Downtown Mazatlán, centered on a bustling market, is a district packed with vendors, stalls and shopping avenues. Many of the city’s principal galleries, museums and monuments line the streets. On a visit to Downtown Mazatlán learn about the rich history of the city through the impressive structures and plazas of this central hub.

In the center of the area is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which features a baroque revival façade and a pair of tall twin towers. Enter this 19th-century religious masterpiece and marvel at the dazzling stained-glass windows that include a Star of David.

Head northeast for one block to reach the José María Pino Suarez Municipal Market, which has been an integral part of the city culture since 1900. Its upper story has a range of stalls providing snacks and small meals. Select your favorite cheeses and fish and pick out fresh fruit and vegetables to make a picnic you can take to the nearby Plaza Machado. This exquisite square has many tables interspersed with palm trees, exotic gardens and a majestic 19th-century iron gazebo.

Explore the region’s past with a trip to the Mazatlán Archaeological Museum. It traces the history of the various pre-Columbian people who lived here before the Spanish came.

For something more current, watch a live performance at the Angela Peralta Theater, which has everything from opera and orchestral recitals to modern dance and pop concerts.

Stroll north along the Malecón de Mazatlán to reach the emblematic Monumento a la Mujer Mazatleca. This statue portrays a local woman with arms spread wide to welcome people to the city.

Downtown Mazatlán is in the heart of the promontory that juts out of the southern side of the city. It stands between the districts of Playas del Sur and Los Pinos. Travel by bus to one of the many stops around the city center. While in the city, make sure to see the districts of Benito Juárez, Mazatlán II and the Golden Zone as well.