Centro Historico
Ways to visit Centro Historico
There are numerous ways to discover the sights of Mexico City. Stroll around the Zócalo and along Paseo de la Reforma on a walking tour; zip around the city on a Segway or bike tour; admire the illuminated streets on a night tour; or tuck into tacos on a food tour. Notable landmarks include the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de las Bellas Artes, the skyscraper Torre Latinoamericana, and Tenochtitlán’s Templo Mayor.
Things to know before you go to Centro Historico
As in most major cities, pickpockets are common around the main tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and only carry the essentials.
Most museums in the Centro Histórico are closed on Mondays.
Many Centro Histórico attractions are wheelchair accessible, but some of the neighborhood’s narrow, uneven lanes are difficult for wheelchairs to navigate.
How to get to Centro Historico
It’s easy to reach most of the attractions in the Centro Histórico on foot from the Zócalo, but the area is also well served by public transport. The main metro station is Zócalo (Line 2), and numerous buses also pass by the square.
Trip ideas
When to visit Centro Historico
The most popular time to explore Mexico City is between March and May, when the warm, dry weather is ideal for sightseeing. The Zócalo is the center of many of the city’s festivals and events, including the annual Independence Day celebrations (September 16), the Alebrije Parade (late October), and the Day of the Dead parade (November 1–2).
Mexico City’s Aztec History
Founded in 1325 as an Aztec capital, ancient Tenochtitlán was built on an island on Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico, and the enormous Zócalo was its spiritual, political, and ceremonial center. According to Aztec legend, a vision instructed the wandering Aztec tribe to build a city on the spot where an eagle, perched on a cactus, was devouring a serpent—an image that now adorns the Mexican flag. When the Spanish conquered the city in the 16th century, they drained the lake and destroyed many Aztec palaces and temples, rebuilding their new city around the Zócalo.
- Things to do in Central Mexico
- Things to do in Taxco
- Things to do in Acapulco
- Things to do in Puerto Escondido
- Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
- Things to do in Monterrey
- Things to do in South Padre Island
- Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna
- Things to do in Panajachel
- Things to do in Guerrero
- Things to do in Oaxaca
- Things to do in Jalisco
- Things to do in Western Highlands
- Angel of Independence (Monumento a la Independencia)
- Reforma 222
- Mexico City Wax Museum (Museo de Cera Ciudad de Mexico)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Mexico
- Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
- Mexico City Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
- Tamayo Museum (Museo Tamayo)
- Paseo de la Reforma
- Roma
- Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec)
- Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela (Ciudadela Artisan Market)
- Chopo University Museum (Museo Universitario del Chopo)
- La Condesa
- National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
- Mexico City Popular Art Museum (Museo de Arte Popular)
- Aztec History in Mexico City
- Mexican Cuisine
- Best Day Trips from Mexico City
- 3 Days in Mexico City: Suggested Itineraries
- Best Museums in Mexico City
- Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City
- Mezcal Tastings in Mexico City
- Food Lover's Guide to Mexico City
- Ways to Experience Mexican Culture in Mexico City
- Tula Day Trips from Mexico City
- How to Experience Cinco de Mayo in Mexico City
- How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City