Sagrario Metropolitano

Features an open-air diorama of the old Tenochtitlán.

The largest cathedral in the American continent. Designed by Claudio de Arcinieaga, construction started in 1537 and lasted for 250 years. Be sure to check out the side chapels where parishioners leave offerings for the various saints. For a bird's-eye view of the plaza, you can take a 40-minute tour (Spanish language only) of the upper levels and bell towers of the cathedral (M$12).

Eclectic art collection owned by the government's Finance ministry. Mexico has an innovative tax program that allows collectors and artists to pay tax debts by donating significant artworks. The collection includes works by famous artists like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Rufino Tamayo as well as many cutting-edge contemporary works.

This is the official cultural center from the Spanish Embassy and features temporary exhibits.

Housed in the historic 16th-century Casa de las Ajaracas, it is a rare survivor on a street that has seen other historic structures knocked down to explore the Templo Mayor site. The museum is home to a huge collection of historical photographs from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, documenting the constantly changing cityscape of Mexico City.

This square measures 240m long on either side. A huge Mexican flag occupies the center, which is ceremoniously lowered and re-raised each day at 18:00. You may see art exhibits, concerts, demonstrations or all manner of social gatherings taking place here. On New Year's Day, practitioners of Mexico's indigenous religions gather to bless believers for the coming year; Mexican independence is celebrated in the plaza on 15 and 16 September. During December, through the miracle of modern refrigeration, the entire Zócalo is transformed into an ice skating rink.