Rough neighborhoods

Rough neighborhoods

Mexico City, CDMX, is the most populated city in America (22.6 million inhabitants). You can find wealthy and very poor neighborhoods, and they can be dangerous for tourists.

 

Which areas of CDMX should you avoid?

 

Tepito

 

It is well known in the city for its low prices, however it is better to avoid it, it is the black market of Mexico City, it´s not worth exposing yourself, aside from you can find offers in several places. Many CDMX locals have never been to Tepito because of the insecurity, and if you are a tourist the risk is higher.

 

La Merced Market

 

It is the largest market in Mexico City, has a lot of rich food and there is a lot of diversity, but it is a prostitution and dangerous area. If you want to visit it, make sure you don’t have valuables on, or wallets that are easy to pull. It’s not advisable to be there at night.

 

Doctors

 

In Colonia Doctores is the Arena Mexico, where wrestling takes place. We know that it is an almost obligatory visit however, I recommend you choose a transport to get there and to leave the site, preferably an app taxi (uber, diddi), is better not to use public transport at dusk. If you go to fights at night, don´t stay longer than necessary.

 

Iztapalapa

 

It is a neighborhood in southern Mexico City with some of the highest rates of rape and violence against women, domestic or otherwise, definitely it have to avoid.

 

Colonia del Valle      

 

It has great places to meet, eat, drink and visit. It has a reputation for having high signs of kidnapping, but for locals, not for travelers. At night be cautious, or might you go with some locals.

 

 

Tlalpan, Xochimilco and Tlatelolco

 

All three neighborhoods are full of tourist attractions that are worth it. Tlalpan has a charming center, the archeological area of Cuicuilco, Tlalpan´s park, Xochimilco is famous for its canals and “trajineras”, and Tlatelolco is best known for the “Plaza de las Tres Culturas”.

 

You should definitely visit them! just remember to avoid them when it gets dark. Remember this easy rule, at night, avoid neighborhoods far north or far south of CDMX.

 

Historic Center

 

The historic center is obviously a must-see in Mexico, but it could be considered one of the unsafe places in CDMX. That’s why you should be careful, don´t walk down secluded alleys, or stumble upon Tepito or Merced neighborhoods, especially at night. 

 

Neza City

 

City Nezahualcóyotl, more commonly known as “Neza”, is another area that not worth the risk visiting, if you value your safety or life. 

It’s an area where crime and violence abound. Even locals avoid it.