Zocalo
4.5
About
Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitucion, is one of Mexico City's most popular spots that dates back to the Aztec era. It's a large and historic public plaza that never sleeps, always buzzing with traditional Aztec dancers and performers, cultural events, and even political demonstrations. The square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and landmarks, such as Palacio Bellas Artes and the Templo Mayor, making it a great starting point to explore the city. Be sure to join a city walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Zocalo. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor
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Top ways to experience Zocalo
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Centro Histórico
The beating heart of the city lies within Centro Histórico, the vast expanse of historical buildings and monuments that are a must when exploring Mexico City. Places such as the Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal, Casa de los Azulejos and Palacio de Bellas Artes are the perfect eye candy for anyone seeking to admire arts and architecture. Don't forget to visit the wide variety of markets and plazas where any vintage item, handicrafts and jewelry characteristic of each state in Mexico can be found on Sundays. Admire majestic views of the city from the Monumento a la Revolución and Torre Latinoamericana, and round out the experience with restaurants of all cuisines nearby.
How to get there
- Zócalo • 2 min walk
- Allende • 7 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,659 within 3 miles
Attractions
489 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- I T13 contributionsZocalo - City Square - Mexico CityThe Zocola - on the Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City - is huge (and is said to be the 2nd largest in the World after China's Tianenman Square). Although Mexico City is absolutely huge, and spreads kilometres in each direction, the Zocalo is in the historic centre and has a number of attractions which date from pre-hispanic through the last 400 years. These attractions include Aztec ruins, colonial churches, hispanic architecture government buildings and souvenir vendors. The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) on the Zocalo's east side, has large murals by the artist Diego Rivera BUT since the building is now occupied by the President these are no longer open to the public.Visited February 2023Written 25 March 2023
- DCDolcevitaPuerto Vallarta, Mexico561 contributionsCome for the Cathedral & National PalaceMexico City’s central square is enormous and packed with tourists. There were no demonstrations while we were there, but we watched a big gathering of indigenous musicians and dancers. The buildings circling the square had porticoes like in Bologna. Come here to tour the Metropolitan Cathedral or the National Palace – the square itself is not that exciting.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2023
- diana mJoplin, Missouri142 contributionsCheckout the flag!What a giant square! It is almost always full of people. On Saturday before Easter, there was a musical stage. There 2 large pavilions with tables to rest on. There are many policeman keeping the area safe. Although we have not felt unsafe, but you have to stay on Main streets and out of known bad areas. If you are unsure, check it out on utube.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 April 2023
- Maryann LFair Oaks, California1,350 contributionsA Must See in Mexico CityEl Zocalo is the large public square in Mexico City. It is a bustling area crowded with locals and tourists. There are many events here and much to see. The square is surrounded by public buildings and also the Metropolitan Cathedral that was build on ancient ruins of Aztec temples.Visited April 2023Written 26 April 2023
- zümiHouston, Texas330 contributionsAmazing city squareGreat city square with amazing buildings around it, beautiful spanish churches and lot of people walking around and taking pictures. All kinds of street sellers and food stands. Great to be there day and night, felt safe.Visited November 2022Written 21 June 2023
- WorldTravellerSoonCanada375 contributionsA mix of historical buildings and vendorsWe walked from our hotel (Bacelo Mexico Reforma) to Zocalo and we walked pass a lot of cafe, restaurants, attractions and shopping area before we reached the square. There was a protest that day. Historical buildings and structures were surrounded by steel fence to protect from any damage. There are lots of street vendors selling souvenirs and snack. They are not aggressive at all.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
- berniece2000Burnaby, Canada1,166 contributionsHire a GuideHistory as far as the eye can see, and then some. Our experience wasn't perfect, but what would have made it so is hiring a guide for the day. The museums - and there are many - are not clearly identified, so we went to a couple that we basically stumbled upon, but gosh it would have been wonderful to be with someone who knew the area and could explain things to us and guide us into the museums we were interested in. Also we were there NY Day - bad idea. The market, which seems to be larger than most towns I've been to, is difficult to navigate and hard to escape once entered.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- Kelly MCharlotte, North Carolina331 contributionsMust-see Mexico CityEl Zocalo is also known as Plaza de la Constitución, and is a must-see when you visit. It is bordered by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Federal District buildings, and the Old Portal de Mercaderes. It is considered the main square in the city. In the center is a glorious, gigantic Mexican flag, and the square is a gathering place for Mexicans. Many celebrations and parades are held here and have been held here for centuries, as it dates back to the 16th century. We enjoyed getting photos, as this is definitely an important landmark in the city. Highly recommend as a must-see in Mexico City.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
5,635 reviews
Excellent
3,377
Very good
1,645
Average
505
Poor
73
Terrible
35
Kelly M
Charlotte, NC331 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
El Zocalo is also known as Plaza de la Constitución, and is a must-see when you visit. It is bordered by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Federal District buildings, and the Old Portal de Mercaderes. It is considered the main square in the city. In the center is a glorious, gigantic Mexican flag, and the square is a gathering place for Mexicans. Many celebrations and parades are held here and have been held here for centuries, as it dates back to the 16th century. We enjoyed getting photos, as this is definitely an important landmark in the city. Highly recommend as a must-see in Mexico City.
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aashish P
Jersey City, NJ1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
It's a big square with the cathedral on one side and Govt. offices on one side and the other 2 sides have buildings with shops. The restaurants are off the square unlike the Plaza de Mayor in Madrid where there were numerous eateries in and around the square. Lots of people milling about; lots of traffic. There were quite a few Aztec performers where one can watch or take photos with them. Overall it's a hyped up place to visit. There are many other attractions in MDX where time is well spent.
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
berniece2000
Burnaby, Canada1,166 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
History as far as the eye can see, and then some. Our experience wasn't perfect, but what would have made it so is hiring a guide for the day. The museums - and there are many - are not clearly identified, so we went to a couple that we basically stumbled upon, but gosh it would have been wonderful to be with someone who knew the area and could explain things to us and guide us into the museums we were interested in. Also we were there NY Day - bad idea. The market, which seems to be larger than most towns I've been to, is difficult to navigate and hard to escape once entered.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piotr M
Warsaw, Poland1,059 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Very nice and big square in the middle of the city, where many people meet, there are shops and restaurants around.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin C
Dallas, TX12 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We had high hopes for the Zocalo area of Mexico City. Unfortunately we were disappointed with the area. First, the central square buildings were dirty, like they all needed to be steam cleaned. So much of Mexico City is so well cared for that it's surprising to me that the central square would have buildings in such need of cleaning. Second, we got ourselves lost in what felt like an endless market right off the main square. We must've walked for 10+ blocks before getting out, it was honestly a bit scary. So, if you go to Zocalo, make sure you have a very good plan on exactly what you want to visit and I don't recommend wandering off. As for the rest of Mexico City, we absolutely loved it! Check out Coyoacan.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
Chicago, IL311 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Beautiful square and I was lucky enough to visit for the Dia de la Muerta celebrations and decor. Saw the lowering of the flag at dusk - a lovely ceremony.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravellerSoon
Canada375 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We walked from our hotel (Bacelo Mexico Reforma) to Zocalo and we walked pass a lot of cafe, restaurants, attractions and shopping area before we reached the square.
There was a protest that day. Historical buildings and structures were surrounded by steel fence to protect from any damage.
There are lots of street vendors selling souvenirs and snack. They are not aggressive at all.
There was a protest that day. Historical buildings and structures were surrounded by steel fence to protect from any damage.
There are lots of street vendors selling souvenirs and snack. They are not aggressive at all.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber W
7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We were walking past and it was 50% off the food and service was great especially because I have a milk allergy. Margarita was very good. Thank you got a great experience
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarita G
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Couples
BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURAL. BUILDINGS, DELICIOUS FOOD & PASTRIES. DOWNTOWN ALWAYS BUSY BUT THE CITY IS BEAUTIFUL,CLEAN, AND A LOT OF SECURITY. LOVED IT! LOVED IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mayday2073
Dallas, TX497 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
A huge zocalo with a lot to see. The place is surrounded by wonderful architecture, shops, cafes, and markets. It’s the main meeting place for tours and easy to get to.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
¿Alguien sabe si hay negocios abiertos mañana a 20 de noviembre en la ciudad de mexico??
En que alcaldia se encuentra
ramorozcoo
Mexico City, Mexico141 contributions
Cuauhtémoc se llega fácilmente pir Calzada de Tlalpan o Eje Central, si va use mejor transporte público, el tráfico es muy pesado y Lis estacionamientos cuestan $40 la hora en promedio
El dia de mañana 6 de abril del 2023 abrirán comercio en el centro histórico como telas productos de belleza y artículos del hogar electrodomésticos y herramientas por favor digan si abrirán en semana santa
Manenarora
Mexico City, Mexico8 contributions
Tengo entendido que no todos abren pero no te puedo responder exactamente, date una vuelta y si no abren disfruta de la Expo que pusieron en el zócalo
Arturo v
Tultepec, Mexico
Día 1 de enero abrirán los locales de electricidad en corregidora y el mercado de la merced
Saben si mañana lunes 21 de noviembre de 2022 abrirán las tiendas del centro histórico de la cdmx?
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Claim your listingZOCALO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Zocalo
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Zocalo:
- Historic Downtown Walking Tour (From £14.98)
- City Tour and Xochimilco Floating gardens (From £57.95)
- Historical Center of the CDMX on foot (From £63.08)
- Private Tour of Mexico City with Anthropology (From £126.15)
- Heritage Bike Tour CDMX evolution since Tenochtitlan (From £49.81)
- Hotels near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Sócrates #134 (Polanco II sección)
- (0.01 mi) Alojamientos Mexico
- (0.01 mi) Alojamientos Mexico
- (0.02 mi) CASA
- (0.02 mi) Hotel Polly
- Restaurants near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Pinche Gringo BBQ
- (0.01 mi) Smokes BBQ House
- (0.01 mi) La Viagra del Mar
- (0.01 mi) Jack's Butcher
- (0.01 mi) Oc Market
- Attractions near Zocalo:
- (0.01 mi) Volopapilio
- (0.01 mi) Xochimilco
- (0.01 mi) Nemiia Clínica & Spa
- (0.01 mi) Descubriendo Mexico
- (0.01 mi) Guide&seek