Villa Monarca

Emerging from a troubled past Mexico City is firmly on the backpacker trail with 16 boroughs and a multitude of diverse neighbourhoods to explore. Wander through San Angel’s cobbled streets and art market, get a feel for the counter-culture in Coyoacan, or grab a drink in Zona Rosa (Reformer) known as the city’s LGBT area. No day in Mexico’s bustling capital needs to be the same, with one of the largest urban parks in the world and a series of Aztec canals to explore in Xochimilco.

Hostels in Mexico City range from cosy retreats with tree-lined courtyards to community inspired art-filled eco-hostels, and everything in between. There’s plenty of opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and the capital’s rich history from hostel staff and on the free walking tours. Many hostels offer free breakfasts and there’s a wide mix of private rooms and dorms, available at budget-friendly prices. You can't go wrong with the best hostels in Mexico City!

Staying in a Mexico City hostel around the Historic Centre of Mexico City will ensure that you’re near many of the prime attractions. Staying further west will get you closer to the Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere. Mexico City hostels are also conveniently around a variety of highly recommended restaurants around the Historic Centre, and the bars and nightclubs are close-by too! We recommend staying near La Condesa and Colonia Roma for the plethora of things to enjoy.

La Condesa is home to a variety of hip shops offering shoes, accessories, and vintage and consignment stores. You’ll also be surrounded by restaurants serving food from all around the world. The nightlife is on another level too; La Condesa has everything from karaoke bars and lounges to nightclubs, and any genre that you might feel like jamming out to. Aside from the clubs, bars, shopping, and parks in Mexico City, there are many historic activities to take advantage of as well. Taking a tour of Teotihuacan will give you a glance back 2,100 years! You should also walk through the lively markets and float the colourful canals of Xochimilco. The Island of Dolls will be awaiting you in Xochimilco if you’re brave enough.

The Mexico City Metro operates throughout the entire city from North to South and East to West and everywhere in between! Two above ground services include the Metrobús and Trolebús that help to make your travel plans more flexible; or, you can catch a Peseros or RTP, which are two different kinds of buses that cover hundreds of different bus routes. The Tren Ligero runs in the south of Mexico City and will help get you to Xochimilco. If you fancy a pedal, there are bike rentals too.