Downtown Mexico City Travel Guide

Mexico City

Downtown Mexico City which includes central business district and a city as well as a large group of people
Downtown Mexico City
Downtown Mexico City
Downtown Mexico City showing a city and a festival as well as a large group of people
Downtown Mexico City showing central business district and a city 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


Top hotels in Downtown Mexico City

Hotel Catedral

Hotel Catedral

4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
The price is ₹11,244 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹11,244
₹13,436 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,153 reviews)
"Amazing location near the Zocalo and it's very easy to walk around. The hotel is secure and the staff is friendly. Comfortable room for the price. The balcony on the 7th floor is was very peaceful to enjoy morning coffee. Complimentary coffee and tea is offered in the lobby and 7th floor."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Catedral
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 ₹5,940 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹5,940
₹7,098 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,837 reviews)
"We had a great time."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue
Casa Olea

Casa Olea

3 out of 5
C. de Francisco Díaz Covarrubias, 76, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is ₹4,513 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹4,513
₹5,392 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Angel of Independence ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (377 reviews)
"I loved everything about it. It's beautiful property, especially the cleanliness. Their service was excellent very accommodating. All staff is fluent in English. Loved all the amenities. There is a cute cafe next door that is accessible from the inside of the hotel. It's open early morning to late ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Casa Olea
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,424 reviews)
"Increíble lugar y el restaurant delicioso"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Hotel Punto MX

Hotel Punto MX

3.5 out of 5
Calle República de Uruguay 47, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is ₹4,838 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹4,838
₹5,790 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,240 reviews)
"The service was excellent and the breakfast buffet delicious!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Hotel Punto MX
Hotel MX lagunilla

Hotel MX lagunilla

3.5 out of 5
Riva Palacio 67, Col. Guerrero, Del. Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, CDMX
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Palacio de Bellas Artes ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (463 reviews)
"It was pretty good"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel MX lagunilla
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 Zócalo 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(106 area reviews)

Fascinating museums, prominent monuments, and charming cafes are just a few top things to explore in Cuauhtémoc. A visit to Zócalo or Paseo de la Reforma 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 Paseo de la Reforma 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 Paseo de la Reforma and Angel of Independence Monument. 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