Originally Posted by Global Adventurer

If you don't plan on staying out late at night, then don't be concerned. If you stay there you'll see what I'm talking about. It's completely dead at night except for certain types of people. Day or night, watch yourself in/around the zocalo, etc. Also, since there's major hotels in the area they have dining on their rooftop at nights so you don't have to walk to far. Also, there's a main strip off the Zocalo on Av Francisco Madero that is main pedestrian walkway that has all the shops/restaurants etc and is safe to walk anytime. There's always officers there. But the business slowly close as the hours go on.

If you stay at the Circulo, come back and give your assessment of the area. The problem with the north side of the zocalo is the fact the worse neighborhood/area in CDMX is just north of it and since those people have legs they can walk to other neighboring areas. Just like Roma is next door to Doctores, another bad area and they go over to Roma/Condesa but regardless, the crime rate is low in the theft category but high in the extorsion category. Just follow the basic crime prevention tips no matter where you travel to and you should be fine. I still see visitors leaving their phones on their dining table at sidewalk cafes or their backpack/purse hanging on a chair. Most thieves are opportunists here.

Enjoy your stay.