Zócalo: reviews and practical tips

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recos
4.7/5 3 reviews
Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City, Mexico
Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City, Mexico
Zocalo et Cathédrale de Mexico
Zócalo

Visiting the Zócalo

The Zócalo, located in the heart of Mexico City, is a primary destination for travelers looking to understand the core of this expansive metropolis. Officially named Plaza de la Constitución, this massive square is one of the largest in the world and has served as a focal point for the social, political, and cultural life of Mexico since the Aztec era.

Landmarks around the Zócalo

Standing in the Zócalo puts you in the middle of monuments that track the complex history of the nation. To the north sits the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Americas, with construction spanning from the 16th century onward. Right next to it is the National Palace, the seat of the federal executive branch and famous for the expansive murals by Diego Rivera that detail the history of Mexico.

The Templo Mayor offers a direct look at the ruins of the main Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, upon which the Spanish built Mexico City. This archaeological site, unearthed in the 1970s, contains structures and artifacts dating back centuries before the arrival of the Spanish.

A hub for events and culture

The Zócalo is not just a historic site. It serves as a public square for cultural events, festivals, and demonstrations. You will often find the area occupied by traditional dance performances, concerts, and public gatherings that reflect the cultural landscape of Mexico.

Surrounding neighborhoods

For those interested in dining and shopping, the streets surrounding the Zócalo are filled with markets, shops, and restaurants where you can find local staples like tacos, tamales, and mole.

Opening hours

Open 24/7
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Zócalo

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Summary of 3 reviews
4.7/5
Average rating
+16
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.3
As a couple
4.7
With friends
4.7

Avygeo ranking

#291
in the world
#27
in Americas
#5
in Mexico
#3
in Mexico City

Historic square

Mexico City is a huge patchwork of all types of buildings and architecture, with skyscrapers and modern high-rises, but also residential areas and shantytowns. You have to go to the Zocalo at least once to see the historic and colonial part of the Mexican capital.

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The Zócalo at the center of the world

The Zócalo in Mexico City is built on the very spot where the great market of Tenochtitlán once stood, the center of the world according to the Aztecs. Cortés and the Spanish completely leveled the city in 1521. It was only when they were digging for the subway in the 20th century that they discovered the ruins of what was the most populous city in the world at the time, with its 500,000 inhabitants! About forty buildings were identified beneath the Zócalo.

The Zócalo in Mexico City is now one of the largest squares in the world, measuring 240 meters on each side. It is a pleasant square, though difficult to reach by street. Cars drive around it at high speeds and sometimes run the red lights! It is better to arrive by subway. When the flag in the square is raised and fluttering in the wind, you can take some beautiful photos with a view of the cathedral.

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Heart of colonial Mexico

Huge central square (well, sort of, since Mexico City is so multicentered), surrounded by the government palace and old colonial buildings. There are even remains of the old Aztec pyramid not too far away.
A must see!

Pro tip: grab a drink or a meal at one of the rooftops surrounding the square. You might even get lucky and see a hummingbird coming to sip nectar on the balcony :)

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