City: Centro Histórico
Top Things to do in Centro Histórico
What to do and see in Centro Histórico, Mexico: The Best Historic Sites
Rising from the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City offers a unique collision of contemporary city life and historic preservation. World-class museums, restaurants and parks rub shoulders with the remains of several cultures. The nightlife, the shopping and the history make it a must-see regardless of your travel style.
Restaurants in Mexico City
1. La Ensenanza
2. National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,308 reviews
This historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
Reviewed By k7vidya - London, United Kingdom
The National Palace building covers the one side of Zocala. Entry to this amazing Spanish Colonial building is free, but you must hand in a photo ID when you enter and get it back on your way out. Just make sure they are originals, not photo copies. The National Palace houses some of Diego Revera's murals. The one by the big staircase was my favorite. There are other exhibitions about Mexican history and culture along with a museum dedicated to Benito Juarez, the father of Mexico - showing the history of Mexico and his living area along with beautiful ground around the building. Again it's a shame that most of the information was in Spanish not in English.
3. Historic Center (Centro Historico)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,555 reviews
The designated location of many of Mexico's older colonial structures.
Reviewed By 720hassan - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The historical district is a must to enjoy in Mexico city. Many different and beautiful architectures everywhere and ever corner. Lots of walking paths with big numbers of shopping and dining options. You can as well enjoy big number of live shows and musics around with fantastic Mexican rituals near the main square and the cathedral. Without visiting the historical centre, don't count your visit to Mexico city as you are really missing huge enjoyment in this beautiful district. Highly recommended
4. Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,882 reviews
One of the largest churches in Latin America, this famous cathedral dominates the Zócalo.
Reviewed By k7vidya - London, United Kingdom
This cathedral was built on top of the foundation of the Aztec Temple, in 16th century by Spanish and one of the biggest of its kind. This impressive cathedral forms one side of the Zocalo, the Historic center of Mexico City, so you won’t miss it. It has a mix of architecture and a couple of different chapels for mass. During the mass, the main chapel will have the front portion sectioned off, so those wanting to attend can do so in peace. You can see how the various earthquakes have damaged the foundation of the building. Once inside (especially the chapel on the right) you can see how slanted the structure has become due to weak ground and major earthquakes in 1985 and then 2017. Slant of this building can be noticed from outside too.
5. Casa de los Condes de Heras y Soto
6. Palace of the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaiso and Marquises of Jaral de Berio
7. House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 993 reviews
This beautiful 16th-century house is covered with tiles, a symbol of success in the colonial era.
Reviewed By 962juancp - Mexicali, Mexico
You get to have breakfast or dinner inside the halls of areal palace, the food is great and affordable, the staff is always friendly. this place belongs to a mexican retail and restaurant company with a great tradition in the country. the building itself is a treasured icon for its architectural and historical value, it was initally built in the 16th and remodeled in 1737 by the son the original owner, a spanish count.
8. Plaza de Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
The plaza's "place of scribes," where specialists in reading and writing have gathered for centuries, evokes the spirit of yesteryear.
Reviewed By RIG65 - Ontario, Canada
Mexico City is a kaleidoscope. It is part Madrid mixed with New York simmered in a long, colorful and,at times, tragic history. Plaza Santo Domingo was one of the earliest centre of the post Spanish conquest. The plaza is dominated by the church of Santo Domingo with its ornate facade. The plaza is surrounded by beautifully preserved. Colonial architecture. There is a fountain and a funky large brass chair with dog effigies.Along side the church are scribes who will write letters, fill out forms and other necessary writing tasks for people who are illiterate. The streets are filled with people making a living. Men pushing carts impossibly filled with goods. One block over is the Avenida Republica de Brasil which is filled with formal wear shops for brides, grooms and children's first communions. It is only a couple of blocks past the cathedral but almost a different city.
9. Ayuntamiento
10. Hospital de Jesus Nazareno
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
This working hospital was originally constructed in the 16th century.
Reviewed By thriftywifey - Phoenix, United States
So, I would've never stopped by this place is it wasn't for my husband (he's done a ton of reading into the Mexican/conquistador history). It's a hospital after all, and I was there to see the big museums and main sites. But this place was so so beautiful and it's actually a pretty significant part of their history. Plus, the murals were amazing! Definitely a stop everybody should make! It's a quick visit, maybe about 30 minutes (or if you're a history buff like my husband, you could spend over an hour here). Make sure to also stop by the church. Cortes' remains are actually IN the church! There's a plaque that shows where his remains are as well. So cool!
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