Zócalo Tours and Activities

Zocalo featuring heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

The Zocalo is the epicenter of Mexico’s capital city. The massive square can hold more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. Officially named Plaza de la Constitucion, the Zocalo was once the heart of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. You can see the square’s history in the wide variety of architecture, which ranges from pre-Hispanic ruins to palatial structures and modern buildings. Make sure to step into the Zocalo Metro Station, where you can see models of how the square has changed over time.

On the eastern side of the square is the National Palace. This site has served as a home for Mexico’s rulers since the Aztec era, and the building that stands today uses some of the materials from Moctezuma II’s original palace. Visitors can explore some of the National Palace’s rooms, which have been converted into a museum. Be sure to keep your eyes open for artist Diego Rivera’s frescos in the courtyard. The building is also home to the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, one of Mexico’s grandest libraries, a botanical garden and the president’s private quarters.

The square is a hub for political and cultural events. Centuries ago, the Zocalo was where bull fights were held, and today, it hosts festivals, concerts and outdoor markets. The Independence Parade, held annually in September, features a military procession that goes through Mexico City before ending here. Every morning, military personnel raise a massive Mexican flag that has become symbolic of the historic district. Stop by the square at 6 o’clock, when they ceremoniously lower the flag for the day.

Luxury hotels and fine restaurants flank the Portal de Mercaderes, where you can savour fine dining and quaint shops. Enjoy an aerial view of the Zocalo from the rooftop of the Majestic Hotel or take an afternoon drink at the beautifully preserved Gran Hotel.

The Zocalo is a perfect home base while visiting Mexico City, as it provides historic sightseeing and is easily accessible to the city’s other destinations.

Plan a trip to see Zócalo

Histórico Central Boutique Hotel
Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico
Geneve Ciudad de México
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Zócalo

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 78.57142857142857%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 21.428571428571427%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Feb 2019

Always something different happening there, an visit everyday for someone new.

Popular places to visit


Top Zócalo Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Catedral
Hotel Catedral
4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
Hotel Catedral
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Histórico Central Boutique Hotel
Histórico Central Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Bolivar No. 28, Mexico City
Histórico Central Boutique Hotel
Barceló México Reforma
Barceló México Reforma
4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
Barceló México Reforma
Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico
Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico
4.5 out of 5
Mexico City
Gran Hotel Ciudad De Mexico
Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico
Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico
3 out of 5
Calle 5 de Febrero No. 24, Colonia Centro, Mexico City
Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico
Best Western Majestic
Best Western Majestic
3 out of 5
Av Madero 73 Col Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
Best Western Majestic
Fiesta Americana Reforma
Fiesta Americana Reforma
4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
Fiesta Americana Reforma
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.