Free self-guided walk · Mexico City

The historic centre, from the Zócalo to the Alameda

A free self-guided walk from the Zócalo past the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, along pedestrian Madero street to the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Alameda Central.

Distance
2.2 km
Walking time
29 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsMexico City city guide

About this walk

Mexico City's historic centre was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. This walk starts in the huge main square where both cities meet, then follows a pedestrian street west to the Palace of Fine Arts.

The city is at about 2,240 metres; take your time if you've just arrived.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved; Madero street is pedestrian. Some buildings visibly lean as the city sinks into the old lakebed.
  • Best time: Morning, or Sunday, when some central streets close to traffic.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Templo Mayor

    Start at the excavated main temple of Tenochtitlan, beside the Zócalo (ticket needed).

  2. Metropolitan Cathedral

    The largest cathedral in the Americas, on the north side of the Zócalo.

  3. Zócalo

    The vast main square, with the National Palace along its east side.

  4. Madero street

    A pedestrian street of churches and colonial mansions.

  5. Casa de los Azulejos

    A 16th-century palace covered in blue-and-white tiles.

  6. Palacio de Bellas Artes

    The white marble arts palace, with murals inside.

  7. Alameda Central

    Finish in the city's oldest public park.

Tips

  • The Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace are open to visitors with ID when the palace is open.
  • Many museums close on Mondays.
  • The Torre Latinoamericana's observation deck, by Bellas Artes, has the view over the centre.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.