First curated and created on the ground by Bethany Walker – Linkedin | Jan 2026
Coming up: Four of the best places to stay in Mexico City (CDMX) for solo travellers. Whether you’re on a backpacking budget or you’re ready to flash the cash, this list should help you know where to stay in Mexico City for any first-time visit. I’ll also be covering general safety tips, how to get around, and most importantly, tried-and-tested taco recommendations.
Possible Winner: Apapacha for solo travellers who like to meet others
Best Neighbourhood: For solo travellers? For me it’s Roma – bars every 5 metres, so it’s here where you will most likely meet others like you. Learn more.
Jump to best for: Budget | Best of both | Flashpackers | Digital nomads
The best solo travel friendly neighbourhoods of Mexico City (CDMX)
So you’ve flown in to Mexico City and you would appreciate not ending up a statistic. Where are you going to stay? Here’s my suggestions on the best neighbourhoods to stay in when travelling through Mexico City. These are all safe, fun to visit and solo travel friendly, including lone female travellers.
Dynamic map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=16RD-xsmkfL4Y4zM6hfk4Ap4NRQcSoCM&usp=sharing
Juarez/Zona Rosa
One of CDMX’s safer, central neighbourhoods, and the best place to go out if you’re looking for gay bars.
Juarez is a little more up-and-coming than Condesa and Roma, but it’s still a really great place to stay. There are loads of trendy cocktail bars like Hanky Panky and plenty of independent boutiques for shoppers.
Roma
Probably one of Mexico City’s coolest neighbourhoods. The streets are full of colonial mansions that have been transformed into high-ceilinged hostels and Michelin-recommended eateries like Panaderia Rosetta. There are more vintage shops than you can ever imagine, and there are so many cool bars you’re never more than 5 metres away from a cerveza.
La Condesa
If Roma is Mexico City’s punky, rock-loving neighbourhood, La Condesa is the quieter, vegan, folk singing cousin. There are more trees, the streets aren’t quite as busy, but it’s still incredibly cool. We lived in La Condesa for around 4 months, and as a female, I never felt worried or unsafe.
Escandon
A little bit further south from Condesa is Escandon, which offers Condesa-like vibes without the same price tag. This neighbourhood is a little more local, so there’s not as much to see and do immediately on your doorstep.
Other neighbourhoods to consider
Centro Historico
The first time we visited Mexico City was for Dia de Muertos in 2023, and we stayed in Centro. This worked out great at the time, as all the celebrations were in the Zocalo, which was only a 5-minute walk from our hostel, but I wouldn’t stay there again. I was with my partner at the time, which made it better, but as a solo traveller (especially a female), I’d be a bit more cautious around that area.
Polanco
Polanco is one of the more affluent neighbourhoods in the city… but there’s not a huge amount going on. Most of the streets are giant apartment complexes, so there’s not much in the way of bars, cafes, and restaurants. That being said, it’s a great place if you are very safety-conscious.
If you do really want to stay in Polanco, I’d recommend Parque Lincoln, as this is the trendiest area in the neighbourhood.
I’ve just returned to the UK after a year living and working (online) in Mexico. Most of that year was spent in Mexico City, with some extended holidays to places like Holbox, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, and Baja California.
I’ve also spent a lot of time travelling and backpacking. I took my first gap year at 19, and I’ve taken one every other year since then, too (I’m 30 now, so you do the math). I know what makes a good hostel, what makes a great one, and what makes one that you tell other travellers horror stories about.
This list is going to be made up of real recommendations and insider knowledge about what neighbourhoods to stay in, because we all know a 5* hostel won’t make up for a 1* location.
In no particular order, I’d say you’re looking for three things:
- Location
- Safety
- Vibes
These all sort of interlink, too. If you’re way out in the suburbs, chances are you’re going to be in a shadier neighbourhood, and there won’t be that traveller vibe you’re looking for.
You want something in a good, safe neighbourhood, where there’s plenty of other travellers in the same boat as you, so you can meet people for margaritas and taco runs.
Mexico City is incredibly affordable. A street taco will cost you around 25 MXN/£1 and a Corona should set you back about 50 MXN/£2. Plus, if you want something fancier than street food, a nice meal for two, with a few drinks, shouldn’t be more than £30-£40.
Public transport (more on that in a minute) is also super affordable. There’s both a bus and an underground service.
I’m not sure if I’m ashamed or proud to say this, but we didn’t use public transport once in a whole year.
The city (or at least the parts of it that you will want to visit) is incredibly walkable. Plus, the weather is a steady 20-25° every day, so it’s not too hot and not too cold. It doesn’t even rain that much, just a quick shower at the same time every afternoon in the rainy season.
Uber is so cheap! An hour’s journey from the airport to the city centre will cost around £10-£15. The only problem is the crazy traffic…
Travelling alone is a really brave thing to do, but you may not always want to be on your own. If that sounds like you, then you may find this guide below super helpful.
How to make friends when travelling solo
Quick tip: Stay in a hostel or try a group excursion run by one. You will quickly rub shoulders with likeminded people.
Holbox Travel Safety
When you tell people you’re going to Mexico City, at least half of them will say ‘Isn’t it dangerous there’. As with most places, the answer depends on where exactly you are going and how much common sense you have.
Throughout a whole year in Mexico, we only had two sticky situations. And they weren’t that sticky, we just had to pay the police a ‘fine’ for something we didn’t do. Apart from that, we’ve not seen any real crime, pickpocketing, or anything else that’s made us feel unsafe.
But always check sites like the gov.uk foreign travel advice website. This will give you the most up-to-date information, and it will also go into specifics about which states are safer/best to avoid.
If you want a trusted third party resource for safety information, then you could check out the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Mexico Guidance.
Best hostels in CDMX for solo travellers
Having stayed in Mexico City for a while now, I’ve got a good handle on where you want to be, and most likely what you want from your accommodation. I’ve tried to break up what I think are the best 4 options to consider, based on different likely needs. Budget, Flashpacking, somewhere to work/nomad from and a bit of all options.
So, here goes, the best hostels in Mexico City. NB: If you have a recommendation of something I missed, drop me a message and I will check it out for an update. 😊
Guides to bookmark next? Where to stay in Holbox – Where to stay in Puerto Escondido.
Best budget hostel in Mexico City for solo travellers
Amongst the more affordable options of places to stay in Mexico City, this really is a bit of an underrated gem.
#1: RMS Hostel (Condesa)
Best for: Solo travellers who are budget-conscious.
RMS Hostal is a budget-friendly hostel a short walk from both Condesa and Roma. There are single and double rooms (with or without private bathrooms), as well as 4-bed and 6-bed mixed dorms.
Why stay here?
- Because you don’t want to spend more than £10 a night.
- A 7.2/10 HostelWorld rating isn’t going to scare you off.
- You want to be in one of the ‘best neighbourhoods’, but you don’t mind a bit of a walk to get to the main areas.
What’s around?
You’ll be on a quiet street just a 5-minute walk away from Parque España, which is one of the best spots for dog watching in CDMX. Hippodromo (the coolest part of La Condesa) is about a 10-minute walk away, too.
TOP TIP: You’ll be one block away from Tacos Don Juan, which is hands down the best place for birria in the city.
What’s the solo vibe like?
Prioritising the budget-friendliness means you might need to make a little sacrifice on vibes and access to facilities. RMS Hostal has a nice roof terrace with plenty of places to sit, but that’s probably going to be the only place you’ll be able to meet people. That being said, a lot of people want to save money when travelling, so there’s always the likelihood whoever you meet is going to have a lot to chat about!
The numbers
- Price per night: £9.64 for a 6-bed, mixed dorm
- Address: Calle Atlixco # 25A, colonia Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico
- Overall stars: 3.8 – Google; 7.2 – Booking; 7.2 – Hostelworld
View Prices: Hostelworld | Booking
Check Best Rates Seen View MoreMy favourite mid-range place to stay in Mexico City
If you have a little more to spend on your travels but still want to rein in your spending, without isolating yourself to a hotel and not meeting other solo travellers, then our best pick for mid range accommodation in Mexico City is a real winner.
#2 Casa Amelio (Roma)
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/casa_amelio_cdmx/
Best for: Solo travellers who want to be in and around Roma Norte.
Casa Amelio is perfectly located on Avenida Alvaro Obregon, which is one of the main roads that runs through Roma. The building itself is absolutely lovely, with loads of original features (like ceiling coving and the original courtyard) still preserved. The hostel has 6, 8, 10 and 12-bed dorms.
Solo vibe
There’s a big common room with TVs and loads of spaces to sit and chat. There are events on, but these aren’t always advertised that well, so it’s best to speak to reception to see what’s going on. You can also find the solo travel events listed with Hostelworld on the app under Casa Amelio when booked in.
Why stay here?
- You’re happy to spend a little more for a better night’s sleep (if that’s the case, I’d recommend the 6-bed pod dorm rooms over the 12-bed).
- You want to be in THE best neighbourhood, in the whole of Mexico City.
What’s around?
Taqueria Orinoco is just down the road from Casa Amelio. Just be prepared to queue.
You’ve also got Departamento, a couple of minutes away, which is one of the best late-night bars/clubs in the area. They host international nights on Tuesday, which are great for practising your Spanish and meeting people.
- Price per night: £11.50 ($14 USD) for a 12-bed mixed dorm – £23 ($30 USD) for a 6-bed dorm.
- Address: 110 Avenida Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City, Mexico
- Star rating: 3.2 – Google; 9.0 – Hostelworld; 7.9 – Booking
Best flashpacking hostel in Mexico City:
You’ve done the hard yards in your teens and early 20s. You’ve finished Uni, you’re taking a break from work, or you’ve decided to reset life and have an adult gap year. You want somewhere a little more premium to check in to, but still be able to meet others like you. I present….
#3 Apapacho (Centro)
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/apapachohostel.cdmx/?hl=en
Best for: You want to walk upstairs into the wildest party, or sit in a zen lounge with a cat in a blanket
Still a hostel, but I’m giving this one the luxury spot as it’s an incredibly social place to stay. Plus, it has private rooms so you can treat yourself to a double bed with your own en suite. Apapacho Hostel is in the old town, in a beautifully old building with incredible decor.
Solo vibe
One of the best in Mexico City.
The rooftop bar is a full-blown production. It’s not like some hostel bars, which are just a few scabby chairs and several bottles of spirits that look like they’ve been there since the 90s. It’s super glam and very lively.
Apapacho also organise group tours to tick off some of the major tourist musts, like the Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco canals, Lucho Libre shows, and food tours.
Why stay here?
- You’re serious about meeting people, but you’re completely done with dorms.
- You don’t mind staying in Centro (I said what I said, but it does have the most social hostels).
What’s around?
You’ll be 3 blocks away from the Zocalo, which is surrounded by bars, shops and cafes. It’s more commercial than places like Roma and Condesa, so imagine more Starbucks, Zara, and Nike, as opposed to individual boutiques and hipster coffee houses.
TOP TIP: If you’re into house music, Sunday Sunday is one of the best regular events in CDMX.
- Price per night: £65/$80 p/n Private Room – £33/$41 p/n 4-Bed Dorm – £23/$28 p/n 8-Bed Dorm
- Address: Calle 5 de Febrero 41, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, Mexico
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google; 9.4 – Hostelworld
Best places to stay for digital nomads
Mexico City is a popular spot for digital nomads, partly because it beats a cold wet New York or London in the dark January months. But, also due to it’s connectivity to lots of great travel spots and real sense of community. That sense of community extends to nomads with lots of startup style hubs and digital industry meetups being run across the city. When it comes to finding a good spot to stay, it helps if others there are digital nomads too as it’s going to help you network soooo much easier when you arrive.
So, for this last pick, I’m recommending digital nomads check out Casa Pancha when in town.
#4 Casa Pancha (Condesa)
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/casapancha/reels/
Best for: Digital nomads or flashpackers. This gives you that work from anywhere vibe but in a way you can meet other people too.
Probably one of the chicest hostels you will ever stay in. Full of neutrals, macrame, plants and rattan, it’s clean, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable. Casa Pancha has private rooms, as well as 6, 8 and 10-bed female-only and mixed dorms.
Solo vibe
Casa Pancha has a weekly calendar of events, so you’re definitely going to meet people. Expect yoga classes, hot air balloon trips, guided tours of the markets, and family meals. Condesa is also a really social place with a good international vibe, so you’ll always find fellow nomads occupying tables in the local cafes. They keep a group Whatsapp Chat too, so you can get to know other residents also.
Why stay here?
As a digital nomad myself, I know how excited we get when we see a good workspace. Casa Pancha has a huge common area with tables, sofas, stools, and all kinds of seating arrangements. And, the calm atmosphere means you’ll be able to get plenty of work done.
Another plus is the sleep pods, which are always great for privacy.
What’s around?
The hostel is set at one end of Avenida Mazatlan, which is full of restaurants, bars and cafes. The Patriotismo subway station is also only a few blocks away, so it’s perfect for getting around the rest of the city.
TOP TIP: El Farolito and El Califa are just around the corner from you. Make sure you try the pastor gringas.
- Price per night average: £29/$36 USD for an 8-bed mixed dorm. Privates are pricier £100/$130 USD p/n
- Address: Avenida Mazatlan 190, Mexico City, Mexico
- Star rating: 4.7 – Google; 9.0 – Booking; 9.5 – Hostelworld
View prices: Booking | Hostelworld
Check Best Rates Seen View More#AD: Slightly unrelated – but related. Looking for a ready made group of friends? Try G Adventures solo-ish group trips linked below.
SOLO TOUR DEALS: Up to 25% Off Solo-ish Tour Deals – G AdventuresTime to check out
That’s a wrap, four of the best places to stay in CDMX, which is definitely one of my favourite cities in the world. As a recap on where to stay in Mexico City, here are the links to each of those recommendations via our partner. A click doesn’t cost you more, but it rewards us for putting in the research effort.
Best for budget travellers: RMS Hostal – not the most social place, but you can’t have everything for under a tenner.
Best for the best of both: Casa Amelio – incredible location, ok facilities, fair price.
Best for flashpackers: Apapacho Hostel – one of those hostel bars that’s so good it attracts the guests from the naff hostels, too.
Best for digital nomads: Casa Pancha – a coworking space that’s so well-designed you might feel like you’re working in an interior design showroom.
Thanks for reading; thanks for supporting us by getting this far and most importantly, enjoy Mexico City. If you’ve got a deep knowledge of a location like our writers and fancy your writing abilites, then get in touch as we are always on the lookout for more locally based writers.
NEXT UP: Mexico 3 Week Itinerary