Plaza de la Constitución (Zocalo)

The Zocalo is a gathering place for political protest and cultural celebration and a good place for visitors to get a taste of Mexico City. Tour the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) on the Zocalo's east side, where massive murals by Diego Rivera depict the nation’s history. Step inside the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) for a look at religious colonial art. Or, tour the archeological finds at Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor).

Visit the Zocalo independently or as part of a Mexico City sightseeing tour—on foot, by bike, or even via Segway. Tours typically include stops at major attractions, such as Bellas Artes and Plaza Garibaldi, and there’s also a popular Teotihuacan pyramids tour to consider.

• Many Mexico City sightseeing tours include round-trip transport.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection and plenty of water.

• Be mindful of belongings and surroundings to avoid theft, especially at night.

• Mexico City sits 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, and the altitude can be a problem for some visitors.

There are several ways to reach the Zocalo, located in Mexico City’s Centro Historico. Most visitors arrive as part of a Mexico City sightseeing tour or by public transport—Metro Zocalo station (Line 2) is right on the square. It’s worth spending some extra time in the station to examine made-to-scale replicas of the Zocalo throughout history.

As with all of Mexico City, the Zocalo is almost always crowded. It’s especially busy at holidays and cultural celebrations, and it's often the site of political protests. The best time to visit is between March and May, as winter can be cold and summer can be rainy.

Just east of the cathedral, the Templo Mayor archaeological site and museum is a must-see for travelers to Mexico City. It was the main temple of the ancient Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City, and believed to be the spot where the Aztecs saw the symbolic eagle with a serpent in its beak—the modern-day symbol of Mexico. Visitors can explore the ruins of the pyramid and learn more about its history at the on-site museum.