You’ve probably found this post because you’re thinking of heading to San Cristobal de las Casas and want to suss out where the best neighbourhood is. This guide will help you figure out where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas a.k.a, the coolest mountain pueblo in Mexico.
At an altitude of 2200m and nestled in a lush valley, San Cristobal de las Casas is one of my favourite destinations in Mexico. Once the site of the historical 1994 Zapatista uprising, now a traveller’s paradise a world away from the tourist beaches and towns of the Yucatan Peninsula.
As one of the most affordable destinations in Mexico (I’m talking less than €8 for a dorm room or €20 for a private double including breakfast), you’d be a fool not to add it to your itinerary.
No matter where you stay in San Cris, you’ll probably be only 20/30 minutes maximum walk from the main walking street – Real de Guadalupe. But what is the best neighbourhood to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas I hear you say? Here’s my low-down on the most popular neighbourhoods and where you should stay when you visit this magico pueblo.
Centro Historico
Perfect for: short stays, first timers, backpackers
Centro historico is where the magic happens in San Cris. By this, I mean in the evenings, head to Plaza de la Paz, Plaza 31 de Marzo and Real de Guadalupe, and you’ll feel the buzz of the town. It’s the place where people drink, eat and socialise.
If you don’t mind being in the centre of everything, consider staying in this area.
But personally, I’d recommend finding accommodation in an alternative neighbourhood and keeping the centre as the place you come to eat, drink and party!
Neighbourhood highlights:
- La Vino de Bacco: favourite wine bar serving vino and tapas for MXN25
- Kinoki: cultural hub with cafe, cinema and rooftop
- Cafelogia: relaxing, chic coffee shop
Where to stay in centro?
- La Abuelita Hostal ($)
- La Tozi Galeria Hotel ($/$$)
- Hotel Casa Margarita ($/$$)
Barrio de Cerrillo
Perfect for: longer stays, arty backpackers, digital nomads
If you appreciate art, culture and a peaceful night’s sleep, El Cerrillo is your best bet. Located northeast of San Cristobal de las Casas and only a 10-minute walk from Real de Guadalupe!
This neighbourhood has so much charm with its cobbled, graffiti-art-covered streets, and you’ll find so many nice spots here. If I was to come back to San Cris to rent an apartment, this is definitely where I’d stay.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Frontera Coffee: courtyard housing a Mezcalaria, La Espirituosa and coffee shop
- Sarajevo Jardin: beautiful restaurant with an affordable menu of the day and solid wifi
- La Milpa: menu of the day
Where to stay in Barrio de CerRillo?
- Posada del Abuelito ($)
- Hostel IKAL ($)
- Iguana Hostel ($)
- Hostal Posada Mi Casa ($)
Barrio de Guadalupe
Perfect for: longer stays, arty backpackers, digital nomads
Barrio de Guadalupe is not for the faint-hearted as it’s located on a hill with lots of ups and downs. If this doesn’t bother you then you’ll love this strategically located neighbourhood only a 5/10 minute walk to the zona centro and boasting insanely good views over the town. It’s as close as you’re going to get to being in the centre without being in the centre!
When you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to foodie heaven. It has the best eating spots in the city.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Comal Cocina De Barro for unpretentious, hearty Mexican food
- Falafel 100% Vegetarino for all your falafel and hummus needs
- Panderia artesanal Roots for all your baked goods
- Carvaceria Naufragio for craft beer and pizza
Where to stay in Barrio de Guadalupe?
- Hostel Mirador ($)
- Il Giardino Hostal ($$)
- Yagil B&B ($$)
Barrio de Le Merced
Perfect for: short-term stays, backpackers, budget travellers
Barrios de la Merced is around a 5-10 minute walk from Real de Guadalupe Street and is the hotspot for backpackers as a few fantastic hostels are located here.
While there are no good restaurants or coffee shops here, it has my favourite park in the city: Plaza de la Merced – the best place to sit and people-watch. If you’re lucky, you might be able to experience a live mariachi performance like I did.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Plaza de La Merced: my favourite park in the city.
Iglesia de San Cristóbalito for panaromic views of the city
Where to stay in Barrio de la Merced?
Barrio de Los Mexicanos
Perfect for: digital nomads, long-stays
This neighbourhood is home to MY home away from home, Co.404. If you’re working remotely and want to be part of a close-knit community of digital nomads, Co.404 is where you must stay when in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Barrio de los Mexicanos is located around 15 minutes walk from Real de Guadalupe, and only a few minutes walk to the local markets. It’s not an incredibly lively neighbourhood, but if you’re after a peaceful resting place this is your spot.
Neighbourhood highlights:
- Coliseo Gym: an old-school, unpretentious gym
- Mercado Viejo
Plaza de la Asunción: beaut plaza with an incredible church
Where to stay in Barrio de los Mexicanos?
- Co.404 ($$)
- Hotel Kukurutz Residencia ($$)
FAQ's
1. How many days should I stay in San Cristobal de las Casas?
This is definitely a subjective question depending on who you ask. If you’re a backpacker and on a time constraint, I’d say 4 to 5 days. But 6 weeks is perfect if you’re a slow traveller like me.
Many long-term backpackers spend months or even years in San Cris. It’s so easy to settle there as it’s the most affordable place in Mexico regarding accommodation and food, and you’ve got everything you’ll ever need within a few km radius. Why would you wanna go anywhere else?
2. Best hostels for backpackers in San Cristobal de las Casas?
You’re spoilt for the choice of hostels in San Cristobal de las Casas because there are some pretty banging hostels, and really affordable too.
My favourites are:
- Puerta Vieja Hostel for the social vibe, so many activities, and free breakfast and dinner.
- Posada del Abuelito and La Abuelita Hostal Terraza for the chilled-out atmosphere, great facilities and rooftop.
- Hostal Casa Gaia for a personal, cosy atmosphere in a great location.
3. Best place to stay for long-stays in San Cristobal de las Casas?
For long stays, I’d recommend Barrio de Cerrillo and Barrio de Guadalupe as they have really nice eateries and coffee shops and are only within 1o-15 minutes walk from everything else.
4. Safest neighbourhood to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas?
All the neighbourhoods that I mentioned above are safe. I never felt physically unsafe in the central area of San Cristobal de las Casas. But as always, take caution walking alone at night like in any other tourist place.
5. Is San Cristobal de las Casas walkable?
San Cristobal de las Casas is a walkable place. The most you’ll walk from A to B is 30 minutes. Real de Guadalupe is the main walking street, and from this street, everything is around 15/20 minutes walk maximum.
To all your hold-handing lovers out there, the pavements in San Cris are incredibly narrow, and it’s often difficult to walk together side-by-side, sad times.
Alright, so that’s everything you need to know to choose the right neighbourhood for you in San Cristobal! As always, reach out if you need any further advice! Until then, you might be interested in:
