Honestly, whenever I tell people I’m heading back to CDMX, the reaction is always the same. A slight tilt of the head, a concerned squint, and that one question: "Is it safe to travel to Mexico City right now?"
It’s a fair question. You've seen the headlines about cartel wars and travel warnings that make the entire country sound like a "no-go" zone. But here’s the thing about Mexico City: it is massive. Like, 22 million people massive. Comparing a street in the upscale Polanco neighborhood to a rough patch in the outskirts is like comparing Beverly Hills to a dark alley in the Bronx. They just aren't the same world.
The Reality of Safety in CDMX
Basically, if you look at the raw data for 2026, the city is actually safer than several major U.S. hubs. According to recent crime statistics, the homicide rate in Mexico City has hovered around 8 per 100,000 people—significantly lower than places like St. Louis or New Orleans. The U.S. State Department currently gives it a "Level 2" advisory.
That means "Exercise Increased Caution."
Sounds spooky, right? Well, until you realize that London, Paris, and Berlin often carry the exact same rating. Most of the "danger" tourists face isn't organized crime or kidnappings; it’s someone swiping your iPhone 15 while you’re distracted by a beautiful mural in Roma Norte.
I’ve spent months wandering these streets. I’ve eaten tacos at 2:00 AM in Juárez and walked through the leafy parks of Condesa at sunset. I’ve never felt "hunted." But I have felt like a target when I walked around with my phone out, staring at Google Maps like a lost puppy. That’s the stuff that gets you in trouble.
Where You Stay Changes Everything
You’ve got to be smart about your "home base." Mexico City safety is hyper-local.
- Roma Norte and Condesa: These are the "digital nomad" hubs. They’re leafy, walkable, and packed with security. You’ll see people walking French Bulldogs and sipping oat milk lattes. It’s very safe, even at night, though you should still stay on well-lit main drags.
- Polanco: This is the Beverly Hills of Mexico. High-end boutiques, embassies, and private security on every corner. It’s arguably the safest spot in the city.
- Centro Histórico: This is where things get tricky. During the day, it’s a vibrant, crowded mess of history and street food. It’s great. But once the sun goes down and the shops close? It gets "crunchy." The streets empty out, and it feels a lot less welcoming. I usually tell people to head back to Roma or Polanco before 9:00 PM if they’re staying in Centro.
- Neighborhoods to Skip: You really have no reason to be in Tepito, Doctores (especially at night), or Iztapalapa. These areas have much higher crime rates and aren't built for tourism. If your GPS accidentally takes you there, just keep the windows up and keep moving.
The Transportation Game: Uber is King
Don't hail a green-and-white taxi on the street. Just don't.
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While most taxi drivers are hardworking people just trying to make a living, "taxi crime" is one of the few real risks for travelers. Express kidnappings—where they drive you to an ATM and force you to empty your account—still happen occasionally in "libre" (street-hailed) cabs.
Use Uber or Didi.
They’re incredibly cheap in Mexico City. A 20-minute ride might cost you $5 USD. You get a GPS track of your ride, the driver’s name, and a record of the transaction. It’s the single easiest thing you can do to stay safe. If you’re a woman traveling solo, the Metro also has "women-only" cars at the front of the train during rush hour. Use them. They’re a godsend when the trains get packed like sardines.
Scams You’ll Actually Encounter
Let’s talk about the "Mustard Scam."
It’s old but it still works because it’s so weird. Someone "accidentally" spills something on your back—mustard, chocolate, bird droppings—and a "helpful" stranger points it out. They offer to help you clean it up. While you’re distracted and fussing with your jacket, their partner slides your wallet out of your pocket.
If someone says you have something on your clothes, just say "Gracias" and keep walking. Clean it up when you’re inside a cafe or your hotel.
Also, watch out for the "Bird Poop" variation or the "Dropped Money" trick. Basically, if a stranger is being overly touchy or trying to "help" you with a physical mess, your internal alarm should be screaming.
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Is the Water Safe?
No.
Even locals don't drink the tap water. You won't die if you brush your teeth with it, but don't swallow a glass of it. Most reputable restaurants use purified ice and wash their produce in "microdyn" (a disinfectant), so you don't need to be terrified of the salad.
That said, "Tummy Trouble" is the most common "injury" in Mexico City. Carry some Pepto-Bismol and stay hydrated with bottled water (Agua de Piedra is the fancy local glass-bottle stuff if you want to feel bougie).
Handling Money Without Getting Robbed
Don't use the ATMs on the street.
I made this mistake once and felt like every person walking by was watching my PIN. Use the ATMs inside a bank lobby or a shopping mall. They usually have a guard and a door that locks.
Also, don't carry all your cash. Keep a "decoy" wallet with about 500 pesos (roughly $30 USD) and an old expired credit card. If—heaven forbid—someone does demand your wallet, give them the decoy and keep your real stash in a hidden pocket or your hotel safe.
The Solo Female Experience
Is it safe to travel to Mexico City as a woman alone?
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Yes, but the "Machismo" culture is real. You might get some catcalls (ignore them, don't engage), and you might get some lingering stares. Generally, the city is very protective of tourists. If you stay in the popular areas, use Uber at night, and keep your wits about you, you’ll have a blast.
One pro-tip: join a "Taco Tour" or a "Lucha Libre" group on your first night. It helps you get your bearings with a local guide and meet other travelers so you aren't always wandering solo.
Practical Steps for a Safe Trip
Look, the "danger" is mostly overblown, but "safe" doesn't mean "careless."
- Download Offline Maps: Google Maps works great, but having the offline version ensures you aren't standing on a street corner staring at a loading screen.
- Register with STEP: If you're American, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It’s free and helps the embassy find you if there’s an earthquake or a major protest.
- Get Travel Insurance: I use World Nomads or SafetyWing. For $40, you’re covered if your phone gets swiped or you end up in a clinic with "Montezuma's Revenge."
- Learn 10 Phrases: You don't need to be fluent. But "No, gracias," "La cuenta, por favor," and "Disculpe" go a long way in showing you aren't a clueless target.
- Keep Your Phone Zipped: Don't put it in your back pocket. Don't leave it on the table at a sidewalk cafe. If you're using it to navigate, keep a firm grip and be aware of who is around you.
Mexico City is one of the most beautiful, chaotic, and culturally rich places on Earth. If you spend your whole time worrying about "is it safe to travel to Mexico City," you’ll miss the magic of the street performers in Coyoacán or the smell of fresh churros at El Moro.
The city isn't out to get you. It’s just busy. Be alert, stay in the right spots, and enjoy the best tacos of your life.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the latest US State Department updates for any specific neighborhood alerts before you book. Secure a hotel in Roma Norte or Condesa for your first visit to ensure a walkable, high-security environment. Download the Uber and Didi apps and link a travel-friendly credit card to avoid handling cash for transport. Finally, purchase a cross-body bag with an internal zipper to keep your phone and wallet physically secured to your body while exploring the Centro Histórico.