El Zocalo is basically the government square in Mexico City. It’s surrounded by parliament, amazing churches, a giant square that usually showcases festivals, stores, and restaurants of all kinds and amazing architecture.

On one side you have Av. Francisco Madero, a pedestrian-only street that spans several blocks. Here you’ll find lots of restaurants, tattoo and piercing shops, clothing and optometrists, and many hustlers passing out flyers for discounts to their stores. I was there on a Saturday and it was so busy it reminded me of Tokyo. Lots of people everywhere… People as far as the eye could see.

The interesting thing about this pedestrian-only street is the amazing art galleries you’ll find in some of the plazas.

As you continue walking towards the Sears Building, you’ll come up to several sunken churches. These churches still function as a church but many tourists go inside to see how crooked and sunken they are. From the outside, they look like they were built on a lower platform. From the inside, the lopsidedness gives it away. This church will continue to sink along with the rest of the city.

The churches are very ornate and beautiful. They feel like they’re from another era because they are. They’re a must for everyone to see and they’re free to enter.

As you continue to walk towards the Sears building you will eventually get to Palacio de Bellas Artes, which is a performing arts center. This building is set inside a giant park. The architecture looks very European. It’s incredible. If you climb to the top of the Sears building and order a coffee, you will have the most amazing views from here.

Let’s just say this is definitely Instagram worthy.

To say the least, going architecture hunting in Mexico City is free and fun.

Check out my Mexico City Vlog where I show you El Zocalo and other neighborhoods I discovered while being a tourist.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mexico City neighborhoods or where you should go on your trip, check out Paseo de la Reforma, the Soumaya Museum, and Museo de Arte Moderno.

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