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Mexico City has been quickly climbing the ranks as one of the hottest international travel destinations. The sprawling urban metropolis has a so much to offer that it's easy to see why it has become so popular. Rich in history and culture, home to a world-class culinary scene, an incredible array of arts and entertainment, and stunning architecture around every corner, Mexico City has something for everyone to enjoy.

Clocking in at nearly 600 square miles and with the greater metropolitan area home to around 23 million people, Mexico City may seem overwhelming when planning the first visit. Different areas and neighborhoods of the city vary significantly and not all of them are ideal for visitors. Here's what to know when deciding where to stay in Mexico City, as well as where to avoid.

Home Base: Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mexico City

There are a handful of go-to neighborhoods for first-time visitors in Mexico City. They have ample accommodation options and are known for being safe, in convenient proximity to popular attractions, and more user-friendly in general for the uninitiated.

These are the top neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Mexico City.

La Condesa

Condesa is a stylish and affluent neighborhood of wide, colorful streets full of boutiques, dining, and art galleries. A favorite among international visitors, it is easy to navigate for inexperienced or first-time visitors to Mexico City.

One of Condesa's main draws is the stunning Parque Mexico. This tranquil paradise in the middle of a metropolis is akin to Central Park in New York. Although it is a quite gentrified neighborhood, excellent street food can be found at its metro station.

Parque Mexico in La Condesa, Mexico City
via Unsplash
Parque Mexico in La Condesa, Mexico City

Roma (Norte and Sur)

With stunning Art Deco architecture, hip cafés, and trendy food scene, Roma is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Situated just alongside La Condesa, Roma has become the epitome of cool. The crowd tends to be young and modern, and the area abounds with hundreds of drinking and dining options.

The vibe is both upbeat and laid back, and Roma is a perennial favorite for many travelers.

Polanco

Polanco is like the Beverly Hills of Mexico City. Think glitz and glamour, high-end retail, luxury hotels, and home to a booming culinary scene. Foodies take note: make reservations far in advance for some of Polanco's hottest restaurants like Pujol.

It is also a family-friendly neighborhood, ranked highly for safety and full of incredible (and oftentimes free) museums, as well as Chapultepec Park.

Diner reading the menu at Pujol Restaurant in Mexico City
via Jaimee Terese
Diner reading the menu at Pujol Restaurant in Mexico City

Coyoacan

This beautiful and safe neighborhood on the southern end of Mexico City was home to Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. Visiting the Blue House where they lived together is one of the top attractions, and the overall art scene is prominent throughout Coyoacan.

There are top-notch dining options, as well as street food, bustling local markets, art galleries, museums, and ample outdoor spaces to relax. It's also an ideal place to stay with a family.

The only downfall is that it is a considerable drive (around 45 minutes with traffic) to the city center, but there are no shortage of activities to fill the days in Coyoacan and its surrounding communities.

cobblestone street in Coyoacan, Mexico City
via Unsplash
via Unsplash

RELATED: Stay At These 10 Coolest Hostels In Mexico City

Passing Through: Mexico City Neighborhoods Worth Visiting

Although they may not be the ideal spot for booking a vacation rental, there are a few neighborhoods that are great to visit nonetheless. Be sure to check out the attractions in these neighborhoods, while perhaps staying elsewhere.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is home to one of the most iconic attractions in Mexico City; its canals and colorful pontoon-type boats (called trajineras) are a bucket list activity on any itinerary.

Originally a water transport system built by the Aztecs, these days the boats cruise around with tourists alongside a festive flotilla of mariachi bands, food vendors, and alcohol aplenty.

There is a starkly different ambiance at night, it's best to leave before sunset, especially after a boozy day on the water.

boarding boats in Xochimilco, Mexico City
via Jaimee Terese
Xochimilco in Mexico City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Zona Rosa

Often described as a 'neighborhood within a neighborhood', Zona Rosa is essentially part of the neighborhood Juarez, just slightly north of Roma.

It has some excellent shopping options and stunning monuments to visit during the day, but is most renowned for its action after the sun goes down. Partiers will want to head here and those seeking wild nightlife may be more inclined to stay in this precinct.

Otherwise, the noise and ambiance aren't ideal despite the convenient location. It's also a favorite hangout of pickpockets after dark thanks to intoxicated club-goers that make easy targets.

Centro Historico

One of the most central and famous areas of Mexico City abounding with must-see attractions, it may come as somewhat of a surprise that it isn't necessarily the most ideal place to stay.

As the name implies, history abounds here and the grandest holiday celebrations take place in the Zocalo (town square).

Its cathedral dating back to the 1500s is not to be missed and the Palacio Nacional is a noteworthy landmark too. The areas adjacent to the Centro Historico are less than desirable at night though.

Dia de los Muertos in Mexico City Zocalo
via Jaimee Terese
via Jaimee Terese

San Angel

San Angel is a lovely area that's worth a visit, especially for those staying in nearby Coyoacan. Its quiet, low-key ambiance, residential nature, and southern location don't make for the most ideal home base though.

Nonetheless, it is regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods and is home to a few noteworthy attractions such as the Bazar Sabado.

Visitors will also enjoy its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful historic mansions.

Narvarte

While there aren't big-name tourist attractions in Narvarte, it is home to some of Mexico City's best tacos and that's a draw in itself. It's not far from Roma and has a local, middle-class feel along with more affordable prices.

It's a great area to explore for those wanting more of a sense of local life as it is largely residential, while the area is also regarded as safe.

There is a great bar and restaurant scene as well, in case anyone doesn't feel like tacos (but who doesn't love tacos)?

tacos in Mexico City
via Unsplash
via Unsplash

RELATED: 10 Best Food Tours You Can Take In Mexico City

No-Go Zones: Mexico City Neighborhoods to Avoid

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid the outskirts of Mexico City / far outlying neighborhoods. Although many of the 'bad' neighborhoods wouldn't ever be on a tourist's radar as there are no appealing attractions, here are a few to take note of.

Doctores

There is one reason why one may venture to the Doctores neighborhood, and that is to watch lucha libre wrestling at Arena Mexico.

This is a worthwhile cultural experience for seasoned travelers (who speak at least some Spanish), but it is important to remain vigilant going to and from the match.

Plan transportation ahead of time with a reliable driver, and try to leave before dark.

Lucha libre wrestling match
via Unsplash
via Unsplash

Tepito

While travelers may have heard whispers of Tepito's expansive network of tianguis (markets), don't be fooled or tempted to go for a browse.

One can find quite literally everything for sale there, including many of the stolen, counterfeit, or illegal varieties. Tepito is not safe for tourists and in fact, most locals won't even visit.

Mercado Merced

Much like Doctores, Mercado Merced may potentially be an option for experienced travelers who have their wits about them and know how to blend in, but it will be necessary to proceed with a high degree of caution.

Its market of the same name (Mercado Merced) is the largest in Mexico City and has an incredible selection of both traditional prepared food and fresh produce.

Be sure to go in the daytime, and visiting with a local guide is recommended. Dress conservatively and do not carry anything of value. Leave before sunset.

Mercado Merced Mexico City
via Jaimee Terese
via Jaimee Terese

Itzapalapa

Located in the eastern part of Mexico City, Itzapalapa is long regarded as Mexico City's most dangerous borough thanks to its alarming rate of rape and violent crime.

Just recently, there have been efforts to change the face of this tainted neighborhood with new recreational spaces, social initiatives, cultural and sports centers, and more, but it is by no means a tourist-friendly area. For now, this is one neighborhood that is best to avoid altogether.