Plaza de la Constitución is the central square of the historic center of Oaxaca de Juárez, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Its address is Plaza de Armas, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. 68000. You will also hear it called the Main Square, the Zócalo or the Plaza de Armas, and locals use these names interchangeably.
The square sits at the heart of a historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the colonial architecture that surrounds it gives it a settled, old-town character. Walking here is a good way to get your bearings in the city, since most of the streets of the center radiate outward from this point.
What to expect
- Gardens that offer shade and a place to rest between walks.
- Cafes around the edges, where you can sit and watch the square at its own pace.
- Cultural events that take place here frequently, so the square often has music, performances or gatherings on the go.
Making the most of a visit
The square works well as a starting point rather than a single stop. Give yourself time to sit with a drink, then explore the colonial streets that lead off from it. Because events are common here, your visit may look quite different from one day to the next, and it can be worth checking what is on in the square during your stay if a particular kind of event interests you.
