Timeline
17:03
Pick up a coffee and pastry at Sanborns. This historic department store has been serving locals since the days of Emiliano Zapata, offering a quiet start before the evening crowds arrive.
17:48
Catedral Metropolitana de México
Walk to the Catedral Metropolitana de México. Stroll through the Zócalo plaza as the afternoon light begins to soften. The cathedral’s massive stone facade is striking in the late afternoon sun, and you can peek into the side chapels where parishioners leave offerings.
18:18
Head to the Monumento a la Independencia (El Ángel) for sunset. The sun sets toward the WSW, aligning perfectly with the monument’s position west-southwest of the cathedral. Arrive just before 18:18 to watch the golden light hit the victory column and the statue of Victory at its peak.
19:03
Dinner and a cocktail at Handshake Speakeasy. After the sunset, walk to this classy 1900s-style bar in Zona Rosa. It is consistently ranked among the best bars in the world for its innovative cocktails and historic atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.
Local tip
The walk from the cathedral to El Ángel takes about 60 minutes. If you prefer a shorter walk, take a taxi from the Zócalo to the monument. Handshake Speakeasy is a popular spot, so booking ahead is wise.
Check before you go
- Sanborns is open daily.
- Catedral Metropolitana is open 07:00-19:00.
- Handshake Speakeasy is open 18:00-01:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Mexico City (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).