By Sheila Madsen, full-time resident since 2009, posted in October 2025.
You’ve done your research and decided on Mazatlan – a city where the mighty Pacific shimmers against centuries-old streets. Every week, newcomers and visitors ask the same questions about Mazatlan: Is it safe? Where should I eat? Can I drink the water? Whether you’re planning your first visit, returning for another winter, or considering a longer stay, here’s a guide that covers what you need to know — with insider tips from the team at MazatlanLife.com.
Is Mazatlán safe?
Mazatlán is a lively, welcoming city, and for the most part, visitors feel safe in the Centro Histórico, the Golden Zone, Marina, Cerritos and beachfront areas. Like anywhere, use common sense:
• Take taxis or Uber/Didi at night.
• Photocopy and laminate important IDs -leave originals at home.
• When possible, I carry my bank card OR my credit card, never both.
• Prepare a bilingual emergency card with contact information -just in case you fall- a helpful person can contact your partner or doctor.
• Cross body purses are the best. Avoid draping your purse over a chair. Smooth operators stole mine in one second in Mexico City.
• Avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods after dark. Tone down the bling, silver jewelry is a great accessory.
• Be extra cautious around Christmas [for many families it’s a desperate time of year], and big crowds- like open-air concerts, Carnaval, the baseball stadium and The Day of the Dead.
• Basically, be street smart after sundown as you would do in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the UK.
Local Tip: Expect fireworks — sometimes they signal a fiesta, other times it’s just Tuesday. Expect pop-up banda bands on the beaches in the Golden Zone and further north. Beaches are not private in Mazatlan, everyone is welcome. Expect stray dogs and cats on various streets. Expect to see some beggars in busy areas – it’s up to you, but the business owners and local families take care of them. In the Plazuela Machado little girls and boys selling flowers, nuts, chocolate bars, gum and women selling shawls and fans may approach you – your choice, but most of us say “no gracias.” The average minimum wage as of January 2026 is $316 pesos per day.
When’s the best time to visit?
Mazatlán has two personalities:
- Winter [November–May]: Dry, sunny, and perfect for snowbirds. This is high season for live music, art shows, and all the cultural events at the Angela Peralta. And don’t miss Carnaval in February – one of the biggest street parties in the world, second only to Rio.
- Summer [June–October]: Hotter and more humid, with tropical rains and stunning sunsets. The pace is definitely different, slower. Early morning shopping, it’s takes energy to go out a high noon – but air-conditioned Didis and Ubers are the answer. At night, the fans come out – the electric kind and really that’s the perfect breeze. Most restaurants are air conditioned and many people need that relief. I prefer not to go from the heat into the cool and enjoy the twirling fans, but ac is certainly available. There is still a lot of live music and some fun events such as the Dia de la Música when Centro comes alive with five music stages – from classical, to jazz funk rock.
Where should I eat?
Mazatlan is a food lover’s city – from tacos on the street corner to fine dining with ocean views. Seafood is king — try aguachile, ceviche, shrimp cooked your way and pescado zarandeado. For a what’s new each season, check out our restaurant updates — we do our very best to track openings, renovations, and chef changes so you don’t have to. Don’t miss, Flavor Teller,the original street food tour. Yes, it’s safe to eat street food if you know where to go and Flavor Teller points the way.
What about culture and events?
Mazatlán isn’t just about beaches — it’s a cultural hub. You’ll find art galleries in Centro and every Friday from November to April over 40 artists and studios open their doors to the public for ArtWalk. There’s wonderful variety of art, glass, ceramics, jewellery, and never any pressure to buy. So many creative people live in Mazatlan! Concerts, ballet, contemporary dance, opera, piano recitals, guitar recitals, tribute bands are all celebrated at the historic Angela Peralta Theater, Casa Haas and Casa del Marino. There’s live music every night in restaurants, in the Plazuela Machado and event places like Shekinah Beach. Be sure to go to Brent McAthey’s, aka The Brenster’s Tuesday Beach Bash – there is a reason it’s been going since 2008 to sold-out crowds. Visit Mazatlán event’s calendar — updated daily with concerts, theater, art shows, live music, all the markets around town, festivals, and everything in between.
Practical questions.
Money: Pesos are best. U.S. dollars are accepted in some places, but the exchange rate won’t be in your favour. You’ll find the bank machines spit out $500 pesos bills – I recommend you go to a bank and ask for change [cambio] and stock up on $100 and $200 bills so you can shop at the many food markets and smaller vendors. It’s difficult for owners to change a $500 bill. There are still a few start-up restaurants and business who do not accept credit cards- yet,
Tipping: – This is a personal decision, but I always tip 15% . Check the bottom of your bill to make sure they have not included the tip. Actually, always check your bill. Mexicans are very honest, but if the kitchen or restaurant is super busy, a mistake can occur.
Transportation: Uber and Didi are widely used. So are the local taxies. Pulmonías [Mazatlán’s open-air “golf cart” taxis] are fun for short hops. Red trucks, aurigas- for groups of four and more. There’s a very decent bus service, 13 pesos, and you can look at the routes out here.
Water: If it’s your first visit, I recommend you stick to bottled water for drinking. Once you are familiar with your “go-to” restaurants, you’ll relax and just ask for “agua por favor.”
What’s it like to live here? There are a thousand factors in this question. To rent or to buy? House or condo or aprtment? Ocean view, or a Mexican neighbourhood? Where – Centro, Golden, Zone, Marina or Cerritos? The country side or a small town? Are you a digital nomad? What is your budget? I feel my article on “Thinking of retiring in Mazatlan” will give you a decent snap shot of life here.
Final word
Mazatlan isn’t perfect. The sidewalks demand practical shoes, the sun demands good hats or an umbella, the city’s energy [and traffic] can sometimes feel delightfully chaotic. But that’s part of the charm of this ocean-side city. Mazatlan will welcome you with open arms, music in the streets, and sunsets you won’t forget – all you need to bring are curiosity and respect. You may find this article helpful with some dos and please- do -not -do for visitors – from a Mexican point of view.