Zocalo
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
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. – Tripadvisor
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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

See what travelers are saying

  • WorldTravellerSoon
    Canada376 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A mix of historical buildings and vendors
    We walked from our hotel (Bacelo Mexico Reforma) to Zocalo and we walked pass a lot of cafe, restaurants, attractions and shopping area before we reached the square. There was a protest that day. Historical buildings and structures were surrounded by steel fence to protect from any damage. There are lots of street vendors selling souvenirs and snack. They are not aggressive at all.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 4, 2023
  • berniece2000
    Burnaby, Canada1,179 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hire a Guide
    History as far as the eye can see, and then some. Our experience wasn't perfect, but what would have made it so is hiring a guide for the day. The museums - and there are many - are not clearly identified, so we went to a couple that we basically stumbled upon, but gosh it would have been wonderful to be with someone who knew the area and could explain things to us and guide us into the museums we were interested in. Also we were there NY Day - bad idea. The market, which seems to be larger than most towns I've been to, is difficult to navigate and hard to escape once entered.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 7, 2024
  • Kelly M
    Charlotte, North Carolina347 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must-see Mexico City
    El Zocalo is also known as Plaza de la Constitución, and is a must-see when you visit. It is bordered by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Federal District buildings, and the Old Portal de Mercaderes. It is considered the main square in the city. In the center is a glorious, gigantic Mexican flag, and the square is a gathering place for Mexicans. Many celebrations and parades are held here and have been held here for centuries, as it dates back to the 16th century. We enjoyed getting photos, as this is definitely an important landmark in the city. Highly recommend as a must-see in Mexico City.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 19, 2024
  • TOURtheWORLDMexPal
    United States3,098 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Heart of Mexico City
    A visit to CDMX won’t be complete unless you visit Zocalo area…. I extremely and highly recommend visiting the area on Sunday for the full effect…. When the area comes to life. I also highly recommend to read and to look at photos of the sections and building before you visit the area, so you know which is which and what they call.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 26, 2024
  • 706traveler123
    Smyrna, Georgia22 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to explore
    Exploring a very iconic place with my dad was amazing. So much history, architecture, places to eat. The cathedral itself is majestic. Even if you are not catholic, you will be amazed by the history it involves, the old paintings the multiple temples within the cathedral. And the relatively new excavations and ruins from the Aztec(Mexicas) empire. Tipa: despite being rooftop restaurants be clear on prices , I got ripped off. Great area for currency exchange, if you have larger bills to exchange you get better rate for your buck . Go early to avoid huge crowds and take at least a whole day to walk around, maybe I missed to see other places but this area is iconic
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 12, 2024
  • Musicians Mum
    1,313 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great for a wander around to experience life.
    Big plaza with flagpole. Plaza areas always interesting . Day we went ,striking teachers camping out in tents in front of government offices! Just around the corner ,behind cathedral car park area,i nteresting bench on pavement, follow around for sculptures, murals .
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 13, 2024
  • Tomas A
    Chicago, Illinois1,134 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing architecture
    Came with friends during pride week every one was in great spirits we walked with the huge sea of people from Angel of independence to the historic district. The architecture in the zocolo and the surrounding areas was amazing. Lots of people selling Mexican crafts and little shops everywhere selling everything from stones to gold little restaurants and cafes as well well worth the effort to walk this vast area.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 29, 2024
  • Heidi_loves_travel
    Melissa, Texas407 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy to spend a day here looking around. Eat at a rooftop terrace restaurant to take it all in.
    This is the main plaza of CDMX. Must see the Museo del Templo Mayor on the corner and if possible, go inside the national palace to see the Diego Rivera murals in the courtyard. Then go have a big afternoon meal at one of the rooftop terraces. We like Balcon del Zocalo. There is a hotel - Gran Hotel de Ciudad Mexico - that is incredible to peek inside. The lobby has beautiful artwork, glass elevators, and a Tiffany stained glass dome. There is a pedestrian walk with shops along Avenida Francisco Madero.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 7, 2024
  • retired and traveling
    Chapala, Mexico162 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mexico City Zocolo
    We were staying in Polanco and took an exciting trip to the Zocolo via the Metro. It is easy enough but be prepared to get on and off quick as it is busy and crowded. The Zocolo is ancient and an area used by the Aztecs. The modern area has museums, churches, hotels, and a large plaza area. We were there on a Saturday and it had enthusiastic walkers and many sellers. There are Aztec dancers in colorful costumes near the large cathedral. We had a huge ear of roasted corn with lime juice smeared on it. We drank a Jamaica(type of hibiscus) drink sold from a cart.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,652 reviews
Excellent
3,386
Very good
1,649
Average
509
Poor
73
Terrible
35

vagabondginger
Alicante, Spain1,251 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The Plaza de la Constitucion is the historic center of the city and with it's large flag flying high it is one of the largest public squares in the world. This is where the National Place with Diego Rivera's murals inside depict the history of Mexico. Also the Templo Mayor Aztec Ruins are part of the Metropolitan Cathedral located here. It is truly the heart of the city.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Skippyfrizz
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harper C
San Francisco, CA253 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TraveledMilesPerHour
Atlanta, GA198 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The energy is vibrant and the history is enthralling. This is one of the key places to visit if you are traveling to Mexico City and want to appreciate the culture of the city and the people. Plan on spending a full day and take in all of the historical sites and museums. It should be a must see on your travel itinerary. Plenty of great restaurants and tons of shopping within an easy walk.
Cheers!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marcus D
Atlanta634 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Home of the Aztec Empire. Prior to the 1519 arrival of Cortez, this was the island city empire of the mighty Aztecs. Built on an island with multiple causeways to the mainland, the city was burned, destroyed and torn down by the Spanish. Many of the massive buildings standing today are made from Aztec temple and palace stones. You can still see remnants of the temples. This area is the heart (for tourists) of the city: National Palace, Cathedral, etc.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevin C
Dallas, TX47 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
We had high hopes for the Zocalo area of Mexico City. Unfortunately we were disappointed with the area. First, the central square buildings were dirty, like they all needed to be steam cleaned. So much of Mexico City is so well cared for that it's surprising to me that the central square would have buildings in such need of cleaning. Second, we got ourselves lost in what felt like an endless market right off the main square. We must've walked for 10+ blocks before getting out, it was honestly a bit scary. So, if you go to Zocalo, make sure you have a very good plan on exactly what you want to visit and I don't recommend wandering off. As for the rest of Mexico City, we absolutely loved it! Check out Coyoacan.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

memmottrw
North Salt Lake, UT257 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hassan H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2,158 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Friends
This is the main square in Mexico city located in the historical centre of the city. One of the biggest squares in the world. Huge buildings in the surrounding and lots of live shows that you can enjoy.
A must to see.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScoopTraveler
New York City, NY270 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Wandering here, I found folk fake jewelry from Chiapus that is more interesting than junk sold in shops. Wandering up past the National Palace and Mexican women stopped me and my spouse to warn us that the neighborhood was too dangerous. True? or did they just not want foreigners around? I suspect that the women were correct.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eat or Die: Krakow Gourmands
Krakow, Poland999 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Zocalo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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