Zócalo Tours and Activities

Zócalo
Zócalo
Zocalo featuring outdoor art, art and a square or plaza
Zocalo showing a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Zocalo featuring a city, street scenes and night scenes


This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

The Zocalo is the epicenter of Mexico’s capital city. The massive square can hold more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. Officially named Plaza de la Constitucion, the Zocalo was once the heart of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. You can see the square’s history in the wide variety of architecture, which ranges from pre-Hispanic ruins to palatial structures and modern buildings. Make sure to step into the Zocalo Metro Station, where you can see models of how the square has changed over time.

On the eastern side of the square is the National Palace. This site has served as a home for Mexico’s rulers since the Aztec era, and the building that stands today uses some of the materials from Moctezuma II’s original palace. Visitors can explore some of the National Palace’s rooms, which have been converted into a museum. Be sure to keep your eyes open for artist Diego Rivera’s frescos in the courtyard. The building is also home to the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, one of Mexico’s grandest libraries, a botanical garden and the president’s private quarters.

The square is a hub for political and cultural events. Centuries ago, the Zocalo was where bull fights were held, and today, it hosts festivals, concerts and outdoor markets. The Independence Parade, held annually in September, features a military procession that goes through Mexico City before ending here. Every morning, military personnel raise a massive Mexican flag that has become symbolic of the historic district. Stop by the square at 6 o’clock, when they ceremoniously lower the flag for the day.

Luxury hotels and fine restaurants flank the Portal de Mercaderes, where you can savor fine dining and quaint shops. Enjoy an aerial view of the Zocalo from the rooftop of the Majestic Hotel or take an afternoon drink at the beautifully preserved Gran Hotel.

The Zocalo is a perfect home base while visiting Mexico City, as it provides historic sightseeing and is easily accessible to the city’s other destinations.

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Best Lodging Options Near Zócalo

Hotel Catedral

Hotel Catedral

4 out of 5
95 Donceles Col. Centro, Mexico City
Hotel Catedral
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City

4 out of 5
Cinco de Mayo 61, Centro Historico, Mexico City
Zocalo Central & Rooftop Mexico City
Hotel Punto MX

Hotel Punto MX

3.5 out of 5
Calle República de Uruguay 47, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, CDMX
Hotel Punto MX
Downtown Mexico, a Member of Design Hotels

Downtown Mexico, a Member of Design Hotels

4 out of 5
Isabel La Catolica 30, Mexico City, CDMX
Downtown Mexico, a Member of Design Hotels
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View

4.5 out of 5
Mexico City
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Zocalo View
Canada Central & Rooftop

Canada Central & Rooftop

4 out of 5
Calle 5 de Mayo, No. 47, Centro Historico, Mexico City, CDMX
Canada Central & Rooftop
Fiesta Americana Reforma

Fiesta Americana Reforma

4 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 80, Col. Juarez, Mexico City, CDMX
Fiesta Americana Reforma
Barceló México Reforma

Barceló México Reforma

4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 1, Mexico City
Barceló México Reforma
Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México

Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México

3 out of 5
Madero 30 Col Centro, Mexico City, CDMX
Hotel Ritz Ciudad de México
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Zócalo

Discover a vibrant experience at Zócalo, where you can indulge in shopping, embark on guided tours, and enjoy captivating photo excursions. Explore the charming Coyoacán neighbourhood, visit the lively Coyoacán Market, and soak in the rich culture at Zócalo Central. Each activity promises to immerse you in the local scene, making your visit truly unforgettable.

Shopping

For shopping near Zócalo, visit Cereria de Jesus, just 322m away for unique gifts. Mercado Jamaica, 3.2km away, offers local products and a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Parque Delta, located 3.2km away, for family-friendly shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Magdalena Mixhuca Sports City, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with sporting activities and local events, just 4.8km from Zócalo. Alternatively, enjoy the exhilarating performances at Arena México, located 1.6km away, where the energy of Lucha Libre wrestling captivates all who attend.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located 4.8km from Zócalo, where adrenaline meets excitement. For adventurous family fun, head to Amazing World Fun Center, 12.9km away. Try kitesurfing with New Wind Kite School, located 9.7km from Zócalo, for an unforgettable water sports adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Zócalo is vibrant and diverse. Teatro Metropólitan offers a cultural experience with captivating performances, while Casino Palace provides a thrilling casino atmosphere. For a fun twist, Aztlán 360 offers exciting amusement rides, making for an unforgettable night out in Mexico City.

Find the best attractions near Zócalo

Zócalo, the heart of Mexico City, boasts an array of attractions including art museums, vibrant streets, and historic monuments. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and family-friendly experiences that the area offers. Key highlights include exploring Zócalo Square and the surrounding central district, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

  • Paseo de la Reforma: Experience the vibrant energy of this iconic avenue, lined with impressive monuments, modern skyscrapers, and lush greenery. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride, immersing yourself in the pulse of Mexico City.
  • Palacio de Bellas Artes: This stunning historic building showcases stunning architecture and hosts world-class performances. It’s a cultural hub where you can appreciate art, music, and the rich history of Mexico.
  • Alameda Central: Enjoy a relaxing day in this beautiful urban park, which offers lush gardens, walking paths, and family-friendly spaces. It's an ideal location for picnics, outdoor activities, and soaking in the city's atmosphere.

Best time to go to Zócalo

Visitor numbers around Zócalo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Zócalo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
February61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April67.6°F (19.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May68.4°F (20.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
December58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Zócalo

To save money on your visit to Zócalo, take advantage of the free entry to the area and nearby attractions like the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the National Palace. Consider travelling during the cheaper months of July to August or December, and aim for a Saturday stay, as it tends to be the least expensive day. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and filter for eco-certified options, plus bundle your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for deals with free cancellations to ensure flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Zócalo are July to August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Zócalo is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Zócalo is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to customize your travel experience by selecting your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, if you check the "Eco-certified" hotels filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Zócalo hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.