Zocalo (Constitution Square), Mexico City (must see)

Formally known as Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución), this is one of Mexico City's most historically and culturally intriguing destinations. The central square of the Mexican capital is also one of the largest public squares in the world, measuring 57,600 square meters and capable of holding up to 100,000 people at once!

Previously called Arms Square (Plaza de Armas) or Main Square (Plaza Principal), it is nowadays more commonly referred to as El Zócalo, which means "the plinth". This nickname was adopted in the 19th century and refers to the monument intended to be erected in the plaza, but never materialized (apart from its plinth). While the plinth is long gone now, the name stuck.

The grand square was established circa the 14th century AD and once served as a ceremonial hub of the Aztec city, Tenochtitlán; it was also a major marketplace. The historic spot that we see today started to take shape in the post-colonization period, thanks to the architectural efforts of Alonso García Bravo, a Spanish mercenary who took part in the Conquest of Mexico and was also a master builder and urban planner.

Throughout much of the 17th century, the plaza was overrun with market stalls. In the 1860s, Emperor Maximilian I expelled all merchants from the area; however, from the latter half of the 19th century to the early 20th, it was once again filled with market activity.

In 1914, the plaza was cleared of all the ash trees planted during the previous century and turned into a Parisian-style park, with tree-lined walkways, benches, and grassy areas. Also, each corner of the plaza was fitted with palm trees.

What was previously dominated by the looming silhouettes of Tenochtitlan's temples and pyramids, such as the Great Temple, today is ringed by similarly emblematic buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, the National Museum of Arts, and the House of Tiles.

A giant Mexican flag (ceremoniously lowered every evening, at six o'clock) enjoys the pride of place in the center of the plaza. In the heat of the day, you can see crowds of people taking shelter in the flagpole's shade. Concerts, street shows, public gatherings, as well as a massive ice rink (in December) are among the regular things to watch for in the Zócalo.

Tip:
Amid the lack of shade, the square often feels like a hell's kitchen, so consider opting for a cooler part of the day for maximum enjoyment. Alternatively, you can go up to the Hotel Gran Ciudad de México's terrace for a great photo op, or have lunch at Balcón del Zócalo, a rooftop restaurant in the Zócalo Central Hotel, which offers gorgeous views of the plaza.