Mexico City (CDMX)

Population: 21,900,000

elevated

Overview

Mexico City is a manageable security environment with proper precautions. Violence is highly localized—wealthy areas like Polanco, Roma, Condesa, and Santa Fe are generally safe, while northern and eastern colonias require caution. The primary criminal organization is La Unión Tepito, focused mainly on retail drug sales rather than cartel warfare. Express kidnapping remains a concern.

General Guidance

Use only Uber/DiDi or hotel-arranged transport—never street taxis. Stay in secure colonias. Avoid displaying wealth. Be aware of surroundings in crowded areas like Metro stations. Generally safe for business and tourism with situational awareness.

Neighborhoods

Generally Safe (5)

Polanco

2/10

TouristBusiness

Upscale neighborhood with embassies, luxury hotels, and high-end shopping. Heavy security presence.

Risks: Opportunistic theft, Express kidnapping (rare)

Safe for walking day and night. Standard awareness for petty crime around ATMs.

Roma Norte

2/10

Tourist

Trendy neighborhood popular with tourists and expats. Art galleries, restaurants, cafes.

Risks: Phone snatching, Petty theft

Generally safe. Avoid displaying expensive electronics. Use rideshare apps.

Condesa

2/10

Tourist

Bohemian neighborhood adjacent to Roma. Parks, restaurants, nightlife.

Risks: Petty theft, Late night incidents

Safe during day. Use rideshare after midnight. Avoid Parque México very late.

Santa Fe

2/10

Business

Modern business district with corporate headquarters and upscale malls.

Risks: Traffic accidents, Opportunistic car theft

Safe for business. Use corporate transport or Uber Black for meetings.

Coyoacán

2/10

TouristResidential

Historic neighborhood, home to Frida Kahlo museum. Residential feel with weekend markets.

Risks: Petty theft at markets

Safe for tourism. Arrive early for Frida Kahlo museum to avoid crowds.

Exercise Caution (1)

Centro Histórico

4/10

Tourist

Historic downtown with Zócalo, museums, and colonial architecture. Crowded and touristy.

Risks: Pickpocketing, Scams, Demonstrations

Visit during day. Avoid side streets after dark. Watch for protests near Zócalo.

High Risk / Avoid (3)

Tepito

9/10

Notorious barrio controlled by La Unión Tepito. Major retail drug market and stolen goods.

Risks: Robbery, Assault, Drug-related violence, Kidnapping

DO NOT ENTER. No legitimate reason for visitors. Even police avoid certain blocks.

Iztapalapa

7/10

Residential

Large working-class borough in eastern CDMX. High crime rates.

Risks: Robbery, Carjacking, Assault

Avoid unless essential business. Use only vetted transport. Don't walk alone.

Doctores

6/10

Central neighborhood with medical facilities but high street crime.

Risks: Robbery, Assault, Phone snatching

Transit through only. Don't walk—use rideshare point to point.