12 Safest Cities in Mexico to Travel with Low Crime Rates

Mexico draws travelers with sun, color, food, and history. From colonial cities to calm coastlines, the country offers variety at every turn. This guide focuses on the 12 Safest Cities in Mexico to Travel, places where visitors feel comfortable walking, dining, and exploring. These cities pair culture with stability, which matters when you plan a trip far from home.

Safety still shapes smart travel choices. Some regions carry higher risk, while others stay calm and visitor friendly. That contrast confuses many travelers. The 12 Safest Cities in Mexico to Travel help you narrow options fast. You get clear picks, real context, and cities that balance local life with tourism, without constant worry.

List of 12 Safest Cities in Mexico to Travel - Updated

Safety is one of the paramount factors when you are on travel. No doubt, some cities in Mexico are prone to safety concerns and threats but it doesn’t mean that you cannot cover this city. Here are 12 safest places in Mexico to vacation with family for an unforgettable adventure:

1. Tulum

Tulum is known as one of the popular and safest destinations in Mexico. It’s an expensive city as compared to other Mexican cities. Exciting nightlife, Mayan ruins, bohemian vibes, rough edges and hidden charms makes it famous. If feel comfortable to ride scooter, it can be best experience to explore Tulum by riding.

Crime Rate

  • 38.11%

Pro Tip

  • As soon as it gets dark, it is avoided not to walking around alone.

2. Merida

© https://sworld.co.uk/

Yucatan capital, Merida, earn recognition from CEO world magazine and considered as the second safest city. Merida is famous for its stunning architecture, vast variety of archaeological sites and delicious food scenes. Although its generally safe but you have to take essential precautions for your safety as pickpocketing chances are high.

Crime Rate

  • per 100,000 people

Pro Tip

  • Don’t walk alone at night. In case if you want to walk, do not forget to follow essential precautions.

3. Sayulita

© foodandtravel.mx

Famous coastal town in Mexico, earlier fishing village, now turned into popular destination. The colorful streets and beautiful shorelines of Sayulita will let you enjoy your tour with full peace. Also, it’s famous for family-friendly beach resorts, golden sands and slow pace of life. In this state, you won’t face rush and unnecessary noises.

Crime Rate

  • As of April 2024, Sayulita had no reports of violence or cartel activity.

Pro Tip

  • Lock up your valuables if there’s any possibility.

4. Cancun

© OIF2BOY

There’s a lot of things to do and see in Cancun. Cancun city comes with safest resorts in Mexico. If you are a beach lover, Cancun’s pristine waters and white sand beaches will make your experience more memorable. It’s normally a famous destination for international travelers so local authorities take Cancun’s security seriously.

Crime Rate

  • 7.5 per 100,000 residents

Pro Tip

  • Be safe while driving & be aware of your surroundings.

5. Mexico City

© Torresigner

The Mexico City was considered as unsafe cities and places to avoid in Mexico at once. But with time, it is also considered as one of the safest cities. From bustling street vendors, rich history and cultural diversity makes it one of the best options for tourists to enjoy. Traffic congestion and dreadful pollution are two of the main issues of Mexico City.

Crime Rate

  • As of 2024, it’s less than 30%

Pro Tip

  • Be aware of your surroundings and secure your valuables.

6. Oaxaca City

A UNESCO world heritage site with well-preserved colonial-era buildings and cultural vibes. Oaxaca City offering a safe environment for tourists with rich history and culture. More than 1,200 listed buildings contributed to world heritage status. Also, there are various attractions to explore like Oaxaca Botanical Garden, and the Zocalo.

Crime Rate

  • Nearly 41.38%

Pro Tip

  • Don't carry all your cash on you.

7. San Miguel de Allende

© https://flyingpictures.mx/

It’s located in central Mexico with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Foodies also prefer this charming city to explore and taste delicious foods. With a large population of expats, this Mexico City is one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats. If you don’t know how to speak Spanish, you can easily explore this city without any language barrier.

Crime Rate

  • Some say that it’s safe destination for tourists

Pro Tip

  • Keep valuables out of sight

8. Puebla City

© https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/

One of the biggest cities in population and considered as fifth largest cities in Mexico. It’s a capital of Puebla State. Not only this city is safe but also it comes with a lot of history, delicious cuisine and colorful colonial architecture. Puebla won’t disappoint you in terms of safety, churches, colonial architecture and Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Crime Rate

  • 25.09 crimes per 100,000 people as of 2022

Pro Tip

  • Avoid unmarked taxis or hitchhiking, and go for registered taxis.

9. Playa del Carmen

© theculturetrip.com

Famous beach town which is considered as safe by most of the tourists. El Centro and Quinta Avenida are two of the best areas to stay for tourists because of its convenient accessibility to beach and shopping malls. While spending time in Playa Del Carmen, you not only feel comfortable but also safe.

Crime Rate

  • Lower

Pro Tip

  • Be careful with your belongings on the beach, on a night out and in busy areas.

10. Guadalajara

© https://mrwallpaper.com/

Mexico’s second largest city which is located in state of Jalisco. Quaint neighborhoods with its colonial historic center that gives you a smaller feel as compared to Mexico City. Locals of this city are friendly so you can easily spend a lot of days with safety without having any crime threat. Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabanas are two of the famous attractions.

Crime Rate

  • 33.77%

Pro Tip

  • Stick to more populated areas and avoid dangerous areas.

11. Isla Mujeres

© fishingbooker.com

Every year, millions of visitor’s flocks to this beach every year to enjoy turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Aside from this place’s stunning natural beauty, Isla Mujeres is a safe place for tourists by exercising some precautions. Just petty theft is one of the common crimes, otherwise it’s safest place to explore.

Crime Rate

  • 33.83%

Pro Tip

  • Be safe at the bar & ocean

12. Morelia

© skyscrapercity.com

Morelia, located in Mexico’s central region and famous for its year-round spring weather and colonial architecture. This city comes with range of amenities like bustling markets, quality lifestyle and airport. If you want to explore least-expensive Mexico City with quality infrastructure, go for Morelia without any second thought.

Crime Rate

  • Low crime rate

Pro Tip

  • Do not forget to cover your valuable essential when you are strolling outside.

Final Thoughts!

Mexico is one of the top tourist spots in the world just because of its pristine beaches and charming cities. With these 12 safest cities in Mexico to travel, you can easily explore these cities safely and freely without any threat.

Because of safety reasons, many tourists don’t want to visit this country. But now you can go to Mexico without worrying about any safety issues as we listed the 12 safest Mexican cities. Grab your tickets now and get ready to explore Mexico Beaches and adventure places on your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexico safe for tourists right now?

Yes, many parts are safe for tourists. Safety depends on the city you choose, where you stay, and how you move around. Tourist friendly cities with strong local security see millions of visitors each year without issues.

What makes a city one of the safest in Mexico to travel?

Low violent crime rates, visible police presence, stable local economy, and well developed tourist areas matter most. Walkability, reliable transport, and active expat or tourist communities also help.

Are the 12 Safest Cities in Mexico to Travel good for first-time visitors?

Yes. These cities suit first time travelers because they are easy to navigate, well connected, and used to international visitors. English is more common in tourist zones.

Is it safe to walk around Mexican cities at night?

In safer cities and central areas, walking at night is common. Stick to well lit streets, busy zones, and avoid empty neighborhoods late at night.

Do safe cities in Mexico cost more to visit?

Not always. Some of the safest cities offer affordable hotels, food, and transport. Costs vary by season and location, not safety alone.

Can solo travelers feel safe in Mexico?

Yes, especially in the safest cities in Mexico to travel. Solo travelers often report positive experiences when they follow basic precautions and stay in known areas.

Ferona Jose

Ferona Jose is a travel writer and explorer with over 10 years of firsthand experience visiting 30+ countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Her work appears on top travel blogs including Travelerwiz.com, Travelistia.com, Touripia.com, and Tripistia.com, where she shares destination guides, local insights, and practical travel tips. Ferona’s writing is grounded in real-world adventures, ethical travel values, and a deep respect for different cultures. With hundreds of published articles, she helps travelers make informed, safe, and meaningful journeys—blending personal stories with trustworthy, well-researched information that readers can rely on.

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