Updated September 11, 2023

Traveling to Mexico City solo? You’re going to have a great time! We have created this guide to solo travel to Mexico City, from where to stay, to where to eat, to how to keep safe, and which activities to check out.

Getting around Mexico City solo

The two main ways of getting around Mexico City are transfers and the Mexico City metro train.

Locals say that either option makes traveling around Mexico City easy. Transfers, for obvious reasons, and the metro because it has cars designated for women and children only. (This can be an excellent option if you’re a woman traveling alone.) 

Eating solo in Mexico City

One of the most intimidating activities while traveling alone can be finding a place to eat. But it can also be a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food (without having to share) and to reflect on your day. If you’re wondering where to eat in Mexico City, locals definitely have suggestions—especially for solo travelers.

• Try the street food: An excellent and easy option for dining solo is to hit up Mexico City’s street food scene. You’ll find street food all over Mexico City. Locals suggest trying the classics—tacos al pastor, tamales, and tlacoyos. Yum.
• Go to a food hall: Locals tell us that spots like the Mercado Roma (in Roma) are good for solo travelers. These food halls have open seating and tons of different options. Plus, locals love Mercado Roma's rooftop bar. 
• Treat yo self: Reservations are easy when you only need a table for one. So why not check out some of the world’s best restaurants? Two of them, Pujol and Quintonil, are in Mexico City’s posh Polanco neighborhood.

Eating out solo can be intimidating. Luckily, there is also the option of joining one of the many food tours run in Mexico City. This way you can taste all the delicious food, but also learn the rich culture behind it!

Local tip: No matter where you go, be sure you know how to tip in Mexico City! And don't drink the tap water. You can buy plastic water bottles during your stay, or invest in a reusable water bottle before your trip if you want to travel more sustainably. 

The best places to stay for solo travelers

No matter what your budget, Mexico City offers some excellent choices for where to stay. First step: narrow down which of Mexico City’s amazing neighborhoods you want to call home for a bit. Locals say that Roma and Condesa are among the top choices—well-traveled and central, they offer a safe and vibrant atmosphere for solo travelers. 

Next, figure out what kind of place you want to stay at—hostel, hotel, or Airbnb? All three options are solid. You can find some unreal places to stay in Mexico City!

Hostels definitely won’t break the bank—you can find options in shared rooms for less than $10 USD per night. For hotels and Airbnb, it depends on your level of luxe (but the exchange rate is pretty excellent). And Mexico City has some pretty fantastic hotels for travelers on a budget.

Local tip: If your travel style is more about getting off the beaten path and staying under budget, then you may want to check out San Rafael or Juarez. 

The best places to visit solo

One of the best things about traveling in Mexico City alone is there’s no need to squabble over when to go where—*you* get to choose (and with so many great places to visit, that’s important).

Mexico City is full of amazing landmarks, and you can take your time admiring the iconic El Angel or checking out the Zocalo without anyone bugging you about having to move on to the next activity. Seeing the Diego Rivera murals at the Palacio Nacional or checking out the incredible art at Museo Soumaya are wonderful solo activities.

Local tip: Joining a tour or a shared activity can be a good way of getting the most out of your solo trip. It can be difficult to plan and navigate around Mexico city on your own, especially if you want to explore and learn as much as possible in a short time. Check out the big range of activities to choose from in Mexico City!

Tips for solo female travel in Mexico City

Mexico City is generally safe, even for women traveling alone. However, there are some key things that solo female travelers should keep in mind.

Here are some useful tips to consider:

• Dress conservatively: In Mexico City, it's wise to opt for more modest clothing, such as skirts or long pants. You'll notice that shorts aren't very common in the city.
• Keep an eye on drinks: Keep an eye on your drink and don’t accept a drink from a stranger. You know—like you would at home.
• Know some Spanish: You don’t need to know Spanish, but it can be useful, especially while navigating the city. Learn a few key phrases in Spanish to keep in your back pocket.
• Get a cross-body purse: One of the most common crimes in Mexico City is pickpocketing, so get a purse you can wear across your body. Or a fanny pack (fanny packs are in now!).
• If you get catcalled, ignore it: As a woman traveling alone, you might hear a hissing noise. This is actually the Mexican equivalent of a wolf whistle. The best thing to do is to ignore it and keep walking—just like when this annoyance happens at home. 
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Places to avoid in Mexico City while solo (or otherwise)

There are tons of great neighborhoods in Mexico City to stay in, but also some to avoid. Locals suggest all travelers avoid these neighborhoods:

• Doctores: Although Doctores borders the safer, central Roma, it should be avoided.
• Tepito: People call Tepito Barrio Bravo because you’d have to be brave to visit. Take the hint—avoid!  
• Iztapalapa: Used by drug traffickers, Iztapalapa should be avoided by visitors to Mexico City.
• Ciudad Neza: Ciudad Neza may have a bright future, but for now it’s best to steer clear of this part of town.
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Solo travel safety tips

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Mexico City concern safety. Mexico City is a safe place to visit—just take the same precautions you would at home. Don’t go to neighborhoods with bad reputations, don’t flash cash or valuables, stay aware of your surroundings and stick with the crowds.

Keep these basic rules in mind and your solo trip to Mexico City will be incredible.