Rooftops in Mexico: the capital seen from above
A vast country between two oceans
A federal republic of around 130 million inhabitants, Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Covering nearly 2 million square kilometres, it stretches from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and shares a border of more than 3,100 kilometres with the United States. Its capital is Mexico City, and the country is made up of 31 states and Mexico City.
Heir to the Aztec and Maya civilisations, Mexico has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the pyramids of Teotihuacan to colonial historic centres. Mexico City, its largest city, is also its political and cultural heart.
Why head up to the rooftops
Under an often sunny sky, life is happily lived outdoors, and rooftop terraces are one of its finest expressions: on top of hotels, towers or old mansions, they offer a glass of mezcal at sunset, a view of monuments or skyscrapers, and evenings that stretch late into the night.
Mexico City, the first stop
A capital more than 2,200 metres above sea level
Built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City combines a historic centre of colonial palaces, wide avenues lined with towers and lively neighbourhoods such as Roma and Condesa. You will find terraces facing the cathedral and the Zócalo, a restaurant on the 41st floor of the Torre Latinoamericana, bars perched above the Paseo de la Reforma and more laid-back rooftops in Roma Norte.
Terraces open all year round
Thanks to its altitude, Mexico City enjoys a mild climate in every season, and most of its rooftops stay open all year round. From June to September, the rainy season brings late-afternoon showers: many terraces then shelter under awnings or retractable roofs.
Practical tips
Prices, bookings and cool evenings
Prices are displayed in Mexican pesos, and tipping, left to the customer's discretion, is customary. The most popular terraces fill up quickly at weekends and at sunset; book when possible. The sun is strong during the day, but evenings can turn cool: bring an extra layer.
