Where to Stay in Mexico City | 5 Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

Our favorite CDMX neighborhoods offer the arts, culture and world-renowned eats.
Where to Stay in Mexico City: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
Photo: Sergio Mendoza Hochmann / Getty Images
J.Q. Louise
by J.Q. Louise
Updated Jan 31, 2024
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Mexico City, famed for its bright colors, bold flavors and bounty of things to do, is a city that strikes the perfect balance between being rich in history and decidedly modernized. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Mexico City, it's important to do your research: While there's something for everyone, some neighborhoods are naturally better suited to certain types of people more than others. To make things a little easier for you, we've chosen five of our favorite neighborhoods below.

The Knot's List for Where to Stay in Mexico City

Piñatas ready to be cracked open
Photo: erlucho / Getty Images

From an area full of delicious dining spots to an under-the-radar gem, these are our top picks.

Where to Stay in Mexico City for the First Time: Condesa

Best Place to Stay in Mexico City for a Romantic Trip: Polanco

Best Area for Art and Culture: Chapultepec

Best for Restaurants and Nightlife: Centro Histórico

Best Neighborhood for Something a Little Different: Coyoacán

Condesa

Urban and bohemian Condesa
Photo: Dan McKenzie-Cossou / Getty Images

Known for its stunning architecture, Condesa is a real treat for the eyes. Urban and bohemian in equal measure, this neighborhood has Spanish vibes, boasting independent boutiques, enviable restaurants, a bustling art scene and cafes aplenty. With a relaxed yet warm vibe, it's easy to while away the day in Condesa. We recommend starting the day with fresh pastries and coffee at Maque—try and get there in time to grab an outdoor table overlooking Parque Mexico. Alternatively, Casa Melibea is a charming coffee shop that also sells reasonably priced jewelry. Mooni's wall collage is a real treat, with an explosion of art from emerging artists to view and buy. And for those who like their finger on the pulse of the city, the new restaurant Hugo and its natural wines are a delight.

Best Hotels in Condesa, Mexico City

When it comes to hotels, Mexico City has something for everyone, whether your priority is style, cost or location. From quirky boutique hotels with interiors to die for to grand bed-and-breakfasts serving up plates of glorious traditional Mexican cuisine, the sky's the limit. Here are our picks for Condesa.

Casa Pancha: Cheap, cheerful and surprisingly well-styled, Casa Pancha is a hostel that provides everything guests need for a good night's sleep in the bustling neighborhood of Condesa. With private rooms, beautiful interiors, complimentary breakfast and a rooftop terrace, you can't go wrong.

Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: There's nothing quite like treating yourself to an extra special hotel to end a day of exploring in style, and the Four Seasons certainly offers that in spades. Set around a luscious inner courtyard, this hacienda-style hotel is a welcome hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. It has gorgeous interiors, world-class service and amenities, and a top-notch location.

Hotel Condesa DF: Featuring simple elegance and retro throwbacks, Hotel Condesa DF somehow manages to perfectly balance old-school charm with a contemporary feel. Restaurants boast lively, energetic atmospheres, and when you're not enjoying your room, you can head to the terrace for some sushi and a refreshing drink.

Polanco

A romantic evening in Polanco, Mexico City
Photo: ©fitopardo / Getty Images

Upscale and central, Polanco is a great place to be based for an adventure with your bae. Well connected for visiting all of Mexico City's most famous tourist sites, it also boasts great restaurants, like Parole Polanco with its live music and delicious plates of Italian cuisine and Animal Masaryk for delectable Mexican fusion. Shopping is next level in the Polanco neighborhood, with the dreamy Avenida Presidente Masaryk making it easy to spend some serious cash on both Mexican and international brands—it's worth walking down even if you're just window shopping. If you're all shopped out, we highly recommend The Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya), which features Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim's collection of art, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí and Van Gogh.

Best Hotels in Polanco, Mexico City

W Mexico City: Located in the upscale Polanco district, this hotel is a blend of luxury and vibrant culture, offering chic rooms and exceptional amenities for a stylish stay.

Hyatt Regency Mexico City: A sophisticated oasis in the heart of Polanco, this hotel is known for its elegant rooms, stunning city views and proximity to upscale shopping and dining.

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City: This hotel offers a luxurious experience with refined rooms, top-notch service and a prime location near Polanco's best attractions and culinary delights.

Chapultepec

Chapultapec park in Mexico City, Mexico
Photo: Gabriel Mello / Getty Images

Calling all art and culture buffs! Chapultepec is the place for you. Featuring lakes, museums and even a castle, those visiting are in for a jam-packed (yet still relaxed) schedule. Chapultepec's 1,700-acre park, Bosque de Chapultepec, is one of the most-visited urban parks in the world, competing with the likes of Central Park in New York City. Hiring a bike or joining a guided bike tour is always a great way to explore. For those looking for activities requiring slightly less exertion, there are an impressive nine museums to make your way around—including the Museum of Natural History, which is absolutely worth a visit to up your knowledge of Mexican history.

Best Hotels in Chapultepec, Mexico City

Camino Real Polanco Mexico: An architectural masterpiece, this hotel boasts a unique design and comfortable accommodations, plus it's just steps away from Chapultepec Park and Museum Mile.

Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec: Overlooking the iconic Chapultepec Park, this hotel combines modern luxury with convenient access to the city's major attractions, making it perfect for both leisure and business.

Centro Histórico

Plaza de la Constitución in Mexico
Photo: Thom Lang / Getty Images

Centered around the sizable Zócalo plaza, Centro Histórico is the heart and soul of Mexico City, with endless things to fill your day with. Despite being well-visited, its streets continue to hold some of the city's most authentic and charming bars (like Cultubar Hostería La Bota), rooftop spots (hello, Restaurante Bar Terraza) and swanky restaurants. Couple up sightseeing with some fresh pics for your Instagram by visiting some of the most picturesque spots in the city during your stay. The Palacio de Correos (Mexico City Post Office) has a stunning and entirely gold, Art Deco-designed lobby, while the Casa de los Azulejos serves up 18th century baroque palace vibes. And let's not forget the gorgeous Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, with its vintage cage elevator, stained glass windows and curved ceiling.

Best Hotels in Centro Histórico, Mexico City

Zócalo Central Hotel: A historic building turned boutique hotel, this spot offers a charming stay with stunning rooftop views right in the heart of Mexico City's vibrant downtown.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México: This hotel exudes old-world charm with its stunning Tiffany stained glass ceiling, elegant rooms and prime location near historic landmarks.

Hotel Histórico Central: A fusion of history and modern comfort, this hotel is located close to iconic landmarks, offering cozy accommodations and attentive service in Mexico City's cultural heart.

Coyoacán

A sunny day in Coyoacán, Mexico
Photo: Kanel Bulle / Getty Images

Green, leafy and almost village-like, Coyoacán offers a welcome change of scenery for those looking for somewhere a little different while they're in Mexico City. Around 30 minutes from the city's center, Coyoacán was once its own town and still holds the same individuality, despite being taken over by Ciudad de México. This is the place for local markets, and Mercado de Coyoacán is not to be missed, offering a healthy mix of local goods and newer restaurants. Coyoacán also houses the famous Frida Kahlo Museum (we recommend visiting on a weekday if you can). If that doesn't satisfy your artsy needs, there's street art at every turn and a great free walking tour.

Best Hotels in Coyoacán, Mexico City

La Casa del Tekolote: An intimate and artistic boutique hotel, you'll enjoy a unique stay with personalized service nestled in the bohemian streets of Coyoacán.

Pug Seal Allan Poe: A charming oasis combining luxury with a homey feel, Pug Seal Allan Poe is set in a beautifully restored house, perfect for experiencing the local culture of Coyoacán.

Casa Jacinta Guest House: A peaceful retreat offering a blend of traditional and modern design with warm hospitality, this spot is ideal for immersing in the artistic vibe of Coyoacán.

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