborhoods Mexico City has to offer are diverse in so many ways. The following areas are all safe options, whether you’re booking a budget vacation rental or a luxury hotel.

I’d even go so far as to say, that the safe areas in Mexico City are also the best neighborhoods in Mexico City in which to live.

Just take a look at your Mexico City travel itinerary and pick the neighborhood with the vibe and location that best suits your plans.

1. Centro Histórico

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Zócalo View

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Historico Central Hotel

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Catedral

The historic center is a very popular neighborhood for tourists, as it is close to a lot of different attractions. It contains 9,000 buildings.

Of those, over 1,550 of them have been declared of historical importance. Most of these historic buildings were constructed between the 16th and 20th centuries. 

From the Zocalo and Palacio de Belles Artes to the countless museums on every other block, you could easily stay in this neighborhood and do almost all your sightseeing there.

Note: Zocalo is pronounced “zoh-kuh-loh” not “zoh-kah-loh.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, not the second.

It’s also very easy to get around the city from Centro Historico since it’s so centrally located. Rideshare cars are plentiful, and the public transit system is easy to use.

2. Reforma

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: St. Regis Mexico City

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Le Meridien Mexico City

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Galeria Plaza Reforma

Reforma neighborhood Mexico City is one of the safest areas in Mexico City. It is home to one of the most important avenues in the world, the Paseo de la Reforma.

This avenue is full of all types of accommodation options, including some of the most luxurious hotels in CDMX.

There are also a number of cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops in Reforma. This makes it an ideal neighborhood to stay in Mexico City for sightseeing.

Zona Rosa on the south side of Reforma is one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly areas in the city. You’ll see a little bit of everything in this eclectic and open-minded area of the city. It’s a lot of fun to visit!

However, Zona Rosa has also been called party central. The party in some clubs can start as early as 8 pm.

So while a safe neighborhood in Mexico City, Zona Rosa may not be the quietest part of Reforma to stay with kids.

3. Roma

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Colima 71 – Casa de Arte Hotel

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Stanza

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel MX Mas Roma CDMX by Wyndham

The Roma neighborhood is sometimes separated into Roma Norte (North Roma) and Roma Sur (South Roma). However, it’s all in the same area generally called Roma.

Don’t worry about Roma Sur Mexico City safety. Or Roma Norte. Both parts of the area are incredibly safe. Statistically, this is statistically the safest neighborhood in Mexico City. Well, one of them.

Roma is also the neighborhood that attracts hipsters and artists. This explains the Art Deco architecture throughout the area as well as its nickname, “Hipster Central.”

You’ll find a lot of coffee shops and trendy cafes here. One of the more popular restaurants is a food hall.

It’s called Mercado Roma and offers everything from churros to craft beer. There’s also a pretty impressive view from its rooftop!

4. Condesa

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Mondrian Mexico City Condesa

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Holiday Inn Express Ciudad de Mexico Condesa

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Condesa Lofts & Suites

Condesa is next door to Roma and is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Many expats have made their homes in this neighborhood.

It’s the area best known for its many amazing restaurants as well as vintage shops. Families will love it for its really chill vibe and wide, tree-lined streets.

Some people compare Condesa to Marais in Paris or West Village in New York City.

There are wide sidewalks in the middle of all the major avenues which makes it easy for kids to ride a scooter or parents to push a stroller.

It’s generally fun to walk around and has taken on a bit of the colorful personality of the Roma area.

5. Polanco

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: Hyatt Regency Mexico City

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Grand Polanco Residencial

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Allegro Polanco

The neighborhood of Polanco is one of the most lavish in Mexico City. It has designer shops and fancy restaurants.

Many of Mexico City’s luxury and high-end boutique hotels are also found here. Polanco is one of the top three safest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

In addition, Polanco is the Mexico City neighborhood closest to Chapultepec Park, which is the largest green space in Mexico City.

The park is also more than twice the size of Central Park in New York City!

And it has several popular museums, like the National Museum of Anthropology and the Papalote Children’s Museum.

However, the park is also an attraction in its own right. Similar to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, the Chapultepec Zoo is free for all to enter.

6. Coyoacán

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: No luxury hotels in this neighborhood.

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Boutique Casa Alebrije

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Tonalli Casa Boutique

Located a bit further away from Centro Historico, Coyaocan is a more chill sort of artsy. Most tourists only come here for the Frida Kahlo museum, so it’s best area to stay in Mexico City if you love all things Frida Kahlo.

However, Coyaocan is also a very safe place to stay. There are several kid-friendly activities in this neighborhood, including an indoor trampoline park.

There are also some really great places to eat. The Mexico City Market in Coyoacan is well-known among locals for its street food.

Even if you don’t stay in Coyoacan, make a trip to the Mexico City Market for lunch one day during your stay in Mexico City.

7. San Rafael

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: No luxury hotels in this neighborhood.

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: El Patio 77 B&B

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Astor

Located a bit further west from downtown than most of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City, San Rafael is a great choice if you want a truly local experience in Mexico’s capital.

It’s one of the most historic neighborhoods in CDMX. Still residential and quirky, San Rafael has a growing art scene. This is due, in part, to the growing costs associated with living in Roma or Condesa.

The less established artists have been priced out so they’ve moved to nearby areas with lower costs of living.

San Rafael is home to a streetside sewing circle, an experimental radio station, and some really cool turn-of-the-century architecture.

There are several interesting theaters and art museums in San Rafael. They are especially fun to visit on weekdays when you may be the only person or family in the entire building.

8. Santa Maria La Ribera

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: No luxury hotels in this neighborhood

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Fiesta Inn Forum Buenavista

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Mina

Santa Maria La Ribera is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

This is where we stayed during our time in Mexico City. We parked our car on the street near our place and never had a single safety issue.

It shows its age in some of the remodeled buildings. However, it has also been part of the street mural revitalization movement.

Santa Maria La Ribera is part of the greater Buenavista Burrough which also includes Guerrero.

Note: Both parts of the Buenavista Burrough are safe neighborhoods in Mexico City; we just prefer Santa Maria for its amenities.

While not within walking distance of the center, rideshares and public transit are abundant.

Adjacent to the Buenavista stops for the subway, light rail, and red buses there is a large Walmart and an enormous shopping mall called Forum Buenavista.

Generally speaking, the area has many budget-friendly restaurants and a bustling street food scene.

10. Navarte

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: No luxury hotels in this neighborhood

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Capitalia Downtown Del Valle

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Colibri B&B

Navarte has not been the focus of urban planners or infrastructure experts, so it doesn’t have the pretty, tree-lined streets of other Mexico City safe neighborhoods.

However, it has managed to develop an amazing foodie scene that can be described in three words: tacos, tacos, tacos!

In addition to its thriving restaurant and street cart scene, there are also a few cool art galleries and unique shops. The Parque Delta shopping plaza offers everything from menswear to kids’ items.

Because it’s still inhabited more by local residents than hotels and tourists, staying in Navarte will make you feel like you aren’t even in one of the world’s largest cities.

11. San Angel

💲💲💲 Luxury Hotel Recommendation: No luxury hotels in this neighborhood

💲💲 Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation: Capitalia San Angel Inn

💲 Budget Hotel Recommendation: Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes

San Angel is one of the more culturally significant neighborhoods in Mexico City. It is also one of the smallest of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

This small but mighty area is host to a number of art galleries, churches, and markets. In addition, it has one of the best artisan craft markets in Mexico City, which only takes place on Saturdays.

While Museo Soumaya in Polanco and the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan are very popular, many people overlook their sister museums in San Angel.

If you stay in San Angel, or just come for the Saturday market, also check out the Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Studio as well as the Museo Soumaya Plaza Loreto.

Is Mexico City Safe?

So is Mexico City safe? It is fairly safe, actually.

Mexico City is like other big cities around the world, including our original hometown of Chicago, USA and our 2019-2021 temporary hometown of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There are safe neighborhoods in Mexico City, unsafe ones, and everything in between.

Don’t listen to people who say that all of Mexico City is dangerous. It’s a huge city so that type of generalization could never be accurate.

Fun Fact: Mexico City has the same safety score as other tourist cities like Phoenix, USA and Phuket, Thailand.

Overall, safety in Mexico City is relative. The US media sensationalizes news stories about violence in Mexico.

Ultimately, Mexico City is safer than many major U.S. cities, including Milwaukee and Santa Fe.

Crime Concerns

The major crime that does occur in Mexico City is typically limited to known unsafe areas.

There are well-known issues in those areas with gang culture, kidnappings, robbery, and drug dealing in Mexico City.

The main concern for tourists is petty theft, including pickpockets in tourist areas. However, this issue is a common occurrence in every tourist city around the world.

Despite its proximity to the city center, Doctores is not generally very safe.

I’ve heard it referred to as “Grand Theft Auto CDMX.” Whatever you do, don’t be in this neighborhood after dark.

Note: Arena Mexico is located on the northwest corner of Doctores. If you’re going to Arena Mexico for a Lucha Libre match, don’t dawdle after it ends.

❌ Tepito

This neighborhood is known as the black market of Mexico City. That nickname should be cause for concern before you even get there.

On arrival, there are rows and rows of stalls tempting you with illicit bargains. Don’t go here unless you want to lose both your purse and your cell phone.

❌ La Laguinilla

There generally isn’t a lot of tourist activity in La Laguinilla, except on Sundays. This is when the neighborhood is host to an enormous antique flea market.

Some consider it a “must do” in Mexico City for those who love the nostalgic or campy.

However, with a massive tourist attraction also comes the unsavory types looking to prey on tourists.

While the most common type of crime here is petty theft, like pickpocketing and occasional muggings, that’s not my idea of fun on a trip.

If you visit the Sunday flea market, leave all your personal valuables in your hotel or apartment. And take extra precautions to stay with everyone in your travel group at all times. Don’t split up to shop.

❌ Mercado Merced

As the largest market in Mexico City, Merced Market is actually a fun neighborhood to visit. We recommend it! There are some amazing food stalls and shopping opportunities here.

However, there are some conditions. Leave all possible valuables at your apartment or hotel room.

Only go during the day because at night, the prostitutes come out in abundance and sell a variety of “wares” you don’t want to explain to the kids!

❌ Iztapalapa

This neighborhood has high rates of disenfranchisement and crime.

Violence against women in this area is the highest in Mexico City. With minimal tourist attractions here, there isn’t a good reason to visit.

The big attraction is Iztapalapa is the Holy Week passion play. It’s one of the largest passion play events in the world.

If you decide to attend this massive event, watch your belongings very closely. Be cautious about not getting separated from your family or travel group.

❌ Cuidad Neza

Officially called Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, this is the poorest neighborhood in Mexico City. It’s also one of the most dangerous.

There is absolutely no reason to go here, and if you do there is real chance of serious harm. If you find yourself in this area, get out as quickly as possible.

❌ Colonia de Valle

There isn’t much to do in this neighborhood for tourists. And it’s generally safe during the day.

However, it’s also known as the neighborhood in Mexico City that has the highest incidences of kidnapping.

While this is mostly a risk for locals vs. tourists, why chance it? In our six weeks in Mexico City, we never went here. There’s no need. For peace of mind, sightsee elsewhere.

❌ Centro Historico.

Be extra cautious here. There are a lot of pickpockets, opportunists, and unsavory types looking for an easy score with unsuspecting tourists.

If it wasn’t for a kind-hearted Uber driver, I would have lost my cell phone in the historic center.

Personal safety isn’t generally an issue in the historic center. The safety issues generally relate to the risk to your belongings, especially at night.

Staying in this neighborhood is still generally safe for most people, especially those who plan to be out and about primarily during daylight hours.

Tips for How to Stay Safe in Mexico City

The dangers of Mexico City for visitors are generally limited to pickpocketing and other minor personal property crimes. If you follow a few simple safety tips, your experience in this fun and vibrant city will be even more enjoyable.

☑️ Stick to the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

☑️ If you go out at night, take Ubers or Didis rather than public transit.

☑️ If you’re riding on public transit, don’t have your phone in your hand.

☑️ If you have a car in Mexico City, don’t leave personal items in it. This includes coins in the front cup console.

☑️ When you’re riding in a rideshare car, leave the windows mostly up. One Uber driver warned us that opportunists have been known to reach in open windows and steal phones or bags from unsuspecting tourists.

☑️ Book a place that is either walking distance to either the Metro or to Centro Historico

☑️ Many things to do are located outside the city centro. Plan your daily itinerary by neighborhood, to minimize travel time.

☑️ If you aren’t comfortable taking public transit, download the Uber and Didi rideshare apps to get around. The one time we tried to take a taxi, the driver quoted us a rate that was 3x the going rate for an Uber ride.

☑️ If you take public transit, wear backpacks on your front and purses with zippers facing inward.

FAQs for the Safest Neighborhoods in Mexico City

Do you still have questions about the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is Polanco Mexico City safe?

Is Polanco safe? Yes, Polanco Mexico City is a safe area. It’s a wealthy neighborhood that’s full of life and energy, with plenty of amenities and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike.

The vibrant cultural scene combined with the tight security makes it the safest area to stay in Mexico City. Don’t worry about Polanco Mexico City safety.

Is Roma Norte safe?

Yes, Roma Norte is safe. According to a study by the Institute for Social Research at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa are among the Mexico City safest neighborhoods.

Is Reforma Mexico City safe?

Yes, Reforma Mexico City is a safe area. With plenty of police patrolling the streets and locals that are friendly and helpful, it’s an ideal place to explore with peace of mind. Public transportation in the area is also very efficient, so you can move around easily without worrying about your security.

Is Mexico City dangerous?

Mexico City is generally not dangerous, but like any major metropolitan area there are areas that it would be wise to avoid. As a general rule, if you use common sense and don’t venture into any of the unsafe neighborhoods then traveling in the city is perfectly safe.

Is Coyoacan safe?

Yes, Coyoacan is a safe area to visit in Mexico. Located in the south of Mexico City, Coyoacan is home to affluent neighborhoods and plenty of things to see and do. Generally speaking, Coyoacan enjoys low crime rates compared to other parts of the city, particularly when it comes to crime against visitors.

Is Condesa Mexico City safe?

Yes, Condesa Mexico City is generally safe. The area, located in the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City, has great nightlife and cultural attractions as well as bike-friendly streets and parks. While any large city carries some risks, based on reports from locals and visitors alike, Condesa Mexico City is no exception to being a rather safe neighborhood.

Is Zona Rosa Safe?

Yes, Zona Rosa is generally considered safe. The Zona Rosa neighborhood is subject to strict security measures and police patrols. Furthermore, the presence of many tourists and locals adds a layer of safety to the area.

Is Mexico City safe to walk around?

Yes, Mexico City is safe to walk around as long as you stick to the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Also, don’t walk alone at night. During the day, you should be fine if you stay in tourist-friendly areas like Condesa and Roma neighborhoods.

Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep all valuables out of sight.

Conclusion: Safest Neighborhoods in Mexico City

Ultimately, of all the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City there isn’t a single best one or single safest place to stay in Mexico City.

Instead, there are a number of different options with very unique vibes. Each will give you a delightful experience in CDMX, though.

These are my top recommendations based on travel style.

💎💎💎For Luxury Travelers, stay in Polanco or Reforma. They have the best luxury hotels in the city as well as accessibility to high-end shopping and restaurants.

Ubers and Didi are also very easy to access there so you never have to take public transit.

💎💎Mid-Range Travelers should stay in Condesa or Roma Norte. There are some great eateries and things to do there.

In addition, they are easily accessible to the rest of the city by either public transit or rideshare services.

💎Budget Travelers will enjoy Santa Maria la Ribera or Centro Historico. There are several well-priced hotels in these areas.

Plus, there are lots of things to do there and there are a number of budget-friendly amenities nearby.

Overall, we’re partial to Santa Maria la Ribera, since we spent over a month there and loved it.

However, I would not hesitate to stay in any of the areas on our safest neighborhoods in Mexico City list on our next trip.