National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Plaza de la Constitución, Centro Historico, Mexico City, Central Mexico, 06066
The distinctive red tezontle exterior and red window awnings of Mexico City’s National Palace catch the eye—the grand building is home to the country’s federal executive branch, along with a wealth of art and cultural belongings that are on display for visitors. Wander the elegant gardens, explore the history museum, and take in the scale of Diego Rivera’s famous mural, The History of Mexico.
The Basics
Located on the eastern side of Mexico City's main square or Zócalo (aka Plaza de la Constitución), the block-long historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs. Cortés destroyed Aztec emperor Moctezuma II’s palace in 1521 and rebuilt the grand structure in Spanish Colonial–style architecture with courtyards and fountains.
Visit the National Palace on a sightseeing or walking tour of Mexico City. View Rivera’s mural, as well as other works of art, which tour guides can help explain.
Things to Know Before You Go
You’ll need a government-issued photo ID or passport, which will be collected at the door and returned to you when you leave.
Large bags will need to be checked, too.
The palace is a must-see stop on many sightseeing tours of Mexico City and is a big draw for art lovers.
How to Get There
Because the National Palace is located in the main plaza, it’s easily accessible by public transportation. It’s best to avoid driving since traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive. You can take the Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, which is located across from the palace. Or, grab a seat on a hop-on hop-off tour bus; the palace is main stop along the most routes.
When to Get There
The National Palace is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Mondays; Sundays draw big crowds. Visit on September 15 (the day before Mexican Independence Day) to catch the president ring the Campana de Dolores, the bell hanging above the main door, to signal the start of the annual celebration. Padre Miguel Hidalgo rang it to proclaim Mexico’s liberation from Spain in 1810.
Diego Rivera’s Mural
Painted between 1929 and 1951, Rivera’s The History of Mexico mural, which splays across the palace’s large stairways and stairwells, depicts Mexico's history from ancient times to the present, including the creation of humankind by Quetzalcóatl (the feathered serpent god), the rise of the Aztecs, and the Spanish conquest. The massive artwork concludes with a look at Mexico's future at the time with communist references and an image of Rivera’s wife, Frida Kahlo.
Ways to explore
To see the National Palace, you must book a guided tour; you can do this by emailing visitas_guiadas@hacienda.gob.mx or reserving a same-day ticket at the SHCP Museum of Art ticket office. Tours are free and take about an hour.
If you're unable to snag a reservation, there are plenty of walking tours in Mexico City's historic center (Centro Historico) that include the National Palace as a featured stop, although they don't go inside. These tours also pass by other major attractions, including the Templo Mayor Museum (Museo del Templo Mayor) and the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana).
Accessibility
The palace is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible bathrooms.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Passport, cash, credit card
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing
Not allowed
Food, beverages, large bags
Amenities
Bathrooms, guided tours
Address
The National Palace overlooks the Zócalo, Mexico City’s largest square, and is always buzzing with activity. Take advantage of the city’s public transit, or grab a taxi when visiting this destination.
Driving
Self-navigating through Mexico City isn’t recommended—traffic is notoriously bad, and trying to find parking can be stress-inducing. Save yourself the headache and hail a cab or book a rideshare service instead.
Public transportation
You can take Line 2 on the metro to Zócalo/Tenochtitlan station, located across from the palace. Or, grab a seat on a hop-on hop-off tour bus; the Zócalo is a main stop along most routes.
Best times to visit
The palace opens for visitors in the late morning, and can get quite busy—try to book a reservation ahead of time, but if you’re not able to, show up a bit before opening hours.
Best days to visit
The best day to visit is whenever you’re able to get a reservation. Note that the palace is closed to the public on Mondays.
Best months to visit
November to April means dry, warm weather for Mexico City, making it one of the nicer times to visit.
Special events
While the National Palace itself doesn’t hold many public events, the Zócalo is a hub for festivals and concerts, including free, open-air performances and the Mexico City Alebrije Parade.
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