El Zócalo

The central plazas of some Mexican cities—like Tuxtla Gutiérrez [1] and Mexico City—are big wide-open squares, with little to obscure the view from end to end. Comitán [2] takes the opposite approach, filling its split-level central plaza, or zócalo, with benches, planters, a fountain, a bandstand, and numerous intriguing modern sculptures.

Most importantly, it’s a living, breathing plaza, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, whether to relax under a shade tree during the day or to listen to live marimba music at night. And you can always find one of Comitán’s red-uniformed information officers in the central plaza, happy to dispense directions and suggestions.