Mexico City was one of my favorite places to travel to! 

Is it safe?  It depends on what kind of traveler you are, where you stay, and how you conduct yourself (as with any destination).

If you're wondering if you're likely to be kidnapped or caught in the cross-fire of drug cartel gunfire, the answer is, probably not.  If you're asking if you can go there, dressed as you might here and draw attention to yourself as someone from the US, and will you get pick-pocketed (particularly on the Metro), the answer is "probably". 

When I think of traveling to Mexico City, I think of taking the same precautions as going to Rio.  Leave your jewelry at home, dress down (jeans and T-shirt, with smarter evening wear if you're going out to a nice restaurant), don't flash cash from a wallet or purse, and relax!  No one will bother you. 

While I like to use the Metro there (it's just a part of the cultural experience of Mexico City), DO use a taxi if your hotel isn't in the Zona Rosa or near Chapultepec Park, particularly in the evening.

Above all else, if you want to go there and you're willing to take precautions (sounds like you are, given your request), I recommend that you go.  It's an enormous city with some interesting sights and shopping attractions. 

Posted Dec 17, 2010

I've been to Mexico City twice in the last two months and found it unlike anything you hear about in the news. It is so easy to get bogged down in the sensationalistic headlines you see on CNN and Fox News. With that said, and i think everyone above agrees...take precaution and use your head (i.e. make sure you use cabs from the hotel or certified taxi stands as opposed to just grabbing one on the street, don't show too much flash etc...). 

I stayed at an amazing hotel while i was there last time. Las Alcobas. It's in a great neighborhood and the food near the hotel is pure deliciousness.

Posted Dec 18, 2010

Rebecca:

    You have received some very sensible answers.  Almost every large city is safe as long as sensible precautions are observed.

    If you go, here are a few of my observations.  Personally, I love the music and dance found in Mexico City.     If you have enough time to see a Folklorico ballet, it is quite an experience.  It is nowhere like a toe dancing traditional ballet; rather a series of dance and costume progressions beginning with the earliest Mexican culture through to today.  The music is excellent, performers wear beautiful costumes and the experience will leave you jumping to your feet yelling "Ole'" and "Bravo" at the top of your lungs.    

   If an evening experience is available, find a local mariachi band playing in one of the squares.  Many marichi's are available to spontaneously play and entertain.  Ask them to play Maria Elena, a VERY traditional and beautiful Mexican melody.    For me, another Mexico City experience is simply enjoying (alfresco) dining and the accompanying people watching opportunity (with "Cinco cerveza's, con limon, por favor"). 

Very Happy Travels, Lance Johnson / Oklahoma City   

Posted Dec 19, 2010

Yes, as safe as any big city as long as you take sensable precautions such as knowing the area you are in and being aware of your surroundings.

Posted Dec 17, 2010

I very much agree with Christopher's advice & input.  I visited Mexico City solo about 3 years ago, and liked it a lot.  Would be great to go back! 

I stayed in the Condesa neighborhood, which was very walkable and was so much prettier than I expected.  It has lots of boutiques, restaurants/cafes and small art galleries as well as Parc Espana.

I also took the metro; it was quick,safe & easy to navigate.  Many museums (and torta places!) downtown - I went to Museo de Arte Populare.

Posted Dec 17, 2010

I was in Mexico City in December of 2009 and found it safe and fascinating. However one must understand that Mexico City is a Megalopolis with variation much like New York City. So, in short you must know the area that you are that you are traveling to before you set out. The Historic Center with the famed Zocalo is the perhaps the area most frequented by tourists. The government takes extreme precautions to make sure this area is safe. So you can pretty much travel here without incident. Areas like Teotihuacan and Xochimilco are also extremely safe and fascinating I might add. Just make sure that when using a taxi, its an official taxi and don't flash valuable items and large sums of money. This pretty much applies in every large city in the world. Enjoy your time in Mexico City. I loved it!

Posted Dec 17, 2010

i was in mexico city a few years back travelling with 2 elementary school age children and an elderly dad and we had no problems at all.  that being said, we were cautioned and we did take precautions...we did not go out at night; we did not take "gypsy" cabs, we did not where flashy clothes or jewery...common things you would avoid in any city.  We are season travellers and 2 of us spoke fluent spanish  so maybe that helped.  we even went to teotihuacan using local transportation without problems.  everyone we met were fantastic and welcoming.  enjoy your travels!

Posted Dec 17, 2010

I was there in December 2009 with my girlfriend and found it to be incredibly safe. We went out at night, walked and took the subway, and had a great time. While I agree with everyone that you should take precautions (not wear particularly flashy jewelry, etc.), I found it to be perfectly safe...

Posted Dec 17, 2010

Mexico City like many major cities around the world will have their share of crime and danger. However if you are a good traveler and dont expose yourself to risk, like waving a nice camera around or wearing flashy jewelry, you can have the time of your life. I traveled there in 2008 with a beautiful blond girlfriend who spoke no spanish. We were treated with respect and had an amazing time. The Candesa Dist has great shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Polanco is higher end with amazing shops and restaurants as well. If your in those areas I have some recommendations. Have an amazing time and rest assured its not a scary place. 

Posted Dec 17, 2010

It's been 10 years since I was in Mexico City.  I was with a group of 5 adults and 12 fourteen year old girls.  We took all the precautions and used a tour guide when we went out at night.  Any walking we did was close to where we were staying.  We felt perfectly safe and had a wonderful time.

Posted Dec 18, 2010

Rebecca - I've been to Mexico City a few times on business and found it to be quite safe so long as you take appropriate precautions. For example, you may want to consider a hotel car service to/from your hotel. If you want to go sight-seeing you may also want to check out a service through your hotel or in advance through a reputable company. Like any major city, there are areas that you can comfortably walk in  and others that you should avoid. If you do your homework, you should be fine. Enjoy!

Posted Dec 18, 2010

It's a great place to go!  I had a blast when I went with my family a few years ago.  As with any place, just try to blend in a bit and be aware of your surroundings.  I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of Anthropology.

Posted Dec 18, 2010

I was in Mexico City in September, and I agree with Joseph - there's a lot of news about Mexico - but it is specific areas that are to be avoided, not the entire country. I felt perfectly safe, took regular taxis around during the day, walked the streets. It felt like any European city. Take the usual city precautions and have a great time.

Posted Dec 18, 2010

Recently read a blog post interview with someone living there. Take a read and let them know I referred you! http://www.travelbugjuice.com/index.php/bug-bytes-la-pura-vida-in-mexico-city

Posted Dec 20, 2010

I traveled alone to Mexico City Summer 2009, and didn't speak the language very well.  I found the city to be really wonderful.  The subways were very safe. The people were lovely.  I had no problem asking a police officer for directions. Just be wary of the taxis and keep your backpack/purse close.. I would LOVE to go back.

Posted Dec 21, 2010

Yes, but just use the same common sense you would in any big city.

Posted Jan 02, 2011

Absolutely, but as everyone has advised, just use common sense. When I visited the only thing I made an extra effort to do was to use registered taxi services. I did take the metro rails over there which was fine but after dark, i used registered taxis.

As far as the food, I've had friends that have gotten sick, but I didn't at all. In fact, I had the best tamales I've ever had over there.

Posted Jan 03, 2011

It's been fifteen years since I have been to Mexico city, my experience was very positive. I was on tour with my band at the time so we had a lot of support, tour manager, etc. I make it a habit to venture off on my own when traveling on tour and I found no problems. I have had friends who have had very different experiences in Mexico city but I honestly believe that you can attract trouble easily wherever you are if you are not traveling smart.

Posted Jan 06, 2011

Yes, it's as safe as any other LARGE city in the USA (Los Angeles, etc).  Three places you MUST see if you like history:  1. The Zocalo (Central Square)  - where the Astec Templo Mayor, the Cathedral and the National Palace (with Rivera's huge wall paintings).  The Museum of Anthropology (LOTS of Aztec culture - including the huge calendar stone and a city plan of the old Aztec capital). 3. Take a day trip to Teotihuacan and see this ancient (pre-Aztec and Toltec) city with huge pyramids!  Fantastic!

Posted Jan 14, 2011

Mexico City is as safe as any big city.  Take other's advice and only take official taxi's....roam around the Condesa area, during the day and the beautiful area called the Roma.  If you can swing it, stay at the Condesa DF.  The brunch is absolutely wonderful.....and on Saturday, go to the market called lagunilla....

Posted Jan 17, 2011

Like others have said, concern yourself more about "normal" urban crime than drug cartel violence. I've never had a problem on the Metro. I've heard the Hidalgo station is dangerous, but have never seen anything. Taxis aren't always safe either. Don't take the green VW bug taxis, they're notorious. Use "Taxi Autorizados" when leaving the airport or bus stations. Some neighborhoods (I saw this at the Zocalo) change from safe in the daytime to tough at night. Don't walk around with earbuds. Conceal your camera.

That being said, Mexico City is fascinating, lots to do and see. enjoy!

Posted Jan 18, 2011

Such great advice and suggestions re Mexico City, one of the world's great cities, and certainly a capital of Latin America, not just Mexico. Just returned from a two week visit, and we had a great, great time. The last time I was there was 25 years ago, and if anything, | found it easier to get around and safer. The people were much more friendly that I remembered, and went out of their way to help visitors. And if it is possible, they have even more amazing sites now, such as the Plaza Mayor excavation and museum, and those of Tlatelolco.... And the food is so crazy delicious -- I suggest going straight to the markets and eating in them as much as possible. Taking the metro is fine if you are used to metros, but avoid the rush hours for sure and watch your wallet etc.

Posted Apr 23, 2012

I suggest you land there, then travel to tranquil Las Trancas in the heart of colonial Mexico. Here, you can stay in a historic hacienda on a tour with Bike Beyond Boundaries. You'll be totally safe! http://bikebeyondboundaries.com/bike-tours/mexico-colonial-villages

Posted Jul 28, 2012

Mexico City is a great place to visit; however, I strongly suggest you visit the outskirts mostly. Mexico State is a great place to enjoy the more colonial feel with an urban touch. If you can make it to Puebla, definitely try that too.

Posted Aug 21, 2012