Things to Do at Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

The Zócalo, officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, is the heart and soul of Mexico City and one of the largest city squares in the world. This massive plaza, measuring approximately 57,600 square meters, has been the center of Mexican life for over 600 years, serving as the ceremonial center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan before becoming the main square of colonial New Spain. Today, it remains the political, cultural, and spiritual center of Mexico, surrounded by some of the country's most important buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Federal District buildings. The Zócalo is a living testament to Mexico's rich history, where ancient Aztec ruins lie beneath colonial architecture, and where modern Mexico continues to unfold through daily life, protests, celebrations, and festivals. The square hosts everything from massive Day of the Dead altars to ice skating rinks during Christmas, political rallies, and cultural events throughout the year. Standing in this vast open space, visitors can feel the weight of history while witnessing the vibrant pulse of contemporary Mexican culture, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Mexico City.

The Zócalo is easily accessible by Mexico City's Metro system - take Line 2 (blue line) to Zócalo station, which exits directly onto the plaza. Alternatively, take Line 1 to Allende station (5-minute walk) or Line 8 to Garibaldi-Lagunilla station (10-minute walk). The area is also well-served by buses and the Metrobús system. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available, though traffic can be heavy in the historic center. If driving, paid parking is available in nearby streets and parking garages, but public transportation is highly recommended due to traffic congestion and limited parking spaces.