We live in Roma Norte. We walk these streets every day. And right now, in March 2026, Mexico City is in the middle of tearing itself apart to look good for the World Cup.
If you’re planning to come to CDMX in the next few months — whether for the tournament, for remote work, or just to travel — here’s what you’ll actually find when you land. No sugarcoating.
The streets are a construction zone
Walk around Roma Norte right now and you’ll see it immediately: sidewalks ripped open, exposed pipes, orange barriers, dust everywhere. The city is rebuilding streets, repaving roads, and upgrading infrastructure across the central neighborhoods ahead of the FIFA World Cup kicking off in June.
It’s not just Roma Norte. Condesa, Juárez, the Centro Histórico, and the roads leading to Estadio Azteca — they’re all getting work done at the same time. The result is a city that feels like it’s under renovation from every angle.
The dust is real. If you have allergies or sensitive lungs, bring a mask for walking around during the day. Some blocks are worse than others — the construction moves section by section, so one week your street is fine and the next week it’s a pit.
Our honest recommendation: if you can, come AFTER the World Cup month (July onwards). By then, the construction should be mostly done, the streets will be freshly paved, and you’ll get to enjoy the upgraded version of the city without the chaos of building it. The city is going to look incredible once it’s finished — it’s just not finished yet.
If you’re coming during the construction period (now through June), don’t let it stop you. The city is still fully functional, restaurants and cafés are open, the Metro works, and the neighborhoods are alive. You’ll just need to dodge some orange cones and deal with dustier-than-usual streets.
Safety: better than you think
Here’s something that might surprise first-time visitors: Mexico City feels safe.
We’ve lived here for over four years and hosted 280+ guests from all over the world. The most common thing our guests say after their first day is: “I expected it to feel more dangerous than this.”
The central neighborhoods — Roma Norte, Condesa, Narvarte, Juárez, Polanco — are walkable, well-lit, and full of people at all hours. There’s police presence, there are security cameras, and the streets are active from morning until late at night. It feels more like Barcelona or Buenos Aires than what most people imagine when they think “Mexico City.”
Our strong recommendation: stay in Roma Norte, Condesa, or Narvarte. These neighborhoods are safe, walkable, and have everything a remote worker or traveler needs within a few blocks — cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, coworking spaces, parks, and excellent Metro access. You don’t need a car. You don’t need to take taxis everywhere. You walk.
That said, common sense applies everywhere:
- Don’t flash expensive electronics on empty streets late at night
- Use Uber or Didi instead of hailing random taxis (especially at night)
- Keep your phone in your front pocket in crowded Metro cars
- Stay in the neighborhoods you know, especially if you’re new
But honestly? Most of our guests feel safer here than they expected. The vibe is relaxed, people are friendly, and the neighborhoods where digital nomads and travelers stay are genuinely comfortable.
Watch out for protests and street closures
This is something no travel guide mentions but you’ll experience it if you’re here for more than a few days: teacher union demonstrations regularly block major streets in CDMX.
Right now (March 2026), the CNTE (teachers’ union from several states) has been holding protests near the city center. When they demonstrate, they block transit on major avenues — and the ripple effect is brutal.
We’ve had several days recently where Paseo de la Reforma — one of the city’s main arteries — was completely gridlocked because protesters were blocking intersections. If you have a meeting, a flight, or anywhere you need to be on time, check the news that morning.
Practical tips for dealing with protests:
- Follow @ABORDONMX or @LOSMOCHILEROS_ on X/Twitter — they post real-time traffic and protest alerts for CDMX
- Google Maps usually updates traffic quickly when major roads are blocked
- If Reforma is blocked, everything between Centro and Chapultepec will be slow — plan alternative routes or just wait it out at a café
- The Metro is your best friend when streets are blocked — it runs underground and isn’t affected by surface protests
- These protests are peaceful. You’re not in danger — you’re just stuck in traffic
This is part of daily life in Mexico City. Locals are used to it. Once you learn to check for it in the morning, you adjust quickly.
Flying in or out? Traffic to the airport can be hit hardest on protest days — we cover X accounts, embeds, and day-of tips in our AICM airport transportation guide.
What this means for digital nomads and remote workers
If you’re coming to CDMX to work remotely, here’s the bottom line:
The good:
- The city is safe in the central neighborhoods. We walk home at midnight regularly.
- Wi-Fi in apartments and cafés is fast and reliable — this hasn’t changed.
- The cost of living is still excellent for anyone earning in USD or EUR.
- The food, culture, and social scene are as good as everyone says.
- The city will look amazing once the World Cup renovations are done.
The temporary inconveniences:
- Street construction makes some sidewalks dusty and noisy during the day.
- The airport (AICM) is also under major renovation — read our AICM guide.
- Occasional protest-related traffic jams on Reforma and nearby avenues.
- Some streets may have detours or temporary closures in your neighborhood.
None of these are dealbreakers. They’re inconveniences that last a few months. The city underneath is still one of the best places in the world for remote workers — affordable, walkable, culturally rich, and incredibly welcoming to foreigners.
Best neighborhoods to stay (and why)
Roma Norte
The heart of the digital nomad scene. Art deco architecture, the best café density in the city, walkable to everything. Our Roma Norte loft is here and a short walk from the best coffee shops in the neighborhood, covered in our Roma Norte coffee guide. Construction is happening on some streets but the neighborhood is fully operational.
Condesa
Adjacent to Roma Norte, slightly calmer and greener. Parque México is beautiful for morning runs. More residential, slightly more expensive. Great for people who want a quieter base.
Narvarte
Our second neighborhood. Calmer, more local, less touristy. Near the hospital district and Parque Delta. Excellent Metro access. Significantly cheaper than Roma Norte or Condesa. Great for longer stays where you want to save money without sacrificing comfort.
Booking a base for the World Cup or remote work? Our Roma Norte loft is set up for serious Wi‑Fi and a proper desk; we also list calmer Narvarte apartments with great Metro access — same hosts who wrote this guide.
→ See our Roma Norte loft on StayWork CDMX · → Browse all StayWork listings
Where NOT to stay
Tepito, Doctores (parts of it), La Merced late at night, and areas far from Metro lines if you don’t have a car. Stick to the neighborhoods above and you’ll have a great experience.
The World Cup timeline
Here’s what to expect over the next few months:
Now through May 2026: Peak construction. Streets being rebuilt, airport under renovation, dust and noise. The city is hustling to get everything ready.
June 2026: World Cup begins (June 11). Construction pauses. The city will be packed with fans, prices will spike, and the energy will be electric. Amazing to experience but not ideal for quiet remote work.
July 2026 onwards: The sweet spot. Construction mostly done, World Cup crowds gone, freshly renovated streets and infrastructure. This is when the city will shine. If you can time your visit, this is it.
Planning your CDMX stay? Our apartments in Roma Norte and Narvarte are set up for remote workers — fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, self check-in, and monthly discounts. We’ll help you navigate the construction, the airport, and everything else.