Downtown Mexico City Travel Guide

Mexico City
Downtown Mexico City showing a city and café scenes
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

Downtown Treasure Place
Downtown Treasure Place
2.5 out of 5
85 Marte Guerrero, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is ₹2,477 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹2,477
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this condo in Mexico City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (293 reviews)
"Breakfast to pour"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Downtown Treasure Place
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 ₹5,762 per night from 30 May to 31 May
₹5,762
per night
30 May - 31 May
Stay at this hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,335 reviews)
"Love this place definitely coming back here next year"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Hotel El Ejecutivo by Reforma Avenue
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 ₹12,005 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹12,005
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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! (2,069 reviews)
"I will recommend this hotel staff is down to earth location so close to cathedral and presidential palace"

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México
Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México
3 out of 5
Madero 30 Col Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
The price is ₹6,498 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹6,498
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,454 reviews)
"Would be fair to include breakfast for all reservations. However, the overall experience was excellent! We received all the stuff we needed in the room."

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México
Historico Central Hotel
Historico Central Hotel
4 out of 5
Simón Bolívar No. 28, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico City
The price is ₹10,516 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹10,516
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,924 reviews)
I would always return here
"Great location, close to all Central Historico, very clean, pleasent staff, close to metro, very solid breakfast with a service."

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Historico Central Hotel
Hotel Catedral
Hotel Catedral
4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
The price is ₹5,567 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
₹5,567
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Mexico City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,303 reviews)
"Very clean best time ever can't wait to be there again"

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Hotel Catedral
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 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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Roma Norte

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Roma Norte. Check out top attractions like Centro Cultural El Punto and Cibeles Fountain, and jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Sevilla Station to see more of the city.

Roma Norte


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