There are an unbelievable amount of lodgings in Mexico City, ranging from five-star, international standard hotel chains to seedy, cheap-as-chips dives for less than $10. Buzzing youth hostels are mainly concentrated around the Zócalo/Centro Histórico and are good for organizing parties and outings to bars, lucha libre, football matches etc. There are a good range of mid-range places too, you can get a decent en-suite room with TV and breakfast for around $50.

The D.F may be one of the world’s largest cities, but the areas that tourists are most likely to want to be staying in are relatively close together. The Zona Rosa and Reforma are bristling with touristy bars and restaurants- perfect if partying with fellow holidaymakers and Mexican businessmen is high on your agenda. Because of the stiff competition around here, good deals can often be had, especially by booking online. This is also the city’s gay district but the seedy side of the scene has been mostly cleaned up.

The Centro Histórico (Zócalo/Alameda) has the city’s best historic attractions and many of it’s finest museums are within walking distance. There aren’t as many nightlife options as elsewhere in the city so you’ll need to take a taxi if you want to experience the best of Mexico City dining and entertainment. Some of these streets are unadvisable to wander around after dark, although increased police presence means the situation has vastly improved in the last few years. Traffic noise is a problem in many of the hotels around here.

Trendy Polanco and Condesa’s leafy avenues recall the great European capitals, with prices to match. You’ll never be stuck for somewhere to eat, drink or dance and its fairly safe to walk around at night.

Be sure to reserve in advance if you’re arriving late at night as tourists laden with cases are an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Many of the classier hotels and some of the hostels can organize airport pickups.