Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and a popular metropolitan area. The city is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas. It is among some of the largest cities in the world, so it is no surprise that the city attracts millions of visitors each year. Mexico City has a rich history which is filled with its proud people, flavorful cuisine, beautiful artwork and much more. Some of the city’s most popular features celebrate the creative feats of Mexico. The Palacio de Bellas Artes and Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA) are popular cultural attractions. The ancient ruins of Mexico are also intriguing, since the country has such a vibrant heritage. There is undoubtedly plenty for tourists to do while visiting Mexico City, regardless of the type of traveler that they are.
But not all of Mexico City is tourist friendly. Travelers wanting to visit Mexico should be sure to do research on the specific area they want to visit. The safety of Mexico varies by location. Urban areas, like Mexico City, that are highly populated are usually not the safest locations. Check out our review of Mexico City’s safety level and travel recommendations.
Best Travel Advisories
Staying informed is a critical element of having safe travel experiences. Official travel advisories can provide prior warning to political unrest that can lead to public violence, inform people of places to avoid and overall deliver pertinent information that could impact safety while abroad.
The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory is a great resource for reports on certain districts of Mexico and safety threat levels. It categorizes destinations by where not to travel to, reconsider travel to, exercise increased caution when traveling to and exercise normal precautions when traveling to. Mexico City has consistently been categorized as a place to exercise increased caution while visiting. This means that travelers should be observant while in the area, but not extremely wary.
Another helpful platform is an embassy, which many governments have established with local governments to assist their citizens or provide as a place of refuge. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has an informational website for advice on travel. It also provides services for cases of emergencies and issues traveling or living in Mexico. There is a location in Mexico City, which may make travelers feel more comfortable since they would have a physical (and virtual) place for safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) also regularly updates its health advisory. They have an office in Mexico City and provide accurate statistics on local health and concerns. WHO’s website provides detailed information on Mexico’s COVID cases, other relevant health observations and even travel advice based on the status of the country.
So, Is Mexico City Safe for Tourists?
Overall, Mexico City is not the safest location for tourists to visit in Mexico. There are plenty of other cities that are a lot safer, like Cozumel. The crime in Mexico City is technically moderate, so it is not the best nor the worst in terms of safety. This does not mean that travelers should avoid visiting Mexico City, since it is an overall welcoming destination.
In fact, Mexico City has a lower crime rate in these categories: burglary, physical injuries and (other types of) theft. The highest number of crimes were public transport robbery and fraud. Given these categories, Mexico is relatively safe and can be visited safely if travelers exercise caution. While urban areas are more likely to have crime, there are plenty of ways to stay safe while in Mexico City.
According to the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, the main concern when traveling to Mexico is local crime. Both non-violent and violent crimes occur in the city but travelers should be most concerned with safety at night time. There are police that patrol tourist areas, so travelers can feel a sense of security. Petty crime occurs in Mexico City but tourists are not known to be targets (in particular).
How To Stay Safe in Mexico City
It is important to remember that most travel destinations present some type of safety threat and that travelers should position themselves so they do not fall victim to common threats. Travelers wanting to avoid any danger or complications during their Mexico travels should simply exercise an increased amount of precautions. Visitors of Mexico City should stay aware while in public spaces since this will help to avoid pickpocketing. Since petty theft is the main concern while in Mexico City, as long as travelers use common sense and are careful with their belongings they should be safe. Use caution when out and about, especially in areas that seem less tourist-friendly. Tourists should try to avoid going out alone late at night in an unfamiliar environment.
Transportation safety is particularly important for travelers that do not have their own car while visiting Mexico City. While it is perfectly normal to catch a ride on public transportation, it is important to try to avoid unwanted attention. To do so, travelers should be sure to not fall asleep while on public transportation. Those using public transportation should do their best to secure their belongings closely to them and never leave their bags unattended. During night time, it is probably best to use rideshare apps to get around since public transportation can become slightly more dangerous under the guise of nightfall.
Where To Stay in Mexico City
Travelers should try to avoid certain areas of Mexico City during their visit. Neza, Doctores, Tepito, Ecatepec and Iztapalapa are the areas in which most crime is reported. These areas are where there is a higher rate of violent crime and robbery. They are not as safe as areas like Centro Historico, Condesa and Zona Rosa. These safe areas are central and are home to some of the most popular must-see attractions of Mexico City. They are lively places but they also have a regular police presence that helps to increase safety. There are also hip (and safe) areas that are less tourist-populated, for travelers who prefer to be surrounded by locals. Polanco, San Rafael and Polcanco are more intimate areas that both locals and tourists feel safe in.
Best Time To Visit Mexico City
The best time to visit Mexico City is during the shoulder season. Between November and April, the weather is even more suitable. The summer months bring rain and the city is on a plateau with an elevation of over 7,000 feet high. Between June and September there is a nearly 80% chance of rain daily, which means travelers will see a lot of rain if they do not plan accordingly.
Safety In Mexico
Is Mexico City safe for American Tourists? Yes, Mexico City is a place that many Americans frequently visit. Aside from from some crime threats, travelers are relatively comfortable
What is the safest place in Mexico? Merida, which is located in the Yucatan State, is one of the safest places in Mexico. It is affordable and has lower crime rates.
