A complete guide to the vibrant Historic Center of Mexico City, including the top historic sights, activities and tours, best local restaurants and street tacos, and hotel recommendations.
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About Centro Historico Mexico City
The beating heart of Mexico City, the 668-block Centro Historico is the most culturally and historically significant neighbourhood in the city.
Also referred to as Downtown, the Historic Centre or simply Centro, this district has the largest concentration of historic monuments. It might not have the leafy, trendy appeal of Condesa or Roma, but Centro Historico is everything iconic about this city.
Built directly on top of the former site of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, the history in this area is mindblowing. Together with the Canals of Xochimilco, the neighbourhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area is a feast for the senses. We loved marvelling at the ornate colonial buildings and vast Zocalo, and getting swept up into the throngs of tourists and locals alike. It’s busy, it’s noisy, it’s a little rough around the edges, but Centro Historico is an unmissable part of your Mexico City itinerary.
Top 3 experiences in Centro Historico
HISTORIC CENTRE FOOD TOUR
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NIGHT OUT IN MEXICO CITY: MARIACHI & LUCHA LIBRE
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WALKING TOUR OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE
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Where is the Historic Centre of Mexico City
In the centre of the city, duh! But seriously, Centro Historico is the area from which every other neighbourhood radiates out.
To put into the context of other popular neighbourhoods, Mexico City’s Downtown is to the east/northeast of Polanco, Roma Norte, La Condesa and Juarez.
Things to do in Centro Historico
If you love history and sightseeing, you are going to love Centro Historico! This neighbourhood hosts the highest number of historic attractions in the city, and it’s a fun but busy day getting around to all of them.
Yes, it’s very possible to hit all these sights in one day. We dedicated one day of our 7 day Mexico City itinerary to Centro Historico and managed to visit all the highlights.
I’ve listed these attractions in a logical and linear order, in the exact route we followed on our day exploring Downtown.
If you’d prefer to get a history and culture lesson from a local while you stroll, join a guided walking tour.
💡 Top tip: most museums and historic buildings in Mexico City are closed on MONDAYS. Make sure you plan your day sightseeing in Centro Historico on a different day of the week.
1. Zocalo
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours
- 💰 Cost: free
Pretty much every city in Mexico has a zocalo aka a public square or plaza. But none of them even come close to the grand scale of Mexico City’s Zocalo.
Officially known as Plaza de la Constitucion this huge concrete expanse is one of the largest public squares in the world. It has been a social and ceremonial meeting place for centuries and continues to be one of the most important places in the city.
It’s a fantastic place for people-watching and no matter what time of the day you visit, the plaza is a hive of activity. You’ll see vendors selling snacks and trinkets, locals dressed in traditional Aztec wear dancing and beating drums, shoe shines, political protests, and often concerts and events are held in the square.
The Zocalo is home to a giant Mexican flag that is raised and lowered each day by the army. The square is flanked on three sides by important historical buildings: the Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional and Templo Mayor.
2. Catedral Metropolitana
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours outside | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 7 days a week to go inside (except during mass services, usually midday Sunday)
- 💰 Cost: free
- 🎟️ Tours: not needed, you can walk around most of the cathedral freely
The Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) looms over the northern side of the Zocalo.
This enormous building is one of the grandest in the country and is actually the largest cathedral in all of Latin America.
The church took over two hundred years to build, and you can see many different architectural styles as works progressed through the decades. The Spanish pillaged the stones used to build the cathedral from the neighbouring Aztec site, Templo Mayor.
It’s possible to go inside and take a look at the ornate ceiling and stained glass windows, so long as there isn’t a mass service taking place (usually Sunday at noon). Photos were permitted inside at the time of our visit, just be quiet and respectful.
3. Templo Mayor
- ⏰ Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)
- 💰 Cost: 95 pesos
- 🎟️ Tours: not mandatory, but incredibly valuable to get a guide
Modern-day Mexico City is built on top of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.
The Templo Mayor (Grand Temple) was the centre of this once-thriving metropolis, and the Aztecs believed it was the centre of the universe.
Archaeologists have excavated the ruins of the temple, and you can wander around and see the remains. You can look down below the ground level of today’s city and see layers of history stacked on top of each other. It’s mind-blowing.
These ruins are outside and are mostly accessible to view without buying a ticket.
Although I would highly recommend you set aside some time for the on-site museum too, which is enormous and so much more interesting than we expected.
I would plan for at least an hour here, ideally more, even if you’re not a big history buff! I was surprised by how enjoyable and interesting I found it, with clear and concise information in both Spanish and English.
Whilst you don’t necessarily need a guide, it can help immensely to understand what you’re looking at. The ruins come to life when you have stories and historical information painting a picture of what the temple would have been like at its prime.
This tour includes a skip-the-line entry and approximately 90 minutes at the site with a local guide.
Be warned, they don’t allow any type of food or drinks inside the ruins or the museum, and they check bags on entry. When we visited, they didn’t have anywhere to store the bags either, so we had to tip out over a litre of fresh drinking water and snacks from Pasteleria Ideal which kind of sucked, so be prepared.
🛕 Book a guided tour of Templo Mayor
4. Palacio Nacional
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)
- 💰 Cost: free
- 🎟️ Tours: you can only visit as part of a guided tour
Occupying the entire eastern side of the plaza, the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) is an important political building, housing the president’s offices. It occasionally acts as his residence too!
Because of this, going inside the palace is not as easy as it once was. As of late 2022, there is a new process. However, some recent reviews report that the palace has been closed entirely to visitors sporadically throughout 2024. I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.
It looks imposing from the outside, but it is worth taking the time and effort to go inside. Why? Diego Rivera.
Mexico’s king of muralism left his mark on the Palacio Nacional in the form of one of his greatest murals, ‘The History of Mexico’. This spectacular piece of art is a harrowingly accurate description of Mexico’s history, from ancient times to the Spanish conquest to independence.
To go inside the palace, you must join a guided tour. These are run a few times per day, the time depends on your language of choice (English or Spanish).
The whole process is complicated, and you can’t book your tickets online in advance.
You need to go to the ticket booth across the street at the Museo de la Secretaría de Hacienda. I think there is an English tour daily (except Mondays) at 10:30 am and 4:00 pm. There may be more options, but I have read specifically about both these times.
Apparently, the tours do book out in advance, but there are often no-shows or last-minute cancellations, so it’s not impossible to get on last minute. I would recommend lining up early (from around 9:30 am or 10:00 am) for the best chance.
If you’re staying in Centro Historico or visiting the neighbourhood over a few days, pop by the office as soon as you arrive to try and reserve for the following days. Some recent visitors have apparently had luck emailing visitas_guiadas@hacienda.gob.mx to reserve in advance. It’s worth a shot.
The tour takes about an hour. You’ll need to bring your ID (passport) to get an access pass and leave any large bags in storage at the entry. Security is legit here and they will be following you closely, given the president may or may not be inside!
💡 Top tip: For another chance at seeing some other famous Mexican murals, try popping into the Suprema Corte de Justicia next door. It’s unclear if the building is currently open to visitors, but it’s worth a try. I believe you might need to arrange a time for a tour, so you might want to go first thing in the morning and return later that day if you’re lucky, or the following day(s). It should be free, and you may need to leave your ID at the entrance.
5. Avenida Francisco I. Madero
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours
- 💰 Cost: free
Running from the northeast corner of the Zocalo, Avenida Madero is a pedestrian-only walking street connecting key historic sights in Downtown Mexico City.
Home to shops, markets, and street vendors, this walkway is frequently packed with tourists and locals alike.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, you can get swept away into a maze of market stalls by streetside salesmen offering everything from designer (knockoff!) sunglasses to handmade jewellery and touristy trinkets.
The historic architecture along the street is stunning, and I loved the contrast of the old buildings with the modern Torre Latinoamericana looming in the distance.
6. Casa de Los Azulejos
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours outside | 7:00 am – 1:00 am 7 days a week inside
- 💰 Cost: free
Before you leave Avenida Madero, make sure you stop by Casa de Los Azulejos (House of Tiles) for a photo. This gorgeous historic mansion is covered with ornamental tiles.
The facade is the real drawcard, but it’s possible to go inside for a peek too.
The building is occupied by Sanborns, a Mexican department chain that has a hybrid store/restaurant inside. The food isn’t anything special, but the interior of the building is spectacular.
You can cheekily pop your head in without sitting down for a meal. Be sure to walk up the stairs to the second storey for an elevated view of the ground floor.
7. Palacio Postal
- ⏰ Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Saturday (closed Sundays)
- 💰 Cost: free
Prepare to enter the prettiest post office of all time. I mean, look at the name, it’s a palace!
You only need a quick stop here, but it is worth going inside to see the stunning Art Nouveau interior. Everything is trimmed in gold, it’s the height of opulence. Make sure you look up from the marble staircases to the stained glass ceiling.
There is a separate entrance for those simply looking, and you can avoid the lines of locals actually waiting to use the postal services!
8. Palacio de Bella Artes
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours outside | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays) inside
- 💰 Cost: 90 pesos to go inside
- 🎟️ Tours: a guided tour isn’t required
One of the most iconic images of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bella Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a sight to behold.
This opulent marble building is a distinct feature of the city’s skyline, with its orange and yellow-hued domes, neoclassical design and grand sculptures.
The palace is dedicated to the fine arts, housing a concert hall and art museum, as well as some murals by iconic Mexican artists.
If you’re an art lover, it’s possible to go inside to view the museum and murals. Tickets are 90 pesos, and the museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday.
It’s also possible to see a concert in the theatre, and the Mexican Folkloric Ballet perform regularly. You can see upcoming events on the Bella Artes website here.
💡 Top tip: head to the 8th floor of the adjacent Sears building to the Finca Don Porfirio cafe to enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate overlooking the Palacio.
9. Alameda Central
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours
- 💰 Cost: free
Adjacent to the Palacio de Bella Artes is Alameda Central, one of Mexico City’s oldest parks.
It’s not as wild or lush as Parque Mexico or Parque España in La Condesa, and its location downtown means it never feels as quiet or peaceful.
It’s quite polished and grand though, very fitting of its location. It’s a sophisticated slice of green with wide walkways, grand statues and fountains.
We were lucky enough to visit during springtime when the park turns a beautiful shade of purple when the Jacarandas bloom.
10. Museo Mural Diego Rivera
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)
- 💰 Cost: 45 pesos
- 🎟️ Tours: not required
If you didn’t manage to get a guided tour of the Palacio Nacional, or you just really want to see more Diego murals, this museum is located on the outer edge of Alamada Central.
Do be aware that the museum houses just one main mural, the 15 metre (50 feet) Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central).
The murals in the government buildings are admittedly more spectacular, but given access is tricky, this is a nice backup.
11. Torre Latinoamericana
- ⏰ Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm 7 days a week
- 💰 Cost: 200 pesos
- 🎟️ Tours: not required
Ascend to the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana (Latin America Tower) for a birds-eye view of the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City.
It was only from this vantage point that I truly understood how huge this city is. With a population of 22 million in the broader metro area, more people live in this city than in our entire home country, Australia. This view put that huge number into perspective!
The open-air viewing deck is on the 44th floor, but the floors below it offer different vantage points, a museum about the construction of the building and different photo spots.
If you aren’t particularly fussed about seeing the actual mirador, and just want to glimpse the view, head to Miralto. This is a bar on the 41st floor, and you can spend your pesos on a drink instead of an entry ticket.
12. Barrio Chino
- ⏰ Hours: 24 hours
- 💰 Cost: free
We didn’t expect to find a Chinatown in Mexico City, but hey, what’s a big city without one?
Although not the world’s largest or most impressive Chinatown, this small area centring around Calle Dolores is worth a quick wander. The streets are lined with colourful lanterns and umbrellas, and you can pick up some delicious steamed buns if you’re feeling peckish.
Best tours in Centro Historico
Most of the highlights of Mexico City’s Historic Centre are simply sightseeing attractions and buildings that you can explore solo. There are a couple of amazing activities that are best done with an expert local guide though, and will give you an authentic insight into the area.
1. Guided walking tour
If you want to do more than just sightseeing around Centro Historico and want a deeper history and explanation of the attractions you’re seeing, join a guided walking tour.
This fantastic and highly rated tour hits basically all the main highlights of Downtown I mentioned above.
The difference is that you’ll visit with a knowledgeable local who will explain what you’re looking at, the history and significance of the buildings as well as their importance to modern-day culture.
I normally love walking tours, and I’m not sure why we didn’t go for one here. I’m not a huge history buff, but I get so much value from chatting with a local and getting authentic insights into the society of a city and what real life is like for locals.
2. Take a food tour
There are dozens of different food tours you can take in neighbourhoods all over the city, but I think this tour that focuses solely on the Historic Centre is the best!
You’ll get to experience authentic Mexican food from some of the city’s oldest and most traditional markets, cantinas, restaurants and street food stalls. It’s a great way to see the neighbourhood and try foods you might never have done on your own.
A food tour is always a 10000% yes from me in any new city we visit, and CDMX is no exception!
I’d recommend doing the food tour first, before you do your own solo sightseeing as it’s a great way to get a lay of the land, plus insider tips on the best spots to eat so you’ll know where to go back to.
🌮 Book your Centro Historico food tour
3. See mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi
This is technically an experience you can do without a tour, but Plaza Garibaldi is a little sketchy and a lot of people feel uncomfortable and on edge there without a guide.
Not too far from Alameda Central, this large plaza is the home of mariachi in the city. You can almost always find an ensemble dressed to the nines and ready to play a few songs.
It’s best visited at night though, when the square really comes alive with people and music. That’s why I’d recommend joining a tour, because it’s nighttime and the area is a bit sketchy solo.
Mariachi can be a bit of a tricky cultural experience too without the help of a local. How much do you pay for a song? Which song do you choose? Do you tip? It can be a little awkward the first time around so it’s a great experience to do with a tour and a fun way to spend an evening in the city.
I’ve got two particular tours that I like, depending on your other plans in the city:
- Garibaldi Square Tour: you’ll check out Plaza Garibaldi with a local guide, and see lots of mariachis playing. Have drinks in a local cantina, try some local food in markets and finish off the night with a cultural music and dance show at Guadalajara de Noche. It’s a bit touristy, but a lot of fun!
- Mexico City at Night – Lucha Libre & Mariachi Tour: this tour combines two of the best nighttime activities in the city, mariachi and lucha libre! Have a fun and safe evening with a guide and fellow travellers, experiencing the mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi before an entertaining show at the Mexican wrestling.
4. Lucha libre
Lucha libre is Mexican wrestling, but much more fun and entertaining than anything you’ve seen before. Complete with colourful masks and costumes, plenty of acrobatics and die-hard fans, going to a lucha libre match is something you have to do at least once in Mexico!
We went while we were in Guadalajara, but there are multiple events in Mexico City each week.
It’s possible to buy your own tickets online or at the arena and visit without a tour. However, the arenas where the events take place, Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo, are both in sketchy neighbourhoods.
Given that the wrestling is at night, joining a tour and going with a local is a safe and stress-free way to have this iconic cultural experience, if you’re a bit worried about going solo.
Plus, when you can combine this experience with the mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi or a PM taco tour, I think it’s totally worth it.
- Lucha Libre Experience in Mexico City: this guided experience is a fun and safe way to experience Mexican wrestling. They include some other cultural activities beforehand, trying the traditional drink pulque at a pulqueria, before enjoying the match.
- Lucha Libre Tacos & Masks 4 hrs Exploring CDMX: a combination of two fun nighttime experiences, take a walking taco tour, sampling delicious street tacos across various neighbourhoods, before heading to the arena for a fun lucha libre show.
- Mexico City at Night – Lucha Libre & Mariachi Tour: this tour combines two of the best nighttime activities in the city, mariachi and lucha libre! Have a fun and safe evening with a guide and fellow travellers, experiencing the mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi before an entertaining show at the Mexican wrestling.
If you do want to go to the lucha libre solo, you can buy tickets on Ticketek. Just take an Uber to and from the stadium. It’s a popular event, so I don’t think you’ll have any issues, just avoid walking around either of the neighbourhoods.
Hotels in Centro Historico
A lot of people choose to base themselves in Downtown for their stay in the city. When it comes to historic sights, you’ll certainly be in the middle of the action!
It is quite busy, noisy and pumping at all times of the day and night here, so it’s a contrasting experience to the quieter neighbourhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa.
Accommodation in the Historic Centre is generally cheaper, but there are still some gorgeous boutique options!
BUDGET HOTELS & HOSTELS
Best restaurants in Centro Historico
Centro Historico doesn’t have the aesthetic cafes of Roma Norte, the edgy fine dining of Polanco or the funky fusion restaurants of La Condesa. But that doesn’t mean the food isn’t good!
Save the trendy eating for other areas. While you’re in Centro Historico it’s all about enjoying authentic Mexican food, in some of the oldest establishments in the city. Most are pieces of history in their own right or set in charming historic buildings.
Coffee and sweet treats
- Pastelería Ideal: there are too many baked goods to choose from in this enormous, self-serve bakery. A CDMX icon operating for almost 100 years, grab a tray and load up on some goodies to snack on throughout your day of sightseeing.
- Churreria El Moro: this chain of churro restaurants has been operating in the city for almost 90 years. They have branches in many neighbourhoods, but the Centro Historico location is particularly popular.
- Finca Don Porfirio: this cafe on the 8th floor of the Sears building near Palacio de Bella Artes offers some fantastic views, but also great drinks. Most people come for the view, but we really enjoyed their gourmet hot chocolates and unique coffee drinks.
Tacos
- Taqueria Los Cocuyos: recommended by Netflix’s Taco Chronicles Anthony Bourdain and more recently the Michelin Guide, these tacos are good! They serve juicy, fatty and delicious suadero tacos from an inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall.
- Tacos El Huequito: in a city full of pastor tacos, this is hailed as one of the best. Serving up el pastor especial, their own classic twist on the traditional al pastor.
- Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales: serving up a different type of tacos, tacos de canasta aka basket tacos. Named for how they were historically served, from a basket usually on the back of a bicycle, these tacos are pre-made and have a different texture and flavour.
Restaurants
- El Cardenal: this traditional Mexican restaurant is the place to go for breakfast in Centro Historico. Fancy and a little pricey, the experience here is worth the cost. The service is fantastic and the venue has a grand, historic vibe. They are open for lunch and dinner too, with traditional Mexican dishes.
- Cafe El Popular: this iconic Mexican diner-style restaurant is open 24 hours a day, serving up classic Mexican dishes for every meal. It’s delightfully grungy with a loyal local following. If you want to try a specific local dish, you’ll probably find it here.
- Azul Historico: for a special and romantic, yet traditional dining experience, this gorgeous restaurant is set inside the courtyard of a historic mansion. This is fine dining, with a seasonal menu focused on regional Mexican cuisine.
Bars
- Terraza Catedral: the perfect place to end a day of walking, with a fresh and zesty cocktail overlooking the zocalo and cathedral. This is one of the more modern establishments in Downtown and the vibes are great.
- Balcon del Zocalo: another perfect vantage point of the Catedral and the Zocalo from this balcony. Whilst you can just come for a drink and enjoy the view, they also serve very high-quality food too.
- Pulquería Las Duelistas: this pre-Hispanic beverage was considered ‘the drink of the Gods’. Made from the fermented sap of the agave plant, the alcoholic drink is milky-coloured with a thick texture. You either love it or you hate it, but regardless it is a must-try in Mexico City and a pulqueria is the perfect spot to sample it.
How to get to Downtown Mexico City
Centro Historico is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods around the city via the Metro. There are multiple stations in the neighbourhood, including one smack bang in the Zocalo, suitably called ‘Zocalo’ on Line 2.
You can also take an Uber here, but the traffic is always heavy, so it’s best to get dropped off on the edge of the neighbourhood and walk.
🚊 Check out our Mexico City transportation guide for more information about how to get around the city
Is Centro Historico safe?
Mexico City is a generally safe city, with the exception of a few neighbourhoods.
Centro Historico is safe for the most part, although it is a lot busier than areas like Roma Norte and La Condesa, so you do need to be wary of your belongings. Pickpockets aren’t uncommon and you should stay in well-lit areas at night.
There are a few neighbourhoods bordering Centro Historico that are considered unsafe. Don’t venture into Tepito, Merced or Doctores. You’ll immediately notice it gets quite sketchy, and sadly there is a lot of poverty, homelessness and crime.
There’s nothing to be hesitant or worried about, the Historic Centre is a must-visit and is one of the most popular places in the city for tourists. Just stay alert of your surroundings and belongings.
Grab a copy of my Mexico City Travel Guide!
A highlight of any trip to Mexico, Mexico City is an incredible city, jam-packed with historic sights, funky cafes, drool-worthy street food and gorgeous neighbourhoods.
But it is HUGE and it can be confusing and overwhelming to work out how to see the best of the city.
Enter my Mexico City Travel Guide.
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This 98-page ebook covers 7 of the best neighbourhoods in the city, with the top sights and activities, the best tacos and restaurants, and an accommodation guide. You’ll find information about climate and the best time to visit, transport to and around the city, and tour recommendations.
It’s filled with all our best tips and advice, to simplify your planning and maximise your time in this amazing city!
There is also the option to add a customised Google Map that has over 100 locations pinned by category, allowing you to easily visualise our recommendations across the city.
Find out more about the guide here.
Mexico City Historic Centre: Final thoughts
Centro Historico is home to some of the most iconic cultural and historic sights in the city. It’s an obligatory stop, and you have to spend at least one day exploring the area.
We were in awe at the architecture, and I couldn’t believe how fascinated I was by the Templo Mayor and the history of Tenochtitlán, as someone who isn’t a huge history buff.
It’s an authentic, vibrant and intoxicating look into the history, culture and society of Mexico. While you might be more drawn to the funky hipster areas like Roma, you simply cannot miss Centro Historico.
If you’re craving more history, don’t forget to visit Teotihuacan just an hour outside the city centre. It’s even older and bigger than Tenochtitlán, and you can fly over its ancient pyramids in a hot air balloon! The canals of Xochimilco are another remnant from Aztec times too.
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