This is a guest post by Mal Hellyer.
Mexico City is definitely not the easiest destination to travel to as a solo female, especially if you come from a small town like me. Its sheer size can be overwhelming – with over 20 million people spread across its sprawling and very distinct neighbourhoods. This metropolis is packed with the buzzing energy of crowd masses and traffic, colours and scents of yummy street food – it sure is overwhelming! But it’s precisely this sensory overload that makes Mexico City so thrilling to visit.
I spent several months in CDMX. My first trip was short, and I made a lot of mistakes, like staying in the wrong neighbourhood or using local taxis. But by my second trip, which lasted four months, I had things figured out and ended up having a much more rewarding and stress-free experience.
In this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you make the most of your first trip to Mexico City – so that you skip the mistakes and have an epic time from the start!
Best Places To Stay For Solo Female Travelers
The most important piece of advice you’ll get from me is to choose the right place to stay. Mexico City neighbourhoods are not all equal, and choosing the right one can either make or break your trip!
La Condesa
La Condesa is where I stayed and would gladly return to on my next trip. I loved its leafy streets, Art Deco townhouses and two large parks – Parque Espana and Parque Mexico – the centre of the neighbourhood social life, where locals come to work out or walk their dogs. The area felt incredibly safe, and I loved the expat atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where I could easily imagine living full-time.
Roma Norte
Roma Norte, located near La Condesa, has a very similar feel but with a more vibrant nightlife scene. The neighbourhood transforms after dark with a wide variety of trendy cocktail bars and nightclubs. While Condesa has a more residential, laid-back vibe, Roma Norte feels a bit more upscale and chic.
Polanco or Reforma
If you’re a luxury traveler used to staying in world-renowned hotels like the Hilton, consider Polanco or Reforma. These areas are home to high-end shopping, fine dining, and luxurious accommodation options.
Best Things To Do As A Solo Female In CDMX
#1 Teotihuacan Pyramids
Hands down, the best day trip from Mexico City, whether you’re into ancient history or not, is a visit to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. The site is truly massive and very impressive, with its most iconic feature, the Pyramid of the Sun, standing 66 meters tall. It’s one of the largest pyramids in the world and even larger than Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza in terms of base size.
Since Teotihuacan is located outside the city, I highly recommend booking an organized tour. The tours are very affordable, and it’s always more meaningful to explore such a historic site with an experienced guide who can bring context to what you see.
#2 Food Tour
One of the best things from my solo trip to Mexico City was taking a food tour in the chic neighbourhood of Roma Norte. I recommend doing it as soon as you arrive because the tour gives you a nice overview of Roma and Mexico City in general. It’s a great way to pick up pro tips and local recommendations for what to see and where to eat.
It’s a fun afternoon spent eating at around five different places, chatting with fellow travelers and a local guide who’s happy to answer anything you’re curious about.
#3 Historic Centre
No visit to Mexico City is complete without exploring its historic centre, and there’s so much to see! I decided to take an introductory tour around the area because I wanted to learn about its historical significance, but of course, it’s totally up to you.
Start at Zocalo, home to the most important landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and ruins of the Templo Mayor – an ancient Aztec temple. Next, head to Terraza Catedral, a cool rooftop bar that belongs to a hostel. Thanks to that, the vibe is casual, and the prices are really good. I also loved it for the awesome views of the cathedral.
Another great vantage point is a café called Finca Don Porfirio, which overlooks the Palacio de Bellas Artes – the most beautiful building in downtown Mexico City. Take a seat at the table that runs along the balcony’s edge and snap those epic selfies with the palace!
#4 Coyoacan
Coyoacán is one of my favourite places to explore in CDMX. Not only is it the birthplace and home of one of the most inspiring women in history, Frida Kahlo, but it’s also a neighbourhood where you can enjoy navigating on your own safely.
Coyoacán is located roughly 12 km south of Roma Norte and Condesa. The neighbourhood feels more like a charming, post-colonial town rather than part of a hectic metropolis.
Apart from the obligatory visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum (which I recommend booking tickets for well in advance), make sure to check out the Bazar Artesanal Mexicano, a cool spot for souvenir shopping, and the Coyoacán Market, famous for its super tasty tortas!
You can easily take an Uber or hop on the metro to Tasqueña station, which is just a short walk from the neighbourhood’s centre.
#5 Chapultepec Park
Being one of the largest parks in the world, Chapultepec Park is an amazing place to visit – especially since entry is free! The park is home to Chapultepec Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city, as well as various art galleries and museums. Since the park is so vast, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore more of it without getting exhausted.
On Sundays, the entire avenue connecting the park to downtown Paseo de la Reforma is closed to motorised traffic, making it even more enjoyable to walk or bike through the area. It’s a lively day where locals come out to enjoy the open space, with bike riders, joggers, and even families having a picnic.
#6 Anthropology Museum
If you’re a gal who loves history, then a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología is a must. The museum is located near Chapultepec Park, so it’s easy to combine both in one visit.
The museum is dedicated to Mexico’s ancient civilisations, with impressive exhibits showcasing artefacts from the Aztec, Maya, and Olmec cultures, among others.
What I enjoyed most about visiting this museum on my own was that most exhibits had detailed information in English, so I could take my time reading about each artefact I found interesting without feeling rushed. After the visit, head to Librería Porrúa for lunch – a cute coffee shop located in a bookstore just across the street from the museum.
#7 Nightlife
Last but not least on this list of things to do in Mexico City as a solo female traveler is experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the fun.
If you’re in the mood for a classy evening with a few cocktails, the Roma Norte or Condesa neighbourhoods are perfect. Definitely check out Limantour, which serves some of the best cocktails in the city, or the chic Baltra Bar near the park in Condesa.
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back and raw, I recommend booking a group pub crawl in downtown. It’s a great way to meet other travellers while enjoying some local drinks and exploring the nightlife scene safely.
How To Stay Safe In Mexico City Safe As A Solo Female Traveller?
Choose your neighbourhood wisely
One of the most important safety tips is choosing the right area to stay. On my first trip, I stayed in the historic centre, which turned out to be not the safest at night. Choose La Condesa or Roma Norte, which are much safer for solo travellers.
Get a local eSIM Card
Having an eSIM is a simple way to ensure you have reliable access to transportation, such as the Uber App, and navigation throughout the city. Staying connected will make you feel safer and more confident in unfamiliar areas.
Never use pink taxis
Avoid pink taxis at all costs, as they are known for scams. Many locals warned me about their reputation, especially for overcharging or taking longer routes. Stick to trusted options like Uber or Metro.
Avoid walking alone at night
It’s best to avoid walking alone late at night. Even in generally safe neighbourhoods like La Condesa and Roma Norte, things can get risky after dark. If you’ve been out for drinks, opt for Uber rather than walking back, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Stay alert in Mexico City downtown
The historic centre of Mexico City is surrounded by rough neighbourhoods like Tepito, Doctores, and La Merced. If you’re not paying attention, It’s easy to accidentally wander into these neighbourhoods, so always stay aware of where you are on Google Maps, especially if you’re exploring solo.
Learn a few words in Spanish
Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish can be incredibly helpful for navigating Mexico City. Locals appreciate the effort, and even a simple “hello” or “thank you” can make interactions smoother. It also helps in case of emergencies or when you’re trying to ask for directions.
How To Get Around Mexico City Safely?
Uber
During my second stay in Mexico City, I mostly got around using the Uber app, including getting from the airport to my accommodation. I found it safe and reliable, as I never had any issues with the drivers. I love Uber because it saves me from having to negotiate the fare, and you can read the driver’s reviews before committing to a ride. The rates are very affordable but can vary depending on the traffic.
The only thing to keep in mind is that most drivers don’t speak English, so knowing some Spanish will come in handy. However, if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s still okay – in any emergency situation, you can always use the Google Translate app.
Metro
I found the metro to be surprisingly safe, efficient and very cheap once I got the hang of it. The stations and trains can be packed, but there’s a designated women’s car on each train during peak hours, which made me feel more comfortable and secure.
Using the metro can save you a bit of money, but you need to stay alert at all times. During rush hour, it can get very crowded, so it’s essential to watch your belongings and be mindful of your surroundings. I personally felt more at ease by planning my routes ahead of time and avoiding the metro during the busiest times.
Bicycle
Using the city bicycles, known as “Ecobici,” is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city. The system is super easy to use, with stations scattered throughout key neighbourhoods, and you can rent a bike by the hour or for a day.
I found it an excellent option for quick trips around areas like Condesa or Roma, where you can easily hop on a bike and cruise through the beautiful tree-lined streets. It is also a great way to explore Chapultepec Park, not only allowing you to cover more ground since the park is huge while also fitting in a bit of exercise.
Where To Meet Other Solo Travellers?
Stay In A Hostel
Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to meet fellow solo travelers. Hostels often organise evening entertainment and tours, providing a great opportunity to share experiences and spend time with like-minded people. Two fantastic options in Mexico City are Casa Pancha in Condesa and Casa Columpio in Roma Norte.
Go On A Free Tour
Another excellent way to meet other solo travelers while learning more about the city is by taking a tour. I used FreeTour.com for several tours during my stay, and I loved how each tour was led by a local guide who shared insider knowledge. “Free tours” are typically tip-based, which is awesome if you’re on a tight budget. My favourite free tour I did was the taco tour in Roma Norte, an evening filled with yummy street food and interesting stories from other travellers.
Connect On Facebook
Finally, Facebook groups are a great way to connect with other solo travelers before you even arrive in Mexico City. There are several active groups where you can ask questions, share tips, or meet up with others. A good one that I came across is “Mexico City Expats and Travelers”.
Final Thoughts
Mexico City is an incredible destination for solo female travelers. Yes, it may seem overwhelming at first, but hopefully, after reading this guide, you’ll feel more confident exploring the city on your own. Safe travels!
About the author: Mal is a travel blogger and owner of Get Lost in Mexico City, and has lived in CDMX for several years. Apart from travelling, she is also an avid surfer and passionate photographer.
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