If you are a Diego Riviera fan this is a must see while you're in Mexico City! At the Palacio National you will see his largest and most comprehensive collection of murals. if I remember my tour guides speech correctly, this has 100 of his murals that took him five years of his life. Each mural depicts different ways of life at that time. The murals themselves are studied. All the colors of muted but vibrant. The colors are not vegetable that is, but actual oil put onto wet plaster. As a plaster dried, it locked in the color which has remained all these years. The interiors have multiple courtyards that are very relaxing. .. it is a very peaceful place. If you want or plan to see all the murals, I suggest you plan for at least a few hours. There's multiple levels and as I mentioned at least 100 murals of Diego's alone, as well as multiple other murals done by others. read more

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An absolute must to see the amazing and jaw dropping work of Diego Rivera. You'll need to make reservations for a mandatory guided tour. read more

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If you're in xocolo, you have to come to the national palace bc: (1) it's free; (2) it's quiet; (3) it's beautiful; and (4) it has clean restrooms. Also, it has beautifully large works of diego Rivera if you're into art. When you enter, one person from your group has to give an ID to the attendant at the front in exchange for number tags. Then you get to walk around the grounds, enter into random rooms, go upstairs, walk in the garden, etc. it's a lovely space and it's well guarded. :) Also, once you're done, you can go back into the city square and grab tons of eats and drinks. read more

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The National Palace was, we'll, very palacial. It doubles as an Admin office for the president and at the same time, a museum. The impressive murals found here are representative.of that of Mexico. On a warm, sunny day, this was a very.pleaseany ground to walk and soak in the Mexican cultural history. Admission is free and be prepared for the standard security procedure such as check in bags and so on. When I went, it was kit crowded and made it a very comfortable stroll for an hour. Do be.prepared for closures. The day I planned to go just happened to be the same as when the president made a speech to the military at Zocalo Square. So while I could not enter the palace that day (and returned the next successfully), I had a serendipitous chance to see the president live instead. Not a bad trade off. read more

On our final day in Mexico City, we had to visit the Palacio National or National Palace. It is located on one side of the Zocalo and is home to the offices of the president of Mexico and the Federal Treasury. Also the palace is famous for Diego Rivera murals that were painted between 1929 and 1951 that depict Mexican civilization from the arrival of Quetzalcóatl to the post-revolutionary period. The nine murals covering the north and east walls of the first level above the patio chronicle indigenous life before the Spanish conquest. Getting to the Palace shortly after 10am, the line was very short. A person in your party has to leave a picture ID with the security guard to security your admittance lanyards for entry. Upon exiting the Palace, you will retrieve your picture ID. There is no admission charge. The grand mural is the one that covers the walls of the staircase and it depicts Mexico in three chronological periods, Ancient Mexico, the Conquest to 1931 and Mexico today and tomorrow. Take your time to examine the different sections of this mural. Very fascinating. If you are in the Zocalo, check out the Palacio National for Diego Rivera's amazing artwork. read more

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We visited the Palacio National (National Palace) on one of our last days in Mexico City. Admission is free, all you need to do is leave your ID/passport at the front with the guards. You'll get a lanyard to wear on your neck during your visit, and at the end, exchange the lanyard for your ID/passport when you leave. The highlight of the Palacio National for me is definitely the Diego Rivera murals. There are quite a few, but the largest and most impressive is right by the stairs (2 levels). We hired an English-speaking tour guide outside of the Palacio and he walked in with us, telling us important tidbits about Rivera's life, as well as fun facts about the Palacio. Try to get a tour guide if you can, because most of the exhibits are all in Spanish. We spent about 90 minutes here, which was plenty. And a plus, the bathrooms are super clean here! read more

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This place opens at 10am. So when you get to the center of the city, you will notice a lot of people lining up. I went with my tour guide because it helps to have someone explain Diego Rivera's painting. The tour guides call these paintings mirrors. It was nice to see the history of Mexico. As well in the center you will see the Mexican flag. When the American came , they had their flag there. Nice architecture and a nice to see part of Mexico's history. read more

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You have to wait in line, get over the anxiety of leaving your ID/passport with the police, and be searched by soldiers prior to entering the Palacio Nacional, but it is worth seeing for the Diego Rivera murals alone. The fascinating murals are on the second story above the courtyard quad, and depict Mexican history. The National Palace, rebuilt by the Spanish Conquistadors on the Aztec Empire palace site, and later served as the emperor's and presidential palace, is interesting mix of museum, National Archives and government offices. The original Constitution of the United Mexican States is on view. The President Benito Juarez exhibit was a good walkthrough if you want to learn about Mexican independence and Juarez' family life. The gardens are pleasant and include a great assortment of cacti. Entrance is free. Explore at your own pace. Since they only let a limited amount of tourists in at a time, the place is quiet and uncrowded. Totally opposite the Zócalo and its teeming masses, the other side of the building! read more

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When I went early in the morning, the National Palace was actually pretty peaceful (until all the tour groups started arriving). Security check was pretty quick and 1 person in your party has to leave an ID, but other than that, it was free to get into! There was a grand courtyard, gardens, museums, and of course, the Diego Rivera art pieces. I think it would have been better if I took a tour but nonetheless, it was still nice to look around and engross myself in the history. It looks pretty new and modern but a great place to check out. read more

Palacio Nacional is a fun, free attraction in Centro Histórico right next to Zócalo. Given that it's an active government building, visitors aren't allowed to see everything, but you can meander around some of the plazas and visit two little museums on site. The Palacio isn't very English-friendly, so you'll miss out on a lot of the museum information if you don't speak Spanish. But it's fun nonetheless. The entrance is on the north side. They'll take your ID (e.g., driver's license), but you'll get it back when you leave. Also, there will be a few people offering paid tours - these are optional (just visiting the Palacio is free). I only spent about 30-60 minutes here. It's a fun visit, if you're in the area. Check it out! read more

Palacio Nacional - One of Benito Juarez's bedrooms - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - México, D.F., DIF

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The bones of this palace date back to the Aztecs and some of the ancient underground foundations have been rediscovered and exposed for viewing. Construction, reconstruction, and additions occurred intermittently until about 1930. While the president appears once a year to ring a bell commemorating the country's independence, tourists appear here daily to see the massive courtyard and Diego Rivera's murals illustrating the history of Mexico -- both glory and conquest -- and it's resources. There are a number of murals on the second level but those covering three walls of the giant stairway are where you'll find the crowd gaping at its enormity. A camera cannot capture it all in one photo. So many images, so many details, so many colors: Rivera's technical mastery is on full display. There are usually exhibitions and a parliamentary chamber to see, too. It's all free and it all serves as a great introduction to the city. You could spend an entire vacation in Mexico City without leaving the zocalo and its surrounding streets. This is a good place to start. read more

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TL;DR - visit for the Diego Garcia murals, and stay to see the courtyards and gardens if you have extra time. Skip everything else. To enter, you're required to temporarily surrender a photo ID. They accepted my US driver's license; passports aren't required, or that requirement wasn't enforced when I was there. We spent an hour and a half here seeing as much as we could see, but you could probably do it more quickly. My favorite were the main courtyard with murals from Diego Garcia (biggest attraction here), and ruins of the Aztec "New Houses" (glass enclosed ruins underneath the stone floor, on the way to the entrance to the royal apartments, near the NE corner of the site), and of Cortés' palace (in the courtyard garden in the SE quadrant of the site). read more

Palacio Nacional - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - México, D.F., DIF

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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. read more

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You have visit Palacio Nacional when you visit Mexico City! Let's talk about its history first: formerly a part of the last Aztec emperor's last palace, the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes built his palace here. Later, Spain brought it from Cortezs and converted it into the residence for the New Spain viceroys. After independence, Palacio Nacional (National Palace) was the Mexican presidential palace for a while. Impressed? It's also free to enter as well! (You need to bring an ID for the security to hold) Although the entrance is on the northern end, be sure to look at the Zocalo-facing facade to find the unassuming bell, which was the bell rang by Hidalgo to rally the first insurgency for Mexican independence! During the Mexican Independence Day, the president will go to the balcony below to ring the bell and shout what Hidalgo shouted when he sparked a revolution: Viva Mexico! Anyway, once inside, check out the beautiful recreated residence of Benito Juarez, the highly revered Mexican president. However, the most impressive is perhaps the famous murals created by Diego Rivera in the central courtyard! Inspired by the Italian renaissance frescos, Rivera successfully tells the complex history of Mexico from the fall of the Aztec in lively, colorful, and yet compact details! If you read a little on Mexican history beforehand, the murals become even more impressive. Depending on how long you admire the Rivera murals, you should be able to finish Palacio Nacional in an hour. Aside from the former presidential residence and the Rivera mural, the Baroque-style palace and its garden are certainly worth checking out! I highly recommend marking this as a must-go for any DF visitors! --- tl;dr version: 1) Former Aztec palace later converted to a former modern presidential palace 2) Highlights include Hidalgo bell, Juarez apartment, and Rivera murals 3) A must-go for all DF visitors! read more

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An unbelievable place filled with history including Benito Juarez bedroom and office , living quarters and one that I definitely enjoyed was the Diego Rivera murals , they were simply stunning, I mean this place has been the presidential home of many of Mexico's presidents and it's a beautiful structure with massive history, I will definitely come back here next time I'm in beautiful Mexico City, I def recommend you visit. read more

I wish I had done a little more reading before going inside here, its so fantastic and amazing, I could have probably spent even more time inside. There's something for everyone- from art folks to history nerds like myself. You can see the original Constitution of Mexico, the Diego Rivera murals, the Patria art show that's currently there (June 2016-December 2016), or just stroll around the grounds. There's everything from the precolumbian era to modern times in here. They hold one person's identification when you go inside, and you can't wear sunglasses or have water with you inside. 100% free though! read more

A must visit. Beautiful palace filled with history, art by Diego Rivera and delightful architecture, best of all it's completely free. read more

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The Presidential Palace! This place is so old, so historic, and so beautiful. It's the Mexican equivalent to the White House, where the executive branch of the government sits. It overlooks the Zocalo, and is exquisite old architecture. Note the bell and the balcony in the center of the building that overlooks the plaza- that's where they give the annual Grito on Independence Day, and ring that bell. Ayyyyyyyyy yiyiyiyiyi! Getting in can be a bit of a challenge- but it's free, and open to the public. Ask a soldier for directions, as they're patrolling the exterior of the building. To get in, you need to leave your passport or drivers license behind while inside the palace. You also have to x-ray and check your bags. Inside, you'll find Diego Rivera's murals- absolutely stunning in their intricacy and beauty. They depict the history of Mexico, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a moving series of murals, showing the rich history of Mexico. It takes a while to take them all in. Also on the tour, upstairs is a historical museum showing all the different constitutions that Mexico has signed. There's a lot of them! They have the originals under glass. I also got to see the original signed copy of the Treaty of Hidalgo that gave California, Arizona, and New Mexico to the USA. This quiet spot is a great place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the hectic Zocalo, and into some peace and quiet among the hushed admirers of Diego Rivera's work, and the cats of the lavishly landscaped courtyards in the middle of the Palace. This place feels completely safe, as there's armed soldiers, police, and government workers everywhere. The restrooms were the nicest I saw in all of Mexico. The restrooms were large, broad, and spotlessly clean. The floor and the walls were made of a beige marble which shone in the light. The stalls were large enough to stretch out with, and plenty of toilet paper, which was soft, two ply and luxurious. There were no signs asking you to not flush the TP. Flush away, amigo! The restroom had a scent of lemons and flowers, which was a nice touch. There were plenty of paper towels and liquid soap that smelled of lilacs. The entire restroom experience was heavenly here. read more

Bring your photo ID, be prepared to take off your sunglasses and get in line for this free tour of a space that has been inhabited by everyone from the last Aztec Emperor to the President of Mexico in its storied history. Famous for its enormous murals by Diego Rivera, but also featuring several large-scale sculptures, a well manicured garden and temporary exhibits, this is one of the can't miss spaces for any visitor to Mexico City. read more

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On our last day (17 August 2014) in Mexico City, we managed to come here. It was breath taking. Worth every penny. Even if it weren't free. A note, though: in order to gain admittance, the guards require to see a passport of one person per group. They then confiscate said passport until you leave. That is, if they do things right. My passport wasn't confiscated and nothing happened. You can also deny the assistance tour guides. read more

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came here because it's a "must" when you're in mexico city but make sure you go way before 5pm because they stop letting people in around 4:45ish. you must bring a form of identification like license or passport because they keep it as an entrance fee (no cash) and you get it back at the end when you leave. there isn't much to do here and it isn't that beautiful or glamorous so you really don't need to come in and check this place out. my friend and I were very underwhelmed and thought it was a waste of time. it's like any other building, not really a palace but more of a government office. I liked the outside zocalo more and the area around the palace. I mean this place is free so it won't hurt you but if you're busy and can't make it, you're fine, you're not missing out lol read more

Free museum and they have a very interesting places in here, downside is that it is not always open. The Benito Juarez exposition is very interesting. They have some very old and interesting items. Worth going and visiting. read more

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We came to the historic area to explore and see the national palace. Unfortunately the line was ridiculously long. Plan for weekdays or off-times if you want to go in. read more

If you are not a history buff, than I recommend a tour guide, to explain all the wall murals here, painted by Diego Rivera. So much detailed history on the walls, it really brings to life the stories. The architecture is intricate, amazing that it's survived all the earthquakes over the years. Definitely worth a visit. read more

The national palace was awesome. They had Diego Rivera's murals which was my favorite part ! There was security where you had to give an id per group and turn in your umbrellas. Other than the wait, I thought it was well worth it to see! read more

This is such an amazing set of buildings! You MUST go if you are in Mexico City. It is nice that there is also no charge. It is right off the Zocalo. Of course, the murals of Diego Rivera are epic and people go to see them as one should. But even the rest of the buildings and grounds are impressive. And in some way, it is quite serene amidst the bustling city. read more