Mexico City is a safe destination to visit now. It is a beautiful city with a rich culture, great food, and many historical sites.
Mexico City, however, is the largest city in North America. More than 9 million people live within the577-square-mile city. Travelers can expectsafety challenges common to all large cities and should take precautions.
Suggested: Is Cancun Safe? Travel Advisory 2023
Crime in Mexico City
The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico City to exercise extreme caution because of crime.
The most prevalent crimes in Mexico City are carjacking, robberies, kidnappings, and homicides. Crime is more prevalent in some parts of the city than others. For example, Centro Historico and Roma are relatively safe. Crime in Mexico City is also lower than in many other parts of Mexico and some U.S. cities.
Tourists can take precautions to avoid becoming crime victims.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Women should always avoid walking alone.
- Avoid showing off their money.
- Try to look less like a tourist. For example, avoid wearing shorts and flip-flops and displaying an expensive camera.
- Learnsome Spanish phrases.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry.
- Research neighborhoods and avoid those with high crime,such as Tepito and Iztapalapa.
- Take only authorized or reputable taxis.
- Remain aware of your surroundings.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from MEXICO CITY:
March 27 – Teenager arrested after killing 8 people at a birthday party
According to the federal Public Safety Department, a 14-year-old youngster dubbed “El Chapito” (Little Chapo) was detained for the drug-related homicide of eight individuals near Mexico City.
The teenager allegedly pulled up on a motorcycle and started fire on a family in Chimalhuacan, a low-income Mexico City suburb. Seven other gang members were detained on drug charges.
At the time of the incident, the victims were hosting a party at their home, and five adults and two children were also injured. According to reports, it was a birthday celebration.
February 27 – “Mexico City police fight crime in virtual reality in the futuristic new training center”
Police in Mexico are currently receiving training to combat virtual criminals in virtual reality.
The first VR training facility for police officers in Latin America has opened in Mexico City, where they can hone their reflexes and perform maneuvers.
The center was inaugurated on February 15; according to local authorities, crime there has been down for three years.
Police personnel demonstrated a simulated intervention among civilians inside the three-dimensional reality of the VR headset.
They “can interact with real or virtual avatars, in extremely realistic graphic representations,” Harfuch said that VR enables the recreation of various intervention places and explained how this works: “schools, shopping centres, restaurants, highways, aeroplanes”.
“Only three police forces in the United States and the Israeli police have this virtual reality system,” the local government said in a statement.
Safe Neighbourhoods Recommended for Tourists
Polanco
This upscale neighborhood is known for its high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife. It is considered to be one of the safest areas in Mexico City for tourists.
Reforma
Located in the heart of Mexico City, Reforma is home to many of the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Angel of Independence monument and Chapultepec Park. The area is also well-patrolled by police, making it a safe choice for tourists.
Condesa
This trendy neighborhood is popular with young professionals and tourists alike. It is known for its Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and numerous parks and green spaces.
Roma
Roma is another trendy neighborhood that is popular with tourists and locals alike. It is known for its street art, vintage shops, and hip restaurants and bars.
Coyoacán
This charming neighborhood is known for its colonial-style architecture, art galleries, and bohemian atmosphere. It is considered to be one of the safest areas in Mexico City for tourists.
Common Scams
Like many localities, Mexico City has some common scams that tourists should beware of.
Taxi Scams
Some typical Mexico City taxi scams are overcharging or holding visitors hostage until they withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers can avoid taxi scams by choosingonly reputable taxis, such as Authorised (at transportation hubs), Sitio (at official taxi stands), and Radio (which respond to a traveler’s call).
Fake ATMs
Some ATMs are fake and will steal money when tourists use their cards. Tourists can avoid this scam by withdrawing money only at banks or airport ATMs and expressly avoiding unmarked ATMs.
Scammers
Sometimes, individuals approach tourists and start a conversation hoping to get money. Tourists can avoid this scam by simply walking away.
Natural Disasters
The primary natural disaster that could impact a traveler’s safety is an earthquake. Mexico City is along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe curving around the Pacific Ocean. Minor tremors occur frequently, but the most recent major earthquake was in 2017.
Tourists can stay safe by knowing what to do in an earthquake. Once they hear an alert, they shoulddrop, cover, and hold on. If indoors, tourists should move to the lower levels and avoid windows. If outdoors, they should find a space away from electrical lines and trees or balconies.
The city also experiences hurricanes, floods, and landslides, but they are less frequent.
Top Actions Tourists Should Avoid
To stay safe, tourists should avoid certain actions. Theseare:
- Showing off their valuables.
- Drinking or getting drunk on the street.
- Using the metro during rush hour.
- Frequenting restaurants nearest the tourist attractions. (They tend to overcharge.)
- Sharing personal information with strangers.
- Walking downtown alone at night.
- Fighting back if mugged.
Why Visit Mexico City?
Tourists will find several great reasons to travel to Mexico City.
History
Mexico City stands on the ruins of an Aztec capital city and provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about this ancient civilization. It is also the oldest inhabited city in the Americas and was the capital of New Spain for 300 years.
It also features three UNESCO Heritage sites: the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Casa Luis Barragán, and the Central University City Campus. The Camino Real de Tierra Adentro also encompasses Mexico City.
Art
Muralist art is prevalent in Mexico City. Also, artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived in Mexico City, and tourists can see glimpses of their lives there.
Food and Fun
Mexico City is an excellent place for foodies. Tourists can find food excursions and cooking classes as well. Mexico City also has a rich nightlife. Indeed, two of the world’s best bars are there.
Hiking Opportunities
Mexico City provides two volcanoes that hikers can scale. It also features the Chapultepec Forest, another excellent place to walk.
I am an enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of Mexico City, its culture, and safety considerations for travelers. My expertise is not only based on extensive research but also on firsthand experiences, having explored the city, engaged with its residents, and stayed abreast of the latest developments.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
Safety in Mexico City:
1. Crime Overview:
- Mexico City, while a beautiful destination, poses safety challenges typical of large cities.
- Crime includes carjacking, robberies, kidnappings, and homicides.
- Certain areas like Centro Historico and Roma are relatively safe.
- Precautions for tourists include not walking alone at night, avoiding displays of wealth, learning basic Spanish, and researching neighborhoods.
2. Latest Updates/News:
- Highlight of a recent incident involving a teenager named "El Chapito" and the importance of staying informed about local news.
- Introduction of a futuristic virtual reality training center for Mexico City police to combat crime.
Safe Neighborhoods:
3. Recommended Areas for Tourists:
- Polanco: Upscale neighborhood known for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Reforma: Central area with top tourist attractions, well-patrolled by police.
- Condesa and Roma: Trendy neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions.
- Coyoacán: Charming area known for colonial-style architecture.
Common Scams:
4. Tourist Scams:
- Taxi scams: Overcharging or holding visitors hostage. Recommended to use authorized and reputable taxis.
- Fake ATMs: Caution against unmarked ATMs; withdraw money only at banks or airport ATMs.
- General scams: Warning about individuals approaching tourists for money.
Natural Disasters:
5. Earthquake Safety:
- Mexico City's location along the "Ring of Fire" and the risk of earthquakes.
- Tourist safety measures during earthquakes, including drop, cover, and hold on.
Top Actions to Avoid:
6. Safety Precautions:
- Recommendations for tourists to stay safe, such as avoiding the display of valuables, not getting drunk on the street, and refraining from sharing personal information with strangers.
Why Visit Mexico City:
7. Attractions:
- Historical significance: Built on Aztec ruins, oldest inhabited city in the Americas, and former capital of New Spain.
- UNESCO Heritage sites: Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, Casa Luis Barragán, and Central University City Campus.
- Art: Presence of muralist art, association with artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
- Food and nightlife: Culinary experiences and vibrant nightlife.
- Hiking opportunities: Two volcanoes and the Chapultepec Forest.
In conclusion, Mexico City is a captivating destination with a blend of history, art, and culinary delights. While safety precautions are necessary, the city offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who explore it with awareness and cultural sensitivity.
