Where to Stay in Mexico City for Day of the Dead

Mexico City is one of the absolute best places to experience Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in all of Mexico.  They have more festivities than almost any other city, with the possible exception of Oaxaca.  And within Mexico City, there are two main places to witness the celebrations: Paseo de la Reforma, & the Zocalo/Historic Center of town.  Luckily, I’ve stayed in both areas & can give you some insight!  Here, we’ll learn where to stay in Mexico City for Day of the Dead….

The Grand Parade along Paseo de la Reforma is a major Day of the Dead tradition in Mexico City. Photo: Travel Mexico Solo.

When is Day of the Dead Celebrated in 2025?  The height of Day of the Dead festivities will occur on November 1st & 2nd, 2025 ~ which is a Saturday & Sunday.  Many homes, cemeteries, & cities are decorated with altars & offerings to the spirits of loved ones who have passed.

Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma is one of Mexico City’s main streets: it’s HUGE!!  The reason it’s so important during Day of the Dead is because the city’s Grand Parade is held along Reforma.  Starting at Chapultepec Park (my favorite park in Mexico City), the parade travels along Paseo de la Reforma, ending in the Zocalo area.  It features music, dancing, spectacularly-designed floats, & Catrinas, which are dancers disguised as elegant skeletons!

Decorations start going up along Reforma in late October…so you don’t just have to visit in November!

Great Hotels on Paseo de la Reforma for Day of the Dead

• St. Regis Mexico City ($650+) ~ Luxury Highrise with Incredible Views of the Grand Parade:  Located right on Reforma, close to Chapultepec Park, this is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.  And what makes it a great place to stay during Day of the Dead: they offer themed brunches & cocktail hours that coincide with parade times.  This is a popular place to celebrate, as their location offers spectacular views of the parade.
• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma ($380+) ~ Great Views of the Parade + Live Music & Day of the Dead Events:  The Sofitel’s rooftop bar, Cityzen, offers a prime-time, front row seat to the Grand Parade along Reforma.  And inside the hotel, they offer Cartrina make-up lessons, live music, & haute couture-themed celebrations ~ along with delicious food to celebrate the season!  This is a fantastic place to stay for Day of the Dead, & a highly-rated hotel besides.

THIS view of Paseo de la Reforma is what makes the Sofitel an incredible place to stay for Day of the Dead. Photo: She Roams About.

The St. Regis is another amazing place to stay, with views to die for…

The Zocalo/Historic Center

The Zocalo is the “heart” of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead festivities.  They build a huge, central altar (ofrenda) here with marigolds, sugar skulls, & other offerings for the deceased.  Many of the city’s parades end here, making it a focal point for festivities; local shopkeepers will almost all have decorations in their stores reflecting the unique celebrations. 

Great Hotels in the Zocalo for Day of the Dead

• Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico ($148+) ~ Amazing Rooftop Restaurant that Overlooks the Zocalo:  There’s no more central place to be for Day of the Dead than here.  Located right on the Zocalo’s main square, this historic hotel has a fantastic rooftop restaurant that looks right out to all the festivities below.  So if you don’t feel like mixing with the crowds: you can still feel right in the mix…with a margarita in hand.
• Hotel Zocalo Central ($110+) ~ Located Right on the Zocalo with Incredible Views:  You can’t go wrong with either of these hotels.  But Hotel Zocalo’s rooftop restaurant might even be a little more *snazzy* than Gran Hotel’s.  Rooms here are also more modern, & great for a romantic getaway.  And most importantly: you’re right in the mix for all of the Dia de Los Muertos action.

Hotel Zocalo Central is a perfect place to watch Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City’s Zocalo.

I loved my margarita & view at Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico!

Where to Stay in Mexico City for Day of the Dead

When booking accommodations for Day of the Dead: the closer you are to either Paseo de la Reforma or the Zocalo, the closer you’ll be to the city’s largest celebrations!  But to save money, you can also stay further out in colorful neighborhoods like Condesa or Coyoacan, where festivities are still happening…just on a smaller scale!

xoxo Noelia

Read Next: Where Do Celebrities Stay in Mexico City?

Pin It!