Plaza de la Constitución (The Zocalo)

The Zocalo or Plaza de la Constitución is located in the heart of the Historic Center, in the first sector of the city. This square was the center of Tenochtitlan before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors and still remains the political and religious center, centuries after.

Today it is the big hub of the city and an events venue. The Zocalo is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the National Palace, the Historic City Hall and the Government Building. In the center, the huge flag enhances national sentiment. Mexican Independence is remembered here every September 15th.

It regularly holds events and exhibits, some aimed at children, because in Mexico City children have a very special place.

What surrounds the square. To the north, the Metropolitan Cathedral; to the east, the Palacio Nacional, seat of the federal government; to the south, the old City Hall, seat of the city government; and to the west, the arcades with the Edificio de Mercaderes and the Monte de Piedad, where several restaurants have terraces overlooking the esplanade. One 360-degree turn takes in the country's political, religious and commercial power.

Where the name comes from. Officially it is Plaza de la Constitución, after the 1812 Cádiz Constitution. Everyone calls it "el Zócalo" because of a 19th-century scheme: a column to Independence was to be raised here, the work was never finished, and for years only its base —the zócalo— remained, which people used as a landmark until the nickname stuck to the whole square. Before any of that, this was the ceremonial centre of Tenochtitlan, and after the conquest it stayed the political and religious centre of the country: viceregal receptions, archbishops' funerals, Inquisition autos de fe and public executions all happened here.

What happens here. The esplanade works as the country's main stage: fairs, parades, mass concerts —Café Tacvba drew around a hundred thousand people, Shakira close to twice that— the ice rink installed every winter since 2007, and the monumental Day of the Dead offering. It is also where protests and celebrations take place, so check whether something is on the day you go, because access gets restricted.

Getting there and advice. Zócalo-Tenochtitlan station on metro Line 2 opens onto the square itself; the Turibús and Capital Bus stop at the Plazuela del Marqués, on the northwest corner beside the Cathedral. For photographs without crowds, go early in the morning: from mid-morning the square fills with vendors, concheros and school groups. Go up to one of the western terraces for the full view — usually you only pay for what you order.