Mexico City Safety. My Personal Experience Backpacking through Mexico's Capital City
- Jack Thompson
- Nov 13, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: Apr 16
If you're planning a backpacking adventure in Mexico City, safety is probably high on your list of concerns. From my personal experience, let me reassure you, while Mexico City has its challenges, I felt pretty darn safe for the most part. This guide shares everything I learned about staying safe, from where to walk (even at night) to why using Uber is essential and some tips that make Mexico City an incredible backpacking destination. Before I start for context I am a male in my 30's of average height 5'9 and average build that is me in the picture over there sitting down at a local Mexico restaurant with a cold beer and waiting on some food! This all sounds like a dating profile, but context is its important as I simply can only do this from my own experience. I would love a female voice on this so if you are heading to Mexico City and are a female backpacker/ explorer, please drop me a message if you fancy contributing to Backpacker's Blueprint.
I have put together the perfect 2 day Mexico City Itinerary for culture and architecture lovers so make sure to have a look if you are doing a whistle stop tour of the city.
Also, why I have you, if you want to know more about the history of this country then check out the podcast episode Where's Next? Mexico
If not then ... lets get into this curious explorers.
Mexico City Safety for Backpackers and Explorers
Feeling Safe in Mexico City’s Central Neighbourhoods
From exploring markets to taking in the vibrant nightlife, Mexico City’s central areas are generally safe for tourists, especially neighbourhoods like Condesa, Roma, and the historic city centre (Centro Histórico). I am going to say this straight away, stay in Condesa/ Roma or the Historic Centre.
During my time in Mexico city, one evening I walked from Chapultepec Castle to the historic centre to get back to where I was staying at the time, Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral. This was a 6km walk that took me an hour and a half, I started at sunset and got back in the dark of night, I felt safe, it was actually a pretty darn interesting walk. However, the reason I did this was because I simply could not get an Uber (best way to get around Mexico City) and the bus system confused the heck out of me ... So I walked it! There was one area that I would not recommend visiting at night and had me slightly on edge (I will mark it in red on the map below). But generally, this lengthy walk was enjoyable, varied and a good way to get a taste for Mexico City.
Ok so here is my views on Condesa and Roma.
Safety considerations in Condesa and Roma
Known for their bohemian vibe, trendy cafes, and bustling nightlife, these neighbourhoods felt safe, even during evening strolls. The streets are well-lit and populated, which makes a huge difference in feeling secure. There are restaurants and people milling about, relaxing, having a drink after looksing for a good time. You are not far from a place of refuge (restaurant or bar) if for whatever reason you need it, but generally, you wont. The areas are more affluent and you can kind of feel that in the air! If you are in Mexico then you should visit this area to really take in a bit of everyday Mexico. Whilst you should be a little careful at night, generally you should not have much trouble in these districts.
I have put together a self guided walking tour for Roma so if you have half a day to kill and want to understand more about the architecture of the area then please find it below.
Where to stay in Condesa and Roma
Generally speaking there is one beautiful place to go for backpackers, Casa Pancha, however, this place is on the more luxurious side of the backpackers budget at $25 a night!
The reason I would personally stay in the Condesa/ Roma area is if I want a bit of a more peaceful solo experience, or if I had work to do. You are a a taxi ride from Centro Historico but you have plenty in Roma to keep you busy.
You are also within walking distance of perhaps one of the best museums on planet earth, the Museo Nacional de Antropología as well as Chapultepec Castle. Check both out, the museum for the history of Mexico and the Castle for not just the castle but the awesome view back over the city!
Safety considerations in Centro Histórico
The city centre, while packed with tourists and locals, felt surprisingly safe. While it's busy and sometimes chaotic, having more people around provided a sense of safety. If you stick to the main pedestrian walk way (Av Francisco I. Madero) even at night, you should not have any problems. The only thing to perhaps lookout for are pickpocket, but a cross body bag or a money belt like a Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag can soon easy any concerns of this.
The main central plaza and parks can be a bit eery at night, they are big spaces with a lot of dark areas. If you are wandering around on your own its probably best to stick to the main pedestrian path on the street front (Avenue Juarez). Here most evening the street turns electric with music and street performers (see video below) so again, in and amongst all the people, its hard to feel 'unsafe'. It is also watched by the Mexican police just due to the density of people!
The Zocalo (central plaza) puts on interesting events. I was lucky enough to be there during a festival celebrating the indigenous communities. During the evenings it was electric and such a fun place to be. The one thing to look out for are the people who will walk up to you, start talking to you and then try and sell you something. The sale comes with a story of poverty or hardship, this did happen to me a couple of times around the Zocalo area. A firm 'No' here is vital and try not to be overly polite which is usually my issue ... I am also the owner of a wrist bracelet because of one particularly persistent individual.
One tip here, if you do feel pressured to buy some something have a spare small note in your pocket so you don't have to pull out your purse or wallet! Its a trick I tend to have set up before heading out. If you are super paranoid, do it with a secondary purse/ wallet you can flash it in a way to show you have no money in it!
If you want to know what to explore in Mexico City then please check out my full guide page for some top spots to discover.
Map of Mexico City Below
Roma/Condesa = Yellow
Historical Zone = Purple
Area that didn't feel overly safe = Red
Safe stays in Mexico Cities Historic Centre
I stayed in the Historic centre in a hostel called Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral this was excellent on price and location, it had a rooftop bar that really was a lot of fun in the evenings with a DJ or some sort of event on. During the day it was just a fantastic spot to have a beer and look over the rooftop of the cathedral rooftop! There is a receptionist in a slightly odd position but there is also a key card secure door to get through to get in, although I am not sure how this works with people going up to the roof bar as you get there via the same security door, each room is individually key carded as well though!
There are two other options that excel (in my opinion) in Mexico City and they are Casa Pepe Hostal and Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel.
Casa Pepe is well established in Mexico City and provides a lot of activities with knowledgeable staff, 24 hour security and they provide free tours. The private rooms are not the cheapest (around 100 USD a night) but the dorms are very reasonable around 20USD a night. You will find female only dorms and all options come with personal lockers to store your valuables.
Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel is also a fantastic and safe choice for the safety conscious explorer. You will have a safe haven here again with knowledgable staff a clean environment and again, 24 hour security. I have stayed in the Viajero chain (in Medellin and it was a fantastic stay). Similar costings to Casa Pepe but if you have any concerns about Mexico Cities safety then these will be alleviated as soon as you step through the door of Viajero. Funny how a hostel can really elevate your stay in a place but, they do! Jump in an Uber from the airport (more on this below) get to your hostel and your good to explore Mexico City and all its beauty.
Its worth noting that even though I felt pretty safe in Mexico City, I kept my “sensible head” on, as any traveler should. Crowded areas are ideal for pickpockets, and don't walk alone down scary looking dark streets at night!
OK lets talk Uber because there is an annoying little thing going on that you need to negotiate from the airport
Uber is a Traveler’s Best Friend in Mexico City
Getting around Mexico City can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the city’s public transport system. Uber was a lifesaver for me and came with a host of benefits that made it feel like the safest choice:
Reliable and Affordable: Uber is affordable and convenient, especially when traveling between neighbourhoods at night. It's also a safer choice compared to some street taxis, as you can track your route, see the driver’s information, and share your ride status.
Avoiding Potential Scams: Uber’s fixed pricing helped me avoid the need to negotiate fares, which can sometimes be a tricky experience for tourists that and if you jump into one on the meter, you simply do not know if you are on a fair (excuse the pun) rate, I have heard rumours of a slow dial and a fast one! It also gets rid of the whole working out whats going on with cash.
If you’re new to the area or language, having Uber is a great tool to move around safely. For easy access, I recommend getting a local SIM card for reliable internet connectivity and to access the Uber app. Although top tip if you are from the UK and on 02, Mexico is included in your roaming area.
Uber and the airport: So this is annoying ... Uber (unless things have changed), are not allowed in the taxi rank at the airport. Your driver will happily drop you off there, however they are frowned upon for being in the pick up area. So you may have to walk to an area slightly outside of the airport or do a diving jump into the car as it slowly drives down the main through way.
Drivers Seemed Like Yo-pros: The drivers generally seemed like millennials or young professionals (yo-pros) who were doing it to earn additional money either full or part time in a Mexico City that can be expensive and hard for the younger generations , and thus they were easy to talk to and pretty informative about bars and restaurants!
Walking Around Mexico City: Tips for Staying Safe
While Uber is great, I also spent a lot of time exploring on foot. There’s so much to see in Mexico City that walking is part of the experience. A few things helped make my walks enjoyable and safe:
Stick to Populated, Well-Lit Streets: Mexico City has many busy, well-lit streets, especially in the aforementioned neighbourhoods. I made sure to stick to these areas, particularly in the evenings.
Take a walking tour: A fantastic option to help you learn about the city and its good and bad bits is simply to take a guided tour. For walking tours I tend to recommend Guru, having undertaken many of their tours myself I really enjoy them. If you do not want the confusion of what to pay the guide at the end then the second option is to simply book onto a getyourguide walking tour.
Avoid Distractions: I have always been fairly good at memorising directions and this allowed me to keeping my phone in my pocket as much as possible, that said I did not feel unsafe pulling it out! Having lived in London, I felt more paranoid about someone snatching my phone there than in Mexico City! The other thing that can help is wearing a cross body bag or simply lock your day bag.
Below is the Zocalo during the ingenious festival celebrations.
Another fantastic and safe way to spend a day in Mexico city (and one for the cultural and design lovers here) Is to take a tour of the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, State of Mexico, Teotihuacán and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
This is a trip I have taken (on my own) and thoroughly enjoyed. Again you can check the Mexico Travel Guide to find some videos of the trip and the truly stunning black and gold obsidian!
Apparently obsidian blocks, absorbs, and transform negative energy. It is believed to release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages, drawing out feelings of stress and tension, who knows 🤷♂️
Useful Safety Data for Backpackers in Mexico City
While I felt generally safe, knowing a bit about the safety stats in Mexico City helped me understand where to be more cautious. Here’s what you might find helpful:
Pickpocketing and Theft: In tourist-heavy areas like Centro Histórico and crowded markets, pickpocketing is the main risk. Keeping valuables close to your body and staying alert reduces this risk considerably.
Uber and Ride-Sharing Safety: Mexico City has invested in making ride-sharing safer, and according to recent data, Uber and other app-based taxis are generally safe. They’re preferred by locals and tourists alike due to tracking and accountability features.
Police Presence: In many popular areas, you’ll see police patrolling, which adds an extra layer of security, particularly in tourist neighbourhoods and around popular landmarks. Nowwwwww lets talk about the down side of the police. They have been known to take advantage of tourists. In the capital city this will not be such an issue, although it is still known. The police will sometimes take your passport and ask fore money in return. This is especially something to be aware of if you end up travelling to places like Tulum or Cancun.
Police are paid poorly in Mexico and thus a vulnerable tourist can be a target for a bit of extra cash. In Tulum I heard stories of people who had been marched to cash machines by the police to withdraw money! As I say, this is less common in the city where there are many onlookers, but still something to be aware of, the police are not alway your best friends.
For the latest updates, consult the U.S.Department of State's Mexico Travel Advisory or the UK Foreign Travel Advice for Mexico before your trip.
Safety Essentials for Mexico City
When exploring a city as vibrant and busy as Mexico City, a few essentials can go a long way in ensuring peace of mind:
Anti-Theft Backpack: As mentioned above, a small anti-theft backpack can be a lifesaver for safeguarding your belongings. Look for one with hidden zippers and RFID-blocking pockets to prevent electronic pickpocketing. A Maxtop or a Pacsafe Crossbody Bag are exelent choices.
Portable Phone Charger: Keeping your phone charged is essential when you’re navigating a big city. A small, portable charger ensures your phone stays powered up for map directions or Uber access. I have a Anker that has 2 full charges for my I phone, to be honest, I would highly recommend getting one of these if you are planning on moving around a lot it has really helped me out in the most secluded of environments like when crossing the Darien Gap to get from Panama to Colombia by boat.
Money Belt or Hidden Wallet: The other thing that can provide a bit of security is a money belt. The time I really find a money belt useful is on border crossing days when there are thousands of people milling about and you are concentrating on where the heck to go rather than who is around you.
How to stay safe(r) in Mexico City
Even though I felt safe for most of my time in Mexico City, a few safety practices can help make your experience even better:
Blend In When Possible: Dressing like the locals (avoid flashy clothes and accessories) helps you feel more integrated and less conspicuous as a tourist.
Learn a Few Basic Spanish Phrases: Even knowing how to say “help” (¡Ayuda!), “thank you” (gracias), or “where is the nearest…” (¿dónde está el/la…) can be helpful.
Stay in Touch: Share your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in regularly, especially if you’re planning day trips outside the city.
Get the right Insurance: Getting the right insurance is essential for your travels and can also help put your mind at ease, the package I am currently recommending (due to its monthly subscription option) is SafetyWing who have a 'Nomadic Insurance' offering. As with all insurance policies always read through to ensure it is covering you for everything you need.
Take part in Organised Events: Organised walking tours are a fantastic way to discover the city, will give you local knowledge and you will also meet fellow travellers/ explorers.
Final Thoughts, My Personal Experience in Feeling Safe in Mexico City
Traveling to Mexico City was, for me, an incredible experience that felt safe, vibrant, and welcoming. While safety always depends on individual experiences and taking personal precautions, I found that using Uber, sticking to populated areas, and practicing basic street smarts made all the difference.
With the right precautions, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the energy, culture, and friendliness that Mexico City has to offer without worry.
If you stay in a great hostel, you will also be able to find friends to share experiences with, like going for food or even having a wander around the streets and this also gives you safety in numbers. Your hostel staff are a wonderful resource and you should speak to the receptionist about safe areas to walk around and to get the latest insights and information that you need to know. If this has tantalised your travel bug then chase out flights now on Skyscanner below.
Finally if you have visited Mexico City and would like to share your experience then people feel free to comment and if you have found this blog post useful then please give it a like, it helps other like you find the post.
More reading and recommendations on Mexico
Safe Accommodation in Mexico City for all Budgets
🎒 The Best places in Mexico City for Backpackers (>$50 p/n)
Located steps from the Zócalo, this vibrant hostel offers dorms and private rooms with a rooftop bar overlooking the historic skyline. Perfect for social travellers.
A vibrant and social hostel located near the Zócalo. It features colourful, modern décor, dorms, and private rooms, plus a rooftop terrace for mingling with travellers and enjoying views of the city’s historic landmarks.
Casa Pepe Hostal Boutique Ciudad de México
A boutique-style hostel with a cultural twist, Casa Pepe blends art, music, and social spaces. It offers beautifully designed dorms and private rooms, plus curated events, tours, and a rooftop bar with city views.
🏨 The Best Mid Range Budget Options (>$500 p/n)
A stunning Art Nouveau hotel featuring a Tiffany-style stained glass ceiling, opulent interiors, and panoramic rooftop views of the Zócalo. The epitome of historic luxury this one is for the architecture lovers and those who want to stay in a piece of history.
🏛️ The Best Luxury Stay In Mexico City (Bottomless Budget)
Is a boutique haven in the heart of Roma, offering just three exquisitely designed suites that blend modern elegance with vintage charm. A member of Small Luxury Hotels, it features unique touches like roll-out beds for stargazing and curated Mexican art. Ideal for intimate, luxury escapes or a romantic getaway.
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
A luxurious urban retreat in the heart of the bustling capital. Nestled on the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, this hotel blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication, making it a standout choice for discerning travellers.
Guests are greeted with lush courtyards adorned with fountains and greenery, offering an oasis of calm amidst the city’s vibrant energy. Rooms and suites are spacious, featuring contemporary design with touches of Mexican artistry, and many offer views of the tranquil courtyard or the skyline.
The hotel boasts exceptional dining options, including Zanaya, known for fresh, coastal Mexican cuisine, and Fifty Mils, an award-winning cocktail bar that has gained international recognition. For relaxation, the spa provides treatments inspired by Mexican traditions, while the rooftop pool offers a serene escape with stunning views.
Until the next one take care.
Jack
For the intelligent explorer
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