11 Things You NEED to Do in Downtown Mexico City’s Historic Center

Looking for the best things to do Downtown Mexico City center?

You’re in the right place because this article lists all the must sees, must dos and must eat tacos in the Mexico City Historic Center and the Zocalo.

Though you could spend an entire week exploring what many consider the best neighborhood in Mexico City, the top 11 things to do and sights to see are highlighted here.

Of course, you could just book this Best Mexico City Historic Center Walking Tour with a Local Guide to discover the history of Centro Mexico.

If you’d rather go on you own, no worries!

This article will still show you the 11 most well-known sites in Mexico’s historic downtown area, so you can cross the most popular CDMX attractions off your bucket list.

We have a lot to cover in the historic center of Mexico City Zócalo, including the Templo Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, and some of the best tacos in CDMX — so let’s get to it.

1. Templo Mayor (Aztec Temple)

Let an archeologist/historian explain it all to you when you book this Walking Tour Through Time in Mexico City, led by a female guide.

Centuries ago, the Templo Mayor (Main Aztec Temple) served as the central location of the entire Aztec empire.

After the Spanish conquest, it was buried, and the present-day Zocalo (town square) was built on top.

The first efforts to excavate the templo began in the 19th century, and continued through the 1980s.

Today, it’s among three of the top sites in Mexico City Downtown, and you can stroll the remnants of the temple and see some of its historic archeological treasures.

During the excavations, more than 7,000 objects and artifacts were recovered; some of which are now displayed in the onsite museum.

• Templo Mayor Address: Seminario 8, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06060
• Templo Mayor Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
• Templo Mayor Admission Cost: $100 pesos (about $5 USD)

2. Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City

Experience all the must-sees in Centro Historico when you book this Explore Mexico City’s Historical Center Highlights Tour.

From the rocks that were once Aztec temples, the Spanish conquistadors ordered the giant Catedral Metropolitana de México (Metropolitan Cathedral) constructed.

It took an astounding 240 years to build this giant cathedral in Mexico City, and of all Mexico City’s many churches, this cathedral is the most opulent.

It is one of the 10 largest churches in all of the Americas, and also contains the largest pipe organs on the continent.

• Metropolitan Cathedral Address: Plaza de la Constitución, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Metropolitan Cathedral Pro Tip: Photos are permitted — as long as you’re respectful and quiet.
• 💒 Love Mexico churches? Don’t miss the Basilica de Guadalupe Church, the largest church in Mexico.

3. Palacio Nacional & Diego Rivera Murals

The 660-foot-long Palacio Nacional (National Palace) spans one entire side of the Zocalo square (the main square).

This impressive building houses Mexico’s Federal Treasury and National Archives.

Inside, don’t miss the murals painted on the walls chronicling four phases of Mexican history, from the Aztecs through the Mexican Revolution.

These detailed murals were painted by one of the country’s most famous artists, Diego Rivera.

• Palacio Nacional Address: Plaza de la Constitución, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Palacio Nacional Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
• Palacio Nacional Admission Cost: FREE, but you must leave your ID at the entrance with the guards.

4. Palacio Bellas Artes

Make sure you see everything in Centro Historico — Book this Main Attractions-Mexico City Center Tour led by a female guide.

If you’ve ever seen an image of Mexico City, there’s a good chance it was of the beautiful Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).

This classical European, golden-domed, structure is a work of art in and of itself.

However, don’t pass up the chance to head inside and check out the gorgeous art deco interior.

Take the elevator up the Museo Palacio de Bellas Artes (museum) to see the rotating art exhibits from some of the biggest names in the classical art world.

Also inside, don’t miss the murals on the walls, painted by all the noteworthy Mexican greats.

• Palacio Bellas Artes Address: Avenida Juárez S/N, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06050
• Palacio Bellas Artes Hours: Daily, from 10am-7pm; Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
• Palacio Bellas Artes Admission Cost: FREE to walk inside; Museum entry is $70 pesos ($3.50 USD)

5. Parque Alameda Central Park

Located just next to Palacio Bellas Artes, the well-maintained Parque Alameda Central (Alameda Central Park) has beautiful sculptures and fountains to enjoy.

Don’t miss the impressive Benito Juarez Hemicycle monument, and the authentic Parisian metro sign (one of my top secret travel photography spots 🤫) at the Bellas Artes metro station entrance.

Located near the park, don’t miss the Museo Mural Diego Rivera (Diego Rivera Mural Museum).

With so many things to do and see, Centro Historico can be overwhelming.

The Alameda Central park is the ideal place to eat some tacos and churros, do some people-watching, and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Centro Historico.

• Parque Alameda Central Address: Avenida Hidalgo S/N, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06010
• Parque Alameda Pro Tip: This is a nice place to have a mini picnic on a bench!

6. Plaza Garibaldi to See the Mariachi Bands

Prefer to go with a guide? F&S Tours Garibaldi offers a full cultural experience that includes Plaza Garibaldi, the Tequila & Mezcal Museum, and more.

The place to hear mariachi music in Mexico City on weekends, Plaza Garibaldi is basically an all-day, all-night party, with mariachi music as its guest of honor.

Join in on the sporadic, impromptu dance parties, or just enjoy the mariachis as they constantly try to one-up each other in song and musical showmanship.

• Plaza Garibaldi Address: Incas 06000, Eje Central, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Plaza Garibaldi & Centro Historico Mexico City Safety Tip: If you’re staying at Plaza Garibaldi or in the Mexico City Historic Center after the sun goes down, to take an Uber home.

7. Barrio Chino (Mexico City Chinatown)

📸 Ready to up your travel photo game: Book this Explore Mexico with A Professional Photographer Experience today.

Ask yourself this: Are you really in a major city if there isn’t a Chinatown!?

While Mexico City’s Chinatown isn’t huge, it is worth walking through and snapping some travel photos of the iconic red arch entryway and hanging paper lanterns.

Start your journey at the main arch entryway, pinned on the FREE map of the Mexico City Historic Center and Zocalo in this article.

• Barrio Chino Address: Calle Artículo 123 and Calle López, Incas 06000, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Barrio Chino Mexico City Tip: Visit during the day so you get the best photos.

8. Torre Latinoamericana Tower

Built in 1956, and considered a marvel of engineering, the Torre Latinoamericana is among the most iconic buildings in Mexico City’s skyline.

On a clear day, take the elevator to the top of the Torre Latinoamericana (Latin American Tower) for some amazing views of the city.

There is a cost to go up to the top, so you’ll only want to pay for access to the Mirador (viewing platform) on a clear day.

• Torre Latinoamericana Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 2, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Torre Latinoamericana Hours: Open daily, 9am-10pm
• Torre Latinoamericana Admission Cost: $220 pesos (about $12 USD)
• 🤑 Mexico City Travel Tip: The nearby Sears department store has a cafe on the top floor called Finca Don Porfirio (Cafeteria Terraza). It’s FREE to go up if you’re buying something, and from there you’ll get a similar view to one at the Torre Latinoamericana.

9. Casa de los Azulejos (The Blue House of Tiles)

📸 Let a professional photographer handle the photos: Book this Top-Rated Photoshoot in Downtown Mexico City today.

The House of Tiles is an 18th-century Baroque palace in Mexico City, which is now a Sanborn’s department store.

Head inside to see the beautiful restaurant, or just photograph the blue and white talavera tiles outside.

This is one of the most iconic, photographed, and Instagram worthy places in Mexico City.

• Casa de los Azulejos Address: Sanborn’s, Avenida Francisco I. Madero 4, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06500

10. Other Instagram Worthy Mexico City Sites in Downtown

Gran Hotel Mexico City

Looking for the most instagrammable places in Mexico City? You’re in luck because there are many in this best area of Mexico City.

The entire neighborhood is incredibly beautiful, but below are a few places that make amazing photo backdrops for ig worthy images in the Mexico City downtown area.

Book your stay at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico — one of the best Downtown Mexico City hotels.

The Gran Hotel Mexico City is an art deco lover’s dream, with a main lobby that’s straight out of a classic movie with its vintage cage elevator, curved ceiling and stained glass art.

This is truly one of the nicest hotels in Downtown Mexico City, and among the best hotels in Mexico City.

• Gran Hotel Mexico City Address: 16 de Septiembre 82, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

Palacio de Correos (Mexico City Post Office)

Arguably the nicest post office on Earth, head to the Correo Mayor (Main Post Office) to snap some pics.

Built in 1907, the Art Deco style lobby is completely gold, and an amazing photo backdrop.

The Palacio de Correos de México (Postal Palace of Mexico City), still functions as a post office to this day.

• Palacio de Correos Address: Calle de Tacuba 1, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

11. The Best Mexico City Museums in Centro Historico

Discover the lesser-known museums of Mexico City when you book this Explore the City’s Secret Museums Tour with a female guide.

Mexico City has about 150 museums, and some of the best museums in Mexico City are located in Centro Historico, like these six:

1. Museo de Arte Popular: Folk Art Museum (pictured above)

• 📍Address: Revillagigedo 11, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06050
• 💸 Admission cost: $60 pesos (about $3 USD)

2. MUNAL Museo Nacional de Artes: National Art Museum

• 📍Address: Calle de Tacuba 8, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06010
• 💸 Admission cost: $95 pesos (about $5 USD)

3. Museo Memoria y Tolerancia: Museum of Memory and Tolerance

• 📍Address: Avenida Juárez 8, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06010
• 💸 Admission cost: $100 pesos (about $5 USD)

4. Museo Mural Diego Rivera: Diego Rivera Mural Museum

• 📍Address: Balderas 202, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• 💸 Admission cost: $45 pesos (about $2.50 USD)

Though small in size, the Diego Rivera Mural Museum is a must see for fans of Mexican muralism

Inside, you’ll see Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central, one of the most iconic Mexican murals by Diego Rivera (AKA the husband of Frida Kahlo).

💡 Mexico City Travel Tips: Most Mexico City museums are closed Mondays, so the best thing to do in Mexico City on Monday is visit the Teotihuacan Ruins.

BONUS: Where to Eat Best Tacos in Mexico City Centro Historico (and Best Churros)

Looking for the best Mexico City taco tours? Book this 5 Star Downtown Mexico City Taco Tour with a Local Foodie today.

Hungry yet?! While there’s seemingly no shortage of amazing places to eat and some of the best restaurants in Centro Historico Mexico City.

Below are some of this area’s most noteworthy taquerías (taco shops), and a few places to get dessert afterwards.

My recommendation is the chorizo verde tacos (green chorizo, pictured above) at Ricos Tacos Toulca — one of the Mexico City Michelin Star shops.

Best Tacos al Pastor in Downtown Mexico City

These red-colored, pork meat tacos are Mexico City’s speciality — but just one of the 31 amazing tacos from Mexico every taco addict must try.

Though the Arabian-style spit the meat is cooked on came straight from the Middle East, tacos al pastor are quintessentially Mexican. 

Head to Taquería Arandas (pictured above) to eat them street-side while standing up, just like the locals do.

If you want to leave that level of coordination to the pros, El Huequito is a great sit-down option.

• Taquería Arandas Address: Avenida 5 de Mayo 43, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• El Huequito Address: Calle de Bolívar 58, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

Best Tacos Suaderos in Downtown Mexico City

Besides tacos al pastor, another one of Mexico City’s specialities is suadero (pronounced swaa-dare-oh) meat tacos.

Suadero is essentially a fattier flank steak, and available all over the city. One of the most famous places is Taquería los Cocuyos (pictured above)

This no frills taquería (taco shop) is so delicious it garnered the attention of the late Anthony Bourdain, who ate there while filming the Mexico City episode of his No Reservations show.

In case you were wondering, Señor Bourdain recommended the suadero too — and the taco shop was later awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction.

• Taqueria los Cocuyos Address: Calle de Bolívar 57, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

Best Tacos de Canasta in Downtown Mexico City

Tacos de Canasta los Especiales is a favorite among chilangos (Mexico City locals) and visitors alike.

Tacos de canasta means “basket tacos,” and like the name implies, they are served from a basket.

This style of taco is the original Mexico City’s street food, as vendors would strap baskets onto their bikes and sell tacos all over town.

While some of the well known vendors now operate out of brick and mortar shops, like the famous Tacos de Canasta los Especiales, you’ll still see bike vendors from time to time.

• Tacos de Canasta los Especiales Address: Avenida Francisco I. Madero 71, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

Best Fish Tacos in Downtown Mexico City

Visit one of Mexico City’s most beloved chains, El Pescadito, serves Sinaloan-style fish and shrimp tacos from the state of Sinaloa.

Something unique (and delicious) to Sinaloan seafood is their marlín ahumado (smoked marlin) — a personal favorite of mine.

You can sample it here at El Pescadito for a fun twist on seafood tacos, and pile yours high with all the options from their plentiful toppings bar.

• El Pescadito Address: Avenida Independencia 57, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06050

Best Churros in Downtown Mexico City

Did you save room for dessert? If so, enjoy some churros y chocolate (churros and chocolate sauce) at the famous Churrería el Moro.

No room? This chain has locations all over town, so you can grab some another day — but these are known as some of the best churros in Mexico City.

Or, and churros aren’t your thing but you still want dessert, check out the massive Pastelería Ideal which has been open since 1927.

• Churrería el Moro Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000
• Pastelería Ideal Address: República de Uruguay 74, Colonia Centro, CDMX 06000

Mexico City Travel FAQ

Longer answer: I found most of Mexico City to be safe — and I lived there as a solo woman for about a year.

While Mexico City felt safe for me, you’ll want to make Mexico travel safety your highest priority, as I did!

Head to Is Mexico Safe? 25 Tips to Stay Safe in Mexico for tips on how to do just that.

There are some general and Mexico travel safety tips below in the accordion menus that will explain how.

If you prefer podcasts, check out my Mexico podcast with tips for safe solo female travel in Mexico City tips — or my Ultimate Mexico City Solo Travel Guide for Female Travelers.

The better question here is Should I get travel insurance for Mexico? — and that’s a definite YES as it gives you an added level of security and peace of mind.

Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Mexico and Mexico City travel safety are on your mind, get your FREE quote below from two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

• Safety Wing: Perfect for general travel coverage, and digital nomads who travel for extended periods of time.
• World Nomads: Perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling.

How do I get to Mexico City?

Wondering about airports in Mexico City? You’re in luck because there’s one in the city — the Mexico City International Airport (Code: MEX).

The Mexico City Airport to Historic Center ride can take 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic.

To get from the airport to the Mexico City Historic Center hotels, the easiest options are taking this top-rated private transfer, a taxi or Uber.

If you take a taxi, only take an official taxi, which are the ones with kiosks inside the airport.

Personally, I recommend Uber, and though it does cost more than using public transportation, the price difference is relatively insignificant.

In Mexico, Uber tends to cost about 60% less than in the U.S. Of course, rates will vary, but figure about $3-5 USD for a 20 minute ride.

While public transportation is less than half of that cost, you will spend three times as long to get around.

Taxis are about the same price as Uber — but only take a taxi from secure, designated taxi stands (called taxi sitios or taxi ranks), and remember you’ll need pesos to pay.

Also keep in mind that in Mexico, you negotiate and agree on the price before getting in the cab and starting the ride. Most CDMX taxis don’t use meters.

Mexico City Holidays, Festivals, Etc.

IMO, the prettiest time of year in CDMX is from mid-February to the end of March (approx), when the bright purple jacaranda trees are in bloom.

This also coincides with the monarch butterfly migration, which you can see in the nearby city of Valle de Bravo, from about November to March.

The city hosts the annual Día de Muertos parade for Day of the Dead in Mexico City during the last (or next to last) weekend in October.

This is one of the most lively times in Mexico City, though make sure to double check the dates as they change each year.

If you want the city all to yourself, come during Semana Santa (Holy Week) when many Mexicans leave the city and head to the beach.

The dates fluctuate, but Semana Santa takes place in late-March to early-April each year; always around Easter time.

Not a United States citizen? Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🎫 The Mexico FMM Tourist Visa

For those who won’t need a Mexico visa, when you arrive in the country and go through Immigration, you’ll submit your Forma Migratoria Multiple.

This is abbreviated as FMM (sometimes FMT), and you’ll either get one on the plane or in the airport.

When you clear Immigration, the officer removes the bottom one-third of the form and hands it back to you.

This is your FMM Tourist Card, good for UP TO 180-days (6 months) — though nowadays, many airports are using the passport stamp, but some still aren’t.

For those who don’t get the stamp, the FMM is a small piece of paper you must have on you at all times while traveling Mexico.

Don’t lose your FMM, as it proves you’re in the country legally, and you have to give it back to Immigration when leaving Mexico.

If you lose it, get to the airport about an hour earlier than you normally would to fill out some paperwork and pay the fine to get a new FMM.

This fee can vary, but is usually about $600 pesos ($30 USD) for a new — because without an FMM, you can’t leave the country.

My Final Thoughts on Visiting Mexico City Historic Center & Zocalo

Centro Historico and the Zócalo is one of the Mexico City UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and basically the cultural center of Mexico City, and for much of Mexico itself.

⚠️ Note: The official UNESCO designation is for the “Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco,” which are both within Mexico City limits.

This once-home to the center of the Aztec Empire, has a recorded history that goes back thousands of years.

It is fascinating to explore this part of the city, where old meets new, and there seems to be no end to the amazing things to do in Centro Historico Mexico City.

When venturing out of Centro Histórico CDMX, you can maximize your time in this massive city by planning the rest of your trip spending about a day in each of the other neighborhoods in Mexico City.

With a population of more than nine million in Mexico City itself, and 23+ million in the entire CDMX metropolitan area, the Mexico City traffic is infamous.

It’s also not something you want to avoid at all costs!

Planning your trip by neighborhood minimizes the amount of time traveling to things, and maximizes the amount of time you’re actually traveling.

As far as which neighborhoods to explore beyond Zocalo and Centro Historico, Roma Norte and La Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan, Xochimilco and Teotihuacan round out the must see Mexico City Mexico places.

Additional Mexico City Travel Blogs

Need more info to help you with planing the ultimate CDMX trip — which is the largest city on the continent, by the way.

As someone who has been living in Mexico City since 2018, on and off, here are a few more blogs to help you plan an epic trip.

• 4 Day Mexico City Itinerary: The Ultimate CDMX Travel Guide
• 51 Unique Things to Do in Mexico City
• 50 of the Best Tacos in Mexico City + Free Map
• Mexico City Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent & Treat It
• 17 Best Day Trips from Mexico City You Won’t Want to Miss
• Cute Outfits for Mexico Vacation: What to Wear in Mexico
• Digital Nomad Mexico City Guide: Where to Stay & Co-Work
• Ultimate Mexico City Solo Travel Guide for Female Travelers
• Airbnb Mexico City Condesa & Roma: 10 Unique Stays