Where To Stay in Mexico City: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for 2024

Surrounded by volcanoes and constructed atop buried empires, Mexico City is a modern masterpiece of excess, poor planning, and post-colonial progress. Visitors are often taken aback by how closely the contemporary and ancient unite. At 573 square miles, Mexico City is six times the size of London, with an estimate of more than 30 million people in the metropolitan area. It has the power to swallow you whole, disorient, and cull the weak from the strong. It’s also completely enchanting and edifying, second only to Paris for most museums in the world, and boasts an exciting gastronomy scene. 

The city is made up of 16 boroughs—delegaciones—consisting of smaller colonias built around the Centro Histórico, which is where the Mexican capital of Tenochitlán (considered the center of the Aztec empire) towered over what was once a number of lakes and islands. From there, it extends in a sea of colorful concrete and tile in all directions. To the north, there’s the pyramids of Teotihuacán. To the east, you’ll find volcanoes Iztaccihuatl and Popocateptel. Throughout the south, there are remnants of ancient lakes in the form of the Xochimilco canals, as well as colonial towns like San Ángel and Coyoacán, which were annexed as the city rapidly grew. And to the west, the forested mountains of Estado de México loom. 

Most visitors make their way to the central parts of the city: Centro Histórico and its famed Zócalo (or central events area), Polanco, Roma Norte and Roma Sur, Condesa, Juaréz, Narvarte, and Coyoacán. These areas were constructed primarily for upper class families in the 19th and early-20th centuries, bearing unique architecture ranging from Victorian to Baroque, as well as ample green spaces. They don’t suffer the same overcrowding that less wealthy parts of the city do. These areas are easily accessible via public transport and less affected by the city’s seas of traffic. 

Since Covid, remote workers looking for temporary housing have descended upon previously gentrified neighborhoods—like the Romas, Condesa, and Juaréz—raising prices and contributing to an existing housing shortage. (Airbnbs are particularly problematic, lessening locals’ access to homes in desirable neighborhoods, let alone near their jobs.) The best way to visit Mexico City in a sustainable manner is to stay in hotels. Mexico City is highly walkable, though not entirely accessible by ADA standards, with often-ruptured sidewalks making for treacherous footing. Cafés and shops line the streets, and in Mexico City, you’re never far from food—no matter the time of day or night. In Mexico City, there are tons of excellent accommodations options that fit the bill across its unique boroughs.

Where to stay for the first time in Mexico City: Roma Norte and Roma Sur

Chances are, if you’ve researched Mexico City at all, you’ve heard about Roma Norte and Roma Sur, among the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The Romas were built in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, primarily as city dwellings for political and mercantile elite. They are about as objectively central as you can get; they also are swarming with tourists. That said, these neighborhoods have all the cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops that you could possibly want, and if you don’t speak much Spanish, this is probably your best chance at finding someone who speaks English.

Roma Norte and Roma Sur are two adjacent, distinct, and easily accessible neighborhoods. Even if the Romas weren’t so beautiful and full of life—and they are—they’d still be a top recommendation simply because of how close they are to, well, everything.

Start your mornings off with coffee and pan dulce from Panadería Rosetta, one of the best bakeries in the city, and wander through the cool morning streets, plotting out your activities for the day. All roads will lead to cocktails in the evening, of which you’ll have many options, such as a sotol (a type of alcohol akin to tequila or mezcal) at Ladina Bar within walking distance of your hotel. 

Highlights

• Lively food and drink scene, like Pulquería los Insurgentes and Masala y Maíz
• Easy access to other neighborhoods and points of interest, like Cine Tonalá
• Walkable
• Stunning and diverse architecture  

La Valise

Located on an architectural eye candy–laden street in Roma Norte, La Valise is about as classy as it gets for a boutique hotel in the city, and the prices reflect that. It would be hard to find a better location to stay for your inaugural visit to CDMX. This 1920s French-style house will charm you immediately with its Mexican antiques and unique artworks. Experienced concierge will help organize locally led tours around town, including to museums of interest.

• Price: Starting at $400 per night
• Vibe: Boutique luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: Suites with living areas, coffee makers, AC, and TVs; some rooms come with hammocks
• Website

Durango 219

Two blocks away from two of the city’s most beloved parks, Parque España and Parque México, this Roma Norte hotel in a converted 20th-century mansion features high-quality linens, private balconies overlooking the neighborhood, and a rooftop bar. The neighborhood could not be better for getting to know the intricacies of the hippest areas of Mexico City.  

• Price: Starting at $100 per night
• Vibe: Boutique chic
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Rooftop bar, coffee maker in room, private balcony, onsite restaurants and partnership with a local spa
• Website

NaNa Vida

Surrounded by bars like Vigneron wine bar, restaurants like La Pitahaya Vegana, and just across from the Plaza Luis Cabrera park, NaNa Vida offers an easy hospitality experience given its ideal location in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Decorated with local ceramics, crafts, and artwork in the rooms and common areas, you’ll feel an instant connection to the city when you stay here. Rooms are attractive and designed with high brick ceilings, a common architectural style in central Mexico.

• Price: Starting at $100 per night 
• Vibe: Hip, low-key
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Unknown
• Amenities: AC, smart TVs in-room, cotton linens, partnership with a yoga studio, in-room massages, rooftop bar, coworking space
• Website

Where to stay with kids in Mexico City: Coyoacán

Coyocán is a legendary neighborhood, where the Spanish invader Hernán Cortez settled upon declaring the territory the capital of New Spain. A heavily treed borough, it has many ghosts said to be wandering its cobblestone streets (Frida Kahlo, Hernan Cortés, and Leon Trotsky, to name a few), churches like San Juan Bautista, and houses that are up to 500 years old. 

Famed as the home of Frida Kahlo, with her Casa Azul being one of the most visited sites in the entire city, its proximity to the National Autonomous University of Mexico means that it’s filled with students, professors, poets, bohemians, musicians, and artists. Coyoacán is farther from the center of the city’s action than other neighborhoods and more laid back than most places. It arguably receives more Mexican tourists than foreigners, visiting for its cute coffee shops and sidewalk eateries. 

Highlights

• Historic neighborhood
• Beloved longstanding cafés like El Jarocho and restaurants like Pepe Coyotes Taquería and El Convento
• Up-and-coming mezcalerías like El Mezcalero and Casa Murciélago 
• Plenty of shopping and parks

H21 Hospedaje Boutique

Located in the charming center of Old Coyoacán, this is a little oasis from the rumble of the city, smack dab in a picturesque, quiet, and walkable neighborhood. There are just a handful of rooms here, all thoughtfully decorated and with a private green space. It’s a cozy yet luxurious home away from home. 

• Price: Starting at $200 per night 
• Vibe: Boutique luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes, for well-behaved children
• Amenities: TV, quality linens, kitchenettes available in some units, private patio available in some units
• Website

María del Alma

Just a couple of blocks from Frida’s Casa Azul, enjoy the best of residential Coyoacán in this colorful residence-turned-guesthouse that also happens to be a culinary experience. Morning coffee is served in the courtyard. Be sure to enjoy the personal chef service; they are available to cook you a meal at the house.

• Price: Starting at $100 per night
• Vibe: Authentic boutique
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Community outdoor space; concierge service; meeting/banquet facilities; cooking classes, themed dinners, walking tours, and laundry available at additional charge
• Website

Where to stay near attractions in Mexico City: Condesa

Condesa—formally La Condesa—is as charming as Roma and even closer to the wonders of Bosque de Chapultepec, one of Mexico City’s great gems, which is filled and surrounded by museums like the National Anthropology Museum and El Castillo. It’s also close to a main freeway that will take you to the pyramids or other parts of town. (Consider taking the subway so as to not further clog the city’s highly trafficked roadways.) 

Condesa is leafy and shaded and one of the city’s hippest locales. With endless choices for bars, like Merotoro—and within walking distance of the Colonia Juárez and Roma neighborhoods—you can’t go wrong with basing yourself here. 

Highlights

• Beautiful architecture
• Trees and shade 
• Top-tier food and restaurants  

Casa 9 Hotel

Featuring luxurious rooms overlooking a private courtyard, this exclusive hotel is housed in a Baroque-style building along one of Condesa’s shaded streets. Lovely picture windows give you a garden view from every room—a true oasis in the city. Mezcal tastings, tours of Xochimilco, and a variety of other experiences can be booked directly through the hotel. 

• Price: Starting at $300 per night
• Vibe: Boutique luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: Breakfast included
• Website

Octavia Casa

Surrounded by some of the most diverse food options in the city—like the retro Nevería Roxy and its famous ice cream, as well as Patagonia Parrilla de Campo Argentine grill—this swanky bed and breakfast has seven apartment-style rooms with private balconies overlooking a terrace and garden (a great place to meet other travelers). The B&B features minimalist design inspired by nature, with clean, natural fabrics, plants, wood, and ceramics. 

• Price: Starting at $450 per night
• Vibe: 5-star experience
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: TV, minibar, and private balcony overlooking the classic interior of this Mexican house in each room
• Website

The Gallery Condesa

An inclusive, clean, and comfortable hotel, The Gallery Condesa offers a range of room options, from small single rooms to suites. With all the amenities of staying in an apartment, including couches and a kitchenette—and right on the border with San Miguel de Chapultepec and Condesa—this is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re really excited to explore the city. 

• Price: Starting at $70 per night
• Vibe: Laidback
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: TV, couches, kitchenettes, communal rooftop space
• Website

Where to stay for one night in Mexico City: Centro Histórico

No trip to Mexico City is complete without a day spent in the bustling historic center. This is where the city began, where the Spanish invaded Aztec emperor Moctezuma’s empire, the ruins of which can be viewed at the Templo Mayor. It’s also where general Pancho Villa shot a hole in the ceiling of La Opera Bar during the Mexican Revolution. 

It’s the geographical center of the country, but it also just so happens to be the heartbeat of Mexico, where taquerías, markets, shopping, music venues, art galleries, and other gems abound. It’s admittedly rugged and at times a bit disheveled; take, for instance, the main cathedral, which slants so much due to the city’s subsidence that you can see the chandeliers hanging at an angle. Despite this, if you have time for nothing else in this vast beast of a city, come here. 

Highlights

• Lively and bustling atmosphere
• Show-stopping shopping
• Amazing eats at markets, restaurants, and taco stands
• Walkable 

Hotel Histórico Central

This impeccably clean, renovated space has all the modernity you’d expect from today with all of the retro charm you’d want in downtown Mexico City. The contemporary hotel is within walking distance of must-sees, such as the Zócalo and Palacio de Bellas Artes—a fine arts museum that hosts works by artists like Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco, as well as live events in opera, dance, music, art, and literature. 

• Price: Starting at $100 per night
• Vibe: Simple luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities:  Gym and steam room, free parking and valet parking, airport transfers, bikes on loan, car rental, nursery, free food and beverage 24/7 from Café Central, laundry and day-cleaning service
• Website

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

With one of the most sought-after rooftop bars in the city given its unparalleled view of the Zócalo, the Gran Hotel aims to please in every detail. The building itself dates back to 1526, having been everything from a private residence to a shopping center. This is a luxurious spot to return to following a busy day of seeing the city center’s sights—and having a swanky bar to grab a nightcap is icing on the cake. 

• Price: Starting at $170 per night
• Vibe: Luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Concierge service, laundry and dry cleaning, gym, room service, onsite bar 
• Website

Casa de la Luz

This updated hotel sits in a classic 16th-century building and is recognized by the national historic and archeological register. It’s one of many antique and unique architectural marvels in Mexico City’s downtown, a stunning example of Old Mexico design due to its interior featuring volcanic rock and tall archways. This is a place for romantics and history buffs. 

• Price: Starting at $120 per night 
• Vibe: Casual luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: 24/7 fitness center, airport transfer, onsite restaurant with "lunch box" offering
• Website

Where to stay for 3 days in Mexico City: San Rafael and Santa María de la Ribera

San Rafael and adjacent colonia Santa María de la Ribera are quaint local neighborhoods with all of the appeal that comes along with it. Think: corner abarrotes (variety) shops and comida corrida (quick pre fixe lunch diners). With incredible green spaces—like the center of Santa María de la Ribera and its Moroccan gazebo—cute cafes, old school cantinas, hip mezcalerías, and restaurants galore, San Rafael is a solid place to stay. (Note that staying in a hotel will help combat housing insecurity due to short-term housing-fueled gentrification.) 

San Rafael and Santa María de la Ribera are also in a prime location, with quick access to the city center, Roma, Juaréz, and more via public transport, bike, or on foot. 

Highlights

• Charming and walkable 
• Less touristy than other Mexico City neighborhoods
• Historic area

Casa Emilia

Located in the residential neighborhood of Cuauhtémoc next to San Rafael, Casa Emilia is a quaint bed and breakfast designed with reclaimed items and modern luxury hotel standards; it also offers quick transit times to San Rafael, Juárez, and Zona Rosa. Located near several Japanese and Korean restaurants and and very walkable to the Zona Rosa bar scene, this is a great option to really be in the middle of it all, with close access to Reforma Avenue, the Angel de Independencia statue, Bosque de Chapultepec, the Castillo Museum, and the National Anthropology Museum.

• Price: Starting at $130 per night
• Vibe: Boutique luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: Autonomous check-in, breakfast included, bike rental, interior and exterior terraces, smart TV with Netflix, blackout curtains, fresh infused water  
• Website

El Patio 77

The city’s first sustainable bed and breakfast, El Patio 77 aims to be socially and environmentally responsible by capturing rainwater to be used in the bathrooms and partially operating on solar power. It’s a beautifully renovated historical building with a common area where you can sample mezcal and get your bearings straight by chatting with other guests. The rooms are quiet and private, and it's in an ideal spot to explore all the surrounding colonias. The intention of the design is to give a communal vibe for connecting with fellow travelers, like an upscale hostel with private rooms.

• Price: Starting at $130 per night 
• Vibe: Boutique chic
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Courtyard, breakfast included, bookcase where you can leave or exchange your travel books, purified drinking water without plastic exposure 
• Website

Where to stay for a romantic trip to Mexico City: San Ángel and Coyoacán

Like Coyoacán, San Ángel started as a small town filled with churches and a convent. Today, it’s beautiful, historic, and swallowed by the surrounding city. Its cobblestone streets and age-old architecture make it one of the prettiest colonias in the city. 

Both Coyoacán and San Ángel are far enough from the stresses of the more central areas of the city and the bustling Xochimilco area (however, it’s close enough for a day trip if you so choose); they also maintain a distinct colonial charm, making them two of the most laid-back—though certainly not sleepy—neighborhoods in Mexico City. With plenty of gastronomic options to choose from, along with bars and music venues, these neighborhoods have the best of both worlds, perfectly exhibiting Mexico City’s opulent colonial history while balancing it with the city’s finest modern offerings. 

Highlights

• Historic area
• Walkable
• Lots of restaurant and museum options

Casa San Jacinto

This is Mexico City’s colonial architecture at its finest. The rooms are, in most cases, actually suites: large, some of them even have full kitchens, two floors, and a palatial feel. The rooms feature volcanic rock and an elegant dark motif that keeps the rooms cool—ideal if you’re visiting during the warmer months (April and May).

• Price: Starting at $120 per night
• Vibe: Historic
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Partnership with nearby Saks restaurant
• Website

Suites Portal San Angel

For a non-touristic Mexico City experience, this spot right next to the orange subway line—which runs directly to Polanco, Chapultepec, and La Condesa—will make you feel like a local. The kitchenettes are useful for longer stays, and the decor featuring funky Mexican artisanship will make you feel like you’re staying at someone’s home. 

• Price: Starting at $45 per night
• Vibe: Authentic
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Basic offerings
• Website

Where to stay on a budget in Mexico City: Centro Histórico

Mexico City is not an expensive city by most standards (in comparison with major North American cities). While there are certainly ways to drop a pretty penny on accommodations in this city, there are plenty of low-cost options that are clean, private, and leave you with more money to spend on tacos and tequila. Be mindful, though, when looking for a cheap hotel: Don’t choose one where you pay by the hour, as your ability to get a good night’s rest would undoubtedly be inhibited.

For traveling in Mexico City on a budget, Centro Histórico is a good place to start. 

Highlights 

• Busy, downtown feel
• Close to main attractions 
• Walkable

Mexico City Hostel (Centro Histórico) 

Some of the most budget-friendly options for accommodations in city centers are hostels, and Mexico City is no exception. At Mexico City Hostel (Centro Histórico), there are options for private rooms and privatized bunks as well. This is about the most central location you could get for such a low dollar. The cute hostel is located in a renovated historic mansion, is very close to the Zócalo, and will help you organize tours.

• Price: Starting at $25 per night 
• Vibe: Hostel
• Wifi: Available in various locations throughout the building
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: Shared bathrooms and common areas
• Website 

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral

Budget-friendly accommodations with a rooftop terrace in the center of the city—right this way. This simple yet clean hostel offers a tremendous view of the Zócalo and its 16th-century cathedral. Hostel-organized activities, such as guacamole making and free walking tours, are a bonus and will help you meet other guests. 

• Price: Starting at $50 per night 
• Vibe: Hostel
• Wifi: Available in various locations throughout the building
• Kid Friendly: No
• Amenities: Shared bathrooms and common areas, rooftop bar and musical guests (note that this can make the hostel noisy some evenings), earplugs available at front desk, free welcome cocktail, discount at onsite Xolo Restaurante 
• Website

Where to stay for nightlife in Mexico City: Colonia Juárez

Colonia Juárez is filled with old mansions, as this was one of the prime neighborhoods of Mexico City’s elite in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. It’s now filled with renovated homes, many turned into cute eateries and shops. Needless to say, bars and restaurants line each and every street. 

An easy stroll from either Roma Norte or the Centro Histórico, Colonia Juárez is a good option if you’re out for a night on the town. Zona Rosa—part of Colonia Juárez and widely known as the city’s prime LGBTQ neighborhood—is a great location for an afternoon cocktail. Neighboring Cuauhtémoc is one of the city’s up-and-coming spots, as it gains in popularity with younger locals and foreign visitors. 

Highlights

• Lots of museums, drag shows, and music venues nearby
• Wide range of food for different budgets  

Four Seasons

Luxury is what you’d expect from the Four Seasons brand, and in Mexico City, it’s one of the most lovely and pampered options available. This is a stellar hotel to retire to after a long day of sightseeing—or a long night of salsa dancing and tequila drinking. 

• Price: Starting at $540 per night
• Vibe: Ultimate luxury
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities:  24/7 in-room dining, concierge service, onsite restaurant and bakery, lounges, open-air courtyard, daily newspaper, spa, ability to use the fitness facilities to freshen up if you need a late checkout and can't stay in your room
• Website

Hotel Geneve

Located in the heart of Zona Rosa, the Geneve has hosted guests since 1907—and it shows (in the best way). The ambience is historic and retro, with beautifully luxurious suites and rooms renovated to resemble the height of opulence in this neighborhood. 

• Price: Starting at $80 per night
• Vibe: Retro chic
• Wifi: Yes
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Amenities: Onsite coffee shop and restaurant with a vertical garden, London-style phone bar with antique telephones, spa with sauna and steam rooms, event spaces, concierge, cinema, fitness center
• Website

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Other Mexico Guides

• The Travel Guide to Mexico City
• Layover Guide to Mexico City
• Xochimilco: The Venice of Mexico Where Gondolas Meet Mariachis
• Mexico City: The Mexican Capital with 150+ Museums—and Almost As Many Types of Tacos
• 12 Day Trips From Mexico City
• 15 of the Best Things To Do in Mexico City