Did you know that the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, lies just beneath the streets of today’s Historic Center? And that it was a large, highly advanced city built on a lake, with elaborate temples, highways, floating farms, canals, and markets full of valuable goods?
Today, it's still possible to catch glimpses of that history, not only in museums but also in plazas, city buildings, and ruins. To explore the world of the Aztecs before 1500, here's a fascinating walking route you can take from Central Hoteles.
1. The Templo Mayor: The Heart of Tenochtitlán
Begin the tour at the most important site of all: the Templo Mayor, just steps from the Zócalo Central & Rooftop, Canada Central & Rooftop, and Histórico Central. In Aztec times, it housed an awe-inspiring temple, which the Aztecs (aka Mexicas) considered the center of the universe.
But, when the Spanish arrived, they partially destroyed it and used the temple’s stones to build a cathedral on top. It wasn’t until about 45 years ago that the temple was unearthed again!
Today, you can see the ruins, and also visit the Templo Mayor Museum, which houses thousands of pieces found during excavations.
(Our Tip: Visit the museum, open Tuesday through Sunday, before touring the archaeological site, to better understand what you’ll see in the ruins.)
Some highlights:
The Coyolxauhqui stone: See the massive 8-ton stone disc depicting the Aztec moon goddess, randomly found by electric company workers digging at the site in 1978. Their discovery set off the modern excavations that brought the temple back to light.
Even more altars, canals, walls and offerings have been discovered just in recent years, so you may see something new each time you visit.
2. Archaeological Windows in the Metropolitan Cathedral Plaza
Right next to the Templo Mayor, in front of the Cathedral, you'll find some “archaeological windows” that allow you to see what lies underground: centuries-old walls, floors, and other remains of the Mexica culture.
These windows give a clear view of how the colonial city was literally built on top of the Indigenous one.
Tip: Walk north on the street República de Argentina, and you’ll find two more archeological viewing windows on the left side of the street, one at the Casa Marqués de Apartado, and one more on the following block.
3. INAH Site Museum of the Cultural Center of Spain
Just steps from the Templo Mayor, in the Cultural Center of Spain in Mexico (CCEMx), you can visit a little-known but fascinating museum: the CCEMx-INAH Site Museum. It houses the remains of the Calmécac, the ancient school for Aztec nobles’ children, where they studied astronomy, philosophy, singing, and writing, among other subjects.
During the building’s expansion in 2006, archaeologists discovered the remains of the pre-Columbian school in the basement—a discovery so important, the center built a museum to preserve and display the ancient finds.
Tip: Admission is free, and includes the temporary exhibitions at the cultural center, so you can check out some modern culture too during your stop here.
4.National Museum of World Cultures
Below this museum, lies part of the vast palace of the famous Aztec emperor, Moctezuma II—in particular his “Black House”—a completely darkened room where the emperor is said to have meditated before making decisions.
Under the Spanish, the site became the new city’s mint (the “Coin House”), and later, Mexico’s first public museum. Eventually, in a 2008 renovation, archeologists spotted a wall and floor of the original palace lying below.
Today, the museum showcases various cultures around the world, including Indigenous cultures of Mexico and beyond. As always, if you look closely, you’ll find some essence of the original building in the current one, and the history lives on.
5. Santo Domingo Square
A few blocks from the Templo Mayor is Santo Domingo Square, a site that also holds links to the pre-Hispanic past.
This area was part of the Cuepopan neighborhood, one of the four main quadrants of ancient Tenochtitlán. Although there are no visible ruins here, the plaza was built on top of Aztec structures, and Moctezuma’s son is buried inside the church.
6. Plaza of the Three Cultures in Tlatelolco
Grab a snack and recharge, because if you extend the route by about 25 minutes walking north, you’ll reach Tlatelolco—a sister city to Tenochtitlán where the old Mexica buildings have also been excavated.
Here, at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, you can see Aztec, colonial, and modern history all in one place:
Tlatelolco’s ruins—the Mexicas’ largest market and an important temple
The Spanish-built Templo de Santiago (see if you can notice how the building’s stones clearly came from the demolished Aztec temples!)
The Tlatelolco University Cultural Center, a modern building commemorating the tragic 1968 student massacre by the government at this site.
Walking route information and recommendations:
Approximate duration of the route: 2 to 3 hours (or longer if you go into the museums).
Difficulty level: Easy. It's completely walkable from any of the Central Hoteles properties.
Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a desire to discover the history that lives beneath the city.
Where to stay in the Historic Center?
If you want to explore this route from the heart of the Historic Center, the Zócalo Central & Rooftop, Canada Central & Rooftop, and Histórico Central are the best starting points. From your room, you'll be just steps from the Templo Mayor and the rest of the sites mentioned above.
In addition to our excellent location, at Central Hoteles we welcome you with warm Mexican hospitality, personalized attention, and all the best services for a great stay in Mexico City. Enjoy our warm welcome, our comfortable and modern amenities, and our Café Central with drinks and snacks included 24/7 as part of your stay.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Travel, culture and traditions in Mexico City.
