Where to Stay in Mexico City: The Best Neighborhoods and Areas for Every Type of Traveler

Mexico City is a highly versatile city, its streets filled with contrasts that make every visit a completely different one. To get to know a place of 573 square miles and a population of over 22 million — the fifth-most populated city in the world — one single stop is not enough. Instead, the best way to see all of this metropolis is to conquer it in zones, discovering its richness one neighborhood at a time.

Indulge yourself in Mexico City's world-renowned gastronomy, explore its many museums, stroll its historic streets, be amazed by its modern architecture, and peruse the little luxuries in its numerous shopping malls. Ahead, find the best neighborhoods for every type of traveler and where to stay once you've arrived.

For Jet Setters: Polanco

A small stroll through this buzzy neighborhood is enough to fall in love with its vibrant spirit. In Polanco, office buildings sit side-by-side with luxury apartments and colossal antique residences. The eclectic combination has turned the area into a hub of premier restaurants, international brands, acclaimed museums and galleries, and, of course, some of the best hotels in the city.

What to do? Take a walk along Presidente Masaryk Avenue where you'll find all the upscale boutiques; visit Museo Soumaya with its impressive Rodin collection; eat at Quintonil, considered one of the best restaurants in the world; and enjoy a drink at Limantour Polanco, arguably the best bar in Latin America.

Hyatt Regency Mexico City

As one of the top hotels in the area, the Hyatt Regency Mexico City has an extraordinary location: it's within walking distance from the major attractions in the district. All the rooms overlook either the buildings in Polanco or Chapultepec Park, guaranteeing an inspiring morning. Rulfo Paraje Latino, its signature restaurant, has one of the best weekend breakfasts in the city, to boot.

W Mexico City

Trendy and colorful, the W Hotel offers 237 guest rooms with modern design and fashionable furniture. Its youthful vibe is tangible, with bright colored lights, extra large pictures on the walls, and fun design – like checkered bathroom walls or beds set up in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. With a pet-friendly philosophy, their PAW (Pets Are Welcome) program includes a specialized W Hotels pet tag, toys, treats, and pet services.

Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City

With exquisite design features, Las Alcobas is a boutique hotel in the heart of Polanco. It offers only 35 rooms – four of which are suites. Amenities include airport transportation, complimentary wake-up smoothies, and bath butler service. If that wasn't enough, one of the best restaurants in the city is found on the property: Anatol, offering seasonal small plates.

For Culture Seekers: Coyoacán

The word Coyoacán refers to "the place of coyotes" in Nahuatl, an Aztec language. That's the first clue to the historic and cultural immersion you'll experience in this southern district. Coyoacán used to be considered the outskirts of the city, which explains its vast amount of mansions and large country houses, many of which still function as residences.

The feeling of being out of the urban buzz is still palpable when walking through its narrow streets lined with leafy trees. A stroll through Jardín Centenario is mandatory — the square has an iconic coyote fountain in the center and it's within walking distance to numerous cafés, markets, local stores, and restaurants, such as Corazón de Maguey and Los Danzantes. Some of the most important places to visit here are the Frida Kahlo Museum, formerly the home the artist shared with Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky's House Museum.

Mansión de Papilio

A grand colonial mansion-turned-bed and breakfast welcomes guests to six exclusive suites, each with opulent furniture that resembles the age of classic authors such as Jaime Sabines. The estate has a big pool house with an indoor pool, an impressively large garden that can accommodate events, and a classic bar with a wine cellar that houses 200 labels, not to mention a delicious breakfast menu.

Casa Tamayo

This boutique hotel with four suites wants to become your home away from home. The staff's friendly service gifts visitors authentic Mexican hospitality with a side of coziness. Beyond its well-appointed suites, the hotel has a common living area and a kitchen for guests. The place is also conveniently located within walking distance of the main drag.

For Bleisure Travelers: Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the newest neighborhoods in Mexico City, famed for its big-box headquarters and shiny new apartment buildings. The hip district is visited mostly by business travelers, though there's plenty to discover among its skyscrapers and highways. Here, you can find the largest shopping mall in Mexico, Centro Santa Fe, with about 500 stores, two food courts, a luxury wing, and an ice rink within its more than six million square feet. Foodies will also find this neighborhood appealing for its top restaurants like Toro, Nobu, and Central Central, to name a few.

Live Aqua Urban Resort México

The most luxurious and sophisticated brand of the Mexican hotelier group Grupo Posadas, Live Aqua sits 15 minutes away from the traffic and the buzz of Santa Fe, offering guests a relaxed stay. Upon entering, a tranquil environment embraces visitors. The untraditional hotel eschews a front desk in the lobby for fountains, vegetation, and walls covered with books. The elegant guest rooms have aromatherapy kits, a pillow menu, and Nespresso coffee machines.

Westin

This one's a classic for travelers looking for comfortable accommodations in a prime location. The hotel is located right in the middle of the neighborhood's busiest spot, for starters. Secondly, it provides programs to travelers who need to unwind from their business meetings. There's also a state-of-the-art spa that also offers in-suite massages, Life Fitness equipment in the gym, and an on-site farm-to-table restaurant.

Hotel Distrito Capital

With a fresh and modern disposition, Hotel Distrito Capital appeals to those looking for an innovative hotel concept. Design is key here, which is why the guest rooms feature views of the surrounding mountains, bathtubs overlooking the city, and minimalist décor. The rooftop pool is not to be missed, along with the spacious, outdoor terrace.

For Urbanites: Condesa and Roma

Condesa and Roma are two adjacent neighborhoods that have grown almost as twins, sharing an urban and bohemian blend. Popular for their independent boutiques, exquisite restaurants, art galleries, and exciting nightlife, these districts have found the perfect balance between modern lifestyle and heritage. The past comes alive in this area with 100-year-old buildings, traditional street markets, and historical parks, like Parque México. Plus, some of the neighborhood's trendiest places — like Azul Condesa, Huset, and Máximo — attract locals and tourists alike. According to Mexico City-based journalist Michael Snyder, Condesa and Roma are "two of the capital's most design-forward neighborhoods."

Hotel CondesaDF

Located in a building dating back to 1928, Hotel CondesaDF manages to combine its heritage with a contemporary feel. Simple elegance, retro throwbacks, and a sleek environment rule the guest rooms. On the other hand, the restaurants have a hip energy appealing not only to hotel guests, but to locals who crave an early dinner at El Patio restaurant, or a drink and sushi on the terrace.

Ignacia Guest House

Roma is known for its big mansions. This boutique hotel, however, underwent an interesting remodel that kept the classic style on the outside but transformed the inside into nine modern suites. Each room has a different personality dictated by the color of its walls. Breakfast is a must, especially when served in the garden.

For History Buffs: Reforma

The lengthy Avenida Paseo de la Reforma deserves special mention since it encompasses some of the most important attractions in the city. It features exclusive hotels, high-class restaurants, concert venues, recognized museums, and historic landmarks.

Starting in the Polanco area, you'll find the entrance to Chapultepec, the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America — it's home to the city's zoo, multiple large artificial lakes, and the superb Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle). If you continue along the beautiful street flanked by flower beds, you'll find the impressive Anthropology Museum, a modern art museum, and two iconic monuments: Diana the Huntress Fountain and the Angel of Independence.

Once you've reached this emblematic memorial, you're only 2.5 miles away from Mexico City's Historic Centre, El Zócalo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. "[In El Zócalo] you'll find opulent colonial palaces, crooked Baroque churches, murals by Diego Rivera at the Palacio Nacional and the Secretariat of Public Education headquarters, and the magnificent ruins of the Templo Mayor, the axis of the Aztec Empire's religious and political universe," wrote Snyder for Travel and Leisure.

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City

This hotel has been a favorite of celebrities and business travelers looking for comfort and exclusivity. The building has a lush courtyard in the center, providing a peaceful environment in the middle of one of the busiest avenues in Mexico City. Around the garden is the recently opened restaurant Zanaya, where dishes from the Mexican Pacific Coast are served. There's also the prestigious Fifty Mils, a gastro bar created by the most influential bartenders in Latin America.

The St. Regis Mexico City

The luxurious hotel situated in a 31-story building offers a unique view of the Diana the Huntress Fountain. In addition to the luxe amenities and top-tier service that define St. Regis hotels across the globe, this particular hotel has exciting food and drink offerings: La Table Krug, an intimate dining room that serves an eight-course dinner, and the King Cole Bar for late night drinks.

Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel

Overlooking the Angel of Independence, this hotel is proud to show off its marvelous view. With stately flair, it's long been the choice lodging for historical figures such as former President John F. Kennedy. Nowadays, the property's 684 rooms and 72 suites are committed to comfort, featuring marble tubs, butler service, and 24-hour room service.