14 Best Things to Do in Zócalo, Mexico City
Centro Historico, or "Centro" colloquially, is both the historic center and beating heart of Mexico City. It's vibrant, moving, and often jammed full of people—like Times Square but with more soul. You can see the birth of the nation here, standing at the largest plaza in Latin America, with the Spanish colonial cathedral that has been constructed on top of the Aztec Templo Mayor: the two great cultures whose influence have defined the city. There is a whirlwind of taquerias, murals, secret spots, and captivating architecture that gives Centro such a distinct feel. To make the most of it, check out our guide on what to do in Centro Historico, also commonly referred to as Zócalo, the name of its main square.
GettyactivityCatedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los Cielos
This cathedral was built over two centuries (from 1573 to 1813) and is the largest in Latin America. The Spanish built it over the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor and used some of the stones of the fallen edifice to construct the church. Since it was built over such a long time, it features a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-classical styles in its design.
AlamyactivitySecretaría de Educación Pública
A ten minute stroll north of the Zocalo puts you in front of the Ministry of Education, a hulking two-story government building that holds the state secretary offices for scientific and sports education. Why are you here? To see the beautifully preserved Diego Rivera murals that are possibly more impressive than those in the Palacio National. Stunning in scope and scale, the murals depict the history of Mexico, from pre-Hispanic development and the arrival of the Spaniards to the modern era.
Bertha HerrerarestaurantRestaurante El Cardenal
$$El Cardenal is a buttoned-up and beautiful traditional Mexican breakfast spot with multiple locations. The Centro one is particulaly alluring because it has an elevator to the second floor and delightful stained glass windows of the restaurant's namesake, bright red cardinals. Many people come here for its egg, tortilla, and black bean-heavy breakfasts, but we like it best for spiced hot chocolate and concha con nata (sweet, shell-shaped pastries sandwiched with cream) before exploring the neighborhood.
restaurantPastelería Ideal
Founded in 1927, this pastry shop caters primarily to locals looking for simple, traditional luxury. Look closely when walking around Centro and you'll notice people carrying huge white boxes with the shop's name printed in blue. The cakes and sweet breads inside are being ushered to birthday parties and Sunday afternoon gatherings.
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GettyactivityPlaza de la Constitución
Marking the central node of Mexico City, this breathtakingly large square is flanked by a huge flagpole bearing the Mexican flag. Prior to the Spanish invasion, El Zócalo was the principal ceremonial site for the Aztecs. Today, it holds court as one of the central arenas for politics, cultural events, and concerts.
GettyactivityTemplo Mayor
Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico, embedded in the blueprint of downtown. Surrounded by streets and buildings, it is hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory, but the nicely organized museum helps paint the full picture.
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- restaurant
Sanborns
$$In 1919, the American Sanborns brothers bought this 18th century palace and opened Mexico's first soda fountain inside. There's a charmingly antiquated coffee counter snaking through one side of the building, which also includes a casual seating area, retail section, pharmacy, and a more formal dining room in the enclosed patio. Think of it as an upscale Denny's that serves breakfast platters of enchiladas and eggs, larger steaks and sides, and of course, milkshakes and sundaes.
Courtesy Azul HistóricorestaurantAzul Historico
$$$In the open-air courtyard of the 17th-century Downtown Mexico Hotel sits the charming Azul Historico, potentially the best of Ricardo Muñoz Zurita's Mexico City restaurants. Muñoz is a gastronomic historian who is precise and dogmatic when it comes to time-honored recipes. His spicy and chile-laden mole negro de oaxaca is legendary, and the cochinita pibil is a classic. There are no wild flourishes here, just well-executed, elegant plates. Try the enchiladas in a mild chipotle sauce filled with hibiscus flowers—the same ones used to make the tangy Jamaica drink.
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GettyactivityPalacio Postal
Designed by the same Italian architect, Adamo Boari, who did Bellas Artes across the street, the central post office is a wild mix of architectural styles—Spanish Rococo, Venetian, Gothic Revival, Moorish, Neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Deco elements are all present here. The space has been in operation as a city post office since 1907. Inside, the translucent variety of stone called "chiluca"—used throughout the interior and staircase—is particularly appealing.
shopDulcería de Celaya
Open since 1874, this sweet shop is dedicated to traditional Mexican confections. It feels a bit like a Parisian patisserie, but the meringues, candied fruit, and coconut-flavored sweets bring you back to Mexico City. The inventory is organized neatly in trays like precious jewels of all colors, so even if you don't have a sweet tooth to satisfy, it's fun to browse.
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GettyactivityAlameda Central
Mexico's oldest municipal park has been around since 1529, when it served as an Aztec marketplace. Today, the park serves as a pedestrian-friendly hangout in the otherwise concrete-filled Centro Historico. You'll find teenagers on their phones, elderly couples soaking up sun, and parents chasing kids on scooters. At one end of this manicured rectangle is the Palacio de Bellas Artes; at the other, a string of cafés, mezcal bars, and shops. Go for a leisurely stroll near the fields of lavender, which fill the air with a lovely aroma.
GettyactivityHospital de Jésus Nazareno
This is the oldest hospital on the continent and, legend has it, the spot where the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec ruler Moctezuma met for the first time in 1519. Though still a working hospital, it has a beautiful, lush courtyard and brightly colored mural that offer a calming hideaway in the middle of Centro Historico.
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- restaurant
El Huequito
$El Huequito specializes in juicy, marinated al pastor in a proprietary blend of spices. Order the torre de pastor (literally, a tower of sliced meat with a stack of tortillas) and make your own tacos at the table with the selection of salsa. There's also a hearty tortilla soup, cheese wrapped around griddled meats then slipped into a tortilla, and grilled nopales (catus paddles). People tend come here for a quick taco break before heading back into the city or after drinking all day in a cantina.
GettyactivityTorre Latinoamericana
This 44-story skyscraper, built in 1965, is the tallest building in Centro Histórico. The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Head to the top-floor observation deck for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city, or to the newly renovated bar/restaurant (one floor below), which has equally impressive views and is almost always empty.
