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Culinary tours in Mexico since 2010

5 Places to Visit in the Historic Center of Mexico City

By on Aug 4, 2025

The Historic Center is one of the most iconic areas in the city and the country. Every day, it has more than 500,000 visitors, including workers, merchants, and domestic and international tourists. It houses the largest number of historical monuments not only in the city, but in all of Mexico.

This place has witnessed various historical and cultural movements. The Mexica tribe lived here for approximately 200 years until the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. It was the capital of the viceroyalty of Mexico, a period that lasted until the early 1800s when Mexico’s independence was achieved. Until the beginning of the 20th century, only this specific area was considered “Mexico City”; the rest of the neighborhoods were still rural areas. In 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing the beauty of its buildings and historical legacy.

It boasts a wide range of culinary offerings, from small street stalls to highly regarded restaurants. It is a vibrant place, full of life, people, art, and history. It’s definitely a must-see on your next visit to the city. That’s why we’ve compiled this short list to help you explore this beautiful area in depth.

 

1. Zócalo

This is one of the most iconic areas of the Historic Center. Important buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Old City Hall converge here. You can enter the Cathedral for free to admire the blend of Gothic, Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical styles. The Government Palace is also no cost to enter, but as it is the seat of the Federal Executive Branch, admission is limited. We also recommend visiting the ruins of the Templo Mayor, located next to the Cathedral. It is one of the most important pre-Hispanic vestiges in the area.

 

 

2. National Museum of Art (MUNAL)

It is located on Tacuba Street, and its layout is part of one of the four original causeways designed by the Aztecs. This eclectic-style building was built in 1804 by the Valencian architect Manuel Tolsá. The museum houses a representative collection of Mexican art from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Its galleries also host temporary exhibitions of national and international artists.

 

 

3. Palacio Postal (Postal Service Palace)

This Plateresque and Isabelline-style building is considered one of the most beautiful in the city center. It was built in 1902 by the Italian architect Adamo Boari, who participated in the exterior design of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Palace). It stands out for its decorations, such as the gargoyles on its exterior and various marble details inside. It currently operates as an office for the Mexican Postal Service and a museum. You can find a room dedicated to Philately, as well as a brief tour of the history of the postman in Mexico. Please note that admission requires an appointment.

 

 

 

4. Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Palace)

This is one of Mexico City’s most iconic buildings due to its architectural beauty. It was built to replace the old National Theater to commemorate the centennial of independence. Originally oriented to the aristocracy of the time, the construction was delayed until its completion in 1934. Due to this, its exterior displays Art Nouveau elements and its interior features Art Deco. The museum houses famous murals by artists such as Diego Rivera, Jorge González Camarena, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. It has a section dedicated to architecture as well as temporary exhibition halls. Admission is not free, but it includes guided tours of different parts of the building. It is recommended to ask for schedules.

 

 

 

5. Alameda Central

This is the park adjacent to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Surrounded by beautiful green areas, it is a favorite among the capital’s residents. Here you can find a variety of vendors selling everything from snacks to drinks and handicrafts. It’s ideal for a walk or for relaxing in the shade of its trees. Until the beginning of the last century, this space was reserved for the Mexican aristocracy. It was protected by walled benches that prevented other people from entering. After the Revolution, it was declared a public space, and several of those benches can now be found on Paseo de la Reforma.

 

 

Also…
  • To learn a little more about this area, we recommend our previous blog post, 3 spots to explore in Mexico City. Here we share some tips and other places of interest to visit.

 

 

  • If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend our Journey Through La Merced Market tour. In this tour you’ll eat, learn, and discover another section of the downtown area. Afterward, you can visit the Zócalo, just a 10-minute walk from the market.
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