Zocalo
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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About
Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitucion, is one of Mexico City's most popular spots that dates back to the Aztec era. It's a large and historic public plaza that never sleeps, always buzzing with traditional Aztec dancers and performers, cultural events, and even political demonstrations. The square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and landmarks, such as Palacio Bellas Artes and the Templo Mayor, making it a great starting point to explore the city.
Be sure to join a city walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Zocalo. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro Histórico
The beating heart of the city lies within Centro Histórico, the vast expanse of historical buildings and monuments that are a must when exploring Mexico City. Places such as the Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal, Casa de los Azulejos and Palacio de Bellas Artes are the perfect eye candy for anyone seeking to admire arts and architecture. Don't forget to visit the wide variety of markets and plazas where any vintage item, handicrafts and jewelry characteristic of each state in Mexico can be found on Sundays. Admire majestic views of the city from the Monumento a la Revolución and Torre Latinoamericana, and round out the experience with restaurants of all cuisines nearby.
How to get there
- Zócalo • 2 min walk
- Allende • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,506 within 3 miles
Attractions
460 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,602 reviews
Excellent
3,357
Very good
1,637
Average
503
Poor
72
Terrible
33
memmottrw
North Salt Lake, UT260 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Spent only one day in Mexico City, and found the Zocolo to be the center of town where all the people and shops were. It happened to be the deer de los Mortos and the Zocca low is full of activities and Katrina’s and people in costume. Recommend going through the old church and also finding the high-rise bars and restaurants that overlook the Zocalo for a Birdseye view.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I T
7 contributions
Feb 2023
The Zocola - on the Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City - is huge (and is said to be the 2nd largest in the World after China's Tianenman Square). Although Mexico City is absolutely huge, and spreads kilometres in each direction, the Zocalo is in the historic centre and has a number of attractions which date from pre-hispanic through the last 400 years. These attractions include Aztec ruins, colonial churches, hispanic architecture government buildings and souvenir vendors. The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) on the Zocalo's east side, has large murals by the artist Diego Rivera BUT since the building is now occupied by the President these are no longer open to the public.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eat or Die: Krakow Gourmands
Krakow, Poland1,040 contributions
Nov 2022
Get there early in the morning and be sure to check out the Aztec muzeum behind the cathedral.. 30 minutes is enough to check what's left of the pyramids.. The early morning is a great time to also check out the side streets leading off the square.. Later they will be PACKED...The buildings around the square are lit up at night ans were lovely..
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Harper C
San Francisco, CA238 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
I visited around the national holidays in September. As the Zocalo contains the National Palace and the Mayoral buildings, if there is a big celebration or expected protests/marches, you can expect this builds to be barricaded.
In my case both were happening and the entire Zocalo was fenced off. Despite that, I could still walk in the arcades around the square. It is mostly jewelry shops that all look the same.
This is worth visiting once, out of necessity. Tie it in with a visit to the cathedral or Templo Mayor.
In my case both were happening and the entire Zocalo was fenced off. Despite that, I could still walk in the arcades around the square. It is mostly jewelry shops that all look the same.
This is worth visiting once, out of necessity. Tie it in with a visit to the cathedral or Templo Mayor.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bucketlisttravellers
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This massive central square is one of the largest public plazas in the world and holds a prominent position in the historical centre of Mexico city. A giant Mexican flag had pride of place in the centre of the square, and in the heat of the day you can see crowds of people taking shelter in the shade of the flagpole. There is not much shade in this square and the area really traps in the heat, so we would recommend going in a cooler part of the day for maximum enjoyment.
There is a "CDMX" sign at one end of the square, which is a good place for a photo op. There are plenty of tourist attractions closeby.
There is a "CDMX" sign at one end of the square, which is a good place for a photo op. There are plenty of tourist attractions closeby.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
howardxp1
New York City, NY329 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
As it’s the center of the city, there are usually activities going on including a band and dancers. You can also find free 2 hour walking tours at 10am. The folks that do that are under a White umbrella.
It’s also walking distance from many museums and the very inexpensive subway is there as well.
Can’t go wrong spending an hour or Even two if you find what to do.
It’s also walking distance from many museums and the very inexpensive subway is there as well.
Can’t go wrong spending an hour or Even two if you find what to do.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DMNQ
Boston, MA5 contributions
Aug 2022
The zocalo itself is pretty cool, but it is also surrounded by beautiful and/or interesting buildings. You can also see where they are doing new renovations on the Aztec temples in the corner of the zocalo. There were awesome Aztec priest re-enactors in super detailed costumes in the zocalo as well, performing cleansing rituals and blowing on jaguar whistles. Fascinating!!!!!!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CAROLYN H
Orlando, FL21 contributions
Oct 2022
My guide brought me here to see the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is actually hard to see it's real beauty because it is covered with scaffolding. They are repairing damage from the last bad earthquake. The interior is magnificent. We also saw the National Palace which is along another side of the great Plaza. and then my guide took a side street to a tiny restaurant that serves tacos al pastor. So o o good.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RedE2Go
Vancouver, Canada231 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A beautiful, cultural and historically significant part of the city that must be visited! We visited on a Sunday with masses of other people and didn’t feel overwhelmed or crowded. It’s kept clean, everyone respects the area and can admire it without any concerns. We felt safe, fortunate to be able to visit and enjoy it!
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Skippyfrizz
8 contributions
Feb 2020
The Zocalo of Mexico City is a focal point for people to enjoy the many offerings of the Country of Mexico. From the beautiful Cathedral, to the Aztec ruins and Museum to the murals of Hidalgo Rivera. One can buy jewelry and eat at restaurants on the border of the Zocalo. But in the center of all that is the Zocalo. We have seen many Tecel events promoting the Telephone Company but this time there was an Event named the C D M X. or Corazon de Mexico (the Heart of Mexico). It featured examples of Art and other people related services from various states of Mexico. There were videos, statues, children activity areas, as well as articles on display that you could purchase. My wife bought some textile products. It was aN enjoyable experience. Also, there was a very professional Protest outside the C D M X area, against the abuse of Women that seemed well represented by both men as well as women. it was a good week day at the Zocalo ! And the activities on the weekend get even more interesting but that is for another Post ! Enjoy Skippyfrizz !
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arturo v
Tultepec, Mexico
Día 1 de enero abrirán los locales de electricidad en corregidora y el mercado de la merced
Saben si mañana lunes 21 de noviembre de 2022 abrirán las tiendas del centro histórico de la cdmx?
Alguien sabe si mixcaclc oesta abierto hoy martes
ramorozcoo
Mexico City, Mexico124 contributions
Hola, creo esta mal escrito, si te refieres a Mixcalco, podria entender la zona aerqueologica? si fuera asi, si abre todos los dias de 9 a 5, si te refieres al Mecado de Mixcalco en la CDMX, abre igual que todos los mercados de lunes a sabado
Saben si el sábado 1 de enero abrirán locales de peña y pena y que horario
Zocalo (Mexico City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Zocalo
- We recommend booking Zocalo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 71 Zocalo tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Zocalo:
- Historic Downtown Walking Tour (From $16.00)
- Garibaldi Night Tour (From $65.00)
- Hop on Hop off Mexico City Bus tour (From $15.00)
- City Tour and Xochimilco Floating gardens (From $66.85)
- Historical Center of the CDMX on foot (From $46.28)
- Hotels near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Alojamientos Mexico
- (0.01 mi) Alojamientos Mexico
- (0.01 mi) Miravalle Cri Cri | Modern 1 Bedroom in Mexico City
- (0.02 mi) CASA
- (0.02 mi) Sonder La Cima
- Restaurants near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Oc Market
- (0.01 mi) Jack's Butcher
- (0.01 mi) La Viagra del Mar
- (0.01 mi) Loco Flamingo Restaurante & Bar
- (0.01 mi) Sod
- Attractions near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Xochimilco
- (0.01 mi) Saber
- (0.01 mi) Va Viajes
- (0.01 mi) Guide&seek
- (0.01 mi) Anandi Day Spa