Where to Stay in Mexico?

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, a densely populated city brimming with remnants, monuments, and historic buildings that reflect the country's history. Finding a place to stay in Mexico City can be a challenge when you're not familiar with the city. The capital has many neighborhoods, notably the Historic Center, which is one of the best bases to explore the city! Of course, other areas like La Condesa are interesting too, so I invite you to learn more in this practical guide

Mexico City is a dynamic metropolis, just what you would expect from a capital! When looking at the map, you can see that the city is quite spread out with many neighborhoods to explore. However, not all are interesting from a tourist perspective, so you'll need to focus on central areas. Indeed, most historical monuments are located in the historic center, making it a great choice.

The choice of neighborhood will determine your experience in the Mexican capital. It's crucial to carefully select your accommodation based on what you're looking for. Undoubtedly, the Historic Center is an ideal base from which to be at the heart of the action. It's the best area to stay in Mexico City for exploring the capital on foot, experiencing local life, and accessing numerous sites without wasting time!

As a second option, you should consider the area including the neighborhoods of La Condesa and Roma. This area is located southwest of the historic center! It's a very vibrant sector suited for those looking to enjoy Mexico City's nightlife. These two neighborhoods are right next to each other! Next comes Jardín Balbuena, a residential area located midway between downtown and the airport, making it a practical choice.

If you don't mind venturing a bit further away, or if you plan to stay for more than a week in Mexico City, you can try Coyoacán located south of the historic center. This neighborhood is near the University of Mexico and has a calm atmosphere without being boring. On the contrary, it's an area rich with restaurants, bars, and cafes! Not very touristy, it's perfect for long stays.

Now that you have an overview, let's move on! But remember that booking your accommodation as soon as possible is essential... Hotels fill up fast and prices can rise quickly!

If you want to quickly book your accommodation, here are my favorite places:

In terms of value for money, the hostel Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel is excellent! This 4-star establishment offers all types of accommodations: dormitory beds from €12 per night, double rooms with private bathrooms starting at €62 per night, and much more.

The Tanat Art Boutique Hotel is a great compromise! Located in La Condesa, it features comfortable and modern independent accommodations with kitchenettes. Close to the historic center, apartments start at €61 per night.

The Hotel Riazor Aeropuerto is a very elegant 4-star establishment offering numerous services and amenities for a perfect stay! Close to the airport, it features very stylish and modern rooms starting at €97 per night.

The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, is a perfect base for a first visit to Mexico City. It was once the site of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan before Spanish conquerors colonized the area in 1521... From a tourist perspective, it's the richest neighborhood as Old Mexico boasts over 1,000 remnants, monuments, and buildings!

To give you an idea of places to visit and things to do, here's a non-exhaustive list:

The Zocalo, the largest square in Mexico and even the world after Red Square in Moscow

Palacio Nacional, home to the federal executive power, located in Constitution Square

Palacio de Bellas Artes and its impressive architecture housing murals

Metropolitan Cathedral with its columns, statues, 5 naves, and 51 vaults!

Latinoamericana Tower, the most important skyscraper in Mexico at a height of 183 meters

Plaza de las Tres Culturas with architecture influenced by Aztecs, conquistadors, and modern styles

Revolution Monument dedicated to the Mexican Revolution! It houses a museum and an observation deck.

The historic center also gathers many museums such as the Templo Mayor Museum showcasing archaeological findings of Aztec civilizations, the National Museum of Cultures, Estanquillo Museum tracing Mexican culture, the National Museum of Art, and the Franz Mayer Museum displaying silverware and textiles. In short, everything is available to discover local history and culture!

Not surprisingly, there are many accommodations in the historic center! A bit of everything in terms of pricing can be found, but it's recommended to book as soon as possible. Restaurants, shops, parks, bars, cafes, and many other businesses are available. The Mexico City International Airport is also nearby.

Hotel Gillow is a well-located 4-star establishment in the historic heart! The rooms offered are spacious, comfortable, and simply decorated. You will be just 300 meters from the Metropolitan Cathedral and will enjoy an on-site restaurant. Expect to pay €93 per night including breakfast.

Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel is a 4-star youth hostel providing double rooms, single rooms, and dormitory beds starting from €12 per night! Ideally located in the center, it has a common lounge, terrace, restaurant, and bar. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and available, and you will be close to all the monuments.

If you want to enjoy all the tourist attractions of the historic center while having easy access to the capital's nightlife, then you're in the right place. In the southwest part of Old Mexico, you will find the neighborhoods of Roma and La Condesa, a dynamic, youthful, and very central area. It's a sector heavily frequented by the trendy crowd of the capital: entrepreneurs, designers, artists, musicians...

It's a moderately touristy area in terms of monuments, but you'll appreciate the proximity to the historic center, Chapultepec Park, and some museums located to the west like the National Museum of Anthropology, Casa Gilardi, the Natural History Museum, and the cultural center of Los Pinos.

Accommodation options are quite dense here so you will definitely find something! I recommend this base for young travelers or those looking to party. This is not a place suited for families given the extravagant and electric atmosphere...

Tanat Art Boutique Hotel is located near the historic center and offers fully equipped, comfortable, and well-decorated independent accommodations. For about €61 per night, you can enjoy an apartment with a double bedroom and private bathroom! It's an excellent choice!

AmazINN Places La Condensa Roma has modern renovated rooms with large beds available from €40 per night. This establishment is located in the heart of La Condensa, near parks and shops. The on-site staff is very welcoming and friendly. A lovely terrace awaits you to enjoy your stay!

The Coyoacán neighborhood has an undeniable historical soul as this is where the house of Leon Trotsky, who was assassinated here, is located, marking a significant turning point in world history. Even better, it's where the painter Frida Kahlo lived and you can even visit her museum. So if you love history, this neighborhood is for you! There are quite a few accommodation options available

Although this neighborhood is somewhat far from the historic center, it still has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes that keep it very lively. Coyoacán remains a quiet area to stay in with a relaxing ambiance and is well served by public transport. It's not a very touristy neighborhood aside from the Frida Kahlo Museum and the house of Leon Trotsky, but there are also parks!

This neighborhood is mainly aimed at travelers planning to stay for more than a week in Mexico. You won't miss anything here! The university campus is not far to the south, so don't hesitate to visit it to admire the architecture of its faculties and especially its vast Olympic stadium! ️

Siete Puertas Coyoacán is a gorgeous, elegant, and modern establishment offering well-kept rooms with pleasant and minimalistic décor. Well situated in Coyoacán, this hotel is close to all the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. You will be welcomed by friendly and attentive staff. Expect to pay around €50 per night for a deluxe double room.

Finca Coyoacán is a small haven featuring a terrace, garden, and nicely decorated comfortable rooms. For about €77 per night, you will enjoy a calm environment. Each room has a kitchenette! You will be just 600 meters from the Frida Kahlo Museum.

For practical reasons, you might want to stay as close to the airport as possible! That's the case with the Jardín Balbuena neighborhood which boasts a perfect location for this. Even better, it is close to the historic center easily accessible via urban transport. Its residential and peaceful atmosphere is a big advantage: green spaces, tree-lined avenues, and small shops...

Jardín Balbuena is mainly frequented by families and long-time residents! It's also one of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City, so you have nothing to fear. Not surprisingly, don't expect an ultra-touristy neighborhood, but its proximity to the center makes it an interesting base. Accommodation options are quite limited here, so feel free to expand your search around the neighborhood!

If you have a comfortable budget, you can treat yourself to a few nights at the Hotel Riazor Aeropuerto, a 4-star establishment. It features an indoor pool, restaurant, gym, bar, and free parking. The rooms are elegant and modern, starting from €97 per night!

The apartment Bogotá Hermoso Departamento en CDMX includes three double bedrooms, perfect for families! It's quite charming and comfortable, well-maintained, and fully equipped. Available for about €77 per night for 6 people, it's conveniently located next to the airport and close to the center accessible by metro.

That's all for this article! I hope you enjoyed it and learned more about the neighborhoods where to stay in Mexico If you're looking to visit Mexico in October, or if you're wondering where to stay in Tulum, I have articles for you!