National Palace - 06066 Ciudad de México

Free entry, amazing Deigo Rivera Murals, beautiful architecture, and Mexican history! This place is incredible, plus they have loads of cats just chilling in the back plaza. Definitely check this place out if you're in Mexico City.

The bizarre part of this place is that you have your ID retained, until you go out. Here you'll find an incredible architecture and garden, chambers of Juarez and murals of Diego Rivera.

You must visit the national palace. It’s free but you will need to give them an ID (I gave them my driver’s license) that they will hold and give back to you when you exit. The idea of this freaked me out but it worked out fine. If you want to get them most out of it, I would recommend going with a guide - there are folks that will offer you a tour in English and since there is not a LOT of explanation in the palace about what you are looking at or where to go, it’s not a bad idea to have someone who is familiar with the space and history to take you though. If you just want to buzz through on your own, or you already are familiar with the history, that’s totally viable as well. I actually had just watched the doc Patria (on Netflix I think) and it gave me an extra appreciation for the history of the country which was especially applicable to my visit here to the Palace. You can’t visit Mexico City and not visit the Palace!

The National Palace (Spanish: Palacio Nacional) is the seat of the federal executive in Mexico. It is located on Mexico City's main square, the Plaza de la Constitución (El Zócalo). This site has been a palace for the ruling class of Mexico since the Aztec Empire, and much of the current palace's building materials are from the original one that belonged to the 16th century leader Moctezuma II. Used and classified as a Government Building, the National Palace, with its red tezontle facade, fills the entire east side of the Zócalo, measuring over 200 metres (660 ft) long. It is home to some of the offices of both the Federal Treasury and the National Archives. On the eve of Mexican Independence Day, the National Palace is the star of the show. The original bell Father Hidalgo rang is here and the President himself gives the Grito de Dolores from its main balcony. He also notes one such Independence Eve, in 1964, when General Charles de Gaulle, then-President of France, spoke to the crowd in Spanish from the Palace. He notes this to assert that the Palace is not only a place but also a destination where friends of the country can be welcomed.

We found the entrance on the side of the building next to the museum. The museum is in the same building, but wasn't the the part of the palace with murals that wet were looking for. To enter we needed a photo ID for someone in the group. A us drivers license was enough for us. They gave us each a guest badge to wear white we were there. When we returned the badges as we left, we got the id back. We saw some soldiers doing some drills or something in the center courtyard. You can see some large Diego Rivera murales and walk through some rooms. Would recommend coming here if you haven't been. There was no charge to enter the building. It was interesting to see people going to and from work as we were there.

A gorgeous space to explore. The highlight is Diego Rivera’s History of Mexico mural in the stairwell, but the gardens are truly lovely. There was a line when I arrived about 30 minutes after it opened, but it moved quickly. Valid ID (driver’s license is fine) required for entrance.

The seat of Mexican government, this palaces houses both the Executive offices and the Parliament. The building is popularly known for its amazing murals by Diego Rivera, depicting the history of Mexico, along with the bell of independence housed in a niche above the Zacalo facing balcony. A must see for any history or art lover, there is much to take in when visiting the Palacio Nacional.

Free! Must have real ID/passport, not a copy of passport to gain entry. They hold your bag for you and give you a lanyard to wear around your neck. Very big! I would block out two hours if you want to take your time and explore. On the second level there is a museum, the famous murals, and good views. You also get to see what seemed to be where there government officials use to meet. Be sure to explore the back side to see the gardens. Highly recommend!