You’ve seen the pictures of Mexico City – the incredible food, the colorful streets, the ancient pyramids nearby. You want to go. But there’s this one nagging question in the back of your mind, probably fueled by news headlines and concerned family members: Is it safe to travel to Mexico City?
Maybe you’ve typed “is it dangerous to travel to Mexico City” or “how safe is it to travel to Mexico City” into Google a few times already. I get it. The stories you hear can be scary, and nobody wants to be unsafe on vacation.
The simple answer is yes, Mexico City is safe for tourists to visit, especially if you use the same common sense you would in any other massive city like New York, London, or Paris. Millions of travelers- including tons of Americans- visit every year and have the time of their lives without a single problem.
But “safe” doesn’t mean “carefree.” It means being prepared. This isn’t a post to just tell you everything is perfect. This is the real-deal guide. We’re going to break down everything you need to know- from the safest neighborhoods and using Uber to whether you can walk around at night. So, is it safe to go to Mexico City right now? Let’s find out together.
What Do the Mexico Travel Warnings Mean?
First, let’s tackle the official stuff. You might have seen the U.S. State Department’s Mexico travel advisory. It can sound intimidating. Often, Mexico City itself is listed under “Exercise Increased Caution.”
But what does that really mean?
For context, that’s often the same travel advisory level given to countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The main reason is typically the risk of petty crime- like pickpocketing- which exists in every major tourist destination on the planet.
As for the scary “Do Not Travel” warnings you might see on a Mexico travel warning map 2025, those are almost always for specific states far away from Mexico City that are having issues with cartel activity. The key thing to remember is this: a warning for the state of Sinaloa is not a warning for Mexico City. It’s like seeing a crime warning for one specific neighborhood in Chicago and deciding not to visit New York City- they are completely different situations.
So, is Mexico City safe from cartel issues? For a tourist, yes. The violence you hear about in the news is overwhelmingly related to organized crime rivalries and happens far from the tourist zones of CDMX. You are not a target. The biggest risk you’ll face is someone trying to swipe your phone in a crowded market, not a scene from a Netflix show.
The Safest Neighborhoods in Mexico City for Tourists
This is the most important part of planning a safe trip. Where you stay and hang out makes all the difference. Sticking to the right areas is how you ensure your answer to “Mexico City is it safe for tourists?” is a resounding “yes!”
These neighborhoods are not just safe; they’re beautiful, fun, and packed with things to do.
| Neighborhood | The Vibe | Why It’s Safe |
| Roma (Norte & Sur) | Hip, trendy, and beautiful. Think tree-lined streets, amazing cafes, cool art galleries, and some of the best food on the planet. | Filled with locals, expats, and tourists walking around day and night. It has a strong police presence and a very relaxed, community feel. |
| Condesa | A little calmer and more upscale than Roma. Known for its gorgeous Parque México and Parque España, art deco buildings, and dog-friendly cafes. | Extremely walkable and family-friendly. It feels very residential and secure, perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls to dinner. |
| Polanco | The “Beverly Hills” of Mexico City. Home to luxury shopping on Avenida Presidente Masaryk, fine-dining restaurants, and many embassies. | Very high security presence, clean, and modern. You’ll feel incredibly safe here, though it’s less “bohemian” than Roma or Condesa. |
| Coyoacán | Historic and charming. Famous for being the home of Frida Kahlo. It has a beautiful central plaza, colorful markets, and cobblestone streets. | Feels like a small town within the big city. It’s a major tourist hub, so it’s well-policed and generally very safe, especially during the day. |
Sticking to these areas for your hotel and for most of your wandering is the #1 way to have a safe and amazing trip.
Is it Safe to Walk Around Mexico City? Your Guide to Getting Around
Okay, so you’re in a safe neighborhood. But what about just exploring on foot? Or grabbing a ride? Here’s the breakdown of all those specific questions you have.
Is it Safe to Walk in Mexico City During the Day?
Absolutely, yes. In neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and the main areas of Centro Histórico, walking around during the day is one of the best parts of the trip. The city is alive with people- locals on their lunch break, parents with strollers, tourists taking photos. This is the best way to discover hidden cafes and cool shops. Just keep your wits about you, as you would anywhere.
Is it Safe to Walk in Mexico City at Night?
This depends. In the main, well-lit restaurant and bar areas of Roma and Condesa, walking a few blocks from a restaurant back to your hotel at 10 PM generally feels very safe. The streets are still full of people.
However, I would not recommend walking long distances late at night or wandering down dark, quiet residential streets you don’t know. If it’s late or you’re going more than a 10-minute walk- just grab an Uber. It’s cheap, easy, and smart.
Is it Safe to Take Uber in Mexico City?
YES. 100%. Using Uber (or other ride-sharing apps like Didi) is the safest, most reliable, and best way to get around Mexico City, especially at night or for longer distances.
Here’s why:
- Safety Features: The ride is tracked in the app. You know your driver’s name and license plate.
- No Price Haggling: The price is set. You don’t have to worry about being overcharged, which can sometimes happen with street taxis.
- Availability: They are everywhere and usually arrive in minutes.
Honestly, don’t even bother with street-hailed taxis. Just use Uber. It’s the answer to how to travel safely.
Is it Safe to Fly to Mexico City? What About a Layover?
Yes, flying into Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is perfectly safe. It’s a modern, major international hub. Like any big airport, keep an eye on your bags, but that’s standard practice.
Is it safe to have a layover in Mexico City?
Yes. The airport itself is secure. If you have a long layover, you can safely stay within the airport. If you have 8+ hours, you could even take a registered airport taxi or an Uber to explore a nearby neighborhood for a few hours.
Is it Safe to Drive in Mexico? The Honest Answer
This is a big one, with a lot of keywords like “is it safe to drive to Mexico City” and specific routes.
- Driving to Mexico City from the U.S. Border: For most tourists, this is not recommended. It’s a very long drive, and you have to pass through states that have higher crime rates. Flying is much easier and safer.
- Driving in Mexico City: I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. The traffic is some of the most intense in the world. It’s chaotic. Don’t rent a car to use within the city. Use Uber and the Metro (subway).
- Is it Safe to Drive from Mexico City to Acapulco? This route, specifically the “Autopista del Sol,” has had security issues in the past. While many people drive it, it’s crucial to only use the toll road (cuota) and only drive during daylight hours. Never drive this route at night. Honestly, taking a first-class bus (like ADO) or flying is a much better option.
- Is it Safe to Drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca? This route is generally considered much safer than the road to Acapulco. Again, stick to the toll road and drive during the day. It’s a beautiful drive, but for peace of mind, the luxury buses are fantastic and very affordable.
Health, Food, and Water Safety
Safety isn’t just about crime. Here’s how to stay healthy.
- Don’t Drink the Tap Water: This is a golden rule. No one drinks it, not even the locals. Buy bottled water (it’s cheap and sold everywhere) or make sure your Airbnb has a large filtered water jug (a garrafón).
- Ice is Usually Fine: In restaurants, hotels, and proper bars, the ice is made from filtered water. It’s safe.
- Street Food: Go for it! Eating street food is a huge part of the CDMX experience. Just be smart. Pick stalls that are busy with locals (that means the food is fresh and good). Make sure the food is being cooked hot right in front of you. If you have a sensitive stomach, maybe avoid fresh salsas or cilantro that’s just been washed in tap water.
- Altitude Sickness: Mexico City is at a high altitude (7,349 ft / 2,240m). You might feel tired, a little breathless, or get a headache the first day. The solution is simple: drink TONS of water, take it easy your first day, and maybe limit alcohol.
Special Advice for Different Travelers
- Is it Safe for Americans to Travel to Mexico City? Yes. You will not be targeted for being American. In fact, you’ll find people to be incredibly warm and welcoming. Just don’t be a stereotypical loud tourist, and you’ll blend right in.
- Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico City Alone? Yes, Mexico City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, both male and female. The key is to follow the advice in this guide: stay in a safe neighborhood, use Uber at night, be aware of your surroundings, and let someone back home know your itinerary. You’ll see plenty of other solo travelers doing the same thing.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the answer is a clear yes.
Mexico City is an incredible, world-class destination. Don’t let fear-mongering headlines stop you from experiencing one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Your safety in Mexico City really comes down to being a smart, aware traveler.
- Stay in safe neighborhoods.
- Use Uber instead of hailing taxis.
- Don’t wear flashy, expensive jewelry.
- Keep your phone in your front pocket in crowded areas.
- Avoid walking in unfamiliar, dark areas late at night.
- Never drive long-distance routes at night.
Do these things, and you’re setting yourself up for an amazing, safe, and unforgettable trip. The only danger you’ll really be in is wanting to book your next trip back before you’ve even left.
