mexico city historic center walking tour

FREE Self-Guided Walking Tour of Mexico City’s Centro Historico

Mexico City ‘s historic district is one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of the city. While some people might think of Mexico solely as a beach vacation destination, I implore you to skip the resorts and head to the lively heart of the country in Mexico City. The historic district is filled to the brim with museums, art galleries, iconic landmarks and amazing shops. It is the only place in the country where you can visit a pre-Hispanic temple, a church from the 17th century and a food scene unlike any other. From the minute I stepped off the plane, I was in love with this area. I was in awe of the bright colours, bustling atmosphere, and ancient architecture popping up from every hidden corner.

One of the best parts of Mexico City is its sheer size. While some people find this to be a downside, as it might feel overwhelming, I think it’s a huge plus! The various districts and neighbourhoods allow you to feel like you’re visiting a hundred different cities, all in one place. La Condesa is the peaceful botanical garden, Roma Norte is the hipster foodie quarter, Polanco is a luxury shoppers dream, Coyoacan is a bohemian wonderland and last, but not least, the Historic Center (Centro Historico) is the place where it all started! The streets in the Historic Center are brimming with ancient and colonial architecture. It is a place of discovery and authenticity. If you’ve never been to Mexico City before, you need to plan on spending at least one full day exploring this part of town.

Notes About This Guide

I go into lots of details about the different stops on our tour. Use the handy-dandy table of contents to jump to any particular area of interest if you want to skip or only visit some of the locations on this guided walk.

History of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan

For centuries, the Historic Centre has been the beating heart of Mexico City. It was here, in this area, where the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan once stood. The Aztecs of Tenochtitlan were incredible builders and city planners. They laid out the town in orderly streets, separated into four quarters. In between the streets were great canals that helped water and fertilizer their rich fields and crops. The roads and canal all meet at the grand Templo Mayor in the centre of the city. Inside the temple was the Palace of the Tlatoani (the Aztec emperor). Inside the temple, there was a large school called the Telpuchcalli which was used for secular studies, and a Calmecac that was used for priestly training.

Sadly, the beautiful ancient city of  Tenochtitlan  was destroyed with the arrival of the Spanish in 1519. They defeated the Aztecs and stole their land. The Spaniards tore down many of their temples and buildings and renamed the streets with Christain prefixes. In addition to the destruction of the city was the removal of their ingenious canal system. Little did the Spanish know, the removal of this modern method of bringing fresh water into the city would result in severe water shortages in the big city. A problem they are still struggling with to this very day! When the Spanish destroyed the Aztec city, they re-used many of the original stones to construct their colonial structures. So pay close attention as you walk; you never know where hidden ancient stones are ready to be found!

Modern History

Today the Historical Centre is spread across nine square km, occupies 668 blocks and contains over 9000 buildings! 1,550 of which have been declared of historical importance. Many of these historic buildings were constructed between the 16th and 20th centuries by the wealthy Spaniards. After a devastating earthquake in 1985, the historic district fell into disrepair. It suffered from overcrowding and pollution and was not an area that many people lauded as worth visiting.

In the 1980s Mexico City’s downtown district, with its modern towering steel architecture, was the big draw. No one had time back then for history, they sought after the future. But with the nostalgia creep of the 2000s, the Fundación Centro Histórico was founded to restore this area to its former glory. The foundation wanted to bring tourists back to the area to appreciate the beauty of these buildings and restore what Aztec history they could. A massive restoration went underway to fix the damage done by the earthquake, and more police presence was brought in to ensure safety for all visitors. Today, the area is back to its position as the central spot for visitors to this great city. Just as it was in the earliest days of its inception.

Notes on Safety

I’ve heard it all before, “ But isn’t Mexico City so dangerous?! Aren’t there drug cartels everywhere ?! ” Honestly, I never felt unsafe when I was there, and I’ve visited multiple times. Mexico City is aware of its reputation. And despite the fact perhaps this reputation is more due to the bad press than actual tourist crime, the government has made great strides in increasing police presence. Especially in tourist areas to ensure that people feel as safe as possible.

In the end, it’s a big city, like any other big city around the world. Standard travel security practices are always encouraged. I would recommend the exact same thing whether you’re visiting Mexico City or Barcelona. And honestly, in Barcelona, I witnessed multiple pickpocketing attempts and one person I knew who had their wallet and passport stolen. In contrast, in Mexico City – I never had anything happen. Does that mean it won’t? Of course not, but I don’t think it deserve this reputation it has.

Be a Smart Traveller

• Don’t wear flashy jewellery or carry expensive handbags
• Keep your money in discreet, zipper pockets and don’t carry too much at one time
• Leave your passport in a safe at the hotel
• Stick to busy streets, well-lit streets
• Ensure your phone plan covers mobile data usage in Mexico. This is a lifesaver when it comes to calling a taxi or just using directions on google maps
• Avoid wandering around at night, instead, take a Uber from location to location
• Avoiding talking to strangers who approach you on the street. Often these are scammers either trying to distract you while they swipe your wallet or just sell you on something sketchy. Kindly just wave them off and continue walking on your way
• Someone strange won’t leave you alone? Walk inside a busy shop
• If you EVER feel unsafe, just call an Uber and you can get picked up and brought to somewhere familiar
• Skip the street taxis and use Uber or other car services instead to ensure a safe ride and reasonable price
• Avoid high-crime areas like Iztapalapa, Tepito, La Lagunia, La Merced, Doctores and Ciudad Neza
• I always carry a photocopy of my I.D. on me in case of emergencies
• Learn a bit of Spanish, goes a long way in many different scenarios

How Long is this Tour?

I would recommend spending an entire day here in the Historic Center. There is SO much to see and do. You could quickly return later to further explore the different art galleries and museums found here as well. And trust me, you’ll probably want to return for the food as well. So don’t worry if something is closed or if you don’t have the time to finish the entire tour. Missing out is just a good excuse to come back!

The Historic District is bordered by the Zócalo to the east, the Paseo de la Reforma to the west, Insurgentes and Av. Juárez to the north and San Angel to the south. The best way to get around Mexico City (in my opinion) is by using Uber . Not only is Uber extremely safe, but you also don’t need to worry about getting ripped off. Fare are displayed upfront before confirming your ride. There is no fussing for cash either as you pay via a credit card stored on the app.

Rush hour traffic is REAL in Mexico City. Honestly, traffic is pretty dense throughout the entire day but it’s definitely worse before and after work hours. I would advise arriving at our starting location before 9 am to ensure you don’t have to deal with too much of the rush hour traffic.

There is also a metro station located right near our first stop. If you prefer to take public transit, that is definitely an option as well. The Metro in Mexico City is SUPER cheap and surprisingly easy to navigate. However, it is also hectic and crowded. The safety of the Metro system gets a mixed reputation. For the most part, I generally recommend Uber to ensure you have the most stress-free experience possible but if you decide to ride the metro just use all the safety tips listed above.

Map of Walking Tour

Alameda central.

Start your tour as early as you can manage inside the green acres of Alameda Central . This incredible urban oasis is the largest and oldest public park in the Americas. Despite being flanked by busy streets on all sides, when you are wandering inside the gorgeous green canopy of the park’s forest, you feel completely at peace.

History of Alameda Park

The site where the park now stands was once the location of the ancient Aztec marketplace. Today, you’ll still find different vendors bringing out their food carts serving tourists and locals alike. I feel like that same marketplace energy still exists here, just in a slightly different form.

The name for the park comes from the Spanish word “álamo,” which means “poplar tree.” Hundreds of these álamo trees were planted in the garden in 1592. Viceroy Luis de Velasco II ordered the creations of a new public green space for the city’s residents during the start of his regime. He saw the popularity of public green spaces in Europe and wanted the same criteria for his new city.

While the eastern portion of the park was for leisurely promenades, the west end of the park held a more nefarious purpose. This western section was originally built during the Mexican Inquisition. It was known as the “ Burning Place. ” It was here that convicted witches and people accused of treason were publicly burned at the stake. While you don’t immediately think of Mexico as a place of witch trials, these inquisitions spread worldwide. When the inquisitions ended in 1770, the burning plaza was destroyed and transformed into an extension of the park.

Park Monuments

Like many of the amazing parks in Mexico City, they are more than just trees. The precisely paved pathways lead you around decorative fountains, beautiful statues and incredible monuments. It feels like wandering around an outdoor art gallery. Each of the five fantastical fountains found throughout the park was made in France and were inspired by Greco-Roman mythology.

One of the most important monuments is the “ Hemiciclo de Benito Juárez .” This large semi-circle of eight towering marble columns with a central plinth is topped with a group of neoclassical statues. In the center is statesman Benito Juárez himself. Juárez was the 26th president of Mexico and, most importantly, the first president of Mexico who was of indigenous origin. On either side of him are two allegorical female statues representing the fatherland and law. On the pedestal he sits, you can see the inscription “ Al benemerito Benito Juárez la Patria .” This translate into “ To the meritorious Benito Juárez, the Homeland .”

Over the years, the park has been of such important significance to the people of the city. Most importantly, the park was immortalized by Mexican artist Diego Rivera in his famous work Sundays on the Alameda Central. The mural depicts famous people and events in the history of Mexico, all together in one giant vibrant mural. You can still see this mural in the Museo Mural Diego Rivera located in the west end of the park. We won’t be stopping in there today, but later in the tour, we will see hundreds of paintings by Rivera located in-situ where they were first painted.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Right next door to Alameda Park is the fantastical  Palacio de Bellas Artes . The Palacio is doubtlessly one of the most impressive buildings in the historic district. Inside, you can listen to international symphonies, watch emotional ballets, become entranced by the theatre, awe at opera and even hear literature performances. Being a hub for all these performance arts gives the building its nickname, “the Cathedral of Art in Mexico.” 

Architecture 

The Palacio de Bellas Artes’ original design was conceived by Italian architect  Adamo Boari . Boari wanted to create an entirely metallic structure, like the modern skyscrapers popping up in America. He loved the neoclassical and art nouveau styles as well and wanted the facade to follow those principles.

Although Boari started work on it in 1904, the building wouldn’t be completed until 1934. Problems with the soil and political unrest all contributed to halting any real progress. The situation was so volatile that Boari ditched the project and fled back to Italy. Mexican-born architect  Federico Mariscal  took over construction. Mariscal altered much of the design. The most substantial was the abandonment of the steel exterior. Instead, Mariscal used more traditional materials such as stone and carrier marble. But stone and marble are heavy and contribute to the fact that the poor Palacio is sinking into the soft ground a little more every year.

The design of the facade is heavily influenced by classical European styles. The images and references don’t have any connection to the Mexican people or their culture. Despite the fact that the new architect was Mexican, he couldn’t change much of the exterior’s plan as the materials had already been purchased. But when we step inside, we can see Mariscal’s real vision for his Palacio.

Walking up to the Palacio, you can see four statues of the pegasuses being ridden by the four muses with Apollo in tow. Initially, these statues used to sit on top of the building. Their weight contributed to the sinking of the building, so they were removed and placed on the ground in the gardens surrounding the Palacio.

Inside the portals on the ground floor are a series of Italian sculptures. Each one depicting various allegorical figures relating to emotions that theatre and art aims to invoke in the viewer. Harmony, pain, rage, happiness, peace and love are all featured here in their mortal form.

One of the most impressive features of the building is the rainbow-hued rooftop cupola. This brightly coloured feature feels so appropriately Mexican, as they embrace colour whenever they can. It stands in such contrast to the white marble exterior designed by the Italian.

Interior Design

When you walk inside (which you can do for free if you just want a peek into the lobby) you can see the powerful Art Deco style that Mariscal dreamt up. Crawling up the sides of the building are sprawling murals surrounded by prehispanic motifs. You can see serpent’s heads curling around the window arches. Mayan deities and their masks, face out on the vertical columns. Even the marble inside is starkly different from the exterior. This marble is a darker and has a red hue giving the interior a more colourful appearance.

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Interior Murals

On the second floor (if you take a guided tour) you can see the incredible murals painted by José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera, Jorge González Camarena, Roberto Montenegro and Manuel Rodríguez Lozano. Outside the entrance to the amphitheatre are more bronze carvings of the Aztec and Mayan gods Tlaloc and Chaac (the gods of thunder and rain.)

Inside the auditorium, you can study the 200-foot Tiffany glass curtain designed by Mexican artist Gerardo Murillo aka “Dr. Atl.” The glass design represents the volcanos Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Surrounding them are images of the Mexican landscape. But to me, it is the heavenly sky above the landscape that is the most powerful aspect of the piece. The opalescent blues shimmer like the rainbow as the light catches it.

Interior Tour

Everywhere you look in the interior, there are artful representations of the Mexican people, their values and cultural references. It is 100% mandatory to poke your head inside to really soak in the views for yourself. If you just want to peek inside, the cost is free, but you’ll only be able to explore the lobby. The price of admission to the entire building is $60mxn per person + $30mxn camera fee if you want to take pictures. Usually, the line-up to get inside is very long, so if you have your heart exploring the interior, the earlier you get here, the better.

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Metro Belles Artes

Walk north along the Belles Artes building, parallel to the busy Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas . Walk until you reach the Belles Artes Metro station . Although we aren’t travelling on the Metro, this iconic Parisian station entrance is a must-see. The entrance arch was actually a gift from Paris’ Metro designed by French architect Hector Guimard. The French President Jacques Chirac gave it to Mexico City in 1998 in exchange for a Wixárika fresco, El pensamiento y el alma huicholes by artist Santos de la Torre . Today you can see this mural on display in the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station in Paris.

Palacio de Correos de México

Walk back down to the Calle de Tacuba to admire the exterior of the Palacio de Correos de México ( Postal Palace of Mexico City .) While it might seem strange to visit a post office, this one is truly spectacular. The Postal Palace of Mexico City was designed when the post office became a separate government entity. They wanted to show off their power and created a building with a very eclectic style to make it really stand out! It blended Art Nouveau, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Spanish Rococo style, Elizabethan Gothic, Elizabethan Plateresque and Venetian Gothic Revival all together. The architect of this Frankenstein creation was none other than Adamo Boari , who designed the Palacio Belles Artes. While you’d think trying to blend that all those styles together would result in a mess, it is anything but!

Construction started in 1902, and the building was finished in 1907. Although five years might seem like a while these days, for such a massive undertaking in the early 1900s it seems almost too quick! The frame of the building was designed on a grid of steel beams. This modern inner structure is why the Post Office managed to withstand many of the earthquakes that destroyed other buildings in the area. Military engineer Gonzalo Garita y Frontera supervised the construction of the steel frame. It is perhaps for this reason that the structure is so sound.

One of the most iconic parts of the building is the colour of the stone. The stone is called “ chiluca ,” which has a slightly translucent effect and is exceptionally light in colour. This allows the heavy ornamentation to be juxtaposed by the airy feeling of the stone. The chiluca stone was quarried from the local Tulpetlac mines. This gives the building a bit of local flare despite the overall European-inspired architectural elements.

Decorating the facade is a mixture of Elizabethan Gothic styles. This period in architecture was dominated by twisting columns, heraldic elements, flowery crests, stone cherubs holding scrolls, gargoyles, hundreds of arches and hundreds (if not thousands) of ornamental balls. Highly polished brass and iron dragons, hanging off the side of the building, shine in the sunlight as you walk along the exterior.

One of the interesting details of the building is the windows that look out onto the street. Take a closer look and you’ll see that the windows on each level are all different designs. Each of these unique window styles is set inside a familiar arch. This gives the facade a more cohesive appearance despite all the different things going on.

Stepping inside, you are immediately taken aback. Just like the exterior, the interior is awe-inducingly covered in ornamentation. Filigree cresting surrounds the entire building like a living piece of ivy, spreading out from every corner and growing out of control. The marble floors glimmer and shine. They are polished to the point of looking like a mirror, so they reflect the radiant bronze ironwork on the window frames and staircases.

The main staircase descends down from two different directions from a central landing. The stairwell is bathed in bright sunlight from the large leaded glass dome that caps the top of the building.

Facing the staircase are a series of shields that crown the finishes of the interior arcade. These shields represent the various countries that were part of the Universal Postal Union at the beginning of the 20th century. This building is so iconic to Mexico that it inspired the design for the “Department of Family Reunions” in the Pixar film Coco .

Museo Nacional De Arte (MUNAL)

Back on Calle de Tacuba , opposite the Post Office admire the grandiose Museo Nacional De Arte . This museum is worth a visit if you have a little bit more time, but for our purposes today, we are just passing by. This building is a real sight to see. It is one of the most impressive neoclassical buildings in Mexico City, built in the 20th century. The building was initially used as the old Palace of Communications. It was designed to house the Secretariat of Communications and Public Works. Mexico City wanted to show the rest of the world that they were a modern city, and one of the best ways to do this was to building yourself a world-class museum. Today museum houses Mexican artworks from the late prehispanic era to the early 20th century.

Cafe De Tacuba

Continue walking along Calle de Tacuba until you reach the burgundy painted exterior of the Cafe de Tacuba . You most likely will be able to spot this place from afar because it almost always has a line! It’s the perfect spot to grab some breakfast or brunch as the line isn’t AS long in the morning. Café de Tacuba has been a hot spot here in the Historic District since 1912. The restaurant gained real notoriety in 1922 when Diego Rivera held his wedding reception to novelist Guadalupe Marín here. Rivera would divorce Marín and marry one of the most famous Mexican artists, Frida Khalo . Another notable event that took place here was the assassination of the local governor of Veracruz, Manlio Fabio Altamirano Flores. You might think such an event would put people off but it only increased the draw.

But it’s not just the history that brings people here. Aside from the amazing food, is the incredible interior design. The interior is covered in fantastical paintings from the pre-hispanic period. Vibrant mosaics and stained glass windows encircling the space make you feel like dining inside a museum. The entire menu here is based on classical dishes. Some of the best breakfast items include chicken tamales with green sauce, enchiladas Tacuba, Puebla style Garnacha, and hotcakes with honey.

Plaza de Santo Domingo

After filling up on breakfast, continue walking east and turn north up the República de Brasil. At the corner of the República de Cuba and the República de Brazil is the Plaza de Santo Domingo .The name of the plaza comes from its location right beside the church of the same name.

The land in the Santo Domingo Plaza was given to Captain Don Cristobal de Oñate, Gonzalo de Salazar and the Marquis of Villamayor after Mexico was conquered by the Spanish. These men all built their large, luxurious residences around this square. They wanted their homes to be in close proximity to the nearby customs office . They each controlled a massive naval fleet that brought goods in from other Spanish-occupied countries like the Philippines. This brought a considerable amount of income into the new colony and just like today, customs and taxes took up a lot of time. So it was nice to live so close to work.

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Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez

In the center of the plaza is a large circular fountain. In the center is a statue of Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez . Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez was a heroine of the Mexican War of Independence. She fought for the Mexican people and was a part of several conspiracies to overthrow Spanish rule. Ortiz de Dominguez would falsify documents in one of the 614 illegal print shops that spread across the plaza and surrounding area. Ortiz was eventually caught and found guilty. Instead of facing the gallows, as a woman, she was placed in a nunnery. She managed to secure a release if she promised to stop her efforts in the rebellion. Which, of course, she did not. Even in her old age, she aided several radical political groups involved in the independence movement. In 1910, Ortiz de Domínguez was the first woman to be depicted on a Mexican stamp!

On the west side of the plaza, you can see the Portal de Evangelistas leading into the church of Santo Domingo. Although this plaza is slightly farther away from the traditional tourist track, this little square is one of my favourites. It seems that whenever you visit, there is always some sort of festivities going on, and the entire plaza is adorned with brightly coloured decorations.

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Old Customs Buildings

Directly opposite the plaza is the burgundy awning which covers the facade of the Old Customs Buildings. The customs house was responsible for the taxation of all items imported and exported in “New Spain.” “New Spain” was the name for Mexico during the 17th century when the customs house was first established. The building you see today was the newly built version constructed in 1730. One of the reasons I adore Mexico City is that you can see such historic buildings that have been preserved so well. Eventually, the customs offices needed to be expanded. The building was left empty until the Secretary of the Public Education Department took over.

The structure is made from a very unique material only found here in Mexico. The stone is called “ tezontle .” Tezontle is dark red and a porous volcanic rock. It was one of the most popular materials used at this time and gives all the buildings from that era a special texture and appearance. The white stone around the windows, balconies and doorways provides a beautiful contrast, almost highlighting the uniqueness of the tezontle.

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Palace of the Inquisition

Before heading into the west part of the plaza, look at the building on the corner of República de Brasil and República de Venezuela. This is the ancient Palace of the Inquisition . The building is notable for its dramatically “cut-off” corner facade facing Santo Domingo Plaza. The Mexican Inquisition was one of the darkest parts of Mexico’s heritage. Although everyone knows the famous “Spanish Inquisition”, their inquisitors also set up operations in their new colonies.

The Inquisitors were essentially a judicial institution that aimed to combat heresy . Heresy was considered an opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted. And what was “generally accepted” was defined by the government of the time. Unlike the judicial system we have today that is based on fair trials and evidence, the inquisitors relied on brutal methods. This included torture, to get their “confessions” out of the accused. Often, this resulted in false confessions by the victims, as they would do anything just to get the pain to end.

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Mexican Inquisition

The first inquisitor to arrive in ‘New Spain’ was Pedro Moya de Contreras . He arrived in 1526 and immediately went about building a new monastery for his Dominican order. Right across the street from the Palace of the Inquisition he built the Church of Santo Domingo . At the time, the current Palace of the Inquisition was a part of the monastery where Contreras and the other inquisitors worked. Their first big case was in 1566 against Martin Cortes, son of Hernán Cortés. There were rumours that Martin Cortes wanted to make New Spain an independent colony. That would mean all the resources that Spain had gained by colonizing Mexico would be lost. Which was a no-go for the government.

But even more upsetting was the fact that instead of investigating Cortes himself, they went about brutally torturing his enslaved Creole workers. When they were found guilty, they were decapitated, and their home near the Templo Mayor was razed. The site was sown with salt, a typical practice on conquered cities to symbolize a curse on their re-inhabitation. Just more proof of how brutal the colonization of Mexico was.

Life after Inquisition

When the Inquisition was disbanded, the building was put up for sale, but no one wanted to buy it due to its horrific past. It was finally purchased by the local archbishop, perhaps as a pity bid, but the building passed hands many more times. That was until 1854 when it was sold to the School of Medicine . But the cursed nature of the building seemed to persevere. In 1873, the famed romantic poet Manuel Acuña committed suicide by poison inside the school. Today, despite the building converted into the University’s Museum of Medicine , you can still make out the coat-of-arms of the Inquisition on the facade. This is depicted on the crest with a cross, branch and sword.

Santo Domingo

Walking towards the west side of the Plaza, you’ll be able to admire the exterior of the great Church of Santo Domingo . The architecture found on this building is very precious as it is the last remaining monastery from the original ‘New Spain’ constructions. When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico in 1526, the Dominican orders immediately established houses of worship. But many churches needed to be rebuilt over the years. Architects from the new world didn’t know how to cope with the soft soil and earthquakes that plagued the area. The church uses mainly the same dark tezontle rock framed in white cantera stones.

The twelve columns on the facade of the church facing onto the square represent the twelve apostles. In the portals on the first floor, we can see Saint Francis and Saint Augustine. Above them, we can see Saint Dominic kneeling as he receives the keys to the kingdom from Saint Peter and Saint Paul. There is a more miniature bas relief carving of the Assumption set between two small choir windows on the top level.

Street Names in Mexico City

Walk along the Republica de Columbia and then back south down Republica de Argentina . You might have started to notice a pattern surrounding the street names in this area. Most of them were named after Latin American countries. Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are all given their own streets. But this wasn’t originally the case. These street names were revised from the original wording in the 1920s by President Alvaro Obregon . During this time, Mexico was in the middle of a bloody revolution. Representatives from these other Latin American countries were sent to Mexico to help President Alvaro Obregon in the uprising. The renaming of the streets was seen as a sign of gratitude towards these countries. But it meant erasing the original naming conventions and with it their history.

In the Historical Centre, you’ll also find streets named after important dates in the country’s history. Cinco de Mayo and 16 de Septiembre are just two of those famous examples. Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the French triumphed briefly over the French.

The 16th of September is also known as the “Cry of Dolores” day. On September 16th, 1810, the church bells (known as Dolores) rang as a call to arms that triggered the start of the Mexican War of Independence.

Trade Streets

Since the dawn of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City has been a hub for tradesmen and craftspeople. Many of these trade guilds were given a particular street to work out of. That street was therein known as the “metal workers street” or “shoemakers street.” Even today, in the shopping districts in the Historical Center, this trend of grouping businesses together still exists. You’ll pass a block where you’ll only find fabric stores, or button sellers, or goldsmiths. There is even an entire block dedicated to party decorations!

Cities and Authors

Various districts and neighbourhoods in Mexico City chose their own thematic naming conventions. In the Historical Center, in addition to the names of Latin American cities, we also see streets named after famous military generals like General Molinos del Campo, General Zuaza, General Leon, and General Gomez Pedraza . Roma Norte ‘s streets are named after Mexican cities and states. Colonia Juarez contains streets named after international cities. You’ll find Calle Londres (London), Calle Tokio (Tokyo), Amsterdam Avenue, Calle Liverpool, Oslo Street, Hamburg Street, and even Florencia! Colonia Cuauhtémoc on the north side of the Reforma has streets named after rivers; Rio Nilo, Rio Po, Rio Tigris, Rio Elba, Rio Amazonas and Rio Sena. In the upscale area of Polanco, you’ll find the area dotted with streets named after famed men of thought and letters like; Parque Lincoln, Calle Socrates, Avenue Homer, Oscar Wilde, Schiller, Tennyson and more!

Secretariat of Public Education Main Headquarters

The large building that now houses the Secretariat of Public Education Main Headquarters is spread over an entire city block. The main facade faces out onto Republica de Argentina. This side has a completely different look than the older parts of the building we saw previously facing the Plaza Santo Domingo. This modern extension has a classical Greek design featuring Ionic pilasters and sharp lines. On top there is a large stone sculpture of the Greek gods; Apollo, Minerva, and Dionysus. Beside the greek statues are two sets of Aztec and Spanish-style weapons. The entrance to the building is marked by three large metal grilles with the initials “SER” on the front. This stands for the “ Secretariat de Education Publica. “

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Diego Rivera Murals

Walk through the iron gates to enter the open-air courtyard. You’ll usually see two armed guards on either side of the doors. Since this is still a government office, they take security seriously. Tell them you are there to visit the Diego Rivera murals. If there aren’t any private events going on inside the courtyard the guards will usually let you right in but might do a quick security check of any bags you might be carrying. Inside the doors, you’ll enter the first of two large adjoining courtyards. Covering the walls of the courtyard are 235 panelled murals painted by none other than Diego Rivera . This was Rivera’s first large-scale painting project.

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Rivera and Vasconcelos

Although born in Mexico, Rivera had travelled to Paris and Italy to study under great masters like Pablo Picasso. He returned to Mexico to participate in a new mural program started by the Secretary of Public Education, José Vasconcelos. Vasconcelos thought that art was a powerful tool for education. He went about commissioning large-scale mural projects across the city to bring art to the public. This project took place after the great Mexican Revolution. The air was to use art to help communicate to the people that this new government would guarantee the new life promised by the revolution.

Like many of his contemporaries, Rivera believed that “easel painting” was considered too aristocratic. He and his contemporaries believed that large, public murals could reach a larger, broader audience. Art didn’t need to be hidden away inside stuffy museums or only appreciated by those with a critical eye. Art was for everyone.

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Education Mural Themes

Rivera started work on the murals in 1923, and it took the painter five years to complete. Despite the overly Greek-influenced exterior, these murals focused powerfully on the Mexican identity. It followed themes of the Mexican Revolution and the glorification of the dedicated Mexican labourers. His themes are divided by the two courtyards. The larger courtyard focuses on “Labour,”and the smaller courtyard is dedicated to the “Fiesta.” Unlike so much of the European influence covering the colonial parts of the city, these murals focused on the regular Mexican people.

Fiesta Courtyard

The smaller Fiesta Courtyard is the first one you’ll enter. Here there are murals on the ground floor depicting various meaningful events in the Mexican calendar. You’ll see scenes from the Deer Dance, the Day of the Dead, the Corn Fiesta, the Meeting on May 1st, Good Friday and the Ribbon Dance.

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Walk up the stairs to the second level, where you can view one of the most important of Rivera’s murals called “The Arsenal.” This massive painting portrays a group of revolutionaries preparing for battle. In the center, you can see the image of a young woman in red wearing the communist star on her shoulder. The woman who posed for this painting is none other than Rivera’s future wife, Frida Kahlo . Hovering above the murals, Rivera painted a sprawling red banner connecting one piece to the other. The text written upon it are words to revolutionary songs called “ corridos .”

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Labor Courtyard

The larger courtyard surrounds a beautiful green garden full of lush foliage. In this area, you can see scenes depicting Mexican labourers. You’ll find images of mineworkers, sugar mill labourers, craftspeople using looms and dying fabric, smelters working the oven, and busy farmers selling their goods in the marketplace.

On the second floor staircase, are a series of murals highlighting Mexico’s diverse landscape from the bright blue coasts to the dense mountains. The murals on the second level here are dedicated to what Rivera considered the four primary elements of painting. These are light, colours, man and geometry.

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Palacio Nacional

To finish off our tour of Diego Rivera’s mural, a visit to the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) is in order. The Palacio Nacional is an enormous museum with so much to see and do. But for our purposes, we are just entering to see the courtyard murals. Once we arrive at the Zocalo, we will speak a little bit more about the grand facade but for the time being, let’s go inside to get a look at the courtyard.

Entrance to the National Palace is free, although there is usually a long lineup to get inside. You need to leave a piece of ID with the guards at the door. Since the Palace is still home to the offices of the Mexican President, security is critical. They need to control the number of people and keep track of exactly who is inside. Entrance to the National Palace can be found on Moneda Street.

History of the Palace

The site of the building was once home to Moctezuma II’s Palace. His grand residence was built in 1521. When Cortés first visited the Palace, he described it as having a surprising array of riches. The walls were made of marble, and the facade contained a carved shield of Mexico’s iconic eagle with the snake in its claws. Inside, the building was very modern, with sanitary facilities, fountains, gardens, bedrooms with rich tapestries of rabbit fur and feathers. In addition to being a royal residence for the rulers of the Aztec city, it was also a meeting place for the elder tribe members. Here disputes and discussions would take place to ensure the wealth and happiness of their people.

Sadly, after the invasion by the Spanish, Cortés seized the residence from the Aztecs and used it as his own home. Passing it down to his son in later years. The Palace suffered a devastating fire in 1692 that destroyed much of the original structure. Many of the original stones that could be recovered were used in the reconstruction efforts. However, the design of the new Palace was a much different style. This one was styled in the Baroque fashion of the time. It seemed that over time, every generation added their own touch to the building. And now, it looks more like a patchwork quilt of the ages. 

History of Mexico Mural

Walking inside the National Palace, follow the signs for the ‘ History of Mexico Murals .’ These can be found within the great courtyard, surrounded by Baroque arches. Walk up to the main stairwell, where you’ll immediately be struck by this immense masterpiece. The mural depicts the history of Mexico from the dawn of human existence through to the 1920s. Rivera started work on this mural in 1929, many years after his first mural project. The precision and confidence in his technical skills and expressive style are evident in this work of art. Rivera was decisive in using his art to communicate his ideologies about communism and the decisive rejection of the colonizers. He wanted to bring the crimes of the part clearly into the people’s minds to ensure these atrocities were never forgotten.

The main message of the mural surrounds the indigenous Mexican people’s struggles to preserve their culture, National identity and country against the brutal colonizers. Standing at the base of the stairwell, take a minute to appreciate the sheer grandeur of the entire piece. So much of the story is a sad one—a classic tale of good vs. evil. The goodly indigenous Mexicans had one of the most vibrant cultures. Yet, they were practically wiped out by the evil, invading Europeans.

If you squint and look at the entire piece as a whole, the bright colours and expressive shapes look powerful, hopeful and strong, just like the Mexican people. Despite the horrors of the past, the post-revolution population believed in the future of their country. Especially as it became an independent nation. And that their strength and perseverance over the years was what would conquer evil and allow their great country to prosper.

North Wall 

Walk up the stairs to the landing in the center, and look up at the left side, or North Wall. This part of the mural depicts the indigenous Mexican’s long before the arrival of the Spaniards. They are surrounded by the fantastical Mexican landscape all around them. The blue is almost heavenly above—the large bright sunshine above, casting all of them in celestial light. The Aztecs believed in the sun god, as can be seen in the all-seeing eyes painted onto the sun’s face. Just below the sun, you can also see an erupting volcano with Xiuhtecuhtli ‘s “ the Lord of Fire ” exploding from the mouth of the volcano. In the sky flies Quetzalcoatl , the Feathered Serpent deity and god of the wind and the rain.

The Valley of Mexico is spread out along the horizon, with its amazing pyramids towering above the people. Standing in front of the pyramids are the Aztec leaders, guiding and looking after their citizens. In the left corner, you can see a small battle scene between two tribes. This violence was a common occurrence in any civilization but the cultural costumes worn by the different tribes is what makes this little vignette so interesting. 

Farmers are tending to vivid corn crops, almost as bright as gold. Craftspeople in the lower right-hand side of the mural are busy weaving, making pottery, playing music, painting and writing on scrolls. This just shows what a modern civilization they had full of technology, art and even science! They were the farthest thing from “savages” as was reported by the violent Spanish colonizers.

West Side, Main Wall 

We move from the north wall’s idyllic memories to the densely packed and violent images of the west wall. This is the mural straight ahead as you walk up the main stairs. It is the battle of the Mexican people against their oppressors. A story of hatred and war, woven into the fabric Mexico’s history.

Lower Level Depictions

The lower part of the mural is riddled with images of Mexicans and Indians clamouring to fight against the heavily armoured calvary of the Spanish and French attackers. The beautiful and bright feathered costumes of the Aztec leaders, crushed and fallen under the feet of their enemies. Cortez himself can be seen in the middle of the painting, as he is the only mounted soldier with his face exposed. The rest of the attacker’s helmets are closed but Rivera paints Cortez with his helmet raised so his actions are not anonymous.

Cortez’s armies have modern weaponry making their defeat of the Aztecs a foregone conclusion. Despite them being outgunned and outnumbered, the Aztecs fought valiantly against the Spanish as seen on the right and let corners. All the while, the Aztecs are being watched over by a great golden eagle in the center. The eagle sits perched atop a cactus with a serpent in its mouth. The design of this symbol is rooted in the legend that the Aztec people would build their great city in the spot where they found an eagle eating a snake on top of a cactus. They called that place Tenochtitlan (Mexico City), and to them, it was worth fighting for.

Middle Depictions

In the middle of the mural, we see the horrors brought to Mexico by the Spaniards. Not only did they want to conquer the land, but they also wanted to abolish the Aztec religion. The Inquisition went about burning sacred books and religious imagery. You can see these fires burst out across the wall. Priests on the left-hand side can be seen forcefully converting the indigenous people to their new religion of Chrsitiniarity. The Spanish turned many natives into slaves, and it was these hard-working people who were the actual creators of this “new world.”

Upper Arch Depictions

Under the five arches at the top of the wall are the various rulers of Mexico. Interesting to note is Rivera’s use of non-hierarchical representation. No one man is larger than the other. While some people think makes the mural more challenging to interpret or read, it is part of Rivera’s communist ideologies of equality.

Starting from the left, we see the French Rule and execution of Austrian Emperor Maximilian in 1867. Next to that, we see images of the Porfirian Era. This era was coloured with a brutal dictatorial rule accomplished through a combination of consensus and repression. In the central arch, we see depictions of Independence and the Mexican Revolution. At the very top of the frame, you can see a man with a mustache carrying a large red banner. This is revolutionary Emiliano Zapata , who was one of the leading men in the Revolution. The red flag says “ Tierra y Libertad,” which means “ Land and Liberty .”

To the right we see images from the Reform and Juarez era. Benito Juarez was Mexico’s only Indigenous president and considered the founder of the new Mexican nation. Finally, on the far right, we have the invasion of Mexico by the US. Aabove the invading US army is the great eagle flying down to attack.

The south wall to the left of the main stairwell depicts the future of the Mexican people. The imagery represents the ideals of progress, prosperity and hope for a better future. At the top of the mural is the image of Karl Marx holding his great Communist Manifesto on a large scroll. To the right of this is a man flying the Soviet flag. When the mural was painted, the Mexican people and Rivera himself had solid socialist tendencies and the Soviet flag can be seen throughout imagery from this era.

To the right of Karl is a scene of Mexican workers. They are being attacked and oppressed by a group of police wearing large gas masks. This scene takes place in front of the silhouette of Mexico City’s skyline. While the other two murals are more fluid in their collage-like design, this mural is framed in harsh geometric, metal beams. Inside these almost cage-looking rectangles are pictorial representations of what Rivera saw as negatives social forces in high society. 

At the bottom of the painting, is the image of a woman dressed in bright red. Look closely at her face to see if you can recognize the model. It is none other than his wife, Frida Kahlo . Frida holds in her hands a copy of the Marxist manifesto and is engaged in a political rally. Very similar to her real-life political activism. Above her is another similar-looking woman. This is Frida’s sister Cristina, with whom Rivera had an affair during his marriage to Frida.

Second Level

On the second level of the courtyard patio are 11 additional murals painted by Rivera. These are continuations of the history but highlight particular scenes that Rivera found to be important during the pre-Hispanic era. These murals were not finished, and it’s interesting to see them as works in progress captured in time.

La Casa de las Sirenas

It’s time to go and grab something to eat to power us up for the rest of the day. Exit the National Palace the way you came and turn left along Moneda Street and then north up Seminario . This street leads right up to the entrance of historic Restaurante, La Casa de las Sirenas . If you look up this restaurant on Google, it will send you to the wrong address. Be sure to come directly to the building on República de Guatemala at #32. The best part of this restaurant is its incredible view of the Templo Mayor and the National Palace , as it sits in the shadow of the great Metropolitan Cathedral. If you can request reservations in advance, be sure to ask for a seat on the terrace as the view from there is unbeatable.

History of the Casa de las Sirenas

The other reason to eat here? Over 500 years of history steeped within the walls. The buildings along this street, initially named “ Calzada a Tlacopan ,” were some of the first lots handed out by Hernán Cortés to new Spanish landlords. The buildings were constructed using stones from the old Aztec pyramids, which were destroyed after the Spanish invasion. You can still see those dark-red volcanic stones embedded in the facade. On either side of the incredibly detailed frieze on the terrace are carvings of two mermaids. They sit proud, with their tails unfurled, giving the house the name “ Casa de las Sirenas. ” In 1994 the house was established as a restaurant and the owner and architect Nicolás Salas Villagómez went about restoring all the original details of the house.

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The menu consists of traditional ingredients and classic recipes. That being said, it’s clear the menu is geared more towards tourists. The selection felt a little simplified, mostly like to suit a foreign palette. But nonetheless, it was all delicious! If you’ve never had traditional mole before, the one here is superb. But what you really come here for is the atmosphere, the good food is just a plus!

Taquería Tlaquepaque

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative for lunch, make a quick detour over to Taquería Tlaquepaque . Taquería Tlaquepaque is your best budget option. This street taco establishment serves up plenty of options. But the very best one, in my opinion, is the tacos Al Pastor served with onions and pineapples atop a pile of roasted pork. Such a perfect sweet and salty combination.

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Templo Mayor Museum

Directly across from the restaurant are the remains of the ancient Templo Mayor . Over the years, after many successful excavations and archeological digs, much of this historic site has been uncovered. It is now able to be viewed once more by the public inside the Templo Mayor Museum . The museum is definitely worth visiting as it displays some of the most significant treasures and relics of the great Aztec people. I would advise returning here on another day as a proper walk-through takes about 2-4 hours to explore. For our tour, the most exciting details of the ruins can be viewed from the street without going inside.

History of the Temple

The entire modern metropolis of Mexico City was built atop the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. In the center of Tenochtitlan was the Templo Mayor , the city’s primary temple complex. The temple’s original name, in the native Nahuatl language, was Huēyi Teōcalli . According to legend, the temple was located where the god Huitzilopochtli gave the Mexican people the sign that they had reached the promised land. This sign was that iconic image of an eagle on a cactus with a snake in its mouth.

This great pyramidal temple was first built in 1325. Unlike Egyptian pyramids, which were primarily large tombs meant only for the Pharaohs, these pyramids were a big part of the life of the city. They were composed of four slopped terraces with secret passages inside. On the top of the pyramid was a flat platform where two temples were located. These were dedicated to Huitzilopochtli , god of war, and Tlaloc , god of rain and agriculture.

Inside the temple were the large idols of each god. They were made of amaranth seeds which was a traditional sculptural material in the pre-hispanic era. The seeds were stuck together with honey and even human blood to form the shape of the god. The blood was always given by willing human sacrifices as they wanted to donate a part of themselves to the god. These human sacrifices shocked Cortés when he first visited Tecnochiland. It was one of the events which added to his disdain of their beliefs and led him to think they were a “savage” culture.

The Discovery of the Temple

In 1521, after the invasion of the Spanish, the temple and the rest of the Aztec buildings were destroyed. The Spanish used the site as a spot for their new Cathedral. Hundreds of years past and many people completely forgot about it until it was nothing more than legend. But in 1978, when an electric company was undertaking some excavation work in the area, they discovered these incredible ruins underground. Back then, 19th-century colonial buildings covered the plot of land under which the ruins were hiding. The government of the time thankfully saw the importance of the archaeological site to be of far greater significance than the colonial buildings. They were demolished, and a massive undertaking began, working to uncover the ruins and preserving the treasure found within.

The parts of the temple we can see today are elements of the base of the pyramid and the slope upon which the rest of the pyramid would have travelled. Large sculptures of the gods jut out from the base of the temple. Still to this day, even after being buried underground, you can make out the bright colours that they were painted with when they were first created. These Aztec towns were a rainbow-hued metropolis and a sight to see to be sure.

Mexico City Cathedral Metropolitan

The crowning glory of the Historic Center of Mexico City is the enormous   Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavens . The stone monument dominates the border of the huge  Plaza del Zócalo . While its full name is “ Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavens,”  it also goes by the much shorter nickname  “ Metropolitan Cathedral ”  or  “Mexico City Cathedral.”  The enormous church has stood here for over 400 years, being constructed from the literal bones (or stones) of the Templo Mayor.

The towering ornate church is considered one of the masterpieces of Mexican architecture and is Latin America’s largest and oldest cathedral. If you’re visiting  Mexico City , you absolutely need to make a stop inside! Explore the interiors and wonder at the amazing monuments, chapels, architecture and incredible atmosphere found inside the  Mexico City Cathedral . I have an entire guided tour of the Cathedral to help you better understand all the different aspects of its history and architecture. It’s pretty in-depth since I truly think it is one of the most spectacular places to visit. But if churches aren’t your thing (which I totally get), you can just poke your head inside and head back out to the Zocalo.

Across the Cathedral is the huge public square, called the Zócalo or P laza de la Constitución . Every great city has got to have their triumphant main square. Whether it’s St Mark’s in Venice or the Red Square in Russia, you need to have a large central meeting place for your citizens and annual celebrations. The word “ Zócalo ” means “ plinth ” or “ base .” When the square was first built, there was plans for a large monument to be installed in the center. But only the plinth was ever built. So it began to go by that nickname. The nickname Zocalo caught on for all future public squares around Mexico despite them having no connection to an actual plinth on site.

The Aztec Zocalo

Before the Spanish conquest, the square was used by the Aztec people just as they use it today. As an open space for the people. Back then it was surrounded by Moctezuma II’s Palace to the east and the great Templo Mayor to the north. It sat in the center of what was when the intersection of all the roads that met in the middle of Tenochtitlan.

The Spanish Zocalo

Shortly after the invasion in 1521, the Spanish immediately went about transforming the area around the square. But for the most part, they left the Zocalo much unchanged as open-air squares were already famous in Europe and a necessity for big cities. Over the years, market stalls began to pop up around the square. Although I think the idea of a colossal square bustling with vendors sounds exciting, historian Francisco Sedano thought the spectacle was ugly and unsightly. He claimed it was, “ very difficult to walk around here at the time because of its uneven pavement, mud in the rainy season, aggressive street dogs, mounds of trash and human excrement tossed among the corn husks and other discarded wrappings. “

Insisting the “unsightly” local vendors should be removed, the government installed a “ Parián ” in the southwest part of the square. The Parián was a small, stone warehouse where international products, brought in through trade, were sold. This new warehouse meant that local produce and crafts were pushed by the wayside in exchange for foreign products that outweighed the importance of the indigenous Mexican economy. During the Mexican Wars of Independence, the Parián was seen as another symbol of the colonizers. It was target #1 and destroyed during a large riot in 1828.

Celebrations, Rallies and Riots

As the square sits right in front of local government building, it is a popular spot for protests and rallies. But it is equally a place for expression and celebration. Festival de México is an annual event with programs dedicated to Mexican art held in the Zócalo. During the Day of the Dead celebrations, this square becomes filled with orange decorations, colourful floats, music stages, and more!

Grito de Dolores

Walk over to the east side of the square to look up at the facade of the Palacio National, which flanks this side of the square. It is here, every year on September 16th, better known as Independence Day, that celebrations start in Mexico City begin. Since 1821, the President of Mexico will walk out onto the balcony on the National Palace facing the square filled with crowds of people.

Once outside, he will ring the bell, which hangs in a small niche above the doorway. This bell once marked the first call to arms during the Mexican War for Independence and it still serves as a call to the people today. The president will then shout out to the people in the square, “ Viva Mexico! ” A cry echoed throughout the jam-packed Zocalo. This is called the “Grito de Dolores” or”the Cry of Dolores”. While it was once a rallying cry for the end of Spanish rule, today it is a cry for racial equality and the redistribution of indigenous land

The niche above the bell is topped by a great carving of the Mexican Coat of arms. The niche is flanked on either side by images of an Aztec eagle knight and his Spanish counterpart. Symbols of the ruling dynasties which once occupied the Palacio.

The Old Government Buildings

Looking south of the Zocalo, two identical buildings sit across facing the square. These are the official Government Administration buildings. The one on the right is the Old Town Hall ( Palacio de Ayuntamiento ) and one on the left is just called the Government Building (or Edificio De Gobierno ). The Old Town Hall is much more bejewelled in its baroque architecture, while the Government Building is a simple, neoclassical design. While the Old Town Hall’s foundations dates back to the 16th century, the Government Building was a 20th-century invention. It was designed as a mirror image to the Old Town Hall, creating a wonderfully symmetrical appearance to that side of the square.

Palacio de Ayuntamiento

When Hernán Cortés took power in Mexico City, he wanted to immediately install a series of large governmental buildings surrounding the Zocalo. This was a sign of his dominance over the country. He also thought this would prevent indigenous people from building up around this central hub. The Old Town Hall would be located on the south side of the Zocalo. Construction was finished in 1527 under master architects Pedro de Arrieta and José Miguel Álvarez . But the first incarnation of the building was destroyed during the riots and fires of the 17th century uprising.

The new design we see today follows the baroque and neoclassical styles popular at the time. On the lower level, there is a series of wide arches for pedestrians to pass under. Floral carvings twirl around the architectural elements creating a highly textured facade. Walk under the arches of the Old Town Hall to admire the brightly coloured Talavera tile which wrap around the building. In the center of some of the tiles are painted murals depicting scenes of the founding of the city. 

Edificio De Gobierno

The  Edificio De Gobierno  follows the same overall design, but the heavy ornamentation has been omitted. Instead, we see a more simplistic, neo-classical style. Both buildings have a series of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns repeating along each level. Many of these design choices can be seen in the surrounding buildings in the Zocalo. But this isn’t just a coincidence or even just a common thread. This uniform look of the square was a government-mandated directive implemented in the 19th century. The government hoped that by enforcing this neocolonial style of architecture, the square would have a more unified and cohesive appearance. 

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Old Portal de Mercaderes

Continue along under the archway under the government building towards the west until you reach the southwest parkette in the corner of the Zocalo. Across the street, facing the west side of the square is the Old Portal de Mercaderes or Old Merchant Portal. From the earliest days of the Zolcalo, vendors occupied the area selling food, silks, fruits, medicinal herbs, and other merchandise. These vendors rented the space from the landowner Don Rodrigo de Albornoz , the Count of Santiago, and secretary to King Carlos V.

Flooding throughout the years around the Zocalo meant much of the original buildings were destroyed. They were thereafter reconstructed in the mid 17th and 18th centuries by the Albornoz family. Despite modern reconstructions, the buildings continued to use the traditional red volcanic tezontle stones and cantera marble. This meant the building’s facade was still in keeping with the rest of the Zocalo’s buildings. The street-level arcade operates to this day as a famous shopping street. The area is better known as the Centro Joyero or the Jeweler Center as it has become a hub for the cities most popular goldsmiths.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

Find your way to 16 de Septiembre Street and walk along, past a few shops, until you find the entrance to  Gran Hotel Ciudad de México . Although I don’t generally recommend staying in the Historical Center (mainly because it feels more like staying inside the tourist hub), if you have your heart set on this area of town, THIS is the hotel you MUST choose. The rooms are pretty standard, but you get to stay in this gorgeous piece of history. If you get a room with a view out to the Zocalo, you can’t beat it for people-watching opportunities. The rates are shockingly affordable , so it’s well worth checking out.

While the hotel is adjoined to the larger  Old Portal de Mercaderes  building, its facade is unique to its location along Septiembre street. The high neoclassical style was preserved along with their iconic green wrought-iron balconies. The origins of the building date back to 1526. Back then, the building was constructed as a residence for the Royal Accountant,  Rodrigo de Albornoz . It passed hands a few times through the ages, and in 1895, it was purchased by  Frenchman Sebastian Robert . Robert’s had the idea to modernized Mexico City’s shopping scene and built its first large-scale department store right here in 1899. 

Centro Mercantil

In this modern department store, named the ‘ Centro Mercantil ,’ wealthy aristocrats could come and buy everything in one convenient location. Everything from luxurious fabrics, custom hats, expensive jewelry or imported perfumes. The European trend of “high tea” was also brought to Mexico City around this time. Visitors to the Centro Mercantil could enjoy this new trend right there in the opulent lobby cafe. The creme-de-la-cream of Mexico City would be seen walking through the doors, everyone from writers to composers, poets and of course, politicians. It was the who’s who of high society.

Back then, shopping malls weren’t the characterless places they are today. Back then, to draw in affluent customers, department store were lavishly decorated works of art. Robert’s designed the interior in the fashionable Art Nouveau style. Walking inside is like walking into a jewellery box. Hanging above your head as you walk up the stairs is the enormous Louis XV-style chandelier. Its crystals gently tinkling in the wind from the open doorways.

On either side of you, as you emerge from the staircase into the foyer, are two ornate gold canary cages decorated with brightly coloured flowers. But they aren’t just for display, they still hold canaries to this day. Standing in the center of the lobby is the cage-like elevator. This was the first panoramic elevator ever installed in Mexico.

Tiffany Glass Dome

The room absolutely beams with light descending down from the incredible stained-glass dome towering above you. The ceiling was designed by French artisan Jacques Grüber using the illusive Tiffany glass. This is actually one of the four largest Tiffany glass pieces which remain anywhere in the world! Over 20,000 pieces of vibrantly tinted glass were made to create this masterpiece.

The beautiful wrought-iron railings on the first three floors swell around the lobby like a wave. The use of iron to create the room’s structure was called “ Chicago style .” The Centro Mercantil was the first building in Latin American to use the technique. These undulating designs were a replica of the ones inside the famous Au Bon Marché department store in Paris. Au Bon Marché is now lost to time, so the fact we can still see a piece of it today, preserved in this architecture is a real treat. Along the railings, you’ll see the monogram “CM” and “SR” repeated. The “SR” stands for Sebastian Robert, the store owner and the “CM” of course stands for the “Centro Mercantil.”

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Conversion to Hotel

The Centro Mercantil officially closed its doors in 1958. It wasn’t converted into a hotel until 1968. 1968 was one of the most famous eras in Mexico City’s modern history when the  Summer Olympics  came to the country. The Olympics meant thousands of new visitors to the city. To accommodate the crowds, more hotels needed to be built. These hotels were meant to create a positive impression on the international tourists. The city went about finding artful and iconic buildings that could be converted to wow the visiting athletes.

Avenue Francisco I. Madero

Exit the hotel and head along Calle de la Palma until you reach the pedestrian street Avenue Francisco I. Madero . While today the street is very touristy with many international chains dotting the shop fronts, there are still many historical buildings to see along the way. You just need to know where to look. The street is named after the great Francisco Ignacio Madero González . Madero was a Mexican revolutionary, writer, statesman and the 37th president of Mexico. Sadly, Madera was assassinated in 1913, only two years into his Presidency.

Templo de San Felipe Neri La Profesa

One block down the street, on your right, you’ll find the La Iglesia de la Casa Profesa or more commonly “ La Profesa.” The church was the first Jesuit building in Mexico City, established in 1578. Sadly, much of the original design was demolished during the great flood of 1629. The current building is nonetheless impressive, dating back to 1714. Its architecture style marks the beginning of the ultra-baroque trend of the 18th century which exploded throughout Mexico City.

Art Collection

Stepping inside, take some time to admire the paintings on the walls. The church is home to one of the largest collections of colonial-era religious images. On display inside the church, see if you can find the painting of “ The Virgin of the Pópulo ” by Juan Correa , Baltasar de Echave Orio ‘s depiction of “ The Pentecost” , and best of all “ the Crucifixion ” by José Juárez above the altar. They have such an extensive collection of art that there is even an adjoining art gallery where the remainder of their collection is on view.

The Political Side of La Profesora

While a church might not seem like a place where political plots were cultivated, this church has served over the years as the location for many an uprising. During the Mexican War of Independence, “ La Profesa Conspiracy ” took shape inside these walls. Perhaps the church acted as a place of sanctuary where the rebels felt they would be safe from attack. It was here that those who opposed the republican government and supported Agustín de Iturbide met and discussed their plans to make him the emperor of Mexico. In recent years, it was here that the discussions around the beatification of Juan Diego also began.

Dulcería de Celaya 

Make a quick stop up the street at Dulcería de Celaya where you can grab yourself some delicious Mexican candies.  Dulcería de Celaya  is a tiny, old shop selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets since 1874. Walking into the shop, it feels like nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop first started selling candy, it was made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much per day, often only one tray of candy. But the sweets were so popular that they would sell out day after day. As the demand rose, they managed to expand their production to meet the needs of the city.

Even today, they produce candy in much the same way as it was made in the beginning, still out of that tiny kitchen. When you walk in the doors, the smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas and coconut fills the air. It’s intoxicating. The candy is very well priced, so even if you don’t’ recognize anything, just let the smells guide you and try whatever your eye is drawn to.

Palacio de Iturbide

Head back down to Madera street until you reach the P alacio de Iturbide , just before the Calle de Filomeno Mata . Surrounded on either side by modern buildings, this ancient structure really stands out. The Palace was built in 1779 as a wedding gift from Count of San Mateo Valparaíso to his daughter. Apparently, the Count was worried his daughter’s new husband was going to squander his daughter’s dowry. So instead, the Count built the house using the entirety of the dowry to ensure the new husband wouldn’t be able to lose it.

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Agustín de Iturbide , the Mexican army general and politician, lived here during the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. And it was actually inside the Palace where he accepted the crown of the First Mexican Empire. Because of this seminal moment, the building earned the nickname the “ Palace of Iturbide “. The building is made out of that iconically Mexican tezontle and cantera stone. The facade was designed in a high gothic style featuring organic and geometric motifs such as flowers, vines, leaves, and even a mermaid. On either side of the entrance are two graceful male figures that look almost as though they are holding up the balcony above.

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Church of San Francisco

Further along the street, on your left, is the large stone archway and steps leading down into the Church of San Francisco . The Church of San Francisco or the Iglesia de San Francisco was the original headquarters of the Franciscan friars. When Cortez first came to Mexico City, this spot was where he found Moctezuma II’s royal zoo. After the colonization, the zoo destroyed and the land used to build the largest and most influential monasteries in Mexico City. Initially, the church and its monasteries spread out over 32,224 square meters! This would have taken up almost the entirety of the city block around the area.

Balvanera Chapel

Today, the only remnant of the original complex is this small church built in 1710. The reason for the steps down into the church is because, like the rest of Mexico City, the building is sinking. You can’t even walk in through the original entrance as that has been walled up. Today, the direct access to the church is through the Balvanera side Chapel . The chapel’s facade was given a facelift by Lorenzo Rodríguez , who also designed the front for the Metropolitan Cathedral’s Tabernacle.

Walking inside, the most impressive feature of the chapel is the sizeable gilded altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Her faded image is placed in the center of the golden altar. Walking up a few steps into the central part of the church, you are greeted by another great gilded altarpiece. A few of the little elements inside that I love are the stained glass windows with the red cross in the center. Although they aren’t highly sophisticated, I love the very stark imagery of that repetitive red cross illuminating the clerestory.

While the chapel walls are relatively plain, hung to decorate the large expanses of stone are these vast paintings. These paintings depict scenes from the life of San Francisco de Assísi , for whom the church and the Franciscan order are named. Each one of the paintings highlights one of Saint Francisco’s greatest virtues. See if you can spot them all.

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Casa de Los Azulejos

Directly across from the church, you’ll immediately be drawn to the blue and white tiles of the Casa de Los Azulejos or The House of Tiles . Madero Street was once the most highly sought-after real estate in Mexico City. The original residence was built for the wealthy Count of the Valle de Orizaba in the 16th century.

But the now-iconic colourful tiles weren’t added until 1737. After the Count’s death, the Countess decided to return from her home in Puebla to the capital city. Wanting to feel at home, she brought a large amount of the famous Puebla Talavera tiles with her. Puebla tiles were each handmade, and the sheer number of tiles on the facade was a way of showing off the family’s immense wealth, even after the Count’s death. It was a means of showing that Countess was still a power player and didn’t need her husband to run the show.

Talavera Tile

Talavera was a craft brought to Mexico by the Spanish. The Spanish established their workshop in Puebla in the 16th century. They chose Puebla as their industrial hub as it was an excellent location to nearby clay mines used to create the tiles. The colourful tiles were a popular feature inside monasteries and churches. Usually, only the most wealthy homes could afford to decorate their houses with them. While some Puebla tiles were painted with images of animals, birds and flowers, the most commons variety contained simple geometric patterns.

Florid stone carvings decorated the windows, doorways and balconies around the rest of the building. Carved into the stones are French porcelain crowns to denote the status of the house as a royal residence. The Count’s family eventually sold off the property in the 20th century. It was purchased by  Frank Sanborn  and his brother  Walter.  It was there that they would open their first soda fountain shop and drugstore. They named it the ‘ Sanborns American Pharmacy ,’ which opened in 1917. Sanborns transformed the residential interior open-air courtyard into a restaurant with a large stained-glass roof overhead. Customers could dine inside the inner courtyard and enjoy the gorgeous antique murals that cover the walls, remnants of the 17th-century home.

One of the best places to get a great photo-op is along the tiled exterior is on Condesa Street. This less busy side street has tiles that stretch along the entire passage and provide an unobstructed view of the building. The food inside the restaurant isn’t anything to write home about but it is definitely worth going inside to take a look at the interior courtyard. Sanborn’s is still a small shop, so you can also go inside to buy yourself a little souvenir or bottle of water to give yourself an excuse to tour the interior.

Torre Latinoamericana

At the end of Madero street is the great Torre Latinoamericana . This enormous skyscraper looks down over the Historic Center like its great protector. While the skyscraper might seem pretty modern for a stop on the “Historical” neighbourhood tour, the view you get from the top is really what makes visiting this place worthwhile. The Torre Latinoamericana stretches 166 meters (545 ft) up to the sky. The building was designed by some of the countries best engineers to ensure it could withstand the seismic activity that is prevalent in the area. It stood the test of time in 1985 when the building withstood the 8.1 magnitude earthquake that brought such immense damage to the rest of the Historic District.

The building opened to the public in 1956 as Mexico’s tallest building and remained as such until 1982. Back then, skyscrapers were really architectural miracles. The other historic buildings in the neighbourhood were immediately looked over by locals and visitors in favour of the steel and glass tower. Today, it almost feels like the opposite. Most of us live in steel forests and are clamouring to see more of the baroque stone structure of the past.

Observation Deck

You have the option to travel up the tower to experience the fantastic views all across Mexico City. The building’s 44th floor is home to a large open-air observation deck . On a clear day, you can see all across the city and even over to the snow-capped volcanoes of Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. From up above, you can really see how Mexico City is indeed located in a valley. Ticket to go up the tower cost 150 pesos (7 USD) per person.

Miralto Restaurant

If you are interested in getting a view without paying to go the observation deck you have the option of dining at the Miralto restaurant , located inside the tower. The restaurant has just as spectacular of a view, albeit without the open-air part. But for those of us who don’t love heights, this option might even be bette. The menu is pretty basic, but the food we did order was really delicious and shockingly well priced for being in such a spectacular location. My advice would be to head up to the tower to enjoy a small appetizer and fancy cocktail to paur with the gorgeous view. If you visit at the end of the day, you’ll also be able to enjoy a magnificent sunset!

La Opera Bar

If you’re looking to fill up for real, the Historic Centre has a ton of fantastic options for you. For a mid-price table service restaurant with such historic flair, La Ópera Bar is an excellent choice. The restaurant and bar have been here since 1870, serving locals and tourists alike. There is a definitely European flare to the place with their richly polished woods, tiled floor and filigree wood-carved ceilings.

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Azul Historico

But my all-time favourite option has got to be Azul Historico . It’s an upscale option but still super reasonably priced considering the quality of the food and the beautiful ambiance. The restaurant is located inside a gorgeous open-air colonial courtyard. You sit amongst the trees while dining on authentic and yet modern Mexican cuisine. The presentation and service is absolutely unparalleled and eating here feels like such a visually sensation experience.

The entire menu is fantastic but one of my favourite hidden gems, that many people might not realize or skip over, is their hot chocolate. Hot chocolate originated in Mexico so ordering it here feels like getting to try the most authentic version of the drink. If you order a hot chocolate, they’ll bring the hot chocolate cart to your table. There, a waiter mixes up your personalized drink. Almost like ordering a fancy cocktail. You get to choose the type of chocolate and even some additives. Then they use these traditional wooden mixers to serve up the cup of warm cocoa right there in front of you! Just one more example of their stupendous service! You really must make it out here!

Pastelería Ideal

If you are still hankering something sweet to eat for dessert head over to the Pastelería Ideal. This bakery is one of the most popular shops in the district. In fact, you might have even seen their colossal blue and white boxes all over the city as it’s a popular spot for cafes to buy their sweets from. The bakery was founded in 1927 and has been opened in this very spot ever since. They have since opened up three other locations, but this is the original. The building in which it is located was actually once a part of the old Franciscan monastery we visited eariler! You can still see details of the original walls of the De Profundis Room inside the upper floors of the bakery.

This bakery has everything from traditional Mexican bread and pastries, cakes and cookies to Parisian puff pastry, viennoiseries, and more! All of this is served up on huge platters towering with treats. Just grab a try and use the tongs provided to serve yourself up some pastries. Once you’re done piling up (they make great breakfast pastries, too), take your collection to the counter. There they will pack them up for you and give you a ticket to pay. After you’ve paid, they’ll delivery you your baked good, all perfectly wrapped up to go. Enjoy them back at your hotel or back in Alameda Park to round out the tour.

Mexico City’s Historic Centre is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. It has so much significance with regard to the history of Mexico. It’s one of the most exciting areas to visit and the museums provide a dozen more reasons to come back! I hope you enjoyed our very thorough tour, time to head home, put your feet up and enjoy a cold Cerveza!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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Martin Robert

Vraiment le meilleur guide gratuit disponible. Très apprécié. Merci !

The Creative Adventurer

Thank you so much Martin! I truly appreciate the feedback. I hope you have an amazing time in Mexico City. Let me know if I can help out any with your travel plans.

Dr. Keith A. Thorp

A very extensive and largely well-done overview of much of the Centro Historico. It is a wealth of information. However, there are a few errors in the text that you may wish to correct – 1-Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with Mexican Independence Day. It is the commemoration of the Battle of Pueblo in 1862 (forty years after independence) when the French triumphed briefly over the French. 2-The streets named after international cities are not in Roma Norte, but in Colonia Juarez. In Roma Norte the streets are named after Mexican cities and states. The streets named after rivers are in Colonia Cuauhtémoc, on the north side of the Reforma between Insurgentes and the Bosque de Chapultepec. Thank you.

Thanks so much for taking the time to flag these corrections for me Dr. Thorp! I really appreciate it, as I’m always trying to hone the details and factual information. I’ve already gone ahead and made those edits. And thanks again for the nice comment on the rest of the post. I love this city so much and I’m constantly trying to learn as much as I can about it 🙂

And after trying to correct your text, I made an error in my own – it should read Puebla, of course, not Pueblo! LOL I am with you. I just can’t get enough of CDMX, and spend time every week just exploring the various neighborhoods and researching as much as I can. Kudos on your fine work! 🙂

What would you say is your favourite historical treasure in the city? I love talking to people who share the same passion for this place, especially those with a keen interest in history.

Thank you for this wonderful itinerary

Thank you for the lovely feedback!

Well done! Lots of details and very helpful for first time visitors!

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Mexico City Tour: Walk the Iconic Historic Center (3h)

🇲🇽 Mexico Mexico City Tours Mexico City Tour: Walk the Iconic Historic Center (3h)

Get on the Mexico City Tour for a journey through the heart of this lovely metropolis! Feel the ancient magic and energy that permeate the streets. Marvel at its impressive architecture and let its UNESCO-listed places transport you to another time. Let your taste buds be enchanted by street food’s flavors and immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage. Mexico City’s charm will delight your senses!

• Totally customizable, so you choose what to see and when to start!
• Admire the marvelous UNESCO-listed architecture of Mexico City’s Historic Center.
• Visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, the largest one on the continent.
• Spot remnants of imposing Aztec structures hidden among colonial buildings.
• Discover amazing buildings around the Zocalo that date back at least from the 16th century.

The  Mexico City Tour will carry you through the heart of this lovely metropolis, where history and culture come alive at every corner. So meet your guide at the starting point and let the exploration begin!

We begin with a visit to the Templo Mayor, the remains of an ancient Aztec temple that once stood as the city’s spiritual center. Learn about the rituals and customs of the Aztec people and the incredible discovery of this site in the 1970s.

Next, we’ll marvel at the Metropolitan Cathedral , an impressive symbol of the Spanish colonial era that took over the Aztec city. With its towering spires and intricate façade , it’s no wonder this cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in Mexico.

We’ll then make our way to the House of Tiles , a charming 18th-century mansion with a façade covered in blue and white tiles. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating history behind the Porcelain House and the role it played in the Mexican Revolution .

Our journey continues to the Post Office, a splendid building that once housed the Palace of Communications during the early 20th century. From here, we’ll head to the Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco masterpiece that showcases the best of Mexican art and culture, as it preserves incredible murals painted by prominent artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco.

Experience the city’s bustling energy and rich culture as we make our way through the lively streets of downtown. From street performers to delicious food stalls, there’s never a dull moment in Mexico City.

So come with us on this playful, lovely, and inspiring Mexico City Tour and immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage and culture and have fun exploring all it has to offer!

How is this tour different?

Authentic    how this tour provides an actual image of the destination, life, and practices of the host community..

We do our best to make our trips educative and fulfilling, in which travelers can interact with local populations, learn about their traditions, and culture, and connect with their core values.

A tour with impact   ? How this tour positively affects the destination and local communities on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions.

Other    other advantages this tour offers to travelers..

• You will spend the time of the walking tour purely on its activities and sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops and restaurants (unless you ask).
• An ideal choice for small groups: the price of the tour is fixed and varies just slightly depending on the size of the group.
• We are flexible: we can adjust the program and route to your interests while the duration of the tour can always be extended for an extra fee.
• This tour is private : only your group will participate.
• The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).

Local Expert Guides

Service of a multilingual guide:

• Small-group tour: English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual).
• Private tour : Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).

Walking tour in the Historic Center.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included: find the one exactly for you.

Personal expenses

Transportation.

Flights are not included: check our partner deals .

Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.

Customization ? The way how tour organizer can customize this tour for you

We can do the following customizations on your request (subject to availability and needs to be confirmed before the tour): 1. Adjust the starting time of the tour. 2. Adjust the time you spend at each destination of the tour. 3. Add extra places of your choice (e.g. attractions, restaurants, etc.) to the itinerary on a complimentary basis if those visits. (1) fit the default duration of the tour, (2) don’t involve a significant change of the route and extra fees (e.g. entrance tickets, tolls, parking, etc.). Changes other than those will involve an extra fee and must be communicated to the tour organizer at least 72h before the tour (e.g. in the “Special Requirements” field during the booking or via email).

Cancellations

This and most of our 1-day tours can be canceled up to 48 hours before the departure (see cancellation policy for more info).

Frequently asked questions:

How to book.

To reserve the tour, please choose the date and complete the booking form. Once finished, you will receive a booking confirmation in your email.

How can I contact the tour organizer?

You can find the contact phone number and email of the tour organizer in the confirmation email.

Can I talk to someone?

Except for the information on this page, you can see full terms & conditions from each tour organizer before completing your booking.

About Vibe Adventures

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the tour and activity providers (“Organizers”) listed on vibeadventures.com are independent third parties and are not agents or affiliates of Vibe Adventures. Therefore, Vibe Adventures shall not be held liable for any injuries, sickness, accidents, delays, neglect, fraud, poor weather conditions, negative consequences, or expenses arising from or associated with the Organizers, their tours and activities, or those of their affiliates. If the tour does not include insurance, the travelers are responsible for obtaining travel insurance, as well as passports, appropriate visas, and necessary vaccinations.

Cancellations & Modifications

To cancel or modify your booking, please contact the Organizer directly using the email or phone number provided in the booking confirmation. Cancellations and modifications are subject to availability and the approval of the Organizer in accordance with their booking terms and conditions, which are made available to you during the booking process.

If you have any other questions please contact us .

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Get 5% off this tour with "Back2Travel" promo code or check similar tours 🌎 Keep safe & travel soon!

Best things to see and do in Mexico City

Get to know Mexico City by doing a free walking tour with professional tour guides who will show you all you need to know about the City of Palaces . Located in central Mexico, this enormous city is considered the second largest metropolitan area of the western hemisphere with almost 22 million people calling it home. Being the largest Spanish speaking city in the world, Mexico City is a wonderful example of a tourist destination that is much easier to get to know and not miss any of the iconic landmarks you truly want to see with the help of a free walking tour with a local guide. 

When visiting all those essential tourist destinations , you can try doing it with a local guide on a free walking tour to get to know Mexico City much better and get some great recommendations on what to see and do later to make the most of your trip. You’ll discover all those lesser-known tourist attractions along with the most iconic landmarks and monuments like The Frida Kahlo Museum, the National Anthropology Museum, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Chapulteco Forest Park, go downtown to see Zocalo or Constitution Square, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Teotihuacán, or the Luis Barragan Museum House, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Palace of Fine Arts, or ride the picturesque canals in the Xochimilco neighborhood. 

All the free walking tours in Mexico City have opinions and reviews from other walkers who have already gone on the route you are checking out. There are guided tours available in English and Spanish in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Read up on what they had to say about both the tour route and the guide so you can find the best option for you. Other cities that have guruwalks with local guides that were of interest to people looking in Mexico City are Guadalajara, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, or Guatemala City. 

Free walking tour near Mexico City

Others cities to visit after mexico city, find other guruwalks in mexico city, where are you traveling to.

Downtown Mexico City Historic Center: 15 Places to Visit + Tips

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Planning on visiting Downtown Mexico City ? You’re in the right place!

Mexico City, the vibrant and bustling capital of Mexico, never ceases to amaze. With a profusion of neighborhoods and districts to explore, none can quite compare to the rich history and culture you’ll find in downtown Mexico City.

It’s both one of my favorite and most hated parts of Mexico City. For one, it is filled with a vast array of cultural sights, but it can also be quite a sensory overload!

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about downtown Mexico City.

TOP TOUR IN MEXICO CITY DOWNTOWN

✔️ Experience many of the historic city center’s highlights in a half-day outing ✔️ Customize the itinerary with your interests ✔️ Begin your walk at a convenient downtown location or request airport pickup ✔️ Top-rated walking tour of Downtown Mexico City Historical Center

Downtown Mexico City: Overview

Downtown Mexico City is a treasure trove of culinary delights, historical wonders, and comfortable accommodations. 

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adventurer, this vibrant neighborhood has something for everyone.

The historic center of this sprawling metropolis is an amazing cultural hub where different eras are reflected in the timeless architecture of its buildings, plazas, churches, and museums.

In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through this remarkable Mexico City district, showcasing its top hotels, restaurants, shopping options, and attractions to help you make the most of your visit.

💡 What is Considered the Center of Mexico City?

Strictly speaking, the center of Mexico City is the downtown district focused on Zócalo and extending for several surrounding blocks in all directions, with its farthest extent to the west being Juarez Street to Alameda Central Park and the Hidalgo Metro Station.

However, because of its proximity and cultural relevance, Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, which extends to the entrance to the Chapultepec complex and further, as well as Avenida de la Republica and the Revolution Monument, are considered part of the center or heart of the vibrant capital city.

📍 Downtown Mexico City Map

💡 Is the Historic Center of Mexico City Safe?

Yes, the historic center of Mexico City is safe, but you have to take the regular precautions recommended for all major cities. 

Keep your belongings on sight at all times, don’t walk into dark alleys, and be alert for pickpockets.

This part of Mexico City is particularly prone to pickpocketing because it’s very crowded, so much so that you even see locals wearing their backpacks on the front.

Additionally, be careful with scammers, and avoid terrace restaurants that tout their wares with exaggerated insistency. 

Preferably, stay in the Zocalo – Madero – Alameda corridor at night. You’ll know you’re in the right places because the streets are well-lit and you’ll see people coming and going.

Things to do in Downtown Mexico City Historic Center – top attractions

1. zócalo plaza.

One of the highlights in downtown Mexico City is the Zocalo main square, a huge public plaza surrounded by historical attractions like the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor archaeological site.

You’ll also find a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The Zocalo is always alive with celebrations, cultural events, and protests.

It is considered the heart of Mexico in many ways, and the cornerstone of many of the country’s relevant happenings that go from labor and political protests to a Paul McCartney massive concert.

2. Templo Mayor

One of the most important temples in the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, the Templo Mayor ruins stand in the heart of downtown Mexico City. 

Here, you can explore the archaeological site and learn about the Aztec civilization’s religious practices and daily life.

The ruins were discovered accidentally in the 1970s during excavations for the metro system. 

Whether you’re an ancient Mexican civilizations aficionado or you simply want to see where the fascinating Centro Historico was born in the 1300s, Templo Mayor is a must-stop when exploring the Mexico City downtown area.

3. Metropolitan Cathedral

Located in one of the streets that line the Zocalo, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most famous religious and historical buildings in the Americas. 

Regardless of your religious inclinations, it is worth a visit to admire the impressive Baroque architecture and the lavish gold in the interior and other works of art.

With visible signs of the passage of time, it consists of five Baroque buildings with several columns, arches, and vaults. The cathedral is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers, regardless of spiritual orientation.

4. Palacio Nacional

Palacio Nacional, which dominates the Zocalo, is one of the most iconic historical symbols in Mexico. 

Serving as both the official residence of the President and a splendid museum, it proudly boasts beautiful gardens, an enchanting courtyard, and a stunning collection of murals by world-famous artist Diego Rivera depicting the country’s rich history.

The impressive grand facade features the famous “El Grito” balcony, from where the Mexican President shouts the call for independence at 11 pm on September 15th above thousands of spectators in a millenary Mexican tradition.

5. Palacio Bellas Artes

This stunning palace is not only one of the most recognizable buildings in the Mexico City downtown area, because of its sheer size and architectural Art Deco and Neoclassical beauty, but it is also a cultural hub.

Inside, you’ll find the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes , which hosts an impressive collection of murals by renowned Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo, as well as a beautiful Tiffany stained-glass curtain. 

Bellas Artes also works as a theater, hosting a variety of cultural events, so check their web page for specific dates and schedules.

7. Alameda Central Park

A beautiful park located beside Palacio de Bellas Artes, Parque Central La Alameda dates back to the Spanish colony. 

Home to various statues, fountains, and benches, it is an ideal spot to take a breather and a dose of nature while exploring the Mexico City downtown area. It is also a great place to people-watch.

8. Torre Latino Americana

Not far from the Bellas Artes, the Torre Latinoamericana is the towering skyscraper that has dominated many Mexico City postcards for decades. 

Considered a feat of 20th-century engineering, it provides amazing panoramic views of downtown Mexico City and the impressive skyline that surrounds it.

Torre Latinoamericana was the tallest building in Mexico and Latin America when it was built in 1956, rising 600 ft (183 meters) from the ground. 

It has been treating visitors to extraordinary panoramic Mexico City vistas from its observation deck, having withstood several earthquakes.

Tip: There’s a really cool bar here called “51 Sky Bar” which offers great drinks and beautiful views of downtown Mexico City. 

9. Diego Rivera Mural Museum

Located in the artist’s former home and studio, Diego Rivera Museum is a treasure trove of the artist and muralist’s work. 

Displaying some of his sketches, paintings, and personal belongings, the museum offers a great opportunity to get a profound glimpse of his artwork and lifestyle.

A stroll through the courtyard and garden is the perfect way to reflect on Frida Kahlo’s husband’s contribution to the world of art, in the exact spot that surely served him as inspiration.

On a side note, this is Diego Rivera’s own home and studio, not to be confused with Casa Azul, Kahlo’s house in the Coyoacan district where the couple spent their married life.

10. The House of Tiles (Los Azulejos)

Across the street from Palacio de Bellas Artes, Los Azulejos is a restaurant and shop housed inside an architectural gem adorned with vivid blue and white tiles, which explains the name. 

This is a fine example of Spanish Baroque and Moorish influence in Mexico City´s downtown area.

Inside, you’ll get to admire a stunning mural while you eat. 

Strangely enough, the compound is home to a chain restaurant and shop (Sanborns), but the owner – Mexican Mogul Carlos Slim – has taken great steps to preserve the building’s original design.

11. Plaza Garibaldi

The most iconic spot to listen to Ranchera music with live mariachis in Mexico City, Plaza Garibaldi was known as Plaza Santa Cecilia until 1920 when the name was changed. 

This recently remodeled plaza and kiosk is hands-down the best place to find musicians offering up songs for a fee, right on the plaza or inside one of its famous restaurants.

Some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Garibaldi are Tenampa, Guadalajara de Noche, and the wonderful terrace at the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal. 

Be aware that tequila, mezcal, and pulque flow, so the area can get kind of rowdy late at night. Your best bet is to go in the afternoon and leave in the early evening or opt for a tour with a local who knows the ins and outs. 

12. Palacio Postal

A true architectural masterpiece, Palacio Postal is a remarkably well-preserved icon and a reminder of times gone by. 

Once Mexico’s central post office, its opulent and lavish corridors are a mixture of Art Noveau and Gothic Revival that will take your breath away.

After exploring the opulent building, you can take the time to send a postcard home, as it still operates as a regular post office!

13. Estanquillo Museum

A charming and somewhat hidden gem in Mexico City’s downtown area, Museo del Estanquillo is housed in yet another beautifully restored colonial building. 

It is dedicated mostly to political cartoons and the works of different artists that have marked Mexico’s history.

The cafe on the terrace on the building’s roof is a favorite for intellectuals and artists, who frequently present their books in this simple but significant setting.

14. Mexico City Museum of National Art (MUNAL)

Museo Nacional de Arte , better known as MUNAL, is home to a remarkable collection of Mexican Art, harboring works by world-famous artists like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Rufino Tamayo.

The colonial building’s beautifully ornate architecture is a work of art in and of itself, which makes a visit here very much worth your while, especially if you’re interested in the evolution of Mexican art. 

You’ll find varied pieces that go from traditional religious to avant-garde.

15. San Francisco Church

You’ll find San Francisco Church a few steps from Palacio Postal. A serene and contemplative place, it is one of the oldest churches in Mexico, dating back to the 16th century.

The church houses beautiful religious art and altars, making it an ideal place to light a candle and absorb the calm and relative silence, regardless of your religious beliefs.

16. UNAM Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

The UNAM in Mexico City is known for several notable achievements and contributions. In fact, its main campus, known as Ciudad Universitaria, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was designed by renowned Mexican architect Juan O’Gorman and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century urban planning.

It’s also home to one of the most famous murals the “Liberty, Reason, and Tolerance” created by David Alfaro Siqueiros. This mural is located on the central library building within the university’s main campus, Ciudad Universitaria, in Mexico City.

The mural was painted between 1952 and 1956 and is one of Siqueiros’ major works. It covers an extensive area and is known for its powerful depiction of social and political themes. Siqueiros, a prominent Mexican muralist and a member of the Mexican muralism movement, used his art to convey messages of social justice, anti-imperialism, and the struggle for freedom.

“Liberty, Reason, and Tolerance” features various symbolic elements, including figures representing liberty and reason, as well as scenes depicting historical events and revolutionary struggles. The mural is characterized by its dynamic composition, bold colors, and the use of symbolism to convey complex ideas.

This mural, like many others on the UNAM campus, reflects the commitment of the university to promote art, culture, and social consciousness. The murals at UNAM are an integral part of its cultural heritage and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the campus.

It is definitely worth a visit, but I would recommend booking a tour to learn more about the history and culture of the UNAM.

Things to do near Downtown Mexico City Historical Center

17. museo nacional de antropologia.

While it is not exactly in the Centro Historico itself, the National Museum of Anthropology is located on the tourist route from downtown Mexico City to the Paseo de la Reforma Chapultepec area.

Museo Nacional de Antropologia is a huge complex that offers a deep understanding of Mexico’s rich history and culture.

Its impressive collection includes the Colossal Olmec Head at the entrance, a miniature model of Tenochtitlan, and many artifacts from the Aztecs, Olmecs, Mayas, and other indigenous cultures dating back to pre-Columbian times.

18. Chapultepec Park and Castle

Chapultepec Park is situated in the heart of Mexico City, right beside the Antrhopology Museum, and connected to downtown Mexico City by the Majestic Paseo Reforma.

It’s an expansive urban retreat offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park, often likened to Central Park, provides a serene escape from the city buzz.

Inside the park, you can visit the iconic Chapultepec Castle, a historic fortress with breathtaking views of Mexico City. Once a residence for Mexican emperors, the castle now serves as a cultural treasure trove, housing the National Museum of Anthropology. Visitors can explore centuries of Mexican history and marvel at artifacts spanning ancient civilizations to contemporary art.

The park itself is a recreational haven, ideal for picnics, jogging, or leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery. What sets Chapultepec apart is the harmonious coexistence of nature and history – a juxtaposition that creates a captivating experience. Whether admiring the cityscape from the castle or delving into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, Chapultepec Park and Castles offer a multifaceted and enriching excursion for all.

Even though it’s not exactly located Downtown, I still had to include it in the list as it’s not far away from the Historical Center and definitely worth a visit.

19. Monumento a la Rivolucion (Revolution Monument)

The Revolution Monument in Mexico City is not far from the historical Center (see the above map) and it makes a great sight that I wouldn’t miss, not only for the interesting historical perspective but also for the amazing views you can get from the terrace.

The Monument is in fact a significant historical landmark that commemorates the Mexican Revolution.

Inside the monument, visitors can explore the museum, which showcases a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Mexican Revolution. The museum provides an insightful look into the key events and figures of this pivotal period in Mexican history.

Additionally, visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the city. There you can also find a cafe and tables where you can have a delicious snack while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city.

It is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 550 MXN (about 30 USD) which includes:

• Guided tour
• Access to the Summit
• Panoramic elevator
• Hot drink & pastry

▶︎ Save a few bucks and prebook your ticket here !!

Best Guided Tours in Downtown Mexico City

There are several tours to help you explore Downtown Mexico City. These are some of our favorites:

✔️ Mexico City Layover: Downtown City Sightseeing

5.0 ⭐️ 118 Reviews

If you’re short on time, this tour is specially designed for you to get the most out of a half-day stay or layover in Mexico City. See as many downtown Mexico City highlights as possible in a few hours.

Best of all, you can customize this private guided walking tour to fit your needs and interests. 

You can meet your guide at a downtown location in the capital’s historic center or arrange airport pickup for an extra fee.

Great tour, filled all our expectations. Daniela was excellent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cheryl_L , Nov 2023

✔️ Private City Tour Mexico City

5.0 ⭐️ 248 Reviews

With so much to see in Mexico City’s Centro Historico, it can get a bit overwhelming.

Worry not, though, as this private walking tour will lead you to the main attractions at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule.

This experience is ideal for first-timers and a great way to get familiar with the area for future exploration.

Highlights include the Zocalo, Museo del Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Postal, and Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Very knowledgeable guide who went out of his way to make this an interesting, memorable experience. I would highly recommend him. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ mariongreene , Nov 2023

✔️ Bike Tour in Mexico City

5.0 ⭐️ 40 Reviews

If exploring Chapultepec Forest is what you aim for, this guided bike tour is an extraordinary option. 

This urban park is huge, spanning 1695 acres – that is twice the size of New York City’s Central Park! This guided bike tour will help you cover much more than you would on a walking tour or on your own.

Explore the highlights and secrets of Mexico City’s green lung without getting lost. Oh, and don’t worry about a bike and helmet, as they are provided.

This was a perfect way to see Chapultepec Forest! We were able to cover lots of the beautiful area. Miguel was very knowledgeable and a great guide. I would highly recommend this tour! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dave_T , Jun 2021

✔️ TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour in Mexico City

5.0 ⭐️ 19 Reviews

The Film Tours México is a super cool option for film aficionados, as it merges cinema history to explore Mexico City in a unique way.

First-timers to the city will learn the history of its streets and buildings, while experts can get a whole new perspective by visiting the sites where the most representative movies and series have been shot.

Amazing experience going on the @thefilmtoursmx walking tour of film locations in the historic center of CDMX. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Tripadvisor Reviewer,  Jan 2023

✔️ Muralist Art Semiprivate Walking Tour in Mexico City Downtown

5.0 ⭐️ 95 Reviews

For travelers interested in art and history, this mural art walking tour is an extraordinary way to see some of Mexico City’s most famous murals of some famous Mexican painters , including those signed by David Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco, and Diego Rivera.

Admire historic murals inspired by the Mexican Revolution and visit the amazing mural project at San Ildefonso College. Groups are limited to 14 people.

Emiliano was very knowledgeable about the murals we visited. He allowed time for questions and explained the circumstances behind the mural and the life of the artist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jeffrey_F , Nov 2023

✔️ Private Tour of Mexico City with Anthropology

5.0 ⭐️ 53 Reviews

Want to explore all of Mexico City’s main attractions in a matter of hours? 

The private tour of Mexico City with Anthropology is a great choice. Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and the National Museum of Anthropology are some of the attractions you’ll visit.

This is a fully narrated tour accommodating 2-12 people. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What a fabulous tour! Our guide, Bruno, was friendly and professional. We were amazed at his knowledge of history and the sites we visited! We highly recommend Bruno to anyone visiting Mexico City! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Susan_K , Nov 2023

✔️ The Best City Tour in the Zocalo of Mexico City

5.0 ⭐️ 93 Reviews

Perfect for visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in Mexico City’s downtown area, this guided tour will take you to the nooks and crannies of the Centro Historico. 

Learn about the cultural, historical, and traditional features that make this city so special.

Explore historical buildings, iconic streets, and local cuisine, as well as significant convents and churches.

The tour begins and ends in Bellas Artes Palace, with visits to Zocalo, Palacio Postal, Palacio de Iturburbide, Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor, Madero Street, Torre Latinoamericana, and more.

Erick was amazing! So knowledgeable and very informative. We learned so much about the city and Mexican history. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ A Tripadvisor Reviewer , Nov 2023

Where to Eat in Downtown Mexico City

Mexico City’s downtown area is a smorgasbord of dining options that range from the simplest food cart selling tamales, tacos, or fruit cocktails, to the finest cuisine served in a ritzy tree-dotted courtyard or rooftop terrace. 

Regardless of your personal taste or budget, you´re guaranteed a variety of delicious fare to enhance your taste buds and your stay. 

🍽 Azul Historico (Best-Rated Restaurant in Downtown Mexico City)

This upscale restaurant is housed inside a gorgeous colonial building featuring a fantastic courtyard that adds to the overall charm. 

Considered one of the finest dining options regarding downtown Mexico City restaurants, it serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

On the menu are traditional dishes like tlayudas , several types of mole , and chiles en nogada , making it a great choice for a special outing.

🍽 El 123 (French and Thai restaurant)

A cozy and intimate dining option in the heart of Mexico City, 12 is a favorite when it comes to downtown Mexico City restaurants that cater to Asian fusion enthusiasts. 

Moreover, they have a fine crafts store and a small art gallery on-site for an unforgettable outing that fills the senses.

🍽 El Mejor del Centro (vegan restaurant)

A stone’s throw away from the Zocalo, El Mejor del Centro is considered one of the best vegetarian dining options in downtown Mexico City, offering a nice variety of Mexican delicacies in their veggie version.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or you simply want to lower your meat intake, this is a good spot for dining and getting some healthy cooking ideas.

🍽 Café de Tacuba (Traditional Mexican dishes café)

When it comes to Mexican classics in downtown Mexico City, no one beats Cafe Tacuba. 

This legendary restaurant dates back to 1912 and the Mexican Revolution, adding a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience. 

Suffice it to say Diego Rivera’s first wedding reception and a governor’s shooting took place here to get an idea of how much history has gone by inside its walls.

Cafe Tacuba offers a traditional Mexican menu, focusing on regional dishes. The decor is pretty much what it was in the old days, even though a fire consumed the interior of the colonial building. 

Famous politicians, military personnel, painters, and composers have sat here for hours on end.

🍽 El Cardenal (Mexican)

A culinary gem that features authentic Mexican dishes and old-world charm, El Cardenal is famous for its breakfast. 

Their chilaquiles, accompanied by a steaming cup of hot “chocolate Olivia”, are the perfect way to start a day of exploring downtown Mexico City.

For dinner, El Cardenal offers a varied menu of Mexican classics from all states in the country. Although their Centro Historico classic location is the one on Palma Street, you can find them inside the Hilton Alameda as well.

🍽 Los Cocuyos (tacos)

Perfect for a quick snack or evening dinner, this unassuming street food stand is about as iconic as it can get when it comes to street food in Mexico City . Popular for their delicious tacos al pastor, Los Cocuyos has a loyal following among locals.

Where to Stay in Downtown Mexico City

Wondering what the Downtown Hotel Mexico City scene is like? The best way to describe it is varied and tailored to your needs. 

Whether you’re big on luxury and comfort, traveling on a budget, or want a specific location or style, downtown Mexico City will deliver.

🛏 Budget: Selina Mexico City Downtown

Hotel Selina Mexico City Downtown is an experience in itself. 

With an unbeatable location in the heart of Mexico City and a pleasant artistic design, this trendy hostel provides accommodations for different budgets, ranging from cozy shared dormitories to double, triple, and quadruple rooms with a private bathroom.

Selina’s communal spaces make it an ideal place to meet other guests – think a cool rooftop terrace with wonderful city vistas, a pool table, and a bar.

The location was amazing: 10 minutes walking to the Palacio de bellas Artes. Also a metro station rigt in front of the hostel. Great co-working area and very good internet. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ marin , november 2023

🛏 Midrange: Zocalo Central

If you’re aiming to immerse yourself in downtown Mexico City, Zocalo Central & Rooftop Downtown Mexico City Hotel has a privileged location by the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Housed in an 1890s historical building, it offers beautifully designed rooms and suites, with the option of a view overlooking the iconic Zocalo plaza.

Great location & hospitality of staff. Bottled water is so easily accessible for guests. Really comfortable bed & good shower. Beautiful venue. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SHAUNA , NOVEMBER 2023

🛏 Luxury: Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico City

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a splendid Hotel Downtown Mexico City option, especially if you’re aiming for the perfect fusion of luxury, history, and location. 

This 5-star beauty is situated in the Zocalo, Mexico City´s downtown main plaza.

Grand Hotel is housed in a historic building that boasts a magnificent interior. two exquisite restaurants, a fitness center, and stunning views of the National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Guestrooms feature beautiful decor, comfy beds, a large desk, and a spacious bathroom.

We had a beautiful view of Zocalo and the location of the hotel is excellent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SANDRA , NOVEMBER 2023

🛏 Hostel: Hostal Regina Down Town Mexico City

For budget travelers, Hotel Regina Downtown Beds Mexico City is a top choice. 

Located within easy walking distance from the main downtown Mexico City attractions, this youth Hostel occupies a restored historic building.

Featuring high ceilings, parquet floors, and cool decor in a fusion of colonial-modern, Hotel Regina offers spacious rooms and dormitories that include storage lockers and bed linen. 

Complimentary fresh coffee and daily bread served in the restaurant are included. An on-site cafe and bar is a great spot to relax with fellow travelers.

Great location and super friendly staff, I 100% recommend it. The hostel is very clean and the shared bedrooms are very comfortable. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DEVANT , MAY 2023

Shopping in Downtown Mexico City

Downtown Mexico City is a tapestry of historic landmarks and seemingly endless shopping options.

Whether you’re on the lookout for traditional Mexican crafts or small souvenirs, or simply want to enhance your wardrobe, Centro Historico has your back.

From friendly street vendor stalls and markets to modern shopping malls and charming boutiques, this city has something for every shopper.

Fun fact: Downtown Mexico City was the only place to do some serious shopping for many decades, which led to there being specialized streets where competitors worked side by side. 

Some examples are the “bride street” on República de Chile, where young women shopped for their wedding dresses, the “lamp & light” street on Calle Victoria, and so on. The system is still in place today! 

🛍 Souvenir Shopping

No trip is complete without souvenirs, and downtown Mexico City offers a multitude of options for picking up mementos of your time in this exciting city.

If you’re aiming for small mementos and trinkets, you’re sure to find tons of them in small shops and street vendors by simply walking the streets.

For finer arts and crafts, Fonart and Centro Artesanal are good choices.

👉🏽 Ciudadela Handicraft Market

When it comes to traditional markets to acquire Mexican arts and crafts , the Ciudadela is hard to beat. 

Its bustling corridors house local artisans proudly showcasing their work, which includes finely woven textiles, colorful alebrijes, ceramic pottery, hand-painted artwork, and much more.

The Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela dates back to 1965 when it opened its doors to become a haven for arts and crafts vendors and buyers. 

Inside its walls, you can find finished products, as well as items being crafted right then and there.

🛍 Fashion and Boutiques

Even though Polanco is the most popular district for high-end and luxury shopping, the downtown Mexico City area has its share of fashion boutiques. 

Most of them are concentrated in lively Madero Street, which is a bustling pedestrian corridor.

Madero is the iconic street that runs from the Torre Latinoamericana to the Zocalo. It is home to an array of boutiques that sit amidst historic buildings, restaurants, and churches. 

Think Levi’s, Zara, H&M, Pandora, and the local Cuidado con el Perro and Lineas – both have great prices, by the way.  

🛍 Contemporary Shopping Malls

No shopping adventure in Mexico City is complete without visiting one of the city’s shopping malls, if only to testify that Mexico does have many of them and they are as modern as complexes in more developed countries.

While Centro Historico is known for its old-world charm, it boasts a couple of classic department stores – Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro, where you will find many world-famous brands as well as local items.

As for full-blown shopping malls with global luxury brands, you’ll need to travel a mile or two outside of the main Centro Historico streets. 

Reforma 222 and Plaza Antara are two good options if you get a retail or luxury brand urge during your Mexico City stay. Both are located inside the tourist quadrant near most of the main attractions.

Getting Around Downtown Mexico City Center

Downtown Mexico City has the marvelous edge of being very walkable and pedestrian-friendly, which does not necessarily happen in other parts of the country. 

Here, red lights and pedestrian lines work as they should.

The best way to move around is by walking, to immerse yourself, and discover as many hidden gems as possible. Furthermore, traffic is pretty heavy most of the time.

Another swell option is to rent a public bike, as designated lanes can be found along Reforma and Juarez Avenues, as well as the circuit that surrounds the Zocalo. 

Five metro (subway) and two Metrobus stations are located in the Centro Histórico perimeter.

Best Time to Visit Downtown Mexico City Center

The best time to visit downtown Mexico City depends on your vacation goals.

Centro Historico is great year-round, but weather and special dates make it change from one month to another.

If you want to see Jacarandas blooming, March and April are the best months.

For Independence Day patriotic celebrations, mid- September is the time, while the end of October and the first days of November are perfect for Day of the Dead fans. 

Of course, December is a jolly time to visit, as the city livens up even more than usual.

The dry season runs from mid-October to the first days of May, so expect some rain if you plan your stay from May to October.

Showers last for a couple of hours at most, usually in the afternoons, so they shouldn’t dampen your vacation.

Downtown Mexico City Travel Tips

📌 Book accommodations in advance, especially during special holidays such as Independence Day, Day of the Dead, and Christmas.

📌 Pack layers of clothing , as the weather varies as the day unfolds.

📌 Enjoy all the traditional Mexican foods like tamales, pozole, tacos, quesadillas, and mole.

📌 Walk and bike as much as you can, as downtown Mexico City has many hidden gems to be discovered.

📌 Visit the markets. Ciudadela, Jamaica, and San Juan are all great, each with its own style.

📌 Make it a point to carry cash with you . Although most formal businesses will take debit and credit cards, many street vendors and small businesses are cash only.

📌 Always be alert for pickpockets and scammers. Always keep your belongings within sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mexico city historic center known for.

The Mexico City Historic Center is known for the huge array of historical buildings, the mishmash architecture from different eras, and the endless museums, restaurants, shops, and lodging options.

Authorities report a whooping 1,500 historic constructions.

As for highlights, the Zocalo main plaza. Torre Latinoamericana, Alameda Central Park, the National Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral are the most iconic.

What is the Meaning of Centro Historico?

Centro Histórico means Historical Center. 

In Mexico City, the words take on a special meaning, as the site has housed the central power buildings since the founding of the Aztec Empire’s capital in 1325, then taken by the Spanish conquerors, and finally, the Mexican Republic after the independence and up until today.

Around 1,500 historical buildings standing in the area, including former palaces, churches, and homes that have been turned into museums and businesses. 

How Big is the Historic City Center of Mexico City?

The historic city center of Mexico City spans the Zocalo main plaza and the surrounding blocks, for a total of 6.2 miles (9.7 km). 

It contains 9,000 buildings, 1,550 of which have been declared of historical or artistic importance. For this reason, it is a designated World Heritage Site.

Most of the historic buildings in the Centro Historico were built between the 16th and 20th centuries, and together they encompass the remains of Tenochtitlan and the capital city built by the Spaniards after the fall of the Aztec Empire and the conquest.

What is the Most Important Plaza in Mexico City?

The most important plaza in Mexico City is the Zocalo. 

Surrounded by some of the most iconic buildings in the country, this huge plaza is constantly bustling with cultural and political events.

Protests, campaign rallies, Day of the Dead parades and “ofrendas”, massive boxing classes, the President’s Independence “grito” … you name it. 

There is always something going on in Plaza de la Constitución, which is the Zocalo´s official name.

Is it Safe to Stay in Downtown Mexico City?

Yes, it is safe to stay in downtown Mexico City. 

As with all districts that are popular with tourists, security and vigilance are provided, as long as you take the precautions recommended for all major cities in the world. 

Stay in reputable hotels and hostels, avoid dark alleys, and keep your belongings in sight all the time, with valuables properly stored in a hotel safe or reception desk.

Be alert for pickpockets and scammers, including those that offer a place on a Zocalo terrace with exaggerated insistence – they are known to grossly overcharge. 

There are many nice, popular terraces in the area, with no need to “fish” for customers at their doorstep.

Why is the Historic Center of Mexico City and Xochimilco Important?

Mexico City’s Historical Center and Xochimilco are two of the richest districts in Mexico City because of their historical and cultural legacies. 

Both of them are present testimonies that speak loudly about the capital’s millenary past.

Xoxhimilco, which means “where the flowers grow” in Nahuatl, has been an important agricultural and flower-growing center since pre-Hispanic times when farmers built special plots of land called chinampas on the surface of Lake Xochimilco. 

Xochimilecos inhabited the area even before the Aztecs arrived, and they still preserve some of the farming on Lake Tricks developed by their ancestors. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochimilco today is a favorite tourist spot because of its colorful boats floating on the canals, where visitors can enjoy delicious Mexican antojitos , have a few beers, and sing along with a mariachi on board. 

Other attractions in Xochimilco are their delicious ice cream, served in a variety of regular and unique flavors, and the historical San Bernardino the Siena Church.

Centro Historico has a huge historical, political, economic, and cultural value because it has been the center of power for several civilizations. 

The Mexicas – Aztecs, Spanish conquerors, and the republican governments that surged after the Mexican independence. More than 1500 historical buildings remain standing today! 

Wrapping Up: Downtown Mexico City

Mexico City is a sensory and cultural experience like no other, with the Centro Historico being the best place to immerse yourself in the beauty and history that define this remarkable city.

Get ready to discover the hidden gems and treasures that await you in downtown Mexico City, a place where the past, present, and future converge to provide an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Before You Go…

Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:

• 19 Amazing Day Trips from Mexico City in 2023
• The 23 Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico City (2023)
• Is Mexico City Worth Visiting in 2023?
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Mexico City at Night- The Ultimate Guide [2023]
• Uber in Mexico City in 2023: All You Need to Know

Dani is a travel write and blogger from Mexico City who traveled all over the world for 5 years before returning to Mexico. After visiting and living in so many different countries, she realized how lucky she is to call Mexico her home.

• Destinations

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Mexico City - the visit-worthy destination, and about time too!

Mexico City is a huge, sprawling metropolis with a vast remarkable history and rich cultural heritage while being modern, lively, bohemian & somewhat bizarre. Historic & contemporary, It's a wonderful & enriching capital to visit.

With so much to see & discover in Mexico city a free walking tour with a local guide is a definite must. Freetour.com recommended free walking tours are the best way to get to grips with the Mexican capital, it's fascinating history, legacies & folklore and gain valuable local knowledge & unrivaled local insight while taking in many of the city's key sights & locations such as Centro Histórico, the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana, Palacio de Ballas Artes & the phenomonal 13th Century Aztec Templo Mayor.

And there's plenty more to do; see amazing murals by Diego Rivera at Palacio Nacional, people-watch in Plaza de la Constitución, find quirky oddities in any of the hundreds of markets in Mexico City (like the Witches Market for your witchcraft needs), escape the bustling streets in Chapultepec Park or even visit Arena México for Mexican Wrestling. Come evening, sample local delicacies & a thriving culinary scene in buzzing cafés & restaurants before partying the night away in traditional cantinas, trendy bars & stomping nightclubs around Distro Federal. There's not much time to waste in Mexico City, a colorful, exciting & exceptional capital.

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A Walking Tour of Mexico City

Mexico City is a fascinating destination with a blend of old and modern attractions that is sure to delight. The best way to discover the historic district's many sights is on foot. Begin your walking tour in the main square, the Zócalo.

Mexico City is built on top of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. In the South East corner of the Zocalo is the spot where Hernan Cortes is said to have met Moctezuma, the Aztec emperor, in 1519. After the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs, Cortes had the colonial town plan traced according to Spanish tradition, with the square at the heart of the city, surrounded by buildings which represent the colonial powers: the church and the government.

Interesting Facts

• The official name of this square is the Plaza de la Constitucion , but it's commonly called the Zocalo .
• This Zocalo is one of the largest public squares in the world, at 830 x 500 feet.
• It is an important gathering place, used for festivals, cultural events, and demonstrations.
• The Zocalo has gone through many incarnations. Now it is a large, paved space with only a huge Mexican flag in the center.
• Zocalo means pedestal, or stand. In the 1800s a pedestal was set up in the center of the square for a monument to commemorate Mexican independence. The statue was never put in place and people began to refer to the square itself as the Zocalo. Now in many towns in Mexico, the main square is called the Zocalo .

Next stop on the Mexico City Walking Tour: The National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

The National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The government building is located on the East side of the Zocalo. It is said to have been built on the grounds where Moctezuma's palace had stood.

Independence Day Celebrations

To celebrate Mexican independence, every year on September 15th at midnight, the president of Mexico rings a bell from the central balcony of the National Palace and shouts: "Viva Mexico!" The crowd gathered in the Zocalo responds: "Viva!"

Diego Rivera Murals

You may enter the building to see the murals that Diego Rivera painted between 1929 and 1952. These colorful murals show Mexican history from prehispanic times to the workers' movement of the 1930s.

• Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm
• Admission is free, but you need to leave an ID with the guard at the entrance

Continue your Mexico City Walking Tour

Exiting the Palacio Nacional, turn right, walk to the corner and cross the street. There is a small plaza beside the cathedral, called the Plaza del Seminario . Cross the Plaza and you will find an archaeological site, the Templo Mayor, the "Great Temple" of the Aztecs.

The Great Temple (Templo Mayor)

The main temple of the Aztecs was only part of a much larger sacred center of the great city of Tenochtitlan, which may have contained as many as 78 buildings. This temple was dedicated to the rain god, Tlaloc, and the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. The temple went through several phases of construction, each covering over previous layers in order to make the building bigger.

Excavation of the great temple began in 1978 when the stone sculpture of the moon goddess Coyolxauqui was unearthed by electric company workers. This piece and many others found here are on display in the Templo Mayor museum which was inaugurated in 1987.

You can see the ruins from the sidewalk, or pay the admission fee which allows access to the ruins and the museum. Read more about the Templo Mayor archaeological site and museum.

The Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

The construction and decoration of this cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, took nearly 3 centuries. Construction began in 1573, and the building was dedicated, although still unfinished, in 1656. The cathedral is host to a mixture of styles, a result of being built over such a long period of time.

Sinking Building

The cathedral, like many buildings in Mexico City, is gradually sinking into the ground. Various factors contribute to this problem:

• the city's soft clay subsoil
• the considerable weight of the cathedral
• uneven foundations, due to being built on top of prehispanic structures

Sophisticated restoration works begun in the 1990s have stabilized the building. Although restorers have been unable to halt the sinking altogether, they have corrected the tilting towers and ensured that the cathedral will now sink uniformly.

The interior of the cathedral is as impressive as its exterior, with many retablos dating from the 16th and 17th Centuries. One painting from the main altar that's particularly noteworthy is titled "The Assumption of the Virgin." It was painted by Juan Rodriguez Juarez in 1726 and was recently restored.

Exiting the Cathedral, turn right and go to the corner, cross the street and walk 1 block South to Francisco Madero Street. Madero Street was originally called San Francisco Street because there is a Franciscan church and monastery here. There are many historical buildings along this street, which in 2010 was closed to traffic and converted into a pedestrian street.

The House of Tiles

Walk along Madero Street until you come to the corner of Filomeno Mata. Here you will see a house covered in blue and white tiles. This house, located at number 4 Francisco Madero Street, is covered in azulejos (tiles) from the state of Puebla, which is called talavera .

Built in the 16th Century, this mansion has an interesting history:

• In 1737 the Count and Countess of Orizaba ordered the renovation of their home and the placement of the tiles.
• From 1881 it functioned as a private men's club.
• In 1917 it was converted into a drug store and soda fountain which eventually evolved into Sanborn's, a chain of restaurants and department stores, which is what it is today.

This is a good place to stop for lunch.

Directions:  Exiting Sanborn's, walk 2 blocks North along Filomena Mata Street and you will arrive at the Plaza Tolsa, on Tacuba Street.

Plaza Tolsa, El Caballito

Manuel Tolsa (1757-1816) was a Spanish sculptor and architect who arrived in Mexico in 1791. Some of his most famous works are:

• the design of the Palacio de Mineria (across the street)
• the conclusion of the Metropolitan Cathedral
• this bronze statue of Charles IV

The statue is commonly known as El Caballito , meaning "little horse." It was originally placed in the Zocalo but when Mexico gained independence, the nation's first president, Guadalupe Victoria, had it removed. It resided in several different locations before being placed here, in the Plaza Tolsa, in 1979.

The impressive building behind the statue was completed in 1911 and since 1982 has housed the National Art Museum (Museo Nacional de Arte), which has a large collection of Mexican art, primarily paintings showing Mexico's art development between 1810 and 1950.

Museo Nacional de Arte

• Open 10:30 to 5:30, Tuesday to Sunday
• Admission: 30 pesos, free on Sundays

Walk along Tacuba Street to Lazaro Cardenas. The Palacio Postal is on the corner.

Post Office Palace (Palacio Postal)

The Central Post Office is on the corner of Tacuba and Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas. This ornate palace was designed by the Italian architect Adamo Boari, who also made the plans for the Fine Arts Palace. President Porfirio Diaz inaugurated the building in 1907.

The impressive interior and the Postal Museum on the upper floors are well worth a visit.

Visitor Information

• Check website for current hours
• Closed Mondays
• Admission is free

Palacio Postal

Exiting the Palacio Postal , you can see the Torre Latinoamericana , which is on the corner of Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas and Madero St.

The Latin American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana)

TripSavvy / Jorge Castro

Built between 1948 and 1956, the Latin American Tower, with 44 floors, was for many years the highest building of the city. While it was being built, many people felt that a tower of that height would not be able to withstand Mexico City's frequent earthquakes, however this was put to the test in 1957 and again in 1985, and the building suffered no damage in either major quake.

Most of the building is rented out as office space, but the upper levels are accessible to visitors.

• The 37th floor has a restaurant and gift shop.
• On the 38th floor, there is a museum with historical photos of the city, information about the construction of the tower, and archaeological pieces that were found on the site when the foundations of the building were being dug.
• The 42nd and 43rd floors are observation decks.
• The 44th floor is an open terrace, which can be windy.
• Open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm.
• Admission is 60 pesos for adults, 50 pesos for children. This allows you to enter as many times as you like during the day.

There are some amazing views of Mexico City's historical center from the top floor of the Torre Latinoamericana.

Visit their website: Torre Latino (in Spanish).

The Fine Arts Palace (Palacio de Bellas Artes)

President Porfirio Diaz ordered the construction of this building in the early 1900s. He planned to inaugurate it as part of the celebrations of the centenary of Mexico's independence from Spain. The Revolution broke out in 1910, interrupting the construction, so it was not completed until 1934.

Design of the Fine Arts Palace

The building's marble Beaux-Arts exterior with Art Nouveau elements reflects the Italian architect Adamo Boari's original plans, whereas the interior, designed by Federico Mariscal, has Art Deco elements. The theater's main attractions are:

• a Tiffany stained glass stage curtain portraying a panoramic view of the Valley of Mexico with its two volcanos
• murals by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Jose Clemente Orozco

The Fine Arts Palace is foremost a theater but it houses the Palace Museum as well as the National Museum of Architecture.

• Open every day
• There is a restaurant, a gift shop, and an excellent bookstore in the lobby
• Free guided visits to the main theater to see the stained glass curtain are offered from Tuesday to Friday at 1 pm

The Alameda Park

The Alameda Park is beside the Palacio de Bellas Artes , occupying an area comparable to two large city blocks. This park, the first in the city, dates from the 16th Century. You will find many fountains, statues, and monuments interspersed with green areas.

Monument to Juarez

There is a monument to Benito Juarez on the South side of the park, called the Hemiciclo a Juarez , built in 1905. The semicircle of white marble columns was designed by Guillermo Heredia. At the top of the monument, there is a statue of Juarez with an angel placing a laurel crown on his head. Juarez holds a book which represents the Constitution of 1857.

This is the end of the walking tour. Take a well-deserved rest, and consider having dinner at the Hospederia Santo Domingo .

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• ARTS & MUSEUMS
• EDUCATIONAL

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Walking Tour Of The Historic Center Of Mexico City

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