Not the best colonial area in Mexico but plenty to keep you busy for an afternoon and great for exploring. Lots of little shops and cafes to poke your head into and a couple great markets as well.
Start at the Centro Mercado, "Mercado Pino Suarez" at Calle Aquiles Serdan and Melcor Ocampo. To get there either take a taxi or the "Sabalo-Centro" bus from the Golden Zone and watch for the Centro Mercado, it's in the... More
Start at the Centro Mercado, "Mercado Pino Suarez" at Calle Aquiles Serdan and Melcor Ocampo. To get there either take a taxi or the "Sabalo-Centro" bus from the Golden Zone and watch for the Centro Mercado, it's in the shopping district, or ask the driver to let you off at "Centro Mercado por favor" I'd suggest that you do this in the mid morning hours while everything is open, great color and activity inside. After that walk about five short blocks further in the same direction you were headed on the bus to Ave. Constitucion, turn right and go about two blocks to Plaza Machado. Walk that area by rounding the adjoining blocks to find great hidden restaurants and shops, don't be afraid to explore. People also have their homes there but the businesses will be clearly marked. Work your way further out several blocks on Constitucion to Calle Olas Altas,the road along the beach. One block to your left you'll see the Freemont Hotel, go up to the top floor restaurant and have a beverage, enjoy the sights and get your bearings. From there I'd walk back along Paseo Olas Altas to where it turns into the Malecon walking a few blocks back towards the Golden Zone, especially in the evenings when everyone is out and all the vendors and entertainers are active. The same is true about all the restaurants and activities, they all come to life later in the evening than we are accustomed to in the US. There are a number of places to see and visit in the Centro area. Pick up a tourist map or download one off the Internet and pick your spots.
