Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico City is massive - around 22 million people when you count the whole metro area. You'll see everything from Aztec ruins to Spanish colonial buildings to trendy neighborhoods that could be in Brooklyn. Solo women can absolutely travel here safely, but you need to be smart about where you go. Roma Norte and Condesa are your best bets - lots of expats, decent police presence, and good vibes for solo dining. The metro has women-only cars during rush hour (look for the pink signs), which is a lifesaver when it gets packed. Tourist police hang out in the main areas and actually speak some English. Street harassment happens, but it's manageable if you walk with confidence and stay aware. Stick to the safer neighborhoods, use Uber instead of random taxis, and don't wander around alone at night in sketchy areas - pretty standard stuff for any big city.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModerateTransportation
GoodPickpocketing Safety
ModerateScam Safety
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
Moderate- Roma Norte
- Condesa
- Polanco
- Coyoacán
- Juárez
- Centro Histórico (during day)
- Zona Rosa
- Santa Fe
- San Ángel
- Tepito
- Doctores
- Iztapalapa
- Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl
- Pantitlán
- El Molino
- Estrella del Sur
- Ricardo Flores Magón
- La Merced (at night)
Primary language is Spanish. English is available through tourist police and at major hotels and tourist areas in neighborhoods like Polanco, Roma Norte, and Condesa. The 911 emergency service has English-speaking operators. Tourist assistance is available in multiple languages through the dedicated tourist police line.
- Dress down and avoid flashy jewelry or expensive-looking items - theft targeting tourists is common. Business casual works for most restaurants and venues. People are generally friendly, but catcalling can be an issue.
- Learn some basic Spanish - 'Hola' (hello), 'gracias' (thank you), and 'disculpe' (excuse me). English isn't widely spoken outside upscale areas like Polanco, Roma Norte, and tourist zones.
- Lunch (comida) happens 2-4 PM and dinner (cena) after 8 PM, so plan accordingly. Many places close mid-afternoon. Tip 10-15% at restaurants. Avoid political discussions about drug violence, government corruption, or immigration.
- The metro is cheap (about 25 cents) and covers most areas you'll want to visit, but gets extremely crowded during rush hours (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM). There are women-only cars during peak times - look for pink signs. Keep your bag in front of you and don't flash valuables or phones.
- Uber is widely available and safer than street taxis, especially at night and for airport trips. Official sitio taxis (from designated stands) are also fine, but never hail random street cabs. Hotels can arrange trusted airport transport if you prefer.
- Roma Norte and Condesa are walkable during the day, but the altitude (7,382 feet) might leave you winded at first. Many other areas require caution or ride-sharing, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit main streets if you do walk.
March to May has comfortable weather around 26-28°C (80-83°F) with little rain, so it's good for walking around. October and November are also nice, plus you get Día de los Muertos celebrations. June through September is rainy season - expect daily afternoon storms, but accommodation is cheaper and there are fewer tourists. December to February is cooler and the cheapest time to visit, though you might need a jacket in the evenings.
Help other women explore Mexico City safely
Safe Accommodations in Mexico City
Carefully vetted accommodations trusted by solo female travelers, with female-friendly features and safety amenities.
Safety Features
- Female-only dormitory options
- Pod-style beds with privacy
- Secure keycard access
- 24/7 reception and security
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Popular hostel in Roma Norte area
- Organizes cultural activities and events
- Better facilities than typical hostels
- Pod beds with more privacy than bunks
Social Atmosphere
Very High - cultural activities, tequila tastings, free walking tours
Safety Features
- Women-only 5-bed dormitories
- Secure building access
- Central location near attractions
- Reception staff available
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Small 5-bed female dorms
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere
- Walking distance to Alameda Central
- Near Zocalo and main tourist sites
Social Atmosphere
Medium - relaxed, low-key vibe for solo travelers
Safety Features
- Women-only dormitory rooms
- 24-hour reception and security
- Secure building entry
- Safe Roma Norte location
Walking Distance
Highlights
- Recently renovated with modern decor
- Has female-only dorm rooms
- Staff available 24 hours
- Good location in Roma Norte
Social Atmosphere
Medium to High - modern hostel with social atmosphere
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Neighborhoods in Mexico City
Explore the different areas of Mexico City and find the perfect neighborhood for your stay.
Condesa
Condesa is a safe, walkable neighborhood with Art Deco architecture, good restaurants, and two central parks. It's popular with tourists and expats, which makes it feel secure but also more expensive and crowded than other areas. Good base if you prioritize safety and don't mind paying more for everything.
Roma Norte
Roma Norte is a trendy, relatively safe area with good restaurants and active street life. The Michelin recognition has made it even more popular and expensive. It's walkable with decent police presence, making it a solid choice if you don't mind paying tourist-area prices for food and accommodation.
Polanco
Polanco is the safest and most expensive area in Mexico City, with luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and international hotels. You'll pay a premium for everything, but crime is minimal and most places cater to international visitors with English-speaking staff.
Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico has the main historical sites and museums with decent tourist police during the day. Good for day visits to see the Zócalo and major attractions, but avoid staying here overnight or walking around after dark. Use ride-sharing if you need to be here in the evening.
Coyoacán
Coyoacán is a historic neighborhood with the Frida Kahlo Museum and colonial architecture. It's generally safe during the day and good for a day trip, though you'll need advance tickets for the museum. The cobblestone streets can be tiring to walk on, but it's manageable and feels secure.
Tepito
Tepito is strongly advised against for all tourists, especially solo female travelers. This area has extremely high crime rates and offers no legitimate tourist attractions that justify the significant safety risks.
Doctores
Doctores should be avoided by solo female travelers despite its proximity to safer neighborhoods like Roma Norte. The area has higher crime rates and lacks the safety infrastructure of its better-known neighbors, making it particularly risky for women traveling alone.
La Merced
La Merced offers cultural market experiences during daylight hours but becomes extremely dangerous for solo female travelers after dark. Quick daytime visits to the market can be manageable with proper precautions, but the area should be completely avoided in the evening.
Iztapalapa
Iztapalapa must be completely avoided by solo female travelers due to the highest recorded rates of violence against women in Mexico City. No cultural attractions or experiences justify the extreme safety risks present in this borough.