Walking Tour of the Historic Center in Mexico City
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
OVERVIEW
Join our walking tour to discover the UNESCO-listed Historic Center in Mexico City. This is the largest city in Latin America and it offers a huge variety of museums, galleries, and architectural gems, along with bustling nightlife and diverse gastronomic culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
✔ Spot remnants of imposing Aztec structures hidden among colonial buildings.
✔ Discover amazing buildings that date back at least from the 16th century.
WHY GO WITH US
✔You will spend the time of the tour purely on its activities & sightseeing: no visits to souvenir shops & restaurants (unless you ask).
Available options
Private: Center + Muralism
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 1+ (the tour is 100% confirmed for any group size).
<br/>ROUTE: visit murals inside Palacio de Bellas Artes, Colegio de San Ildefonso, and Mercado Abelardo Rodriguez. <br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>INCLUSIONS: entrance fees to all attractions mentioned above are included .
Private: Center + Bellas Artes
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 1+ (the tour is 100% confirmed for any group size).
<br/>ROUTE: after a walking tour of the Historic Center, visit Palacio de Bellas Artes your guide. <br/>Duration: 4 hours
Small-group: Historic Center
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: we need 3+ participants to confirm the group tour.
<br/>LANGUAGE(S): English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual).
<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>GROUP SIZE: up to 12 travelers.<br/>MEETING POINT : Meet your guide at the central entrance of Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Small-group: Center + Muralism
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: we need 3+ participants to confirm the group tour.
<br/>PICKUP: not included; meet your group at the main entrance of Palacio de Bellas Artes
<br/>TRANSPORTATION : not included; meet your guide at the starting point and then walk.
<br/>DEPARTURE TIME : fixed<br/>LANGUAGE(S): English & Spanish (our guides are bilingual).
<br/>GROUP SIZE: up to 12 travelers.
<br/>INCLUSIONS: Entrance tickets and guided visits to Palacio de Bellas Artes, Colegio de San Ildefonso, and Mercado Abelardo Rodriguez.
Private: Historic Center
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 1+ (the tour is 100% confirmed for any group size).
<br/>ROUTE: the original tour option mentioned in the description of the tour includes just a walking tour of the Historic Center.<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>MEETING POINT : Meet your guide at the central entrance of Palacio de Bellas Artes.<br/>LANGUAGE(S): Spanish & English + other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese) upon prior request (based on availability).
What's included
Service of a private local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You will learn about the pre-Hispanic past of Mexico City while seeing the remains of the Great Aztec Temple as well as the remains of other buildings in the surroundings, which belong to some of the oldest spots in this neighborhood that date back to the 14th century.
Also, get some insights into the relevance of the Aztecs and their heritage in Central Mexico, and the vast empire they built including their political and social organization, ideology, culture, religion, daily life, etc. until the early years of the Spanish colonization in 1519.
2
Stop 2
We will visit this stunning cathedral, which is one of Mexico City’s most iconic religious buildings due to its history, art, and architecture which date back to the 16th century.
Since the colonial period, the Metropolitan Cathedral has been a catalog of architectural and artistic styles, with successive generations of builders striving to incorporate the innovations of the day.
3
Stop 3
We will make a stop to visit the main square of Mexico City in the core of this metropolis, which has been a gathering place for Mexicans since the Aztec times. Nowadays it is a remarkable location where many cultural and political events are arranged during the year such as ceremonies, festivals, and military parades, among others.
Also, around the main square, you will see other significant historical buildings that have witnessed the transformation of the city throughout the centuries.
4
Stop 4
While walking down the streets in the area, we will head to the House of Tiles, which is one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in the historic center that still stands despite the years.
The gorgeous building’s facade is covered in colorful Talavera tiles that have been very well-preserved throughout the centuries.
Once inside, you will have the chance to see a mural created by the famed Mexican painter José Clemente Orozco; and its glass-ceilinged atrium with stone pillars, murals, and a fountain.
5
We will make a stop at this breathtaking art-nouveau building to admire its luxurious beauty on its facade and the decorations inside, which is full of artwork such as gargoyles, marble ornaments, and plasterwork.
This Instagramable building still works as a post office and has a museum that displays objects and historical documents.
6
Stop 6
We will finish outside this impressive theatre from the early 20-century to appreciate its uniqueness, which has been considered a must-to-visit location in Mexico City due to the vibrant murals inside painted by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, among other prominent Mexican artists from the 1930s
Nowadays, at this important venue, outstanding national and international cultural events take place such as operas, recitals, lectures, temporary art exhibitions, and publisher's presentations, among other activities.
What's not included
Hotel pickup; personal travel insurance; entrance fees; meals; personal expenses and tips
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
12 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
CONTACT: Please provide a valid contact phone number with the international prefix (e.g., +11111111111) as our guide may need it for pickup. Please ensure it's available on the day of the tour. Alternatively, if we cannot find and reach you, the tour will be considered a no-show.
BOOKING & CONFIRMATION: ● Small-group tour: manual confirmation (if a minimum number of participants is not met, we may cancel and fully refund your booking). ● Private tour: automatic confirmation (your departure is automatically confirmed and 100% guaranteed). You will get a confirmation message from us once your booking is completed. Please be ready to present your booking confirmation (which can be in the electronic version on your phone) to your tour guide if requested.
DEPARTURE POINT & TIME: ● Small-group tour: Saturday at 2:30 PM at MUMEDI (Av. Francisco I. Madero 74, Centro Histórico de la Ciudad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX). ● Private tour: Choose the time of your preference and start the tour at the same meeting point. This tour doesn't include transportation. In case you need a pick-up/drop-off from your accommodation or the airport, it would involve an extra fee and it should be communicated to the company in advance.
CUSTOMIZATION: ● Small-group tour: not customizable. ● Private tour: customizable which means the time you spend in each destination can be adjusted to your needs. E.g. if you wanna visit a place that is not part of the default itinerary (e.g. an attraction, restaurant, or market), you can do it on a complimentary basis if this visit (1) fits the default duration of the tour and (2) doesn't involve a major change of the route. If both conditions are met, we can shorten the stay at a particular location included in the program of the tour so that you have time to visit the place you are interested in. Other changes such as extending the duration of the tour, changing the route, and adding extra participants, should be communicated to the Company at least 48 h before the tour and will involve an extra fee.
GROUP SIZE: ● Semi-private tour: up to 12 travelers. ● Private tour: any size (only your group will participate).
LANGUAGE(S): ● Semi-private tour: English & Spanish. ● Private tour: All our tours are led by local bilingual (at least Spanish & English) guides. Some of them fluently speak other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Mandarin) but those depend on availability and cannot be fully guaranteed. If you want to have your tour in a language other than Spanish or English, please kindly inquire in advance.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes and shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen and sunglasses; some cash, personal ID, valid travel insurance; good mood and curiosity.
NOTES: The price/person for a "Private tour" option varies and depends on the number of participants in your booking. Our guide will meet/pick you up at the agreed time and location and might need to contact you by phone, so please kindly provide a valid phone number during your booking. The standard duration of the tour, as advertised in its description, is calculated from the moment of pick-up till drop-off.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: By booking this activity ("Tour") with the tour organizer ("Company"), you ("Customer") accept to: - comply with all laws and regulations of the country (countries) where the Tour takes place; - follow the instructions of the Company and its representatives; - take all measures to procure your own safety on the Tour including, but not limited to, use of safety devices (including face masks, seat-belts, harnesses, and helmets), obeying posted signs, and oral or written warnings from the Company's representatives regarding health and safety; - provide information about pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to participate in the Tour or have a negative impact on the experience of others on the Tour; - have personal travel insurance covering injury, emergency medical expenses, and damage or loss of your personal property, valid for the whole duration of the Tour; - waive responsibility of the Company and its representatives for any personal health and property damage that may occur during the Tour; - allow the Company to use any media content created by its representatives during the Tour for marketing-related purposes.
PRICE: Please note that the price you paid includes a commission from the online platform where it’s sold—often up to 30%—which limits our flexibility to offer discounts or other price reductions.
Meeting point
Wait at the entrance of Palace of Fine Arts. Once there, meet your guide who will be holding a sign with the logo of the company.
About Mexico City
Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with modern skyscrapers. This cultural and historical hub offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class museums and colonial architecture to bustling markets and delicious cuisine. The city's high-altitude location and diverse neighborhoods make it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Zócalo
The main square of Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It's the heart of the city and a must-visit for its cultural and historical significance.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free (some attractions have entry fees)
Chapultepec Park
One of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring a lake, museums, and the famous Chapultepec Castle. It's a great place for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free (some attractions have entry fees)
Palacio de Bellas Artes
An iconic cultural landmark featuring stunning murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The building itself is a masterpiece of art nouveau and neoclassical architecture.
Architecture
1-2 hours
MXN 75 (USD 3.75) for the museum
Teotihuacan
An ancient Mesoamerican city with the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Aztec civilizations.
Historical
Half day to full day
MXN 80 (USD 4) for the site, plus guide fees if applicable
Frida Kahlo Museum
The former home of Frida Kahlo, known as the Blue House, now a museum dedicated to her life and work. It offers a deep dive into the life of one of Mexico's most famous artists.
Museum
1-2 hours
MXN 250 (USD 12.50) for foreigners
Must-Try Local Dishes
Tacos al Pastor
Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple and onions.
Street food
Contains meat, can be spicy
Mole
A rich, complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, and spices, typically served with chicken or turkey.
Main course
Contains chocolate, can be spicy
Chiles en Nogada
Poblano chili peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices) and topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.
Main course
Contains meat, nuts, and dairy
Tlayudas
A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa, often referred to as the 'Mexican pizza'.
Street food
Contains cheese and meat, can be spicy
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Sierra de Guadalupe
Climbing Nevado de Toluca
Paragliding in Valle de Bravo
Visiting Chapultepec Park
Relaxing in Jardín Borda
Enjoying a spa day in Polanco
Exploring the Historic Center
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.
15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Mexico City International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center
By train
Buenavista Station, Toluca Airport Station
By bus
Terminal de Autobuses de Paso de la Reforma, Terminal de Autobuses del Norte
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is the most efficient way to get around the city, with 12 lines covering most neighborhoods. It can get crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic Center
Roma
Condesa
Coyoacán
Polanco
Day trips
Puebla
130 km (81 miles) • Full day
A colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a rich history and unique charm.
Texcoco
50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day
A town near Mexico City known for its beautiful gardens and historical sites. Texcoco is home to the ancient Aztec city of Texcoco and the beautiful Jardín Botánico de Texcoco.
Xochimilco
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A unique neighborhood in Mexico City known for its canals and traditional trajinera boats. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique and colorful experience.
Festivals
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) • November 1-2
Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (Morelia International Film Festival) • October
Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • September
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with locals
- Use the metro system to get around the city quickly and affordably
- Try street food from busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
- Visit museums and attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds and long lines
- Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and local culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
