Audio Guide: Historic Center Walking Tour (Self Guided), Mexico City

Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a rattlesnake.

After their Conquest, in the early 1500s, the Spaniards started to build Mexico City on the ruins of the conquered Tenochtitlan, often using for their construction the stones from the fallen Mexica temples. Whilst at it, they retained the original layout of the city pretty much intact. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the conquistadors accumulated great fortunes, mostly through mining and commerce. This wealth is now manifested in the multiple mansions, such as the House of Tiles (Casa de Azulejos), abounding in the downtown area.

Nowadays, the historic heart of Mexico City (Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México) still roughly correlates with the ancient Tenochtitlan, revealing pre-Colombian heritage embedded in the street grid, locations' names, and architecture.

The vast majority of historic sites, such as a large number of museums, are found in the central part of the city – a World Heritage Site since 1987. This area is centered around the massive Zócalo plaza, formally known as Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución). Apart from being the city's main square, it is also the largest square in Latin America. From here, the historic center extends for several blocks in all directions, reaching as far as Alameda Central Park in the west.

Other key local landmarks include the Baroque-style Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) and the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), the seat of the country's president, adorned with Diego Rivera's murals depicting pre-Hispanic life and the history of the Mexican nation after the Conquest. Here, you will also find the iconic art nouveau Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) and the Great Temple (Templo Mayor) archaeological site.

The bustling thoroughfare Madero Street (Calle Madero), cutting through the city center, is yet another attraction. This street accommodates a multitude of street vendors and taco restaurants (taquerías) coexisting harmoniously with high-end establishments. It is also home to the majestic Palace of Iturbide, the former residence of the country's first emperor.

The Latin-American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana) is a modern addition to the cityscape and one of the best-known skyscrapers in Latin America; completed in 1956.

To explore these and other top attractions in the ancient yet perpetually vibrant historic heart of the Mexican capital, take this self-guided walking tour!