| Mexico City Cathedral |
My second day in Mexico City was reserved for visiting the Historic Center. And it was no coincidence that I chose Sunday to do this. On this day of the week, more than others, Mexicans go out for a walk, turning Sunday into a special day to get to know the city and the people on a walking tour.
On the streets you can see sellers of pales and churros. In the squares there are residents at leisure and folk groups presenting dances and rituals of their ancestors to tourists. And in every corner there are “organilleros” who are street musicians. And it won’t be hard to see Mariachis.
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| Organilleros |
And all this movement takes place against the backdrop of centuries-old historical monuments. The historic center was where the city began. It was the center of the Aztecs’ religious and political power, and where the Spanish colonizers established their center of power. So there is a lot to see and discover.
Start the tour at Zocalo, as the main square of Mexican cities is known despite having specific names. In Mexico City is Constitution Square. It is very big, it is busy day and night. Always with tourists, folk groups and police.
There are some attractions around the Zócalo. On one entire side of the square is the Mexico City Cathedral. With all that size it invites you to enter. It took 240 years to be built. It is huge with several chapels and altars. But what I really liked was the large twin organs (unique in the world) and the crucifix with the black Christ that I didn’t know. Free entry.
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| One of the Cathedral’s organs |
Next to the cathedral of Christian colonists is what remains of the Aztec ceremonial center, the ruins of the Templo Mayor. After passing through the ruins you arrive at the museum, which cannot be missed. In addition to being beautiful and interesting, it is there that you will understand the place and the city itself. Paid entry.
On another side of the Zócalo is the National Palace, a grandiose work built by the Spanish in the same location as the headquarters of the Aztec empire to host the new government. Today it houses the presidency of the republic.
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| National Palace Courtyard |
The visit allows you to see gardens, courtyards and some environments such as the old parliament. But what really caught our attention were the large, colorful panels by Mexican painter Diego Rivera. In them the artist tells the story of Mexico.
Entrance is via Calle Moneda, it’s free and you just need to leave a document at the entrance. There is also an option for a paid guided tour. From Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
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| One donates murals by Diego Rivera |
From the Palace I walked along Calle Moneda which was very busy with street commerce and which has other places to visit such as churches and cultural spaces. Next to the palace I visited the National Museum of Cultures. An incredible place with art from various countries, with exhibitions and cultural presentations. And on the program was Brazil, there was tropicália music, dance and capoeira. I joined because I heard our music and it was worth it. Visits from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Free entry.
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| National Museum of Cultures |
Crossing the Zócalo, pass in front of the cathedral and follow six blocks to reach the Palace of Fine Arts. Main address for art, bringing together theater, museums, rooms and library. Place for major shows and exhibitions. The size and beauty of the architecture already makes an impact upon arrival. And the interior is equally beautiful.
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| Palace of Fine Arts |
During my visit I only had access to the grand lobby with temporary exhibitions and murals by great artists, and on the top floor the architecture museum. I liked what I saw, but I imagined I was going to see the main presentation room. But this is only on specific days and times. In fact, the best thing would be watching a presentation.
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| One of the murals at the Palacio de Bellas Artes |
It was the busiest place I visited. There were people visiting and people arriving for presentations. I went in the afternoon, maybe in the morning it will be calmer. And it was Sunday, free visiting day. From Tuesday to Saturday you pay 70 pesos for the common area of the palace and 55 pesos to visit the architecture museum. Opening hours from 10am to 6pm.
Next to the Palácio das Artes is the Alameda Central, a beautiful and pleasant square. There is the monument in honor of Benito Juárez, former president of Mexico.
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| Monument in Alameda Central |
The region has many museums with national and world themes. In front of the square is the Memory and Tolerance Museum, one of the beautiful museums I visited in the country. But the collection of photos and real objects is shocking and reminds us of terrible episodes of violence against humanity, disturbing and not allowing them to be forgotten. The visit is paid and takes place from Tuesday to Sunday, see information on the website.
On the same sidewalk as the museum is an eastern portal to Bairro Chino and just beyond is the Latinoaericana Tower, a 44-story building that was once the tallest in Latin America. It has a restaurant, two museums and at the top is what most attracts visitors, a viewpoint with a 360-degree view of the city.
With the same ticket you can enter several times on the same day. Without planning, I went in the late afternoon and I think I went at the best time, it was still daylight and I watched a beautiful sunset. Could it be visited every day from 9am to 10pm (general public 130 pesos).
The tower is in Av Madero, a pedestrian street that runs to the Zócalo. It is very busy with beautiful buildings and options of bars and restaurants. It was in one of them that I ended my tour of the historic center of Mexico City.
How to get
I, who was staying in the neighborhood, did not use transport at any time. But for those who are elsewhere, you can take the metro and get off at Zocalo station. There is also the option of the metrobus with several stations. In the center there are several options for food.
The tour of the historic center was part of my 4-day itinerary in Mexico City. See my complete itinerary around the country.
