Chihuahua is the capital city of the Mexican state of the same name, and for a visitor it works as a practical base: a downtown core with a cathedral at its centre, and a modern belt along Periférico de la Juventud where the larger business-class hotels sit.
For planning purposes, the city splits into two useful zones: the historic centre, where the streets around the cathedral put you within walking distance of the main sights, and the Periférico de la Juventud corridor, which is geared to travellers with a car or a preference for newer, larger properties. This guide covers those areas, what each suits, and how to match them to your budget.
Best areas to stay in Chihuahua
1. East of the cathedral, between Calle Libertad and Victoria
This is the budget quarter of downtown Chihuahua. The cheap places to sleep are all found here, in the blocks east of the cathedral bounded by Calle Libertad and Victoria. The area has a colonial look and a long association with backpackers.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be on foot in the historic centre rather than relying on taxis. Expect small, older, characterful properties rather than large modern ones. The practical advantage is location: you are in the downtown grid, close to the cathedral and the surrounding sights.
2. Downtown Chihuahua
Downtown is where you find mid-range hotels with a central address, including properties with rooftop terraces that give views over the surrounding streets. It is the choice for first-time visitors who want the sights, the cathedral and the historic core within walking distance.
It suits couples, short-stay travellers and anyone who would rather walk than drive. Expect mid-range city hotels with the usual services such as wifi and breakfast. The trade-off is that you are in the busy centre rather than in a quieter, newer part of the city.
3. Periférico de la Juventud
This is the corridor where the larger business-class hotels are located, including well-known international chains. Properties here are described as consistent, good quality and reasonably priced, with service standards comparable to the same brands elsewhere.
It suits business travellers, drivers and anyone who prefers a newer, larger hotel with predictable standards over a central location. Expect business-class rooms and amenities such as breakfast buffets and indoor pools. The practical point is that this area sits away from the downtown core, so you will need transport to reach the cathedral and the historic sights.
4. Ave Universidad, close to downtown
Ave Universidad offers a middle position: business-class hotels close to downtown rather than out on the Periférico. It suits travellers who want the facilities of a larger hotel but a shorter trip to the centre.
Expect the same business-class style as the Periférico properties, with services such as a free breakfast buffet and an indoor pool. The practical advantage is proximity to downtown while keeping the scale and amenities of a modern hotel.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small, older, colonial-looking places in the blocks east of the cathedral, between Calle Libertad and Victoria, long used by backpackers.
- Mid-range: central downtown hotels, some with rooftop terraces and views, offering wifi and breakfast; also business-class hotels on Ave Universidad close to downtown.
- Splurge: the larger business-class and international-chain properties along Periférico de la Juventud, with consistent quality, good service and amenities such as breakfast buffets and indoor pools.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself downtown. It puts the cathedral and the historic centre within walking distance and gives you mid-range hotels with city views, so you can spend your time on the sights rather than on transport. If you prefer newer, larger hotels and do not mind travelling in, the Periférico de la Juventud corridor is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the cheapest places to stay in Chihuahua?
The cheap sleeps are all found east of the cathedral, between Calle Libertad and Victoria. This is the budget quarter of the downtown area.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the main sights?
Downtown, around the cathedral. Staying in the centre keeps the historic core within walking distance, which is why it suits first-time visitors.
Where do the larger business-class hotels sit?
Along Periférico de la Juventud, where the international chains and larger business-class properties are located. Ave Universidad, close to downtown, also has business-class hotels.
Do mid-range hotels in the centre offer views?
Some do. Downtown mid-range properties include ones with rooftop terraces that give views over the city from their central location.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen using the booking tools on this page.