Mexico City Walking Tour: Templo Mayor & Diego Rivera Murals

Follow seven centuries of Mexico City through its stones, art, and food

A two-hour walking tour of Mexico City's Historic Center with a live English-speaking guide, covering the Templo Mayor, Zócalo, National Palace, Cathedral, Casa de Los Azulejos, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Diego Rivera Mural Museum. The guide shares Aztec history, colonial architecture, and the city's best spots for traditional Mexican cuisine—tacos al pastor, pozole, and coffee—without requiring separate museum entries or transport bookings. Children from age one are welcome; the route is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore history, art, and cuisine

• Visit Templo Mayor and learn Aztec history
• Explore Zócalo and see National Palace
• Tour Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
• Visit Dulcería Celaya candy store
• Discover Historic Center and its art
• See the beautiful postal palace
• Explore Palace of Fine Arts architecture
• View Diego Rivera murals and learn traditions

The Experience

The walk starts at the Templo Mayor, where the guide explains how the Aztecs built their empire and what daily life looked like in one of history's largest cities. From there you move to the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, to learn why it carries that name and what stood there before the Spanish arrived. The National Palace faces the square; the guide points out what makes it significant and how it still functions today.

The Cathedral comes next—the guide covers its architectural style and the history layered into its stones. Then you stop at Dulcería Celaya, the city's oldest candy shop, where the guide describes which sweets are traditional, how they're made, and where they come from. You walk through the Historic Center itself, seeing the Casa de Los Azulejos (the postal palace) and learning what it was before and how it operates now. The Palacio de Bellas Artes follows, with details about its design, history, and the stories behind its facade.

The final stop is the Diego Rivera Mural Museum. The guide reads the murals to show you Mexican traditions and customs through one of the 20th century's most important painters. Throughout the walk, the guide also points out the best local spots for tacos al pastor, pozole, and Mexican coffee—places where Mexico City residents actually eat, not tourist versions. Bring water; the tour covers ground on foot over two hours. The guide's tip is optional at the end.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide leading the entire walk.
• access to the Historic Center and its major landmarks (Templo Mayor, Zócalo, Cathedral, Casa de Los Azulejos, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Diego Rivera Mural Museum).
• explanations of Aztec history, colonial architecture, and Mexican art and traditions.
• recommendations for authentic local food spots.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Andares Free Walking Tour

Is this one for you?Walk from Aztec temples through colonial plazas to modern Mexico City in one guided journey, with a local who knows where the real food is and handles all the navigation.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Templo Mayor and what will the guide explain there?

The Templo Mayor is the main Aztec temple in Mexico City's Historic Center. The guide explains how the Aztecs built their empire, where they came from, and how they became the most powerful civilization of their time, using the temple itself to show how they lived.

Does the tour include entry to museums or just walking past the outside?

The tour is a walking guide through the Historic Center and its landmarks. Entry to the Diego Rivera Mural Museum and other interior sites is not included in the tour price; the guide shows you the exteriors and explains their history and significance from the street or plaza.

Will I actually eat food during the tour, or just learn where to find it?

The guide shows you where locals eat tacos al pastor, pozole, and Mexican coffee and explains why those spots are the best in the city. Eating is not part of the tour itself; you choose whether to stop and eat at any of those places on your own.

How long is the walk and what should I bring?

The tour lasts two hours and covers several neighborhoods on foot. Bring water, since you'll be walking the whole time. The route is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work for infants and small children.

Is this tour suitable for children, and what's the minimum age?

Children are welcome from age one. The tour is designed for all fitness levels, and the guide speaks English throughout, so families with young children can follow along at a comfortable pace.

What's included in the tour price, and is there anything I need to pay extra for?

The guide and the entire experience are included. At the end, you can leave a tip if you'd like to, but it's optional. Museum entries, food, and drinks are not included and are your choice to purchase.