7 Classic “Chilango” Summer Snapshots You Can Only Take in the Historic Center

Summer in Mexico City casts a special light. Yes, rain sometimes interrupts plans, but it also leaves clear skies, unexpected shimmering reflections in puddles, and colorful sunsets that gild our old buildings. For those who enjoy walking with a camera (or cellphone) in hand, the Historic Center is a perfect setting to take a series of gorgeous snapshots.
Here we share 7 snapshots you can only take during this season and in this part of the city. Some are classics, others hidden away—but all have that certain something that only a Chilango summer offers.

1. The Zócalo After the Rain

Few things are as photogenic as the Zócalo minutes after a summer storm. The wet ground acts as a mirror, reflecting the image of the Cathedral and the National Palace.
If you stay long enough, you might see the sky open up and a warm light appear, painting everything golden. It's the perfect moment to capture a photo that looks like it's from another time—or even another dimension!

2. Snow Cones On the Street

There's no summer without snow—snow cones, that is! In the Historic Center, that means street vendors with their carts full of classic flavors: mamey, lemon, grosella, horchata, all poured over shaved ice. (Many also sell “nieves” or ice cream, if that’s more your thing!) Look for their colorful umbrellas, and take a snapshot of people hurrying by, or stopping to cool off. It’s a very Mexican scene, of summers immemorial.

3. Long Shadows in the Alameda Central

The leafy walkways of Alameda park transform in the summer. The shadows lengthen, the sun filters through the branches, and everything looks softer, more peaceful.
Here you can sit and watch life go by, or simply take a photo of those beautiful contrasts between light and shadow.

4. Picturesque Terraces, Ice-Cold Drinks

Laze away a summer afternoon on a picturesque terrace with a view, and take some memorable snapshots of the city. Balcón del Zócalo (inside our Zócalo Central & Rooftop hotel) is a perfect option to enjoy an ice-cold drink with the Zócalo, the Cathedral and the National Palace as a backdrop.
You can also try the terraces at El Mayor, La Terraza del Museo Kaluz, or La Azotea in Barrio Alameda. All three offer great food, chilled cocktails, and truly memorable views.

5. Reflections in Puddles After the Rain

There's a magical moment you might be lucky enough to catch in the Historic Center: when it rains in the afternoon, and then the sun comes out, turning the puddles into mirrors.
You can see a reflection of the Torre Latino skyscraper, a cathedral cupola, a corner lit with lanterns...a whole shimmery replica of the world above. Just look down, and have fun playing with all the cool images you can shoot.

6. Bookstores Where You’ll Want to Browse For Hours

When the heat is on, or a downpour drenches the city center, a good option is to visit a bookstore—even better, one of the Historic Center’s venerable old bookshops that have stood on Calle Donceles for decades.
On this street, you’ll find shops with plenty of dusty charm, housing real treasures from old books to weathered maps and vintage magazines. Besides wandering among the shelves, you can capture unique photos of these quaint corners of the Historic Center.

7. The Palace of Fine Arts From Above

There are ordinary photos of the Palacio de Bellas Artes... and then there are those taken from above. On the upper floors of the department store directly across the street, there's a café that gives you a perfect view of the main façade. It's a great place to pause and snap a picture that looks straight out of a postcard.
Another option: head to the top of the Torre Latinoamericana and peek out from its observation decks. From there, the Palacio can be appreciated in all its splendor, surrounded by the chaotic charm of the Historic Center.

Where to stay in the Historic Center?

If you want to amble through the Historic Center leisurely snapping photos, it's best to stay in the heart of the district.

Our hotels Zócalo Central & Rooftop, Histórico Central, and Canada Central & Rooftop are just steps away from all the attractions we mentioned. And when you return from your wanderings through the summer sun and rain, free coffee and delicious snacks await you at Café Central. You’ll be able to rest well in a comfortable room, and be ready to let CDMX surprise you all over again tomorrow.