Madero is one of the streets with the greatest historical richness in Mexico City. After the Spanish conquest, it was one of the first streets to be laid out to shape the new Spanish city that was built on the ruins of Greater Tenochtitlán.
The first buildings that the Spaniards needed to live were built here, as well as religious temples and luxurious palaces for the aristocracy. In fact, Madero Street has so many New Spanish buildings that it has become one of the main showcases of colonial architecture in Mexico City.
Several of these properties have survived the passage of time and today house museums, restaurants, cafes, clothing stores and iconic jewelry stores - such as the Joyero Center, which has been home to more than 100 stores for decades selling engagement rings and all kinds of gold accessories. . All of these buildings coexist with more recent constructions with an eclectic style, such as the Esmeralda building that houses the Museo del Estanquillo and the Torre Latino.
This street connects the Palace of Fine Arts with the Plaza de la Constitución, making it one of the main access routes to reach the Zócalo. For this reason, it has always been a place of great influx of people. Its notoriety reached such a point that for several years it has been an exclusively pedestrian street so there is no type of vehicular traffic.
Unmissable places on Madero Street
When walking along Madero Street you will find many places that will catch your attention. Among all those historical constructions and buildings there are places that are definitely worth stopping to see.
Walking from the Zócalo towards the Palace of Fine Arts, these are the most interesting places you will find on Madero Street:
MUMEDI: At the Mexican Museum of Design, also known as “The Embassy of Design”, you can see exhibitions of the best exponents of Mexican and international design. Its store is probably the main attraction of the museum, as it is an incubator for projects by young designers, so here you will find very original items. The museum also has a restaurant and hotel.
Museo del Estanquillo: This museum displays the personal collection of objects of the Mexican writer Carlos Monsiváis. Miniatures, engravings, photographs, paintings and advertisements, among other things that show the changes that Mexico City has experienced over the years. Be sure to visit its terrace located on the top floor of the building, where you will find a cafeteria and a peculiar view of the architecture of Madero Street.
Templo de la Profesa: This church has enormous artistic value in Mexico City, as it houses a large number of works of religious art. It was built in the first decades of the 18th century and its baroque architecture is quite captivating.
Iturbide Palace: This palace is probably the most beautiful building you will see on Madero Street. It was built at the end of the 18th century and today houses the art museum “Palacio de Cultura Banamex”, focused on disseminating Mexican popular art and the vast culture of our country.
Atrium of the Temple of San Francisco: The Temple of San Francisco and its fascinating Churrigueresque-style façade will surely catch your attention. But, above all, we recommend visiting its atrium, which is a quiet and pleasant place to rest in the middle of the commotion of Madero Street. In addition, interesting artistic exhibitions are continually held here, as well as bazaars selling local products.
Casa de los Azulejos: This house covered in thousands of ceramic pieces is an icon of the Historic Center. It was built in the 18th century and belonged to a countess. For many years it caused a sensation among the city's inhabitants who came from afar just to admire it. Today it is a Sanborn's restaurant so it is open to the public. If you enter the house, be sure to see the mural “Omniciencia” by José Clemente Orozco (one of the main Mexican muralists), located in the stairwell.
Torre Latino: Finally, the Torre Latino is one of the main attractions in Madero, because from its different viewpoints and restaurants you have spectacular views of the Palace of Fine Arts (which is on the opposite corner) and the Historic Center.
We hope you really enjoy your walk along Madero Street and that you visit these places that are a true gem of the city.
From Central Hoteles you can get to Madero very quickly, since our two properties, Zócalo Central and Histérico Central, are located a few steps from this emblematic street.
We look forward to seeing you soon to offer you the best lodging experience in the heart of the Historic Center.
Travel, culture and traditions in Mexico City.
