Hi guys!
This video is all about highlights of historic Mexico City and what I think
would make a great day around the Zócalo.
Beginning with the Metropolitan Cathedral.
One of the most iconic structures in the whole city.
It was built on the site of the sacred Aztec Templo Mayor and stone from that temple
was apparently used to build the new Spanish cathedral.
It’s said that Cortés himself laid the first stone of the existing cathedral
and construction on it began in 1573 but it was a work in progress for a very long time
during the entire duration of the colonial period.
After visiting the cathedral, I recommend getting a bite to eat at Sanborns.
It’s a huge Mexican chain and its flagship restaurant is located not very far away from the Zócalo.
And it’s not so much about the restaurant here, even though it’s delicious,
as about the beautiful and very historic building that it’s located in.
It’s called Casa de los Azulejos or ‘House of Tiles’ and it’s actually an 18th-century palace.
The building is covered on three sides by blue and white tiles from Puebla.
Construction began in 1793 but they didn’t add the tiles until a little bit later,
which caused quite a stir and gave the house its name, House of Tiles.
There’re beautiful murals inside and you can sit in the central courtyard and enjoy your meal.
I personally love the chicken soup and guacamole with chips.
A stones throw away from the House of Tiles is one of my favourite buildings in all of Mexico City.
The Palacio Postal, which is the central post office from the city.
It’s still an operating post office so you can go and buy your stamps there
or send a postcard if you’d like to.
It is absolutely gorgeous and the architect was the original architect
of the Palacio de Bellas Artes across the street.
It’s an eclectic design from the early 20th century and the beautiful bronze railings inside
were cast in Florence.
The post office was heavily damaged during the earthquake in 1985 in Mexico City
but it’s been beautifully restored and is really one of my favourite places I visited.
Just across the street from the post office and behind Bellas Artes is Alameda Central Park.
Mexico City does parks really, really well and this park is no exception.
It’s full of beautiful green space, mature trees, people sitting enjoying the sunshine and fountains.
This area used to be an Aztec marketplace and it was turned into a park in 1529.
We were really lucky that a spontaneous hip-hop battle was going on when we were there
and it grew quite a crowd including us.
From the park, you’ll get a great view of the Latin American Tower.
And at 44 stories, it was the tallest building in all of Latin America back when it was built in 1956.
It is very striking on the skyline and reminds me of a set from Mad Men.
You can buy tickets down below to go up to the observation deck
where you can get a great view of the city.
It’s very solidly built and is famous for surviving several earthquakes in Mexico City
thanks to its brilliant engineering.
I think the best way to end your day is back at the Bellas Artes where you can go into the theatre itself
for a performance of the Ballet Folklórico de México.
This is a dance company that was founded back in 1952.
They do several performances a week and I suggest getting your tickets early
because it’s a very popular event for good reason.
They do traditional dances with gorgeous costumes and music from all over Mexico.
It was an amazing cultural event.
I loved every single second of it.
I didn’t really know what to expect but I loved it.
There’s just colour and music and unforgettable performances
with tons of people on stage at the same time
or sometimes just one or two people.
You won’t forget it and I think it’s a great way to end a day around the Zócalo.
I hope you found this video helpful if you’re planning to spend some time around the Zócalo in Mexico City.
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