Escape to the grand architecture, rich culture, and buzzing streets of Mexico City Historic Center. From the Zócalo to colonial-era cathedrals, this area is the beating heart of Mexico City where history comes alive through its incredible food, inspiring art, and vibrant nightlife. Discover ancient ruins from the Aztecs along with endless sites and activities that will leave you in awe — no matter what time you visit. This guide takes a detailed look at all there is to explore in Mexico City’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for travelers looking for an adventure full of culture and discovery.
The historic center of Mexico City (or Centro Historico) is an eclectic mix of ancient civilization and modern urban lifestyle. The Zocalo also known as La Plaza de la Constitucion was once the heart of Tenochtitlan an island state important to the ancient Aztecs. You’ll note the sinking foundations built on the sands of this island hinted at by leaning buildings. We’ll start exploring there!
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Places to Explore in Mexico City Historic Center
The National Palace, or Palacio Nacional, is the seat of the Mexican government, and the president of Mexico. But this government building is also known for its beautiful gardens, 14 courtyards, fountains, and Diego Rivera murals (all painted between 1929 and 1951). You will love Rivera’s most famous mural, “The History of Mexico,” highlighting the story of the country.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, admission is free but be sure to bring your passport or another form of identification to gain entry.
Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, holds more of Diego Rivera’s murals on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Enjoy exhibits of sculpture and painting as well from a multitude of artists. You can catch amazing views of this building from the viewing deck of the Torre Latinoamericana as well as the Don Porfirio Cafe right across the street. If you choose to take in the view from the cafe please plan to buy a coffee first and enjoy a seat at one of the outdoor tables.
From here, you are within walking distance of another great site. Stroll through Alameda Central Park to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera, or the Diego Rivera Mural Museum, to enjoy more of the artist’s work.
Catedral Metropolitana, or Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico, is a place of worship that holds five altars and 14 smaller chapels. Of note are the beautiful pieces by Spanish artists such as Bartolome Esteban Murillo and Jeronimo de Balbas.
Admission is free to this monument situated on the east side of the Plaza de la Constitucion, or Constitution Plaza. The construction which took more than 200 years to complete, was built on top of an Aztec temple in what was once the center of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.
Caza do Azulejos, or the House of Tiles has historically been the home of a family of aristocrats as well as the location for a workers’ organization. This beautifully tiled building complete with murals and a wonderful glass ceiling atrium is now a Sanborns restaurant. On the last visit, the food was nothing special but the building itself was beautiful and worth a look. Tourists definitely know about this place so don’t stay if you have a long wait. If you are committed to seeing the interior, try to avoid the crowds by going at non-traditional times or traveling off-season.
Torre Latinoamericana – once the tallest building in the country, now it is the tallest in the city. The equivalent to the United State’s Empire State Building, you can ride up to the observation deck for 360-degree views of Mexico City. Don’t be turned off by the washed-out building style that looks like it’s seen better days. Yes, it’s in need of a facelift. But the views from the top do a great job to orient you to the city’s key landmarks.
You can purchase a ticket for less than $10 US and admission will also gain you entrance to the two other museums in the building.
In my opinion, this last museum is one of the best discoveries in the city because it allows you to see firsthand the eclectic mix of centuries of architecture from the walking paths of Museo Templo Mayor. Once the capital of the Aztec empire this spot was destroyed and buried during the Spanish conquest. And until the 1970s it remained hidden from the world. Recent excavations have elevated this to one of the most important rediscoveries in all of Latin America. Exhibit signage does not shy away from highlighting the contributions of Aztecs and discussing the devastating impact colonization had on indigenous people.
Best Spot to Eat Near Mexico City Historic Center
Don’t miss Cafe de Tacuba. Let the host walk you through the front double doors and step into what was once a convent. Entering you are not just stepping into a cafe but into a century-old scene from Mexico’s colonial past. The narrow first-floor dining room is dotted with hanging chandeliers and wall paintings that nod to an era long gone. The high archways, stained glass ceiling, and tiled steps that lead up a spiral staircase blend with displays of indigenous pottery.
The website lets you know that you can expect waits of 20 to 30 minutes for your food but for good reason. As you saw at the Museo Templo Mayor this city is an intersection where indigenous and colonial powers collided. The restaurant serves as an ongoing reflection of that collision as they continue to use ingredients that honor indigenous roots and local products. Your food is prepared in traditional recipe styles that are decades old and highlight the quality of Mexican cuisine. Order a drink from the bar, grab the kids a lemonade, and enjoy the mariachi that sweep through the isles serenading guests. The experience is worth the wait.
Best Day Trips from Mexico City
Xochimilco is the Nahuatl name that means “where flowers grow.” Xochimilco, famous for its canals and gardens, is just one hour away from the historical center of Mexico City. On this day trip, you can enjoy the beautiful area by taking a small wooden boat out on the canals that once surrounded Tenochtitlan. Go early and avoid some of the crowds. You can travel by private transportation, metro, or join a group tour.
Long ago the Aztecs built structures on the water at Xochimilco and covered them in mud from the bottom of the canals. They grew flowers, fruit, and vegetables then moved the produce to Tenochtitlan or Mexico City. Now the man-made islands are preserved to demonstrate how the Aztec people worked to make the area serve the needs of the people. Yes, it is a bit touristy but the historical significance is worth a day trip to explore the canals as well as a local flower market.
Teotihuacan, in the Nahuatl language, means “the place where the gods were created.”Read our detailed post to learn how a day trip allows you to see what remains of a once-thriving city of tens of thousands. The area covers almost 8 square miles. With 95% of the city yet to be uncovered, the ruins of residential areas, plazas, and temples provide just a hint of the thriving societies that occupied this land. Touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learning its history is an amazing experience.
How Long to Stay in Mexico City’s Historical Center
To enjoy all that the historical center has to offer, you could easily spend an entire day. But there is so much more to explore in Mexico City I would highly recommend that you plan for more time.
For a longer stay consider our Mexico City 3 Day Itinerary for details on how to get the most out of additional days.
A visit to the Historic Center of Mexico City is a must for any traveler looking to explore one of the world’s oldest and most iconic cities. From well-known hotspots like the Zocalo and the Templo Mayor ruins to more local treasures – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
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