Where to Find the Best Views in Mexico City? A Local’s Guide
Looking for the best views in Mexico City? Here’s my guide to where to find the best vistas in this gigantic metropolis!
As a local, I’m always on the lookout for the best views in Mexico City, be it from a cozy restaurant or out at the many nature reserves that surround the city.
Whether you’re perched atop a sun-soaked pyramid, lounging in a lush park, or sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, the views here are as varied as they are stunning.
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The Best Views in Mexico City
✔️ Balcón del Zócalo
If a restaurant with the best views of Mexico City is what you’re after, Balcón del Zócalo is a must.
This restaurant boasts incredible vistas of the historic Zócalo Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace, all while providing an amazing menu that you’ll love.
Tip: Each season, Pepe Salinas, the chef, comes up with a different menu with different wine pairings.
Each menu has a different theme and aside from the incredibly unique recipes you’ll get to try during each course, the menus are also crafted to provide an experience to please all your senses.
The dishes are what I’d describe as “weird and wonderful”, so if you love trying new things and looking for a unique dining experience in Mexico City with beautiful views, you cannot miss out.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city (and I’m an avid foodie) and recommend it to everyone who visits the city.
Tip: Balcon de Zocalo also hosts plenty of events year-round, so if you’re visiting Mexico City for the Day of the Dead, this is a great place to make reservations at!
It’s located right on the Zocalo where the Day of Parade ends and they’ll usually have something themed going on.
✔️ Torre Latinoamericana
If what you’re after is some of the best views of Mexico City from above, Torre Lationamerica is the perfect place for you.
Located in the heart of downtown Mexico City, this skyscraper has been offering breathtaking views since its completion in 1956.
Even though a lot is going on at Torre Lationamerica, my advice is to head up to the 44th floor, where you’ll find the observatory deck and a 360-degree panorama of Mexico City.
From up here, you’ll be able to spot iconic landmarks such as Palacio de Bellas Artes, Zócalo, Templo Mayor, the Basilica de Guadalupe, and more.
A bonus? The admission fee also includes access to their Museo del Bicentenario, which is located on the 37th floor. This museum showcases the history of Mexico and the tower itself
If hunger strikes during your visit, you have a couple of options. On the 41st floor, you’ll find the Miralto restaurant, which offers a more upscale dining experience with a beautiful view. Alternatively, you can grab a quick bite at Café del Mirador on the 43rd floor.
Traveling to Mexico City Soon? Don’t Miss These Useful Guides
Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:
- 19 Amazing Day Trips from Mexico City
- The 23 Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico City
- 5 Best Mexico City Lucha Libre Tours
- 23 Fun Things to Do in Mexico City at Night- The Ultimate Guide
- The Best Time to Visit Mexico City
✔️ Chapultepec Castle
Chapultepec Castle is worth visiting in and on itself, but did you know it also provides some of the best views in Mexico City?
Located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, this historic castle has been the only castle in North America to house royalty.
These days, you can visit to explore rooms showcasing Mexico’s history (the castle has been a witness to various periods of Mexico’s history).
Moreover, you’ll also find a variety of stunning gardens as well as various exhibits and cultural performances if you visit on the right day.
What’s more? The castle boasts an incredible terrace from which you can catch stunning views of Reforma Avenue and the surrounding Chapultepec Forest (you won’t believe your eyes when you realize there’s a massive forest almost the size of Singapore right in the middle of the city!)
✔️ Mirador Monumento a la Revolución
Located atop the Monumento a la Revolución—a symbol of Mexican history and architecture—the observation deck, or mirador, offers amazing views of Mexico City despite it not being that tall.
When you arrive, you’ll hop on a glass elevator that’ll take you 57 meters above ground. Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to get some of the best views in Mexico City.
Tip: Try to visit during daytime and evening hours. Why? Because the scenery transforms dramatically, offering you a completely different perspective on the city.
✔️ Los Dinamos
Set on the outskirts of Mexico City, Los Dinamos is a place few people know about and a spot where you’ll find some of the best views in Mexico City if nature is what you’re after.
This humongous natural reserve offers a welcoming respite from the bustling city, all while still being inside of it!
From here, you’ll be able to catch spectacular views of Ajusco Mountain, see waterfalls, and hike among verdant pine forests.
Stop by Dinamo 4, the highest point in the reserve. The trek up can be strenuous, but trust me, the views from here are worth every single drop of sweat!
If you’re not up for the full hike, you’ll still find amazing views on every trail along the way and there are tiny local restaurants spread all over at the entrance in case you want to grab a bite with beautiful views as well.
👉🏽 Dinamo 1: A perfect spot for picnicking and enjoying the river flow.
👉🏽 Dinamo 2: Great place for admiring the waterfalls.
👉🏽 Dinamo 3: Ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts.
👉🏽 Dinamo 4: The highest point in the park with my favorite views of Mexico City.
✔️ Sofitel Hotel
Located on Paseo de la Reforma, Sofitel is THE place to stay if you want incredible views in Mexico City as soon as you wake up.
If you’re staying elsewhere, you can still visit Sofitel for its views as you’ll find several restaurants worth checking out. For cocktails, I recommend checking out Cityzen Bar on the 38th floor and for dinner, Balta Restaurant is top-notch.
For a more serene setting, book a treatment at their Sofitel Spa and unwind with views of Chapultepec Park. It’s the perfect spot for you to destress in the vibrant city.
Well, the breakfast was fantastic! The location was insane and the staff were amazing. The facilities were also incredible!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sadhia, jan 2024
✔️ Museo del Estanquillo
Museo de la Estanquilla is a museum located in downtown Mexico City and even though it doesn’t offer panoramic views, it does have a beautiful balcony/terrace that overlooks some of the prettiest historic buildings in the area.
The term “estanquillo” refers to quaint, little shops. The museum houses a fantastic collection of Mexican popular art, including comic books, caricatures, photos, and sculptures.
✔️ Piso 51
Piso 51, located in the heart of Mexico City, is your ultimate destination to experience the city’s breathtaking panoramic views.
Situated atop the iconic Torre Mayor, this exclusive spot offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the city’s skyline from a dizzying height of 705 feet.
Piso 51 is a pretty exclusive club where some of Mexico City’s biggest millionaires hang out. Even though it’s not open to the public, it does have a restaurant which sometimes opens to the public for special events.
✔️ Turibus Routes
If you’re short on time but still want to get the best views of Mexico City, hopping on the Turibus might be the perfect plan for you.
The Turibus is a hop-on-hop-off bus and the rides themselves are beautiful, but they also stop at major sights so you can soak up as much of the city as you can in a short amount of time.
These are some of the best routes to take:
🗺 Centro Histórico Circuit
This route lets you catch a glimpse of the city’s historical gems, including Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Palacio de Bellas Artes.
🗺 Polanco Circuit
This is my favorite route because Polanco is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city (plenty of houses and buildings are Neocolonial and an absolute treat to the eye).
Plus, this route showcases the city’s modern attractions, such as the lush Chapultepec Park, the Soumaya Museum, and others.
Moreover, you’ll get to marvel at the sleek skyscrapers, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street art that define Mexico City’s more recent development.
✔️ Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is one of the most important attractions to visit in Mexico City and even though I recommend everyone to check them out, the ultimate way to complete the experience is by riding on a hot air balloon above them.
Teotihuacan, often referred to as the City of the Gods, is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Valley of Mexico, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of modern-day Mexico City.
It’s famous for its large pyramids (the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon), but they’re just the tip of the iceberg as the complex itself is enormous and continues to be explored.
By booking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan, you’ll get to fully appreciate the enormousness of the archeological site, as well as get the chance to see the pyramids from above and the entire valley that surrounds them.
This activity doesn’t just provide some of the best views in Mexico City, but also an incredibly unique experience!
Most tours also offer breakfast inside a cave afterward and some even add a tequila/mezcal tasting tour.
✔️ Bellini Restaurant
Bellini is the largest revolving restaurant in the world (it holds a Guinness World Record!).
Located on the 45th floor of the World Trade Center in La del Valle restaurant, this place offers 360-degree views of Mexico City while rotating, giving you the chance to truly appreciate how massive Mexico City is.
I have to be honest, while the food is good, it’s not my favorite in Mexico City but the views are the catch here!
Moreover, while the views at night are amazing and most people visit for late dinner (Mexicans dine at 8 pm or later), I like them better during the day or right at sunset.
✔️ The Four Seasons
Located on Reforma Avenue, the Four Seasons is another wonderful place to get some of the best views in Mexico City if you visit at the right time.
While the hotel is a bit hidden amid trees, they do open up their terrace occasionally for special events.
A great example of this is their ice skating rink during the winter months when their frontal terrace becomes a secluded winter wonderland with beautiful views of Reforma, so if you’re visiting Mexico City for Christmas, make sure not to miss out!
Everything! This hotel is wonderful. Amazing location. Beds so comfortable. The room was an excellent size. Service was exceptional!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ jennifer, aug 2023
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Views in Mexico City
Which Rooftop Bars Offer Panoramic Views of Mexico City?
You’ll love the views from bars like Miralto on the Torre Latinoamericana as well as Terraza Cha Cha Cha.
Cityzen is another great choice if you want striking views of Reforma Avenue.
What Are The Top Spots To Take in a Mexico City Sunset?
Chapultepec Castle or Chapultepec Park provides great vantage points to catch the sunset over the skyscrapers.
Another option is exploring the canals of Xochimilco during a late afternoon boat ride, where you can witness the sunset accompanied by the calm waters.
What’s The Most Picturesque Neighborhood in Mexico City For A Stroll?
Coyoacán, with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, is perfect for a leisurely walk full of photo opportunities.
History buffs will also appreciate San Ángel, known for its colonial-style buildings and quaint plazas.
Polanco is another gorgeous neighborhood if you love Neocolonial architecture and a high-end vibe and of course, popular Roma Norte and Condesa are also wonderful choices.
Where Can I Find Breathtaking Mountain Vistas Near Mexico City?
Head to the nearby Desierto de los Leones National Park, a beautiful natural setting with impressive mountain views.
For a more challenging hike, tackle the famous Iztaccíhuatl or Popocatépetl volcanoes for jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
Best Views in Mexico City: Final Thoughts
I hope this guide to the best views in Mexico City was helpful!
As a local, I’m always on the lookout for new spots in CDMX; these are just the best places to get started.
Whether you’re looking for a popular spot to catch vistas of the city or you’re looking for places that few tourists (and even locals know of), I made sure to provide a good mix and match of famous sites and hidden gems.
About the author
Dani is a travel blogger from Mexico City who is always on the lookout for the best destinations around the world and the coolest things to do in her hometown. She writes about her adventures around the world on her blog, No Hurry To Get Home, and The Guide CDMX.
