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Is Mexico City safe? An honest guide for visitors
Short answer
The main tourist neighbourhoods of Mexico City (the Centro by day, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán and Polanco) are generally safe with normal big-city precautions. The realistic risks are pickpocketing, phone theft and express kidnappings via unlicensed taxis, which ride-hailing apps largely avoid. Violent crime is concentrated in areas visitors rarely go.
The real risks
Pickpocketing and phone theft
On the metro, in the Zócalo, at markets and in crowds. Keep phones in front pockets and avoid displaying valuables.
Unlicensed taxis
Do not hail taxis on the street, especially at night. Use Uber, DiDi or authorised airport and hotel taxis.
ATM fraud and card skimming
Use ATMs inside banks or malls, and cover your PIN.
Altitude and air pollution
At 2,240 m, some people feel tired or short of breath for a day or two; air quality can be poor in the dry season.
Areas and times to take care
The Centro Histórico is busy and well policed by day, but its eastern streets empty out at night. Tepito, a large market area near the Centro, has a reputation for crime and is best avoided. In Roma and Condesa, normal care is enough. Be careful in the metro at rush hour, when crowds make pickpocketing easier.
Getting around safely
Use Uber or DiDi for most trips, especially at night. At the airport, buy taxi tickets at the official authorised taxi booths inside the terminal. The metro is safe and cheap but very crowded at rush hour; women-only carriages are available at the front of trains.
Solo and women travellers
Many solo women visit Mexico City without problems. Use the women-only metro carriages and Metrobús sections at busy times, take ride-hailing cars at night and stay in Roma, Condesa or Coyoacán. Catcalling happens; ignore it and keep walking. Watch your drink in bars.
Health, water and heat
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water. Street food at busy stalls where food is cooked fresh is usually fine, but avoid raw salads if you have a sensitive stomach. The altitude can cause tiredness or headaches; drink water and go easy on alcohol at first. The city lies in an earthquake zone; know the alarms and exit routes.
Official travel advice
Check your government's advice before you travel — it is updated when things change.
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Common questions
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
The main tourist neighbourhoods are generally safe with normal precautions. Use Uber at night and keep valuables out of sight.
Is the metro safe?
Yes, but it is very crowded at rush hour, when pickpocketing is common. Women-only carriages are at the front.
Is it safe to eat street food?
Mostly yes at busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you. Drink bottled water.