Rooftops in Mexico City: the Zócalo, Bellas Artes and Reforma seen from above
A capital built on the Aztec city
The capital of Mexico, Mexico City (Ciudad de México) had around 9.2 million inhabitants at the 2020 census, spread across 16 boroughs, and more than 20 million in its metropolitan area. Founded by the Aztecs in the 14th century under the name Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco, it was taken in 1521 by the Spanish, who built the colonial city on its ruins.
Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is laid out around the Zócalo, the vast Plaza de la Constitución lined by the cathedral and the Palacio Nacional. Further west, the Alameda Central, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Torre Latinoamericana lead to the Paseo de la Reforma, an avenue of skyscrapers that runs towards the Ángel de la Independencia and the Bosque de Chapultepec.
Terraces open all year round
Tempered by the altitude, the climate makes it possible to enjoy the rooftops in every season. The dry winter often brings clear skies; from June to September, the rainy season brings late-afternoon showers, and many terraces shelter under awnings or retractable roofs.
Where to rise above Mexico City
Around the Zócalo and the cathedral
At the top of the Zócalo Central hotel, the Balcón del Zócalo serves contemporary Mexican cuisine facing the cathedral and the Palacio Nacional. On the corner of the square, the Terraza Gran Hotel, on the 5th floor of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, also looks out over the esplanade. Behind the cathedral, on República de Guatemala street, three rooftops face the domes: the Terraza Catedral, livened up by DJs, La Casa de las Sirenas, on a colonial mansion, and the Terraza Círculo Mexicano, set around a hotel pool. Close by, El Mayor overlooks the remains of the Templo Mayor from the top level of the Porrúa bookshop, for breakfast or lunch.
Between the Torre Latinoamericana and the Alameda
On the 41st floor of the Torre Latinoamericana, Miralto offers a 360° view over the whole city, from the dome of the Palacio de Bellas Artes to the Zócalo, with its bar, Nivel 40 SkyBar, one floor below. Facing the Alameda Central, La Azotea de Barrio occupies the roof of a restored Art Deco building, simple and friendly.
Facing the Monumento a la Revolución
In the colonia Tabacalera, a single Art Deco building on Avenida de la República houses two venues that look towards the dome of the Monumento a la Revolución: the Terraza Cha Cha Chá, festive and keen on margaritas and seafood, and Arango, on the 7th floor, which reinvents Mexican regional recipes.
On the Paseo de la Reforma
On the 38th floor of the Sofitel, Cityzen looks down on the Ángel de la Independencia and comes alive with electronic music after dark. On the 56th floor of the Ritz-Carlton tower, Ling Ling serves Asian cuisine facing the Bosque de Chapultepec, and Salazar, on the 8th floor of a building near the Ángel, looks like a wooden barn set on the roof.
In Roma Norte
Supra Roma spreads out a terrace on the 14th floor overlooking the towers of Reforma, while Altanera, on the 8th and 9th floors of a building on Calle Colima, serves Mexican surf and turf cuisine beneath large glass roofs.
Cocktails, food and atmosphere
Prices for every budget
All prices are given in Mexican pesos. A cocktail costs from 120 to 180 pesos at La Azotea de Barrio, around 200 pesos at the Terraza Cha Cha Chá and from 165 to 235 pesos at the Terraza Gran Hotel. Expect more like 219 to 319 pesos at Miralto, 290 pesos at Supra Roma and 230 to 350 pesos at Ling Ling. Mezcal and tequila rule the drinks lists, and most terraces serve genuine Mexican cuisine.
A rooftop for every occasion
As a couple, with friends or with family
For a romantic dinner at sunset, Miralto, Ling Ling or the Balcón del Zócalo make an impression. With friends, the Terraza Catedral, Cityzen or Supra Roma keep the night going. For a family breakfast facing the monuments, think of El Mayor or the Terraza Gran Hotel.
Getting around easily
The metro serves most of these venues: Zócalo/Tenochtitlan (line 2) for the cathedral, Bellas Artes (lines 2 and 8) for the Torre Latinoamericana and the Alameda, Revolución (line 2) for the Tabacalera, Insurgentes (line 1) for Roma Norte; on Reforma, Metrobús line 7.
Tips for enjoying the rooftops of Mexico City
Bookings, sun and cool evenings
The most popular terraces fill up quickly at weekends and at sunset: book when possible. At this altitude, the sun is strong during the day and the evenings turn cool: bring an extra layer. Tipping is customary. On days of big concerts on the Zócalo, arrive early.
Photo : Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0