Where to Stay in Mexico City: Budget Hotel and Neighborhood Guide
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Since I spent a week or so in Mexico City with my husband a couple years ago, I think I’ve said at least 1,000 times how much I want to go back.
First of all, it’s absurdly beautiful, with gorgeous architecture, and a truly impressive amount of parks and green spaces. But mainly, it just has so much to do, from sightseeing to just wandering around and exploring. The food is also obviously amazing, but I probably don’t have to tell you that!
When it comes to where to stay in Mexico City, the good and bad news is, there are definitely plenty of options to choose from.
I know picking somewhere can be overwhelming. So that’s where I come in 🙂 After checking out the top neighborhoods, exploring the city’s sightseeing, and just all around falling in love with Mexico City, I’ve narrowed down the best places for you, whether you’re looking for a social hostel or a luxe-on-a-budget hotel.
All of these options are located in neighborhoods that are safe and walkable: Centro, Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán, and Polanco. I personally stayed in Centro and loooved it — I was so close to lots of sightseeing, so many beautiful buildings and lots of history, and it really felt like the heart and soul of the city.
Sadly one of the places where I actually stayed has closed, and I didn’t really like the other place I stayed in so I won’t be including that one either — but I’ve rounded up lots of other great choices for you, that I’ll personally be considering when I’m finally able to go back to CDMX!
My Top 3 Picks
💰 Want a luxe stay without the sky-high price? The gorgeous NaNa Vida CDMX in Roma Norte offers serious comfort without breaking the bank. Check rates on Expedia.com!
🌆 Stay where the action is! The beautiful Hotel Principal in Centro Histórico not only has an incredible city view, but you get super easy access to Mexico City’s iconic sights. Check availability on Expedia.com!
🎒 Traveling on a budget? This colorful hostel, Hostal Fungi Casa Rosa in Condesa, offers a stylish stay without the hefty price tag. Book your spot!
Where to Stay in Centro Histórico
Stay here for: Stay here for lots of access to history, if you like a big-city feel, and having lots of sightseeing within walking distance. This is where I stayed, and would absolutely recommend it!
The buildings were all so beautiful, there were top sights like the Zocalo right nearby, and it was super fun to just walk around and explore. While it’s not considered the #1 safest neighborhood in the city, I honestly felt safe and comfortable the entire time here, so as long as you’ve been in big cities before, I wouldn’t worry at all.
And especially for your first time in Mexico City, it’s a chance to stay right in the cultural heart of the city.
Nearby Sightseeing: This neighborhood is really the best if being near sightseeing is most important to you.
The Zocálo and Templo Mayor, an ancient temple that was once the capital of the Aztec empire, are right here, and are an absolute must in Mexico City. Plus Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the city’s best museums and an architectural gem, along with Palacio Nacional, another historic site, Torre Latinoamericana, where you can get a beautiful view of CDMX from above; Mexico City’s China town, Barrio Chino; Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico, Alameda Central (Mexico’s oldest park) are all around here.
$ HOSTEL MUNDO JOVEN CATEDRAL
This hostel has private rooms and shared dorms available (both options are under $50 per night). It even includes breakfast, making it an extra great bargain, plus there’s an onsite restaurant, a terrace, and 24-hour security/reception.
🌇 Want rooftop views, breakfast included, and a budget-friendly room ? Book Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral now before it fills up!
$$ KALI CENTRO
This is a really solid mid-priced option. You’re just a 15-minute walk away from the Zocalo, with the Palace of Fine Arts a mere 10 minutes away. The rooms all look very spacious, clean, and airy, and all have private bathrooms, which is always a must for me! You get a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar here. And my favorite part? Breakfast is included.
🍳 Snag a stay with airy rooms, a gym, a bar, and free breakfast — Kali Centro is calling your name.
$$$ HOTEL PRINCIPAL
I am honestly obsessed with the architecture here and the view you’ll get. Although I kind of want to try a different neighborhood next time I go just to experience something different, this hotel has me reconsidering!
This gorgeous hotel is perfect if you want to be right in the heart of the city. There’s a restaurant and bar onsite, and breakfast is either included or for just $9 depending on which room you choose. Either way, you can enjoy it on the hotel’s rooftop, which looks amazing. There are elevators and a 24-hour front desk.
🏛️ Obsessed with gorgeous architecture and central views? Reserve your room at Hotel Principal and soak it all in from the rooftop.
Where to Stay in Roma Norte
Stay here for: This is an awesome neighborhood to stay in if you want to experience in an artsy, beautiful area, with lots of shopping, plus plenty of food options, cafes, and bars right at your fingertips (and honestly, who wouldn’t want that??) Roma Norte and neighboring Condesa, which we’ll get to in a moment, are both super popular areas for tourists to stay in, mainly because they’re super beautiful and walkable.
Nearby Sightseeing: In Roma Norte, it’s not as much about the actual sightseeing, but more about the ambiance. The streets are beautiful to explore, and there are lots of shops and little green spaces like Plaza Rio de Janeiro and Fuente de Cibeles tucked throughout the neighborhood that are fun to stumble upon.
However, it’s not totally devoid of actual sightseeing. The Museo del Objeto del Objeto and MAIA Contemporary are both in Roma Norte, and while I didn’t have time to check these out, they are also on my list for my eventual return!
$$ STANZA HOTEL
This hotel has an onsite gym and a restaurant serving Mediterranean-Mexican fusion, plus a 24-hour front desk. Guests particularly point out how great the location is, and how helpful the staff is. It’s rated an 9.2 on Expedia.com with over 1,000 reviews, so you can feel confident that it will be a great experience!
🛎️ High ratings, a Mediterranean-Mexican restaurant, and an unbeatable location — grab your spot at Stanza Hotel now!
$$$ NANA VIDA CDMX
I hate to judge a book by its cover, but this hotel is gorgeous enough that it’s at the top of my list. But don’t worry, beyond just being really pretty, it’s rated super highly across the board, at a nearly-perfect 9.8 on Expedia.com. It also has a ton of amenities, like 24-hour front desk and terrace, and several reviewers mention gifts like soda and even mezcal.
Just take it from one reviewer on Booking.com— “I have never felt more welcomed and cared for in a hotel than at Nana Vida. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s kindness and helpfulness stood out—they went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect.”
🥃 Ready to be pampered with mezcal and 9.4-rated hospitality? Check out Nana Vida CDMX before it books up.
Roma Norte and Condesa
Where to Stay in Condesa
Stay here for: Condesa is another neighborhood that really stole my heart. Right next to Roma Norte, you can expect lots of beautiful architecture, lots of green space, plenty of food options, bars, cafes, shops, and more.
You get all the perks of being in a major city, while still getting to feel calm and relaxing here. This neighborhood is definitely a favorite among tourists, and I would love to stay here or in Roma Norte on my next visit!
Nearby Sightseeing: This is another neighborhood that’s just great for walking around and exploring, rather than looking for specific sightseeing. You’ll find lots of art galleries, vintage shops, and more, along with green spaces like Parque Mexico and Parque España. Avenida Amsterdam is a main street you’ll definitely want to walk through to see beautiful architecture.
$ HOSTAL FUNGI CASA ROSA
This one is a winner for my fellow budget travelers! I am a strong proponent of not needing a 5-star boutique hotel to stay somewhere decorative and beautiful, and Hostal Fungi Casa Rosa is a perfect example of that.
This is an artsy hostel with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay in Mexico City. With a living room, two kitchens so you can cook and store any food, a roof garden with a barbecue, plus a co-working space, this also feels like the perfect place to connect with other travelers, if that’s something you’re looking for.
Breakfast is also included, and there’s 24-hour reception. There are both private rooms and shared dorms available, which I also love!
🌿 On a budget but still want boutique vibes? Stay at Hostal Fungi Casa Rosa — shared kitchens, rooftop garden, and free breakfast included!
$$ CONDESA CIBEL
This accommodation is so cute, in my opinion. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that feels a bit luxurious and elegant, without the luxury prices or pretentiousness. Condesa Cibel is highly-rated, has a 24-hour front desk, a rooftop, and private bathrooms for every room. There’s also an elevator as well as housekeeping. If you’re looking for great value for your money, this is it!
🏡 Live the stylish-but-affordable dream in Condesa — book a room at Condesa Cibel for elegance without the price tag.
$$$ CASA DECU
Casa Decu’s tile floors, plant-covered outdoor space, and airy rooms, have 100% won me over. This is a four-star hotel that’s really just exceptionally beautiful.
But beyond that, it offers plenty to its guests, from room service, a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms, and an onsite restaurant serving American cuisine. Starting your day in Mexico City by enjoying free breakfast on the rooftop sounds like a dream, and it’s all possible here! You can also get free bike rentals, which is fun! Plus, there’s a coffee shop, outdoor seating area, and a fitness center.
🚴 Breakfast on the rooftop, free bikes, and chic tile floors? Yes please — see Casa Decu for a dreamy four-star stay.
Where to Stay in Coyoacán
Stay here for: This is another one of Mexico City’s best neighborhoods. I think it would be especially great for families, as it’s quiet and relaxed, but you still have all the ease and convenience that you’d need for a smooth trip.
It’s an artsy neighborhood that I hope to spend more time in on my next visit. I just spent a few hours here when I went to the Frida Kahlo museum (a must in Mexico City, by the way) and it was so beautiful.
Nearby Sightseeing: There’s actually a fair amount that you can see right in Coyoacán, which is great! Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo’s home) is the top attraction for sure, and is a must regardless of where you end up staying.
Anahuacalli Museum (a museum created by Diego Rivera with pre-Hispanic artifacts) is also around here, as is Mercado de Coyoacán, a great place to get a souvenir, National Autonomous University of Mexico (it has beautiful murals and architecture), and UNAM Botanical Garden.
$ LA CASITA DE COYOACÁN
This charming accommodation caught my eye thanks to its bright rooms, cute vibe, and beautifully decorations.
You’ll also get important things like a 24-hour front desk, and a shuttle service, which is super nice, along with a shared kitchen, and free bikes! It has great ratings — just note that some of the lower-priced room options have a shared bathroom.
Guests point out the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, cozy and clean rooms, and the kindness of the staff.
🚲 Looking for bikes, color, charm, and a budget-friendly stay? Check out La Casita de Coyoacán — it’s a hidden gem with super affordable rates!
$$ CHALET DE CARMEN
This cozy guesthouse is just steps from Frida Kahlo’s former home and museum.
I’m obsessed with the greenery that’s everywhere, and the homey atmosphere that you can feel through all its photos. Past visitors say that the hosts are super friendly and thoughtful, with lots of extra touches added throughout your experience to make you feel welcome. You can also find a shared kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk.
🎨 Looking for a heartfelt, homey stay near the best art in the city? Chalet de Carmen has all the makings of a peaceful getaway.
$$$ AGATA HOTEL BOUTIQUE & SPA
Guests say that this five-star boutique hotel feels intimate, serene, and comfortable. Expect to find lots of amenities here, including concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, and a restaurant. Reviewers especially love the included made-to-order breakfast and how kind and helpful the staff is.
You’ll also be super close to the Frida Kahlo Museum here, and the property looks modern, clean, and beautiful.
🧖♀️ If a boutique stay with made-to-order breakfast and spa-level calm sounds like your vibe, Agata Hotel is the splurge that’s worth it.
Where to Stay in Polanco
Stay here for: If you’re looking for luxury this is it. Polanco to Mexico City is kind of like Beverly Hills to Los Angeles, so you’re definitely going to find a lot of high-end shopping and fancy vibes all around.
If you’re looking for a little bit more of a local atmosphere or you’re a traveler on a budget like me, this probably wouldn’t be the best option for you, but can be a really nice choice for families, anyone with a higher budget, or people who seek luxury first and foremost with their accommodation.
Nearby Sightseeing: The other plus of this area is you do have some top sites nearby! Bosque de Chapultepec (a massive park which has a number of museums and attractions including the Anthropology Museum and Natural History museum) is close, along with Parque Lincoln, and cultural institutions Museo Jumex (a contemporary art museum) and Soumaya Museum, which I didn’t make it to last time but are definitely on my list for next time when I plan to make it to more underrated spots 🙂
$ ALLEGRO POLANCO
Budget options aren’t as easy to come by in Polanco, but this is a great alternative if you’re interested in this area but want to spend less. This spot offers a shared kitchen, an elevator, full-day security, a tour desk, and currency exchange for guests, which is super helpful! Every unit also has a terrace, which I personally love and you definitely don’t get everywhere. Bathrooms are shared.
🏷️ Want Polanco vibes on a budget? Book Allegro Polanco for shared kitchens, terraces, and city-center perks —without the crazy price tag.
$$ ITZAE POLANQUITO CDMX LINCOLN PARK
This cute and colorful dog-friendly accommodation has a fully-furnished shared kitchen, and every room has 200 MB Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and Netflix. Coffee, tea, cookies and fruit are offered throughout the day, with a breakfast is available for $17. Rooms with a shared bathroom are available for $100, but rooms with private bathrooms are also available for more.
☕ Cookies, fruit, and Netflix in bed? Stay at Itzae Polanquito CDMX for all the comforts (plus speedy Wi-Fi).
$$$ CASA AMARI
This gorgeous hotel looks like a dream! It has 24-hour front desk and security, and private bathrooms, and guests love the location in particular.
🥂 Craving calm, comfort, and curated luxury? Treat yourself to Casa Amari—this boutique beauty has all the five-star touches.
🌸 My Quick Mexico City Planning Tips 🌮
🎨A cozy, artsy, top-rated hotel in Roma (one of CDMX’s best walkable neighborhoods!)
🌟The bucket list experience you don’t want to miss in Mexico City
🌎My go-to travel insurance for Mexico
📱My favorite eSIM (Use code TESS5 for 5% off! — if you’re from the U.S., check if your regular phone plan works though, you may not need an eSIM!)
🧳 At the top of my packing list: A sweater (it gets chilly at night), comfy walking shoes, and portable charger
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s cover some other info you’ll definitely want to know, especially if it’s your first time in Mexico City.
Is Mexico City walkable?
Mexico City has many walkable areas, yes! (So definitely bring some comfy walking shoes.)
But all in all, it’s a big city, so in order to see all the sights you’re probably interested in visiting, you will most likely have to Uber and/or take public transportation at some point.
As for where you want to stay, you definitely want to pick a neighborhood that has a lot close by — like food options, and ideally some sightseeing as well. All of these suggested neighborhoods fit the bill!
Is Mexico City safe?
Yes! Like I mentioned, it’s an urban area, and I can’t promise you that it’s completely without risk.
But if you live in or have traveled in big cities before, I don’t think there will be much surprise there. Just keep your guard up, keep your valuables hidden, and follow basic travel safety tips and common sense!
And as for these recommended areas, they are all touristy neighborhoods and relatively safe!
Regardless of where you choose, Mexico City has so much to see and do, and I know it will be amazing!
Even writing about Mexico City makes me feel like I need to book my next trip asap. So believe me when I say I can’t wait for you to experience it as well!
Head to one of these guides next
- Visiting Mexico City for the First Time? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
- Where to Stay in Mexico City: Budget Hotel and Neighborhood Guide
- What to Pack for Mexico City
- The Best Five Days in Mexico City Itinerary
- The Perfect 3 Weeks in Mexico Itinerary
- What to Eat in Mexico: 25 Top Foods and Drinks
- Oaxaca City Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, and Where to Stay
- The Ultimate Puerto Escondido Travel Guide
