Historic Center, Mexico City

Smithsonian MagazineAug 24

Stunning Antiquities and Frida Kahlo’s Home Are Just Some of the Offerings That Have Bolstered Mexico City’s Fantastic Array of Museums

The ancient capital has plenty of artwork and fossils, if that’s what you like. Or tour the writing rooms of a Nobel winner, the fortified home of an exiled Russian revolutionary and towers of skulls

Spanish built their colonial administrative heart here.

25 things in this story

Templo MayorMuseumBase of a step pyramid topped with altars.
CoyoacánNeighborhoodLeafy neighborhood with handicraft markets and plazas.
ZócaloSightExpansive main plaza.
National Museum of AnthropologyMuseumHolds world's largest collection of pre-Columbian items.
Antique Toy MuseumMuseumThe Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (MUJAM) is the Antique Toy Museum.
Museum of NarcoticsMuseumShowcases exhibits related to the Mexican drug war.
XochimilcoSightRemains of one of the original lakes.
TenochtitlanSightFounded around 1325 on a central island.
Historic CenterNeighborhoodSpanish built their colonial administrative heart here.
Metropolitan CathedralSightOrnate cathedral that looms over the Zócalo.
Urban Archaeology Program (PAU)PlaceOversees excavations in the historical center.
Hotel CatedralHotelDiscover Hotel Catedral’s two towers steps from the Zócalo in Mexico City’s Historic Center (CDMX).
Temple of Ehecatl-QuetzalcoatlSightAztec god of the wind's temple ruins.
Spanish Cultural CenterMuseumBasement contains remains of a school for Aztec nobility.
calmecacMuseumSchool for the sons of Aztec nobility.
Museum of Cacao & ChocolateMuseumRestored Spanish mansion opened last year.
Huey TzompantliSightSite where over 650 craniums of sacrifice victims were displayed.
National Museum of InterventionsMuseumRecounts story of French and American invasions.
Churubusco monasterySightProperty studded with ancient trees.
National Museum of the RevolutionMuseumDevoted to uprisings that created Mexico's republic.
Living Museum of MuralismMuseumAppreciate contributions of Mexican muralists.
Presidente Abelardo L. Rodríguez MarketMarketThe Mercado Abelardo Rodríguez is one of the best known public markets in the city center.
History MexicoPlace72-foot-long sculptural frieze by Isamu Noguchi.
Tequila and Mezcal MuseumMuseum
Mexican Sugar Art MuseumMuseum

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Historic Center

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Stunning Antiquities and Frida Kahlo’s Home Are Just Some of the Offerings That Have Bolstered Mexico City’s Fantastic Array of Museums