Where to Stay in Mexico City: 5 Best Areas For First-Timers

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Mexico City, you have several neighborhoods to consider. After three trips, I’m going to break down my favorites and which one to choose depending on your style.

From futuristic-looking skyscrapers lining main avenues to quaint, leafy sidewalks alongside art deco buildings, the contrast of the old and new means there’s something for everyone. Add in the shopping — from intricate beadwork to complex perfumes — and the food — from hole-in-the-wall taco stands to Michelin-rated eats — this city truly has it all.

The traffic in Mexico City can be very heavy. As a result, where you stay can significantly impact your visit to this large city. So, I’m pulling together all my experiences in CDMX and narrowing down the best areas to stay in for your visit. Read on to find my guide on where to stay in Mexico City.

Short on Time? Here’s My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City:

The best two neighborhoods for exploring Mexico City’s major sights are Roma Norte and La Condesa.

1. Roma Norte (staying at Brick Hotel), for the best overall proximity to the best dining and bars
2. La Condesa (staying at Andaz), for the best access to green spaces and cafe culture

Things to Do

1. Polanco Food Tour
2. Historic Center Food Tour
3. Colonia Roma Food Tour
4. Half-Day Frida Kahlo Museum and Neighborhood Tour
5. Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Full-Day Tour

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For more tips, don’t miss my updated Mexico City travel guide, Mexico City itinerary, and guide to the best restaurants in Mexico City!

Where to Stay in Mexico City for the First Time

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Neighborhood Map: 5 Best Areas to Stay in Mexico City

I’ve mapped out the 5 main areas to stay in Mexico City, ordering my first to last choice based on area and what they offer.

1. Roma Norte (YELLOW)
2. La Condesa (PURPLE)
3. Reforma (ORANGE)
4. Polanco (GREEN)
5. Centro (BLACK)

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My Top Pick: Roma Norte
Best For Proximity to the Best Dining and Bars

Dubbed “the Williamsburg of Mexico City” by Vogue magazine, Roma and neighboring Condesa are undoubtedly the center of Mexico City’s hipster and expat scene. Roma’s art nouveau buildings have a storied past, while housing trendy new hotels and eateries. When I recommend a place for my friends to stay in Mexico City, I always start with Roma Norte.

Pros of Staying in Roma Norte

The food is a large part of what keeps drawing me back to Mexico City, and here, you’ll be walking distance from many of the must-visit spots, like Meroma and my favorite, Contramar.

Cons of Staying in Roma Norte

As you might expect in a popular area, cons of staying in Roma Norte include higher prices, more traffic, and occasionally, noise at night.

Best Hotels in Roma Norte by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• Brick Hotel ($$$$) — This sophisticated building was originally home to the President of the Bank of London in Mexico. A cool, streamlined aesthetic runs throughout, allowing the amenities to take center stage. Brick hotel boasts two restaurants, while a lobby bar and a spa round out the on-site offerings.
• La Valise ($$$) — Centrally located and full of whimsy, this trendy all-suite hotel is more like a gallery, with handpicked artwork throughout. The La Celine suite features a bed that slides out onto a private terrace with an outdoor tub, perfect for a romantic evening.
• Colima 71 – Case de Arte Hotel ($$$) — As the name suggests, the quirky, yet chic design of this hotel lends itself to fostering community. Shared spaces decked out in original art include a coffee bar and an honesty bar. And — be still, my heart — this hotel has one of the most original services I’ve ever heard of – a street food concierge!

Mid-Range Hotels

• Ignacia Guest House ($$) — This five-bedroom stay is named in honor of the housekeeper who lovingly cared for the special property for more than 70 years. Color-drenched suites surround a verdant central courtyard, and the included breakfast is prepared fresh on-site with local ingredients.
• Nima Local House ($$) — This jewel box of a hotel, with only four rooms, is located in one of the most recognizable buildings in Roma Norte. A light-filled atrium connects the four rooms, and European decor touches round out the relaxing atmosphere at this kid-free property.
• Roso Guest House ($$) — Wood furniture and crisp white sheets set the stage for pops of blue and yellow to steal the show at this charming renovated townhouse. Amenities include a restaurant, a roof terrace, and my favorite — a fleet of bicycles available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Parián ($) — Located on the top floor of the popular Pasaje Parián, Hotel Parián’s 19 rooms are dressed in boldly contrasting crisp white and striking emerald green. If you’re sensitive to noise, booking a room above a collective of buzzy bars and restaurants may not be your best bet. But, if you’re a deep sleeper looking for a good deal in the heart of one of the trendiest locations, this could be perfect for you. 
• Casa Oliva ($) — This former tenement house has been thoroughly transformed into a fashionable serviced apartment building, decked out in a pleasing palette of millennial pink and muted green. There’s no restaurant on site, but each apartment has a full kitchen, and it’s walking distance from some of the best cafes the city has to offer.

Things to Do in Roma Norte

Some of my favorite shops in the city are located in Roma Norte. Stop by Goodbye Folk for an expertly curated collection of vintage apparel, pick up a gorgeous coffee table book at the aesthetic Casa Bosques bookshop, or score unique duds at 180 Degree Shop or Happening, two boutiques that carry Mexican designers. Casa Mimi stocks an eclectic mix of antique art. 

Top-tier food and drink are endless in Roma. Savor a pastry at Panadería Rosetta or a finer meal at the namesake restaurant, Rosetta. Mercado Roma is a large, modern food hall, perfect for when your travel party can’t decide on a cuisine for lunch. For dinner, share a pizza at Pizza Felix. In the evening, have a drink (or three) at Licorería Limantour, one of the top-rated bars in the world.

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My Top Pick 2: La Condesa
Best for Green Spaces and Cafe Culture

Surrounded by parks — Bosque de Chapultepec, Parque España, and Parque México — La Condesa is perhaps the greenest neighborhood in all of Mexico City. The tree-lined streets, with their stunning European-style and Art Deco buildings, are perfect for a relaxing stroll. Visiting the abundant coffee shops and art galleries will bring out your inner artist, while dog-watching (seriously — so many dogs!) at Parque México will bring out your inner child. 

Pros of Staying in Condesa

Condesa is well located within Mexico City. From here, it’s easy to explore adjacent neighborhoods like Roma on foot, and it’s a quick car ride to many of the city’s other attractions.

Cons of Staying in Condesa

Similar to Roma, it’s a popular area, which means you may encounter higher prices and longer wait times for popular spots.

There is no shortage of great cafes in Condesa. Lardo and Molino “El Pujol” are favorites for a delicious bite, while Chiquitito Cafe and Qūentin Cafe brew some of the best coffee the city has to offer.

Best Hotels in Condesa by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• Andaz La Condesa ($$$) — One of the only luxury hotels in Condesa, the Andaz here is more of a corporate-style hotel featuring a rooftop pool.
• Mondrian Mexico City Condesa ($$$) — The airy new Mondrian location in CDMX is one of the few in the neighborhood. The suites are bright and airy, and some even have patios.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Dama ($$) — The mid-century-inspired decor alludes to the building’s history, which dates back to 1950 when it was constructed as a series of five apartments. Now renovated into 17 hotel rooms, a well-curated sunken library sits just off the check-in counter on the main floor, while the rooftop hosts an al fresco bar and restaurant.
• Octavia Casa ($$) — Designed and stocked by Mexican clothing brand OCTAVIA, its namesake six-room hotel is outfitted with bedding and tableware from the brand’s home collection.
• Hotel Condesa DF ($$) — The name of this design hotel is a nod to the city’s past, when it was known as the Distrito Federal, or “DF.” The 1928 French neoclassical building is heritage-protected by Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts, but the design inside is modern, and the rooftop sushi and cocktail bar is a great spot to watch the sun set.
• Hotel San Fernando ($$) — This pet-friendly accommodation oozes mid-century bohemian vibes — think wicker chairs, warm wood furniture, and colorful stained glass accents. There’s a cocktail bar on the ground floor, and guest rooms feature coral and turquoise tones.

Budget Hotels

• Casa Cuenca ($) — The decor and dining at this boutique hotel are an ode to Mexico. Inspired by art and architecture movements from the 1950s, each of the 10 guest rooms features warm wood and tile accents. On-site restaurant Maleza uses European techniques to highlight local ingredients.  
• The Red Tree House ($) — Bathed in sunny orange and yellow hues, this property sets the tone for a warm welcome. Checking into the B&B feels more like arriving at a cool friend’s house for a weekend stay, and with happy hour drinks and daily breakfast spread included in the price of your booking, you’d be forgiven for feeling the same way upon checkout.

Things to Do in Condesa

While La Clandestina isn’t the secret spot it once was, it still serves up incredible mezcal-based cocktails. Stop into Mooni, an unpretentious gallery showcasing emerging artists and encouraging new collectors by offering art at accessible price points. Much of the art is quirky, colorful, and just fun to look at!

My visit to Casa Luis Barragán remains one of the best architecture tours I have ever taken. You have to book your tour in advance. And if you love it, five other Mexico City homes by the famed architect allow visitors.

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Top Pick for Families: Paseo de la Reforma

Staying on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City provides easy access to iconic landmarks, such as the Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Park. The area is lined with modern hotels, cultural institutions, and a vibrant mix of restaurants and cafes. Its central location makes it ideal for both sightseeing and business travel.

Pros of Staying in Reforma

Reforma is probably the most conveniently located area in this whole guide. Basing here gives you easy access to Polanco, and since you’re right off a major street, it’s convenient to grab an Uber to explore further afield. Staying in a globally-branded hotel generally means it is easier to accommodate tiny travelers with amenities like pack-and-plays and more. And, if you’re loyal to a particular brand of hotel, you can earn and redeem upgrades or loyalty points during your stay. 

Cons of Staying in Reforma

Reforma is the most business-like of any of the areas I’ve recommended here, which could mean a more generic hotel experience. Still, the suggestions I’ve compiled below proudly highlight Mexico City’s culture and offer a distinct sense of place. 

Best Hotels in Reforma by budget

Luxury Hotels

• St. Regis ($$$$) — With its renowned butler service and signature Bloody Mary (each location worldwide has its own recipe!), this hotel is a stalwart ambassador of the St. Regis brand. Weekend amenities for children include an on-site kids’ club for travelers aged 5-11, dedicated brunch buffet stations, and a roaming candy trolley.
• Four Seasons ($$$$) — An elegant entrance was expected, but the central courtyard transported me far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and took my breath away. So large it could be a city park, this well-manicured oasis is the heart of the luxe property. In addition to two restaurants, a bar, and a coffee shop on site, the hotel can also arrange culinary tours and cooking classes. Amenities for children include teddy bears, coloring books, and milk and cookie deliveries, while chef-baked welcome biscuits are available for cats and dogs. The hotel also offers babysitting and pet-sitting services.
• Ritz-Carlton ($$$$) — The setup of this hotel — spanning 13 floors at the top of one of the city’s highest skyscrapers — reminded me of trips to Tokyo. Most of the rooms here have glass-enclosed private balconies with enviable views of Bosque de Chapultepec and the mountains and volcanoes that surround Mexico City.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma ($$$) — Admittedly, I was hooked by photos of the sleek indoor pool at the hotel’s 38th-floor spa, from which you can gaze at the Paseo de Reforma far below. There are also three bars and two restaurants on site, and I love how the rooms, with their floor-to-ceiling windows and bold color palette, are luxurious while still feeling playful. 
• Hotel Volga ($$) — Hotel Volga’s design plays with light and shadows. Rooms face inward, where a central skylight provides illumination for the courtyard designers refer to as an “urban cenote.” Guests can take mixology and yoga classes on-site, and there’s an underground nightclub, the Minos Sound Room. The rooftop features a “swimming channel.”

Budget Hotels

• Casa Pani ($) — Architecture nerds flock to Casa Pani, where four of the six guest rooms were once the heart of famed Mexican architect Mario Pani’s 1960s home. The other two, added in 2019, were built to harmonize with the existing house.
• Reforma Guest House ($) — At an inconspicuous charcoal building just steps from the famous El Ángel de la Independencia, a marigold yellow door opens up to a simple, but cosy stay. There’s a small gym and the views from the rooftop are a treat. The PB Suite opens up to a private garden terrace, perfect for sipping morning coffee.
• Hotel Carlota ($) — The focal point of Hotel Carlota is a modernist’s dream – a glass-walled pool, surrounded by steel and cinderblocks. Immediately across from the pool is Julia Bistro, the hotel’s open-air restaurant and bar. The hotel also offers guest passes for the pool. As you might imagine, it can get busy (and loud) at times, so this property is best for someone looking to party. 

Things to Do in Reforma

Known as the lung of Mexico City, Bosque de Chapultepec houses a zoo, museums, lakes, restaurants, a castle… basically, anything and everything you could dream of. It’s twice the size of New York City’s Central Park! Most of my recommendations for this area can be found in the park. 

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is a must-visit, with the building itself being almost as impressive as the exhibits. Arrive early, as a line typically forms by mid-morning. There is a magnificent fountain in the middle of the exhibit halls, and I recently learned that there’s a small cafe, Sala Gastronómica. The gift shop had some excellent children’s books last time I visited.

Chapultepec Castle is perched atop a hill within the park. Originally built in the 18th century as a royal residence for Spanish viceroys, the castle later became the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota during the Second Mexican Empire. Now, it is home to the National Museum of History. For a few weeks each year, the Ballet Folklórico de México performs at dusk in front of the castle. If you’re lucky enough to be in town, it’s not to be missed.

Depending on the time and day, the LagoAlgo cultural center, situated on a lake in the middle of Bosque de Chapultepec, can be either a gallery or a restaurant. Either way, the tranquil view is worth a visit if you’re in the area.

On weekends, the main street in Reforma, El Paseo de la Reforma, is closed to vehicular traffic, and the street fills with people running, walking, or cycling. Keep this in mind if you plan to take an Uber anywhere, and remember that if you decide to join in, Mexico City is 7,350 feet above sea level, so be sure to take it easy and drink plenty of water.

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Top Pick For Luxury & Family-Friendly Stays: Polanco

Featuring luxurious buildings, wide sidewalks, and fantastic people-watching, Polanco is a microcosm of the city itself. Its affluent residents, referred to as Polanquitos, include diplomats and dignitaries, many of whom reside in the chic Polanco neighborhood. With some of the best places to eat, shop, and stay in the city, why ever leave? 

Pros of Staying in Polanco

If you like to walk, Polanco’s tree-lined boulevards will suit your fancy, as you can easily walk for hours between museums and Michelin-starred restaurants. Avenida Presidente Masaryk is Mexico City’s answer to Rodeo Drive, where you will find a worldly mix of global chain stores and Mexican designer boutiques, alongside some gorgeous restaurants with seating that spills out onto the sidewalks. 

Cons of Staying in Polanco

As you might imagine, this is one of the most expensive areas of the city. Traffic entering or exiting Polanco, especially on Friday afternoons, can be some of the worst in Mexico City; plan accordingly. 

Best Hotels in Polanco by Budget

Luxury Hotels

• Las Alcobas ($$$) — This former mansion is the best of both worlds – all the charm of an immaculate boutique hotel, with the comfort and perks of Marriott, as part of the brand’s Luxury Collection portfolio. Its room service menu is particularly memorable. Note: This property only welcomes guests 13 and older.
• Casa Polanco ($$$$) — Wannabe Polanquitos, look no further than this stunning Spanish-style mansion directly adjacent to beautiful Parque Lincoln to fulfill your dreams of living in the center of it all, if only for a few days. A library features books on Mexican history and culture.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Campos Polanco ($$) — In a neighborhood defined by elegance, a design palette of bold, inky hues and an eclectic vibe sets this stay apart. Billed as a “social gathering house,” the property promotes buyouts of all twelve rooms for creative events.
• The Alest Hotel ($$) — This delightfully quirky boutique property is inspired by British architecture and design, but features a unique blend of Mexican art and dining.

Budget Hotels 

• The Wild Oscar ($$) — Serene, modern design defines this well-located space, which offers standard rooms and suites complete with kitchenettes. There is also a guest-exclusive restaurant, fitness center, and rooftop lounge.
• Habita Mexico City ($$) — Designed by the well-known Grupo Habita, Habita Hotel is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection portfolio. The basic rooms feature white sheets and honey-toned wood furniture, which let the surroundings shine. A spiral staircase leads from the sleek rooftop pool to the even higher rooftop bar.

Things to Do in Polanco

Mexico City is a city with some of the most museums in the world. Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex are two distinctive art museums situated just steps apart from each other. One of my favorite cafes, Eno, has a small location at the base of Museo Jumex. Their café de Olla is a delight!

Shopping in Polanco is a must. IKAL, LAGO, and Onora Casa are treasure troves of skillfully curated Mexican-made design — from home decor and accessories to clothing and jewelry, you can find the most stunning pieces here.

With its hunter green spill staircase, Cafebrería El Péndulo is every bit as beautiful in real life as it is on Instagram. I’ve always wanted to buy a book and read it in the cafe, while enjoying a latte.

Some of the city’s most desirable tables are located in Polanco. Michelin-starred standouts Pujol and Quintonil book up months in advance, so consider making your dining reservations when you book your airfare.

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Best Historic Location: Centro Historico

Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, is the heart of the city’s historic downtown area. The Metropolitan Cathedral, the Aztec Templo Mayor, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes (“Palace of Fine Arts”) are all within walking distance. You’ll also find restaurants and shops that have endured for generations. 

Pros of Staying in Centro

To stay in Centro is to stay in the historic heart of the city. Prices are generally much lower to stay in Centro, since it attracts more of a daytime crowd. If you’re in town for Día de Muertos or Día de la Independencia, you’ll be adjacent to festivities in the Zócalo, which is amazing, since traffic is extremely heavy at those times.

Cons of Staying in Centro

Because Centro is known for its religious and political sites, the area can sometimes become eerily quiet at night. You can make the most of your stay here by getting up and out early in the morning to explore the area before crowds pick up, then have dinner and drinks in another area of the city after rush hour, before catching an Uber back.

Best Hotels in Centro by Budget

Mid-Range Hotels

• Gran Hotel Ciudad de México ($$) — A doorman in a cherry red coat is the first sign that you’ve arrived at the historic Gran Hotel. Originally opened in 1899, the rooms are somewhat dated but offer all the necessary amenities. The real draw here is the lobby’s grandiose stained glass ceiling, which was imported from France and featured prominently in the opening of the James Bond movie, Spectre. The best rooms overlook the Zócalo, as does the rooftop terrace, which hosts an extensive weekend brunch buffet. 

Budget Hotels 

• Downtown Mexico ($$) — Though the 17-room boutique hotel is housed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the interior design is anything but antiquated. Steel and terra cotta complement original brick walls, and the sleek rooftop pool is extremely inviting. This is another Grupo Habita property now part of the Marriott portfolio.
• Círculo Mexicano ($$) — Yet another Grupo Habita property in Marriott’s portfolio – Círculo Mexicano’s serene design combines handmade carpentry with Oaxacan textiles. 18 of of the property’s 25 rooms have their own skylit patios, while the others feature balconies overlooking the Metropolitan Cathedral. The property also features a pool, sauna, and two unique restaurants on-site.
• Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton ($$) — A pink stone facade and Art Deco interiors dating back to 1924 encase two on-site art galleries, a small in-house movie theater, a boutique, rooftop pool, and several restaurants. The concierge is referred to as an “experience curator” and can arrange VIP Lucha Libre experiences, photo shoots, and more.

Things to Do in Centro

If you love handicrafts as much as I do and have the time and patience to explore hundreds of stalls of intricate hand-beading and textile art, Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela is the best place in the city to pick up souvenirs. Make sure to bring cash with you!

When the Spanish conquered the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec Templo Mayor was destroyed, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City was built on its former site. Today, you can visit the cathedral, which was the first to be built in the Americas, as well as the preserved ruins of the Templo Mayor, offering a literal glimpse of the city’s layered history. 

El Palacio de Bellas Artes is the largest arts venue in Mexico, able to hold 1,700 people. Primarily Art Nouveau on the exterior and Art Deco on the interior, the building is filled with masterpieces by world-renowned artists. Construction began in 1904 but took more than 30 years to complete due to disruptions caused by the Mexican Revolution. Today, it hosts the national theater, opera, and orchestra companies, as well as the folkloric ballet, which is incredible to behold if you’re lucky enough to catch a performance! 

Azul Condesa is one of my favorite restaurants in the city, and Azul Historico looks simply magical, with a tree-filled atrium creating the most incredible dining ambiance. Everything on the menu is terrific, but I especially love the special way soups are served. Come dessert time, don’t skip the table-side hot chocolate cart!

Sanborns is a beloved institution in Mexico that combines a restaurant, bookstore, department store, and pharmacy. I know it sounds odd, but it’s worth checking out — especially at the Casa de los Azulejos (“House of Tiles”) location, which is housed in a former palace dating back to 1763.

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