Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Mexico City is one of those destinations that instantly sparks strong opinions.
Some people picture vibrant streets, legendary food, and deep history, while others immediately think about crime headlines and safety concerns.
The truth sits somewhere in the middle.
Mexico City is one of the world’s largest and most vibrant capitals.
It sits high in the Valley of Mexico at about 7,349 feet (2,240 m) above sea level.
This sprawling metropolis blends ancient history and modern culture.
It’s home to incredible museums, lively neighborhoods, world-class food, and bustling plazas like the Zócalo, which is one of the biggest public squares on earth.
Tourists come to explore Aztec ruins, colonial architecture, contemporary art, and a thriving culinary scene.
But like any major city, it has its safety nuances.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Warnings & Dangers in Mexico City
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Mexico City carries a medium overall risk for travelers. This is mainly due to its size, population density, and uneven distribution of crime. Tourists are rarely targeted for violent crime in well-known neighborhoods, and most safety issues involve petty theft, scams, and situational risks rather than random attacks. That said, crime levels vary dramatically from one neighborhood to another, and a few blocks can make a big difference. Visitors who stay in central, tourist-friendly areas, use reliable transportation, and apply common-sense precautions usually have safe and enjoyable trips. Those who wander into unfamiliar zones without planning are more likely to encounter problems.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transportation in Mexico City is efficient but comes with some caveats. The Metro system is extensive and cheap, but it gets extremely crowded during rush hours. Crowds increase the risk of pickpocketing, especially if you're on busy lines and platforms. Buses and minibuses are widely used by locals, but signage can be confusing for visitors, and some of the routes pass through less secure areas. Street taxis are where caution matters most, as unregulated taxis have been linked to overcharging and occasional theft. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are generally safer and widely used by both locals and tourists. Authorized taxi stands, especially at airports and hotels, are also reliable.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Pickpocketing is one of the most common crimes affecting visitors, and the risk is high, particularly in crowded environments. Busy markets, public transport, tourist attractions, and festivals are prime hunting grounds, where thieves are skilled, fast, and often work in groups. Backpacks worn on your back, open purses, and phones held loosely are easy targets. Distraction techniques like bumping into you, asking questions, or spilling something on you are commonly used. The good news is that awareness goes a long way, and travelers who stay alert and secure their belongings usually avoid issues entirely.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Mexico City sits in a seismically active region, and earthquakes are a real, though infrequent, risk. The city has experienced significant earthquakes in the past, which have led to stricter building codes and improved emergency preparedness. Most modern buildings are designed to handle seismic activity. Seasonal flooding can also occur during the rainy months, particularly in low-lying areas. Air quality can be another concern, especially for travelers with respiratory issues. Natural risks are manageable, but it's smart to know emergency procedures and pay attention to local alerts.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Muggings do happen, but they're far less common in tourist-heavy areas during daylight hours. The risk increases at night, in poorly lit streets, and in neighborhoods with little foot traffic. Most muggings are opportunistic rather than violent, and visible valuables, intoxication, or wandering alone late at night can increase risk. If you stick to populated areas, avoid shortcuts, and use transportation at night, you can significantly reduce your chances of encountering problems.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk of terrorism in Mexico City is considered low, and there's no consistent history of terrorist attacks targeting tourists or public spaces in the city. While organized crime exists in Mexico, it's typically not directed at visitors and rarely affects tourist areas directly. Public events, government buildings, and tourist attractions maintain a security presence. For travelers, terrorism is not a major safety concern compared to petty crime.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Scams targeting tourists are relatively common, and they range from mild inconveniences to more serious financial losses. Common scams include fake police officers asking to inspect money, inflated taxi fares, ATM "helpers," and distraction scams in busy areas. Bars and clubs occasionally overcharge tourists or pressure them into paying excessive bills. The best defense is awareness. You should use ATMs inside banks, avoid unsolicited help, and question anything that feels rushed or off.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Mexico City poses a medium risk for women travelers. Many women visit solo and report positive experiences, but extra caution is necessary. Street harassment can occur, especially in crowded or less tourist-oriented neighborhoods, and nighttime travel alone increases vulnerability. Women travelers can benefit from staying in central neighborhoods, using rideshare apps after dark, and dressing in a way that blends in rather than stands out. With preparation and awareness, Mexico City can still be an empowering and enjoyable destination for women.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Tap water in Mexico City is not considered safe for visitors, and even locals often rely on filtered or bottled water. Drinking untreated tap water can cause stomach illness, even if it appears clean. Remember, this includes brushing teeth and washing produce. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels and restaurants also use purified water for ice, but it's still wise to ask when in doubt.
Safest Places to Visit in Mexico City
Mexico City boasts several neighborhoods that are both fascinating and considered safer for travelers.
Condesa and Roma Norte are leafy, walkable areas with restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues that are popular with visitors.
Polanco offers upscale shopping and dining, and the Centro Histórico gives easy access to historic landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes, with regular police presence and surveillance.
Chapultepec Park, home to museums and green spaces, is also a major draw and generally safe during the day.
These areas have strong tourist infrastructure and more frequent patrols, which contribute to a more relaxed experience for visitors.
Places to Avoid in Mexico City
Just like other megacities, Mexico City has neighborhoods that are best avoided, especially for first-time visitors.
Tepito is known for street crime and counterfeit markets.
Doctores has a mixed reputation with reports of theft and auto-related crime.
Iztapalapa, though home to cultural sites, also sees higher crime rates compared to central tourist districts.
The La Merced Market area is incredibly vibrant, but it can attract pickpockets.
These areas aren’t strictly “no-go” zones for locals, but as a visitor with limited time and local context, safer neighborhoods provide a more comfortable experience.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico City
- Stay in Safe Neighborhoods: Base yourself in Condesa, Roma Norte, Polanco, or Centro Histórico. These areas are well-patrolled, walkable, and close to major sites.
- Use Trusted Transport: It’s best to choose ride-hailing apps or authorized taxis over hailing random street cabs, especially at night.
- Secure Your Belongings: Keep your bags zipped, wallets out of easy reach, and avoid flashy jewelry. Pickpockets target crowded places like markets and transit hubs, so stay more alert in these locations.
- Avoid Tap Water: Drink bottled or filtered water, and remember that also applies to the ice in drinks, along with water for brushing your teeth and cooking. Tap water can carry bacteria that new travelers aren’t used to.
- Stay Alert in Crowds: Tourist hotspots like Zócalo, Chapultepec, and busier metro stations are where pickpockets operate most, so staying alert is essential.
- Know the Emergency Numbers: Save local emergency contacts and your embassy’s information in case you need assistance, just in case something goes wrong during your visit.
- Don’t Walk Alone at Night: After dark, stick to busy, well-lit streets or use a rideshare. That’s especially true for women, but men can be victims of crime, as well. Always err on the side of caution.
- Learn Basic Spanish Phrases: A few local phrases can help you communicate and reduce misunderstandings, so you can do things like ask for items, negotiate prices, find the bathroom, and order at restaurants.
- Watch Out for Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited help at ATMs or fake officials asking to check IDs or currency. These are common scams that work on many tourists.
- Stay Informed: Check local advisories and news reports before and during your trip to stay aware of changing safety conditions, in case you need to move locations or make other changes to your itinerary.
So... How Safe Is Mexico City Really?
Mexico City is a captivating metropolis full of culture, history, and soul.
Like any sprawling city with more than 20 million people, it has areas that require caution and others where visitors can feel relaxed and secure.
Crime rates have fluctuated, but many parts of the city have improved security and a dedicated tourist police presence.
Petty crime like pickpocketing and scams remains the most common issue visitors like you may face, particularly in high-traffic areas and on public transport.
By paying attention to your surroundings and keeping your valuables secured and out of sight, you’ll be less of a target and can reduce your risk of loss significantly.
Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare if you stick to well-known neighborhoods and avoid risky situations.
Daytime exploration of major attractions and using reliable transportation significantly reduces your risks, as well.
Natural hazards like earthquakes are a factor, as the city is in a seismic zone, but buildings are designed with that in mind.
Additionally, preparedness and awareness matter.
In short, Mexico City can be a safe destination for travelers who blend common-sense precautions, neighborhood awareness, and cultural respect.
Many visitors enjoy the city without incident, and its vibrant experiences often outweigh the risks when approached thoughtfully.
How Does Mexico City Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Leon |
68 |
| Nogales |
50 |
| Merida |
82 |
| Los Cabos |
78 |
| Matamoros |
35 |
| Huatulco |
88 |
 Bridgeport | 57 |
| Salem | 81 |
| Berkeley | 64 |
| Dunwoody | 74 |
| Costa Mesa | 83 |
| Guthrie | 84 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most tourists from the U.S., Canada, and many other countries don't need a visa for short stays under 180 days. You'll receive a tourist card (FMM) upon entry, and you need to hold onto it until your departure. Always check your home country's requirements before travel, as well, to make sure you're not overlooking or forgetting something that could ruin your trip.
Currency
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso (MXN). To make your visit more convenient, exchange some currency before arrival or use ATMs in secure locations. You'll want to have some cash on you for street vendors and other situations. Credit cards are also widely accepted in restaurants and at tourist attractions.
Weather
Mexico City enjoys a mild climate year-round, with dry seasons (November through April) and summer rains (May through October). No matter what time of year you visit, you'll want to pack some layers. Evenings can be cool, even in the summer months, while daytime sun at altitude feels strong.
Airports
The main airport is Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). It's well-connected by taxi, rideshare, and public buses, so you have options to choose from. If you plan your transfer, you'll increase both your convenience and your safety.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended. It protects against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected situations, giving you peace of mind while you explore the area. Make sure you're choosing insurance from a reputable company, and understand what's covered before agreeing to the policy.
Mexico City Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
21 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Low °C |
6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
| High °F |
70 | 73 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 72 | 68 |
| Low °F |
43 | 45 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 54 | 54 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 43 |
A beautiful place
Mexico City is a beautiful place to visit. It might not be the safest around but I personally like it very much. Been there a few times already so I know the lay of the land and know what to look out for.
Is it safe?
Can you share more from your experience of being there a few times before? I am going there for work in about 2 months, is it safe for a family with kids to visit? thanks.
Amazing!
Been a couple of times, never felt unsafe even when traveling outside of the city. It’s a huge city so have your wits about you and you’ll be fine. There are certain areas to avoid but that’s the case with most major cities. Food is amazing, people are very friendly…not many speak English like they do in Cancun or PVR but overall a mazing city to explore.
Feels safe if you're aware of surroundings
It felt quite safe, especially compared to other places I’ve lived like Whitechapel in East London. I went by myself for a week (I’m a young women who doesn’t look Mexican) and it was fine – I just stayed in the popular areas, visited the major museums and the big park, and only walked around Roma Norte and Condesa at night by myself (no other areas). Otherwise, after dark I took Ubers (no taxis). I dressed nicely but nothing expensive and when in doubt, kept my phone out of view. Ubers are pretty cheap there so I didn’t take the metro at all – I don’t know what that’s like. Everyone was very friendly and I enjoyed my visit.
I would just say be street smart (don’t show it or talk about it if you have money, don’t carry your passport around, don’t get drunk by yourself, don’t explore random neighbourhoods you’re not familiar with, don’t talk to random people in the street, go in a store if you need directions, wear a cross body bag that closes and not a backpack, don’t dress like an American tourist – too casual, gymwear etc.)
My only big issue was that I had a lot of stomach problems even though I only went to restaurants recommended by friends so if you have a delicate stomach read reviews before eating somewhere and take probiotic supplements before and during your trip.
Act like a local. Stay in good neighborhoods.
Mexico city is a amazing city lots of things to do
And have fun. Museums. Historical places. Great
Gastronomical choices. Great night life.be courteously to Mexicans. dont be arrogant. act like a Mexican. Respect the culture. And way of
Life of Mexican.and you will have a great time
In this great city I’m Colombian. From USA and
I feel safe in Mexico than in my own country
I love Mexico and the Mexican peopke🇲🇽👍😍
México city a must visit!!!
Mexico city is a beautiful City with so much to see and do.
The tours from and in Mexico City are fantastic. Teóteuacan or Sun and Moon pyramid’s are a must see! The food is fantastic the people friendly! Plan a trip today. You will not be disappointed.
Should I visit?
I want to know if I should visit Mexico City or not, is it fun? are there good stuff to see? I wish I could just travel anywhere without fear, but I am concerned with all the horror stories I have heard on Mexico and drug cartels. do you think Mexico city is ok for me to visit?
Overall, I would say it is not “safe” but it is also not “unsafe”. If you stay in an area that has money, you have nothing to worry about but if you are going on a budget vacation, then you REALLY need to research where you are staying and the surrounding areas. There are lots to do, see, and plenty of great places to eat!
VERY SAFE
Most of the country (75%) is safe, most of the violence in the whole country is related to drug and is always between the cartels/gangs. Mexico City is just like any other city, it has its good and bad parts but most of them are good. Don’t be closed minded and ignorant, not the whole country is ran by cartels or violence, 50 million people visit Mexico and 99.99% of them don’t experience or see violence.
Reading this review
I get mixed feelings when reading this review, on one hand, the overall risk is medium, however, from everything I’ve heard of Mexico I always thought it was more dangerous than that, I going to go there anyway, just can’t help but feel like it might not be safe for my kids, we live in a small town where safety never felt like an issue before. any advice you can share will be appreciated, thanks!
Safe if you don’t go outside tourists hotspots
Having lived in MC for half a year when I got to explore both the good and the bad.
Areas populated with tourists are safe, you might see the occasional pickpocket but a trained eye will immediately catch it. If you travel by subway be careful when people are shoving into you, this is a go-to method to get close to you so they can empty your pockets. You can either keep your hand in the pocket where your phone/wallet is or use a waist bag, there’s a ton of cool ones now, not your usual dad waist bag. A paper copy of your id is enough, you don’t need to lug around the real deal, that’s another thing to worry about.
Avoid buying things in the street: expensive jewelry that has massive discounts to phones, you might find yourself having to go to the police station to declare how stolen goods ended in your possession. The same goes for tickets to spas or other activities, you should buy these directly from the source, not in the middle of the street.
Taxis are one of the things that annoyed me the most, they overcharge like hell and very often the conditions are awful, with unclean cars and reckless driving. We switched to uber after finally deciding we had enough, best decision ever!
Since things are usually happening here, I would check the travel advisory recommendations for the city before booking a trip. If they say to avoid a certain area/barrio, do just that. Don’t risk your life for the perfect Insta pic.
Their street food is an absolute must, the spicier the better. One word of caution though: scan the area and go for the vendor that seems to put more thought into preparing the meal, you want to look for clean hands, avoiding touching the food directly, fresh-looking ingredients etc.
Areas worth checking: Santa Fe, Xochimilco, Roma, Centro Histórico, San Ángel, Coyoacán.
Mostly Safe, One of a kind city
I have visited CDMX many times for prolonged periods and can say this city is not only extremely unique and beautiful, but it is actually very safe in the popular areas (which are the only areas most visitors will be in anyway).
Areas like Condesa, Roma Norte, Reforma, Polanco, Lomas, and Pedregal are safe during the day and night. There are many wealthy residents and tourists walking with expensive bags and such during the day in these areas.
You’ll find a near-infinite number of art and design galleries, historic museums, amazing restaurants, ancient sites, open plazas with fountains, and my absolute favorite feature of the city, the greenery! CDMX is covered in trees, plants, flowers, etc to keep the dust and dirt in place, but it ends up adding the most memorable charm to many neighborhoods. Condesa’s Calle Amsterdam has a center walkway covered in greenery and is one of the most memorable places to take a Sunday stroll before breakfast.
Polanco is the best place to go shopping or out for lunch, especially if you want to be seen. People dress their best in Polanco, and you’ll see many luxury stores and expensive cars up and down the main shopping avenue.
My favorite neighborhood, and the safest in the city, is Lomas (there are actually several Lomas, but they’re all safe).
Politicians, celebrities, actors, etc all live in Lomas, and as such, it is very quiet, safe, and has some of the best restaurants and small boutiques.
If you have a higher budget, I’d definitely recommend staying in Polanco or Lomas. El Centro is really stunning, and the architecture cannot be missed, but it is not as safe or clean as the rest of the popular areas of the city. You’ll find some of the best bars and clubs here, and many trendy rooftop lounges and restaurants favorited by locals and visitors alike.
However, El Centro, being the tourist hotspot of the city, attracts pick-pockets and wandering eyes (much like NYC’s Times Square).
In general, like most major international cities, you should use common sense to blend in when necessary, but in most popular areas, this is not a problem. Definitely come prepared with some Spanish, as many people do not speak English well, but they will try. Overall, if you’ve ever thought about visiting CDMX, do it! Deserves a higher score.
However, do NOT go to any bad areas. Luckily, they are easy to avoid and you most likely won’t even drive/Uber through one as they are not near the city center. These areas are not safe for tourists, especially ones who do not speak Spanish.
Police in México is very corrupt
I was mugged by mexican police, they said that was cheaper for my use the taxi on the taxi station, the put me inside the taxi, when I asked the price was higher than taxis from the street, don’t trust the police from there. If you just go to tourist places is normal like majority of countries.
AVOID TAXIS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Well, we travelled to Mexico City in a group of six and stayed in a hotel near to Zócalo. In the first night, we went to Condesa. When we were coming back to our hotel, we stopped a taxi on the street. The taxi driver was so fucking disrespectful. talked about sex during the whole travel and mocked about our accent, because we pronounce “Moya” (the name of the street) differently. After that, the taxi driver left us “near” to our hotel (like 6 blocks away) at 10pm. There were no people on the streets. It was really, really scary.
A couple of days after, we went to Bosques de Chapultepec by metro. Another disgusting experience. Two men tried to sexually harass us. The train was crowded and no one said nothing about that, acting like that was normal.
We got scammed too. On our last day, we walked nearby the hotel by day. We arrived to Làzaro Cardenas street. People there sell stolen items, mainly Apple products and cellphones. One of us wanted to fix her iPhone battery and left it. We came back on a hurry because we had to go to the airport and she got her phone with the new battery. Surprise: they replaced the original display of the phone with a fake one, so Face ID didn’t work correctly.
This is a sad story, because Mexico City is a gorgeous and very interesting place to visit. Such a shame, I would really love to come back, but this makes me think twice about that…
Nice city
Nice city I think it should have a higher security rating, maybe 60%
City duality makes and breaks it.
If you’re a non-NA white person you’re going to have a completely different experience to a Filipino or African American. Customs are more likely to reject you if you are from another developing country than a Western country, especially if you are a single woman. South Asians, Africans and Muslims are also more likely to be rejected. Make sure you have proof of exit/return before arrival.
Do your research on the area you want to stay in, every Barrio offers something different. Stayed there in BJ for 2-months. Lovely, family-orientated Barrio, never had any issues with crime. Centre is beautiful during the day, but menacing at night. The Police in tourist areas like Roma Norte or Coyoacan won’t usually bother you, though if you go further out into parts of Tlalpan, they’re thugs that extort and beat locals. That being said, don’t be afraid to leave tourist hotspots if you have a local friend or guide, just make sure you take some measures to blend in (dress like the locals, try speak Spanish, no flash etc).
Metro is very modern and clean, with segregated carriages for Women/Kids. Anthropology museum is world-class, as is the museum of fine arts in the centre. Very car-centric city, so best take an Uber if you don’t want to use the metro or trolley-bus. Walk in the parks, not between Barrios.
The quality of fruit and veg you can find here is far better and cheaper than Europe. The tacos, tamales, café de la olla, cremas, crepas and drinking chocolate are top-notch. The meat and bread are similar to the rest of North America. Don’t eat the salmon. Most of the processed food is crammed full of sugar and fat. The local cheese tends to emphasise texture over taste. The country as a whole has foods and drinks you might never have heard of, like agua jamaica, or cempasuchil ice cream, so check them out while you can.
Sadly, pollution is dismal, tap-water is pathogenic, and the random tamales peddlers blasting down the street can take some getting used to. There were some obvious signs of drug problems, people lying unconscious and scarred outside the Jamaica markets, vendors drinking on the job, and the homeless…
Sporadically, surrounding the centre, you may stumble across a refugee camp on the city street, usually the widows or orphans of cartel violence from other parts of the country.
Overall Mexico City is a city of vibrance and violence. In the right places, you will never want to leave; in the wrong places, you’ll count your stars back to the airport.
Best experience in a Major Crowded city…lived in Paris for 5 years, but this place is packed, though the Metro is not as stinky. As someone else mentioned above, there are separate carriages for women and children. Been to the most touristy places in el Zocalo, Coyoacan (Frida Kahlo house),Mercado Ciudadelas, walked at night from a Walmart, and had absolutely no problems, not from thugs, nor corrupt police. I used a blend of Ubers and Metro, since sometimes you might even get faster using the latter (and cheaper of course 5MXN!)
3 happy years spent as a solo female. Even took the metro and metrobus. Stay in female cars tho as I’ve had 2 guys rub up against me in a sexual way. And once someone pulled the equivalent of $2 out my pocket at 5am on NYE… I had like $50 in the other and just felt blessed! LOL Walked home from Condesa at 3am with NO issues. Some areas have prostitutes but they’re harmless and usually only in low income areas. The only unsafe areas are the HOOD (La Languila, La Merced, etc.) But I’ve been to La Merced 2X without issue. I am AA and dont look local
Chris
excelent
Mexico City really does have that wild mix of chaos and charm; I never expected to find some of the best tacos right next to ancient ruins!
There’s something about wandering through those vibrant streets and tasting the incredible food that makes the city’s energy feel so alive, even if it comes with some safety concerns to keep in mind.