Mexico City is a sprawling capital defined by its many characterful neighbourhoods, each of which offers its own unique and exciting take on the city. Whilst some are pricier than others, the city as a whole is very affordable and can easily be visited on a shoestring budget.
If luxury is your highest priority, stay in Polanco, the Beverly Hills of Mexico City, where all fanciest hotels and upscale restaurants are located. Although it’s within the heart of the city, it remains quiet and exclusive.
Centro Histórico and Cuauhtémoc are the best area to stay in if you want to immerse in history and have all of the city’s best monuments at your feet. Bear in mind this is tourist central, so the streets are busier and prices are higher for food and accommodation. However, they benefit from excellent transport links to the rest of the city.
Roma is a beacon for those that prioritise culture over history, as this designated Barrio Mágico (magic neighbourhood) emanates big hipster energy and has become the go-to hotspot for all young creatives. Juárez is a smaller and cheaper version of Rosa, but it’s just as cool.
Condesa is a slightly more bourjois version of Roma because while the tree-lined streets are filled with Art Deco mansions and boutique stores, it’s populated with a bohemian crowd of young professionals. This is no doubt thanks to its thumping nightlife - arguably the best in the city - although Roma, Juárez, and Polanco are guaranteed to show you a great time too.
Mexico City’s diversity is a testament to its inclusive nature, which makes it very gay-friendly. Zona Rosa has become the city’s proud gay-bourhood where you can find everything from gay bars to gay-exclusive hotels.
Coyoacán is a safe and serene area for families to stay as it’s 10 km south of the city centre, yet it has just as much to offer when it comes to shopping, dining, art, and culture, including Frida Kahlo’s residence.
The Mexico City Metro, the cheapest subway in the world, runs 12 lines through the city, allowing visitors to hop from one neighbourhood to the next pretty quickly and easily. Uber is also a cheap, safe, and popular way around the city, but many of the locals prefer to take one of the public bikes available in its central barrios.
