Where to Stay in Mexico City: Neighborhoods and Hotels For Any Occasion
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Trying to figure out where to stay in Mexico City? I totally get it—this city is massive (it’s actually the largest in North America!), and choosing the right neighborhood can feel a little overwhelming. I spent time exploring four of the most popular areas—Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, and Centro Histórico—and honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong. Each one has its own personality, and it really just depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for!
Whether you’re chasing artsy vibes, fancy dinners, historic sights, or leafy streets lined with cafes—there’s a spot for you. I’ll break them all down below and share what each neighborhood is known for, who I think it’s best for, and a few things we did nearby. And just to ease your mind a bit: every one of these neighborhoods felt safe when we were out and about exploring!
Quick Guide to Where to Stay in Mexico City
| Travel Style | Recommended Area | Stay at |
|---|---|---|
| First-Timers | Roma Norte | Casa Olivia |
| Families | Condessa | Check VRBO |
| Solo Travelers | Roma Norte or Condesa | Hotel Marbella |
| On a Budget | Centro Histórico | Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel |
| Couples | Condesa or Roma Norte | Casa Olivia |
| Luxury Travel | Polanco | The Ritz Carlton Mexico City |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mexico City
Roma Norte
If you’re into trendy cafes, artsy boutiques, and just an overall effortlessly cool vibe, Roma Norte might be your perfect match. This neighborhood feels like the hip, creative heart of Mexico City. This is the area we stayed in for our 4 days in Mexico City, and we found ourselves coming back here more than once just to wander, sip coffee, and pop into cute little spots that caught our eye.
What it’s like: Think wide, walkable streets lined with lush trees and colorful buildings. It kind of reminded me of parts of NYC—but with that unmistakable Mexico City flair. The energy is relaxed but fun, and you’ll find a great mix of locals, expats, and travelers hanging out at sidewalk cafes or coworking in modern coffee shops.
Best for: Foodies, digital nomads, creatives, and anyone who wants to stay somewhere with great energy and lots to do within walking distance.
Highlights Nearby
- Coffee shops like Quentin and Constela
- Some of the best restaurants and bars in the city – check out Tacos del Valle and Form + Matter
- Mercado Roma – an indoor market with tons of food stalls, a rooftop, and local goodies
- Plaza Río de Janeiro – a cute little park perfect for people-watching
Where to Stay
There are tons of stylish boutique hotels and well-designed VRBOs in Roma Norte. A few spots to check out:
- Nima Local House Hotel – super chic and highly rated
- Casa Olivia – aesthetic, cozy, and full of charm
- Hotel Marbella – simple, clean, budget-friendly
- Or just browse VRBO—there are so many good ones here, especially if you want something with a rooftop or patio!
Roma Norte definitely feels like the kind of place where you could spend a week and still have more to explore. If it’s your first time in Mexico City and you’re trying to decide where to stay—this would honestly be my top pick! Check out all available options for your dates in Roma Norte here!
Condesa
Condesa has such a cozy, residential feel to it, but don’t let that fool you—this neighborhood still brings plenty of fun. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, gorgeous art deco buildings, and a ton of cute cafes and restaurants that make it really easy to slow down and just enjoy the moment. It gives main character energy in the best way.
What it’s like: It’s super walkable, very green, and just has that peaceful-but-stylish atmosphere. Think brunch on a patio, strolling through the park, then posting up at a local wine bar or coffee shop for the afternoon. This area feels perfect for travelers who want to stay somewhere pretty and relaxing but still be close to the buzz.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, dog lovers (seriously, you’ll see so many dogs), and anyone who’s all about cafe hopping and soaking up the city at a slower pace.
Highlights Nearby
- Parque México and Parque España – two of the most beautiful parks in the city
- Easy access to coffee shops like Hule
- Adorable bookstores, cafes, and restaurants tucked around every corner
- Quick walk or ride into Roma Norte if you want a change of pace
Where to Stay
Condesa has tons of stylish apartments and boutique hotels that blend in perfectly with the neighborhood’s aesthetic. Whether you want a modern loft or a boho-style rental with a little balcony, this area has it. A few recs:
- Casa Decu – art deco-style hotel with a rooftop terrace
- Stylish 2-bedroom apartment near the parks
- Or check out VRBO listings for more cool local apartments with lots of character
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves grabbing a coffee, finding a shady park bench, and just vibing—Condesa is your spot. It’s calm, cute, and super connected to the rest of the city. Check out all available options for your dates in Condesa here!
Polanco
Polanco is Mexico City’s luxury playground—and if you’re looking for that polished, cosmopolitan vibe with amazing food, designer shops, and beautiful streets, this area delivers. It’s definitely a bougie spot, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. It’s classy, calm, and makes a great home base if you want to explore but still come back to something a little more elevated.
What it’s like: Super clean, really walkable, and just an overall “put together” kind of neighborhood. Think tree-lined streets, chic restaurants, and boutiques where window shopping alone feels like a whole activity.
Best for: Luxury travelers, families, business travelers, or anyone wanting somewhere safe, quiet, and upscale with easy access to cultural spots.
Highlights Nearby
- Bosque de Chapultepec – basically CDMX’s version of Central Park (and it’s huge)
- National Museum of Anthropology – one of the most popular museums in Mexico City
- Museo Soumaya – gorgeous architecture and art, and it’s free
- Avenida Presidente Masaryk – designer stores, cute cafes, and great people watching
Where to Stay
Polanco has some incredible boutique hotels and luxury stays. You’ll find plenty of 5-star options, but there are also stylish apartments in quieter residential areas. A few good options:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City – Pure luxury with skyline views and an amazing onsite restaurant
- JW Marriott Polanco – Upscale, stylish, and right by the best shopping and restaurants
- Orchid House Polanco – Dreamy boutique stay with lush vibes and major design inspo
If you’re wondering where to stay in Mexico City and are all about comfort, high-end vibes, and a peaceful home base to come back to after a busy day exploring—Polanco might be your perfect fit. Check out all available options for your dates in Polanco here!
Centro Histórico
If you’re coming to Mexico City to soak up the history, the culture, the everything—Centro Histórico is where you want to be. It’s busy, it’s bold, and it’s packed with some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Walking around here feels like stepping straight into a history book, but with street performers, incredible eats, and stunning architecture at every turn.
What it’s like: It’s the heart of the city, so expect it to be a little chaotic (in a fun way). There’s a constant buzz, especially around Zócalo, but it’s part of the charm. We felt safe exploring during the day and early evening, and there are always people around.
Best for: First-timers, history lovers, budget travelers, and anyone who wants to be right in the middle of the action.
Highlights Nearby
- Palacio de Bellas Artes – absolutely breathtaking and the view from Finca Don Porfirio is chef’s kiss
- Zócalo – the main square and a hub for all the activity
- Templo Mayor – Aztec ruins right in the middle of the city
- Palacio Postal – beautiful and extravagant functioning post office
- Tons of amazing coffee shops and bakeries (check out this list of must-visit ones!)
Where to Stay
Centro has a mix of charming historic hotels and hidden gems that feel surprisingly luxurious without the huge price tag. A few great options:
- Zócalo Central Hotel – Luxe vibes, budget price, unreal rooftop views
- Gran Hotel Ciudad de México – Historic charm, epic lobby, walk to everything
- Hotel Catedral – Affordable, comfy, and right in the heart of it all
Centro Histórico is loud, lively, and full of character—perfect if you want that classic Mexico City experience from the jump. Check out all available options for your dates in Centro Histórico here!
What neighborhood in Mexico City fits your travel style?
Whether you’re drawn to the artsy energy of Roma Norte, the chill streets of Condesa, the luxury vibes of Polanco, or the historical magic of Centro Histórico—there’s no shortage of amazing places to stay in Mexico City. I love that each area has its own personality, so it really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after.
No matter where you end up, I hope this guide on where to stay in Mexico City helped make your decision a little easier! Let me know which neighborhood caught your eye—or if you’ve already been, tell me where you stayed and what you thought!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Mexico blog posts:
Hot air balloon tour in Mexico City guide
Things to do in Cabo in December
