Historic Center (Centro Historico)
Historic Center (Centro Historico)
Historic Center (Centro Historico)
4.5
Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
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The designated location of many of Mexico's older colonial structures.
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Top ways to experience Historic Center (Centro Historico)
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
- Bellas Artes • 3 min walk
- San Juan de Letrán • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,978 within 3 miles
Attractions
483 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- TravelerAndrewBoston, Massachusetts113 contributionsSo Much To Do!While some people may prefer to stay in other neighborhoods like La Roma or La Condesa, the Centro Historico is, well, centrally located beyond belief. You can simply walk to dozens of museums, there is a multitude of restaurants, food vendors, and entertainment, and any place you'd like to travel to that is not quite within walking distance is a 10-15 minute car ride away. You could simply stay in the Historic Center for your entire trip and feel like you did and seen enough (although, of course, I would recommend going to other neighborhoods and day trips outside the city as well). My only knock on the Centro Historico is that it is (understandably) densely populated and has a lot of loud music and performers in the evening. So if staying in this neighborhood is not for you, you'll still end up spending a lot of time here!Visited December 2022Written December 28, 2022
- Chris BBoise, Idaho683 contributionsBest place to stayWe got an airbnb for seven nights two blocks away from Zocalo. We visited seven different districts in Mexico City. We’re happy that we stayed in the historic center. You can walk to so many different places, enjoy so many places to eat, and just do what the locals do. We never felt unsafe in any of the streets we were in. Of course we didn’t put ourselves in a situation that was not good. Being in the center of the city you can branch off to visit so many different places. Recommend you take Uber. They are half the prices of the taxis and so much cleaner. We must’ve taken over 35 Uber trips. So inexpensive. The average was four dollars per ride.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 5, 2020
- Laura WaldSan Francisco, California4 contributionsMust Visit: So Such To See.We toured the Centro Historico with Jorge Mendoza, an excellent and very knowledgeable and entertaining guide with reasonable prices and great service. There is so much to see in the city center, from incredible murals to gorgeous Aztec dancing to beautiful architecture. So much history in those streets, going back millenia!! The ruins are incredible and really worth learning about. You can reach Jorge to hire him for your visit to Mexico City at jorgemendozaturismo@live.com. I recommend him highly.Visited October 2022Written October 13, 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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,614 reviews
Excellent
2,394
Very good
988
Average
195
Poor
30
Terrible
7
Totallyhonestlady
11 contributions
Nov 2019
This arwa of course isa not to be missed. It;s a very easy self walking tour. On Mondays some of the things are closed so plan ahead. We jumped into their Cultural, Center it's along the main drag....it's like a museum where there are three floors of crafts from local artists.
Written January 27, 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.
Hassan H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates2,204 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The historical district is a must to enjoy in Mexico city.
Many different and beautiful architectures everywhere and ever corner. Lots of walking paths with big numbers of shopping and dining options.
You can as well enjoy big number of live shows and musics around with fantastic Mexican rituals near the main square and the cathedral.
Without visiting the historical centre, don't count your visit to Mexico city as you are really missing huge enjoyment in this beautiful district.
Highly recommended
Many different and beautiful architectures everywhere and ever corner. Lots of walking paths with big numbers of shopping and dining options.
You can as well enjoy big number of live shows and musics around with fantastic Mexican rituals near the main square and the cathedral.
Without visiting the historical centre, don't count your visit to Mexico city as you are really missing huge enjoyment in this beautiful district.
Highly recommended
Written March 16, 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.
datamath
Mexico City, Mexico71 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Our historic center has been witness to the evolution of the Mexican culture from its early days. You can visit the Templo Mayor, which is the birthplace of the Aztecs. In the very same place you will see the main buildings constructed after the Spanish conquered the Aztecs. You can also see the evolution of the Mexican independence (the dolores bell is on the Palacio Nacional balcony). Finally you will get to see our 21st century Mexico, full of life and movement. An incredible blend hard to find elsewhere.
Written January 15, 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.
Joseph K
81 contributions
Jan 2020
From my point of view, the Historic Center is the Main Attraction of Mexico City. The main landmarks: Main Cathedral, Tenochtitlan/Mayor Temple, Cathedral of San Domingo, National/Presidential Palace, huge Main Plaza of Zocalo, Palace of Education. Here you can find the tickets for the main attractions, and for hop on tourist buses. I liked to relax and to have tasty dinner at the Templo Major Restaurant, with the views of Cathedral and Tenochtitlan
Written February 6, 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.
Alfonso S
4 contributions
Nov 2019
Walking in central México City (Centro Histórico) is very wonderful. You visit the baement of the great piramids made by the aztecs, also the palaces of the wealthy people during colonial times, churches and a magnificient cathedral. Also you can visit many museums. The city has more than 200. Also you can go to concerts, folclorical dances, etc. Many excelent restaurant do have lunch.
Written February 12, 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.
LHOVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,015 contributions
Jan 2020
Mexican Version of Tiananmen Square (Beijing) or Red Square (Moscow). Needs at least 3 or 4 Hours and you still can't finish it. Highlights would be the Temple Mayor, the Cathedral, the National Palace and Arts Museum. Good luck and enjoy!
Written January 11, 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.
George S
Miami Beach, FL1,086 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
This is the place to visit if you come to Mexico City for the first time. Sure, there are more upscale neighborhoods to stroll in but if you want to see the history, culture and the soul of a city and nation you must spend some time in this area. Among sites to visit, you must start with the Zocalo, the central square. There is also the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, Templo Major, Bellas Artes and other museums. I would also recommend a visit (or better still, a stay in ) to the Gran Hotel- beautiful interior. The area is great for its architecture, shopping and dining. Cannot be missed!
Written November 11, 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.
Harper C
San Francisco, CA238 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
Yes it is touristy, in that the shops are for tourists and you’ll find international brands here and ice cream shops on every block. But, you need to visit at least once. I highly recommend. Guided tour (I took a free one with Estacion Mexico *****) to learn about the architectural influences, the how and why of these European style buildings and the ancient ruins under your feet. It will help you appreciate the rest of the city and the history of Mexico City.
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.
mbellastyle
Boston, MA1,208 contributions
May 2019
I enjoyed the beautiful plaza around the cathedral. Enjoy a day visiting the cathedral, museum, shops, and restaurants. The square is beautiful and makes a great backdrop. There are huge colorful tented area in the center with beautiful flowers. A great place to sit and people watch.
Written February 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.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN3,149 contributions
Mar 2022
Unlike new and stylish Polanco, the Centro Historico is the older and more historic part of CDMX. It does not have the nightlife of neighborhoods like Polanco, Condesa or Roma Norte, but it is packed with so many sights of historical significance. This is where the Zocolo is found, the second largest public square in the world, and it is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace and Templo Mayor which is a museum dedicated to the Aztec Civilization and contains the ruins of the Aztec pyramid that once that stood here. You can stroll along the always busy and lively pedestrianized Ave Francisco Madero to the Alameda Central Park and the adjacent Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Torre Latino and its observation deck can also be found here. Along with all this is great shopping, resturants and numerous street vendors and authentic taquerias.
Written January 1, 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.
What is the name of the condo building that used to be the Hotel Bamer?
SkykomishBob
Olympia, WA761 contributions
No idea, sorry
lauraordoqui
Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina7 contributions
Hola gente. Quisiera preguntar sobre sus experiencias en Plaza Garibaldi durante la noche. Tengo 10hs. de escala en el Aeropuerto Benito Juárez... ¿Recomiendan Bar Garibaldi para pasar la noche con amigos? GRACIAS!!!
Esteban Rúa
Colombia61 contributions
Hola!!! Claro que si, aunque se prende más los viernes y los sábados, y la parte más divertida comienza después de las doce de la noche. Si vas con amigos entonces te la vas a pasar genial! Te recomiendo tomar todo el tequila o mezcal que puedas mientras escuchas unas buenas rancheras!!
Espero haberte sido de ayuda y disfruta tu viaje!!
:)
Gery26
Buenos Aires, Argentina430 contributions
una preguta voy a esta alojada en frenete del zocalo el centro historico esta cerca? hay tiendas de ropa? que venden?
Rosanna P
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic85 contributions
Te comento que en la calle Madero que termina prácticamente en el Zócalo están todas las tiendas principales desde Old Navy, Forever,Zara!!! Y lo mejor a un precio increÃble !
Laurita
Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina50 contributions
Hola, quisiera saber si alcanzaria el tiempo como para recorrer el centro historico y visitar el castillo de Chapultepec el mismo dÃa y en caso afirmativo qué medio de transporte los conecta?
Desde ya muchas gracias
APereita
Mexico City, Mexico158 contributions
Hola
Yo creo que el CH requiere un dÃa, lo puedes intentar; el CH es muy extenso. Puedes empezar por el castillo, tardarás de 2 o 3 horas cuando mucho, de allà te puedes mover hacia el centro en Turibus o transporte sobre Reforma y bajar en avenida Juárez y caminar a la Alameda y Bellas Artes (esa zona es parte del CH), o en metro, de Chapultepec transbordando en Pino Suárez, rumbo al Zócalo.
El CH es muy grande, yo creo que visitar Catedral, Palacio Nacional, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Iturbide, Museo Nacional y Palacio de las Bellas Artes. Puedes comer en el Cardenal hay 3 locales en la zona, es costoso pero lo vale o en cualquier cantina, revisa precios porque te pueden sorprender!!!!
La Ciudad de México es hermosa
madhu140
Calgary, Canada
HI
Does anyone knows if there is shuttle bus service from airport to Reforma?
And any idea what is ths cost of taxi to reforma from airport.
Thanks
Brenda D
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
As Bob C noted above, it's easy to get into Central Mexico City by cab. You can't carry luggage on buses going to/from the airport. However, ONLY get a taxi at the airport that provides a SET rate and is licensed. These drivers don't expect tips; in Nov., cost CAN $ was $18.00 (150 Mexican pesos.) Anyone can point you to the stand. REFUSE the ride if it is more than $250 pesos. Good luck!
joluru
Montevideo, Uruguay34 contributions
Hola viajo a DF a fin de mes y decis que enes buses que te llevan del aeropuerto al centro me podes decir en que parte o sector lo tomo
gracias
GabrielaGToluca
Toluca, Mexico22 contributions
La respuesta de Boris B es correcta. Y si te recomiendo mejor usar autobús porque el metro con equipaje es complicado. Y siempre resguardar documentos importantes y dinero en un lugar seguro. Tener precaución necesaria como en cualquier parte del mundo. Que disfrutes tu estancia
leena4417
Kent, UK
where is the Boutique apartment centro historico in mexico city. Can you give me some info of the property and how it operates. Thanks Leena
hilda s
Mexico City, Mexico58 contributions
sure! its on the nineth floor of a beautiful renovated building a few meters away of the Benito Juarez monument. it is furnished and ready to move in.
the monthly rent is 1,000 dollars it has laundry machines, a gym and space for parties.
it can be rented by the week.
i will be glad to send pictures of show it to you personally!
HIlda
51milena
Concepcion, Argentina18 contributions
hola amigos , estoy pensando en un viaje a mexico y me gustarÃa recibir información sobre como moverme allà y que lugares , también pienso ir a Oaxaca , , desde ya mucha gracias a todos saludos M ilena

Boris G
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hola 51Milena, con respecto a los lugares solo te puedo hablar del DF que es lo unico que yo visite. Los lugares los podes ver en Tripadvisor donde hay referencias sobre los mas importantes. Con respecto a como moverte, yo preferà el subte que es rapido barato y llega practicamente a todos lados, los taxis tambien son una opcion ya que son bastante baratos. No dejes de visitar el Museo de Diego Rivera que si bien esta un poco alejado vale la pena y se llega con subte y un trensito muy comodo con una caminata de 700 metros por un barrio muy interesante.
Mady H
London, England, United Kingdom5 contributions
Best site of the Aztec in Mexico City? Other places of interest in Mexico City ?
Other places of interest outside Mexico City?
Katie Beth G
New York57 contributions
In the Centro: In the Zocalo, take the tour on top of the cathedral or Temple Mayor is pretty cool to walk through the layers of the pyramid. Inside Bellas Artes to see the Diego Rivera art and across the street the view from the top of the Torre Latino is cool (day if not highly polluted or night to see the city lights). Food-Café Tacuba at night when they have music and their café con leche or hot chocolate is great after a meal. I agree the Castle and Nino Heroes sculpture in Chapultepec Castle. If you are interested in Aztec, Olmec and other pieces are in the Anthropology Museum (also in Chapultepec). The art down reforma is pretty too.
Outside the center: Teotihucan (yellow line) pyramids are great. El Centro de Coyocan was the summer area of Cortez- in the south of the city-try café el Jericho on the far corner and churros on the same corner but opposite side of the building. There is also a great food market behind the cathedral (good food and inexpensive), The Frida Karlo house is there (Casa Azul) and there are some cool cultural centers and free museums. Xochimolco in the south of the city ( boats on the floating gardens-there are two one not so pretty visually but beautiful culturally- many people still live there they have floating gardens, you sometimes can visit green houses, they serve food, and drinks and bands come up to play music all on other boats. They also have a reserved land one too where there is beautiful wild life. It is cleaner and gives an idea of what original canals look like but lack the culture.
How far outside Mexico City you looking to go? What kinds of things? How are you traveling. I can tell you a bunch of places depending on the answers to this
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Claim your listingHistoric Center (Centro Historico) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Historic Center (Centro Historico)
- We recommend booking Historic Center (Centro Historico) 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 36 Historic Center (Centro Historico) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Historic Center (Centro Historico):
- Hop-on Hop-off Mexico City Bus tour (From $15.00)
- Mexico City Layover Tour: Downtown City Sightseeing (From $60.00)
- Mexico City Highlights E-Bike Tour With one Foodie Stop (From $52.00)
- Colonial Treasures: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Zacatecas and Guadalajara (From $995.00)
- Historic Center Food Tour in Mexico City (From $104.99)
- Hotels near Historic Center (Centro Historico):
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Marlowe
- (0.19 mi) Hotel Historico Central
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Toledo
- (0.17 mi) Hotel Principal
- (0.20 mi) Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México
- Restaurants near Historic Center (Centro Historico):
- (0.01 mi) Cafe de la Gran Ciudad
- (0.03 mi) Flowers Maid Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Miralto Café
- (0.03 mi) Miralto Restaurante
- (0.03 mi) Sanborns de los Azulejos
- Attractions near Historic Center (Centro Historico):
- (0.03 mi) Torre Latino
- (0.04 mi) Club Tengo Hambre
- (0.04 mi) Free Tour Mexico City
- (0.05 mi) Palacio de Bellas Artes
- (0.10 mi) Ballet Folklorico de Mexico
Historic Center (Centro Historico) Information
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