Standing in Mexico City’s Zócalo, you can feel centuries of history beneath your feet. Once the heart of the Aztec empire, now one of the world’s largest city squares, this spot perfectly embodies what makes Mexico City so magical. Layers of civilization, art, and culture blend together into something entirely unique. But how do you experience the best of this massive sprawling metropolis when you only have 1 day in Mexico City? As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring these historic streets, I’ve crafted the perfect walking route that will take you on a journey through time. From ancient Aztec temples to colonial masterpieces to contemporary art scenes.
This guest post was written by Sandra from The Mobile Retiree.
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1 Day in Mexico City – Itinerary
Morning: Zócalo, Surrounding Historic Buildings, and Templo Mayor
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Start your 1 day in Mexico City at the Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world. Surrounded by historic buildings, this vibrant plaza has been the heart of Mexico City since Aztec times. Take some time to admire the architectural gems that frame the square, including:
- Old Portal de Mercaderes: Once a market arcade, these colonial-era buildings are now a shopping mall with shops, restaurants, and hotels, offering a glimpse into the plaza’s commercial history. While you’re here scope out your restaurant options for your lunch break. Then head across the square to your next stop.
- National Palace: Home to Diego Rivera’s famous mural series “The History of Mexico,” this building has been a government center since the Aztec empire. It’s a must-see for its art and historical significance. After admiring the Palace, walk over to the building that dominates the square and houses the next two stops on our tour.
- Metropolitan Tabernacle (Parroquia de la Asunción Sagrario Metropolitano): This exquisite Baroque structure was originally designed to house the Blessed Sacrament. Its intricate Churrigueresque facade and elegant interior are worth admiring. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, and admission is free.
- Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana): Adjacent to the Tabernacle, this grand cathedral, built over 250 years ago, combines Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles. Highlights include its ornate altarpieces, impressive organ, and the crypt housing the remains of past archbishops. It shares the same visiting hours as the Metropolitan Tabernacle and also offers free admission.
Good to Know
If you are in Mexico City on a Friday and want to tour the National Palace I suggest you head directly over to the Museo de la Secretaría de Hacienda at 10 am and join the queue for same-day tickets to one of the Palace’s guided tours. The tours are free but they don’t start until noon and they are first come first served. So you’ll receive a ticket for a guided tour later in the day. Also, be sure to carry your ID or passport to enter as it is a working government building. Leave bags, water bottles, and sunglasses back at the hotel.
Templo Mayor Museum and Ruins
Just kitty-corner to the block that is home to the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The Metropolitan Cathedral is the Templo Mayor (Museo del Templo Mayor), the ruins of an Aztec temple that once stood at the center of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital. The site also features a museum with fascinating artifacts, including the iconic stone of Coyolxauhqui.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Cost: $95 MXN (approx. $5 US)
Walking Directions: Exit the Metropolitan Cathedral, and circle the block to get to the Templo Mayor Museum and entrance to the ruins. It’ll take you about 7 minutes
Time Allocation: Spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the plaza, the surrounding buildings, and the Templo Mayor depending on your pace and personal interest in architectural details and historical exhibits.
Bonus Stop: If you have time in your day, be sure to stop in at the Centro Cultural de España on República de Guatemala, on your way to the next stop. The building houses a small museum that helps visitors really understand the history of Mexico and there are usually contemporary art exhibits on the upper floors. Admission is free.
Midday: Lunch and the Palacio de Bellas Artes
Before you leave the Zócalo, consider your lunch options. There are several restaurants and cafes around the Zócalo, especially in the Old Portal de Mercaderes we visited earlier and along Av. 5 de Mayo on your way to your next stop, Palacio de Bellas Artes.
- The restaurant & bar ‘La Terraza Gran Hotel’ in the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México has amazing food and a kick-ass view of the plaza. Visit the hotel during the day and see the stained glass ceiling lit up, it’s incredible.
- The Balcón del Zócalo, a rooftop restaurant in the Zócalo Central Hotel, also offers gorgeous views of the plaza.
- Sanborns Madero Restaurant is the former family home of the Counts of the Valle de Orizaba. It is colloquially known as The House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) and is a real eye-catcher.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
A masterpiece of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see stop on your Mexico City bucket list. Inside, you’ll find murals by famed Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. If you’re lucky, you might catch a performance of traditional Mexican folk dances.
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (subject to change)
- Cost: $95 MXN (approx. $5 US) – Tickets for sale at the door only
Walking Directions: From Templo Mayor, walk back through the Zócalo plaza and walk along Av. 5 de Mayo, for about 30 minutes, to Palacio de Bellas Artes. This will give you a chance to grab that lunch we just talked about and check out the amazing architecture of the buildings along the way.
Time Allocation: Dedicate 1.5 to 2 hours to admire the architecture, and explore the murals, before heading to your next stop; Alameda Central Park.
Afternoon: Alameda Central Park & Museo Mural de Diego Rivera
The afternoon is dedicated to nature and art, offering a refreshing change of pace after a morning rich in historical sites. The peaceful surroundings of Alameda Central Park provide the perfect setting to process all you’ve learned while enjoying the city’s natural beauty.
Alameda Central Park
This massive urban park is the city’s oldest public park. It offers plenty of shade, green spaces, fountains, and sculptures. I think we counted 13 fountains and sculptures! Established in 1592 by Viceroy Luís Velasco, Alameda Central remains the beating heart of local life – you’ll find Mexico City residents lounging on benches, families enjoying picnics, street performers entertaining crowds, and vendors selling snacks and crafts. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch and experience daily life in the capital. The paved paths make it easy to enjoy this public park
Walking Directions: Exit the Alameda Central Park at its southwest corner and walk along Cristóbal Colón for about 5 minutes to get to your next stop, the Museo Mural de Diego Rivera.
Museo Mural de Diego Rivera
The Diego Rivera Mural Museum (Museo Mural Diego Rivera) sole purpose is to showcase Diego Rivera’s magnificent mural titled “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central”. The mural used to live in the nearby Hotel del Prado. However, the devastating earthquake in 1985 severely damaged the hotel, leading to the decision to relocate the mural, wall, and all. The museum was constructed around the mural in 1988. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Walking Directions: Exit the Museo Mural de Diego Rivera, cross the little square in front of you, and continue walking up Calle Colon Balderas for about 10 minutes to get to your next stop Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
Time Allocation: Spend about 1.5 to 2 hours admiring the purple jacaranda trees, fountains, and other beautiful buildings surrounding the park and the mural and any temporary art exhibit at the Museo Mural de Diego Rivera before heading to the Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela and dinner.
Evening: Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela and Dinner
We saved this one for last because this is probably the best place in Mexico to shop for souvenirs. Don’t be afraid to barter! Charming shops showcasing traditional Mexican crafts. While similar items can be found throughout the city, this market feels more artistic and curated because of the many artisans (weavers, coppersmiths, stained glass artisans) who work there. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area. Here are some recommendations:
Travel Tips for Spending 1 Day in Mexico City
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The day involves a lot of walking.
- Bring pesos, as some sites and souvenir shops may not accept credit cards.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade, especially during midday
- Start early to make the most of your day
- Don’t forget to grab your Free Itinerary Checklist
This 1 day Mexico City itinerary offers a perfect blend of Mexico City’s historical, cultural, and artistic highlights. From the ancient Aztec ruins to colonial architecture and modern Mexican art, you’ll experience the city’s rich layered history. While one day in Mexico City can’t capture everything this magnificent metropolis has to offer, this route will give you a memorable taste of Mexico City’s essence and leave you eager to plan your next visit.
Don’t forget to save this 1 day in Mexico City itinerary for your next trip!
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