Downtown Mexico City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Downtown Mexico City showing a city and city views as well as a large group of people
Downtown Mexico City
Downtown Mexico City
Downtown Mexico City featuring a festival and a city as well as a large group of people
Downtown Mexico City showing a city and cbd as well as a large group of people

Discover the historic central plaza, scenic park and lovely architecture of this busy central district.

Downtown Mexico City is the center of the country’s capital. This enormous district covers an area of almost 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) and encompasses about 9,000 buildings. Stroll along the zigzagging alleys leading off from Zócalo, a square that marks the center of the city.

Spend some time wandering around Zócalo and appreciate the different styles of buildings surrounding the square, which were constructed at various times over the past five centuries. Notice structures of colonial and pre-Hispanic design.

See the spectacular Palacio Nacional looming over the square. Home to the offices of the president of Mexico and the Federal Treasury, this grand building is known for its spectacular murals depicting important events in the history of the country. Gaze up at the famous balcony, from which the president shouts “Viva Mexico!” annually to celebrate national independence. Check out the palace’s treasury and botanical garden.

On the northern side of the plaza is the Catedral Metropolitana. Built over more than 200 years, its blend of architectural designs reflect the ways styles of building have changed over the centuries. Admire its imposing twin towers and peruse the ecclesiastical artwork decorating its interior.

Relax with drinks and snacks at one of the cafés in the plaza. A popular spot is the bar of the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, which offers particularly excellent views of the square.

Visit the attractions found just off the square, such as the Jose Luis Cuevas Museum and the Supreme Court. View the impressive art collections housed at the National Museum of Art and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Adjacent to Zócalo is the Alameda Central public park. Bring the kids to enjoy a picnic on its lush grounds and stroll amid its trees, fountains and statues. Walk around the nearby Chinatown to explore intriguing restaurants and shops.

Downtown Mexico City is located in the center of the larger Mexico City municipality. Get here by taking the metro and then begin your exploration of the capital.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Mexico City Hotel Deals

Hotel Bellas Artes
Hotel Bellas Artes
4 out of 5
10 Av. 5 de Mayo Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NZ$145 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$145
20 May - 21 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Palacio de Bellas ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"I found the property lovely, just like the pictures. At first I was disappointed to not have a balcony room; however, having an inside room was GREAT…no noise pollution, no disturbing light. Just quiet dark sleep on quality linens, comfy temps, good pillows. Room was large, well appointed. Excellent ..."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Hotel Bellas Artes
Casa Olea
Casa Olea
3 out of 5
C. de Francisco Díaz Covarrubias, 76, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NZ$124 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
NZ$124
1 June - 2 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Angel of Independence ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (239 reviews)
"The room did not have AC so it was a bit stuffy, we were offered a fan though which helped."

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Casa Olea
Hotel Catedral
Hotel Catedral
4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
The price is NZ$123 per night from 18 May to 19 May
NZ$123
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,005 reviews)
"Excellent location. Nice hotel for the money."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Hotel Catedral
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
The price is NZ$305 per night from 18 May to 19 May
NZ$305
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,394 reviews)
"This is one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at - the location in Mexico City cannot be beat - the staff are super friendly and the food in the hotel is great!"

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Hotel Canada Central
Hotel Canada Central
3 out of 5
Calle 5 de Mayo, No. 47, Centro Historico, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NZ$139 per night from 18 May to 19 May
NZ$139
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The staff and service was the best I have experienced at any Hotel! The free breakfast was sublime and they also can make specialty vegan dishes like Enchiladas or Quesadillas. I will 100% stay here again when I come back to Mexico City. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Hotel Canada Central
Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue
Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue
3.5 out of 5
Viena 8 Col Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is NZ$133 per night from 22 May to 23 May
NZ$133
22 May - 23 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,788 reviews)
"Very friendly service, enjoyable."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Mexico City

Metropolitan Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Historic Center

Consider a visit to Palacio de Bellas Artes and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Historic Center. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Allende Station or Bellas Artes Station.

Historic Center
Monument to the Revolution which includes a fountain, night scenes and a monument

Cuauhtémoc

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

Fascinating museums, prominent monuments, and charming cafes are just a few top things to explore in Cuauhtémoc. A visit to Angel of Independence Monument or Palacio de Bellas Artes might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Revolution Station or Metrobús Revolución Station to get around town.

Cuauhtémoc
Reforma which includes a city, night scenes and central business district

Reforma

Consider a visit to Angel of Independence Monument and take some time to enjoy the important monuments during your time in Reforma. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Cuauhtemoc Station.

Reforma
The Angel of Independence Monument which includes a monument, a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Juárez

Visitors to Juárez love its popular shops, and you can check out Angel of Independence Monument and Paseo de la Reforma. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Cuauhtemoc Station.

Juárez
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Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Paseo de la Reforma and Reforma 222 while you're in town.

Zona Rosa
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Colonia Cuauhtémoc

If you're spending some time in Colonia Cuauhtémoc, Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Insurgentes are top sights worth seeing.

Colonia Cuauhtémoc


Downtown Mexico City Travel Guide

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