Donceles Street (formerly known as Los Donceles Street) is one of the oldest in Mexico City. It is believed that its origins trace back to just three years after the Conquest in 1521. During this period, the Spanish dismantled the canal system that connected the grand Tenochtitlan and replaced it with cobblestone streets, creating a center reminiscent of those found in Spanish cities. Today, Donceles stretches from Eje Central to República de Argentina, ending at the Zócalo, just a few meters away from the Templo Mayor. Donceles was born from colonial infrastructure, and since its inception, it has been home to both civil and religious buildings. For over a century, the street has been a must-visit destination for literature lovers, as it is lined with second-hand bookstores, often referred to as “used bookstores.” These book shops offer a diverse selection of pre-owned, vintage, and discontinued books, inviting visitors to discover a “hidden gem” amidst their chaotic and tightly packed shelves. Additionally, Donceles Street is home to buildings of great historical value that have endured the test of time. Below, we highlight some of these landmarks that make Donceles one of the most valuable and enigmatic arteries of Mexico City’s Historic Center.
