Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico, the heart of Mexico City, is where the past and present collide in the most captivating way. This area traces its roots back to the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán and later became the epicenter of colonial New Spain after the Spanish conquest. With its blend of pre-Hispanic ruins and baroque cathedrals, colonial palaces, and buzzing modern shops, Centro offers a vivid timeline of Mexico’s layered history. OJO - Keep an eye for pick pockets and any advancing moves. Centro can be a bit more hectic than other areas in the city.
Here’s a curated list of can’t miss bits from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, unforgettable street eats, and rooftop bars with jaw-dropping views. In regards to the Cathedral itself, dont bother going inside! For whatever reason, it’s quite hideous - the outside is much better! Allow your imagination to paint a picture of what the interior would look like.
Templo Mayor Museum and Ruins
Let’s cut to the chase—Mexico City was built on top of the Aztec capital. This was confirmed in the 1970s when an electrician hit stone—literally—the Coyolxauhqui monolith, the moon goddess. That discovery led to the surrounding buildings being torn down so archaeologists could unearth the foundations of the Templo Mayor—now a museum you can visit, recently renovated (£4 entry).
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El Mayor Roof Terrace - Restaurant/Bar.
If culture is best absorbed with a drink in had, skip the museum, go to the elevator under the '“Libería Porrúa” and head to the top floor for a roof terrace from where you can see the foundations of the Templo Mayor Pyramid. There is a bar and restaurant area
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La Casa de las Sirenas Mexican Food Restaurant
As far as roof terraces go in Centro, this might just be my favourite. The building itself is stunning, and you get a lovely view of the cathedral from the back.
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Azul Histórico Mexican Food Restaurant
Amazing food, amazing spot. I have been 100 times and never been tired of this place. My order usually involves la Sopa de Tortilla and las Enmoladas de Mole Negro. There are many moles in Mexico, the black one is the more complex one, from Oaxaca originally. Some people love it, some people hate it. They all agree it’s like nothing they’ve tasted before.
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Los Villas Taquería
You’ll find taquerías on every corner - and most will be delicious. Just be prepared to roll the dice with your digestive system the next day. This one is a pretty safe one - it’s a great place, good tacos and spot on graphic design.
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La Torta Brava Taquería
For the brave ones, a proper hole in the wall that might test your gut. Love this spot! They serve both tacos and tortas (Mexican version of a sandwich!).
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El Bósforo Mezcalería
Another great hole in the wall behind thick curtains. A great selection of Mezcal from not just Oaxaca but other parts of the country - might be a good time to taste crickets as a snack? If staying until the late hours of the night, best to leave in an uber.
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El 123 Food, Shop & Gallery
This space is everything I’d ever want as a concept - the building hosts a Thai restaurant, a gallery space, antiquity shop, juice bar hm hmhmmmm!
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La Opera Mexican Restaurant
Serving traditional Mexican cuisine, it is famous for its rich political history as legend has it that Pancho Villa once fired a bullet into the ceiling - still visible today. A classic lunch place!
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Museum Franz Mayer Decorative Arts Museum
Set in a restored 16th-century hospital, this museum showcases decorative arts collected by Franz Mayer, including ceramics, textiles, silverware, and furniture from the 16th to 19th centuries.
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Palacio de Bellas Artes Museum and Theatre
One of the city's most emblematic theatres, it began as a European-style project under the dictatorship but was paused by the 1910 Revolution. Finished in a nationalist spirit, it now features indigenous touches—look out for eagle warriors, climbing serpents, and Aztec rain gods! What it’s really worth visiting is the murals in the top floor - Diego Rivera’s Man at the Crossroads its class!
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Palacio Nacional Government Building
Government building in Zocalo that has served as the seat of political power in Mexico since Aztec times. It houses Diego Rivera’s monumental murals depicting the country’s complex history, as well as preserved presidential apartments and colonial courtyards. Today, it functions government site open to the public.
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