Nine of the safest cities in Mexico

The Yucatan capital is known for its colonial architecture and incredible food. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with excellent museums, traditional Mayan performances, and close proximity to remarkable archaeological sites, including the famous Chichen Itza.

Widely acknowledged as the safest city in Mexico (and even Latin America), your biggest safety concern in Mérida will probably be the busy traffic.

Mérida does have the occasional pickpocket, so take all normal precautions, just in case.

Planning your trip to Mérida

• Stay at Hotel Marionetas, a traditionally-decorated bed and breakfast in the centre of town

• Book a traditional Yucatan cooking class or a day trip exploring cenotes

• Read what to know before travelling to Mérida

Mexico City is the most-visited destination in the country and, despite its reputation, it's relatively safe for tourists, especially in the city centre.

Between 2009 and 2011, Mexico City's crime rates drastically reduced and the number of police in the city increased, particularly in tourist areas. Visitors also report feeling safe in Mexico City, although taking the usual safety precautions is still advised.

Like many big cities, some neighbourhoods in Mexico City are much safer than others. As a general rule, stay away from any very northern or very southern neighborhoods in Mexico City after dark.

Pick a hotel in the Centro, Roma or Condesa districts, and avoid Tepito and Merced, especially at night. If you want to visit the popular La Merced Market, go during the day and leave valuable items behind.

Planning your trip to Mexico City

• Stay at City Centro Ciudad de Mexico in the historic centre or read our guide on where to stay in Mexico City

• Book a full-day guided tour of Tlatelolco, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Teotihuacan

• Read our three-day itinerary for Mexico City

Playa del Carmen is a well-known coastal city in Mexico, with close proximity to Mayan ruins and beautiful cenotes.

Its long white beaches and blue waters make it a popular tourist destination, and Playa del Carmen is a relatively safe place to visit in Mexico, suitable for solo travellers and families.

Despite some incidences of drug-related violence in nearby Tulum, Playa del Carmen is generally isolated from these issues, and the state of Quintana Roo has minimal violent crime directed at tourists.

That said, it's worth taking some safety precautions in Playa del Carmen, including not walking around alone at night and staying away from recreational drugs while you're in town.

Planning your trip to Playa del Carmen

• Stay at Suites Corazon, an easy walk to the beach and the main street of town

• Book a tour to discover Tulum's ruins, snorkelling and caves

• Read what to know before visiting Playa del Carmen

Santiago de Querétaro somehow embodies a vibrant blend of history and modernity. The city is known for its stunning colonial architecture, impressive churches and monasteries, and high quality of life.

Spend your time there exploring the charming historic centre, indulging in local cuisine, and visiting the historical aqueduct. Querétaro's array of museums, galleries, and cultural festivals make it a must-visit for those who love art and culture.

The city's well-preserved historical areas and modern districts are regularly patrolled, and crime rates are low. Visitors are still advised to stick to well-lit areas and popular tourist spots at night, and while public transport is generally safe, you may want to consider using reputable taxi services after dark.

Planning your trip to Querétaro

• Stay at Hotel Casa de la Marquesa, a beautifully preserved historical mansion.

• Book a walking tour of the historic center to marvel at the colonial architecture.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puebla is known for its culinary heritage, well-preserved architecture and Talavera pottery. Despite its cultural and culinary significance, Puebla is often overlooked by tourists in favour of more famous destinations, but it's well worth visiting.

Spend your time exploring historical sites, trying the famous dishes, and admiring Talavera pottery in a welcoming environment. The city's location, close to Mexico City, also makes it accessible for travellers who are short on time.

While it's the fourth largest city in Mexico, Puebla is generally safe, particularly in tourist-centric areas. It's still worth using official taxi services or trusted ride-sharing apps for transportation. Also, stay vigilant in busy markets and public spaces to avoid pickpocketing.

Planning your trip to Puebla

• Stay at Casareyna, a hotel that beautifully blends modern amenities with traditional design.

• Book a food tour to taste Puebla's famous mole poblano.

Known for its beaches, bustling nightlife and beautiful marine life, Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places in the country to visit. The city is also a haven for art lovers, with numerous galleries and a vibrant art scene.

Puerto Vallarta has largely remained uninvolved in cartel conflicts and crime rates are very low - significantly lower than the crime rates of major cities in the United States. As well as being family-friendly, it's also a good destination for same-sex couples.

There is a small amount of petty crime, such as bag snatching, pickpocketing or theft, so use all normal precautions.

Planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta

• Stay at Vallarta Shores Beach Hotel, a beachfront hotel near the old town

• Book a day trip to the Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands

San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a popular destination for expats and one of the safest places in Mexico.

Over 8,000 Canadian, British, and American expats live in San Miguel de Allende, which has beautiful Spanish colonial churches, great restaurants, and heritage sites. The entire state is reasonably safe, so you can also explore beyond the city - Guanajuato City is also well worth visiting.

While crime rates in San Miguel de Allende are relatively low, be cautious when out at night and keep an eye on your belongings on public transport.

Planning your trip to San Miguel Allende

• Stay at Hotel Casa Blanca 7, a beautiful hotel in the historic part of town

• Book a guided tour to the Cañada de la Virgen pyramid and discover one of Mexico's fascinating but less-visited archaeological sites.

Oaxaca City is renowned for its Day of the Dead celebrations, indigenous cultures, and culinary delights like mole and mezcal. The city offers many rich experiences for visitors, from vibrant markets to ancient ruins.

Oaxaca City is considered safe for tourists and has a strong community atmosphere. The city’s rich cultural events are accessible to visitors, making it a great choice for those seeking authentic experiences in a safe setting.

Visitors should still stay in well-traveled areas, especially at night, and use taxis or ride-sharing services. If you're at a festival or large gathering, keep your belongings close to avoid pickpocketing.

Planning your trip to Oaxaca City

• Stay at Boulenc Bed and Bread for beautiful rooms and a terrace.

• Book a food tour to try traditional dishes and learn about the local culture.

• Read our guide to Oaxaca's Day of the Dead celebrations.

Campeche is a gorgeous, tranquil city with a beautifully preserved colonial centre and lovely beaches. Also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is known for its military fortifications and colourful buildings.

Campeche's fortifications and Baroque architecture offer a serene and secure setting for evening strolls along the city walls. The area was also the centre of an ancient Mayan civilization, so head to a museum or archaeological site when you visit.

The historical centre is particularly well-policed and safe for tourists and the crime rate is low. Although it's a safe city, always keep your hotel doors locked and valuables secured.

Planning your trip to Campeche

• Stay at Hotel Castelmar, located in a restored colonial building.

• Book a day trip to Edzná, the house of the Itzaes