In this guide, I’ll show you what I learned after finding free activities in Mexico City back when I was backpacking on a tight travel budget.
If you have ever wondered what Mexico City is known for, I’m about to give you a slice of what the city has to offer without spending a cent.
After reading this helpful travel guide, you’ll have a list of the best free things to do in Mexico City and be fully prepared to start exploring.
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10 Free Things to do in Mexico City
First, prepare yourself for the crowded streets of Mexico City. No matter where you are, you’ll find people in droves so pay attention to safety here.
Like many other cities in Latin America, one of the best free things to do is to just wander around and get yourself acquainted with the city.
I spent five days here with a local exploring both free and paid things to do. So, let’s look below at the things I suggest you to do for free.
1. Walk around the Centro Historico
There is no better place to do this than the historic center of Mexico City which is on many other lists of top things to do in Mexico City.
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The south-east corner of this square is said to be the spot where Hernan Cortes met Montezuma, the ruler of Tenochtitlan, which was the Aztec city that came before Mexico City, forever altering the course of history.
2. La Ciudadela Market
I’m a big fan of markets in Latin America. Whenever I land in a new place, one of the first things I do is go to look for the nearest market.
Why is this market on my list of free things to do in Mexico City? Well, because as far as getting deeper into Mexican traditions goes, La Ciudadela Market was one of the best places in Mexico City I visited on my travels.
Yes, there are many other markets in Mexico City, but this is my favorite traditional style Mexican market, and best of all; it’s easy to access.
The market itself is so colorful and clean, you can’t help but be enticed by its beauty. It’s located on the southwest corner of Mexico City’s historic center. Get ready to find genuine Mexican artisan products, unlike other markets, which are becoming filled with products made in China.
There’s a humongous amount of stalls, so ensure you’ve got ample time to look around. The market itself is a short walk from the subway (between Balderas and Juarez on the Metro Line #3), right in the city’s heart.
It’s worth noting that there are some fantastic places to eat within the market, so you may want to time it right and plan to have lunch here.
3. El Angel de la Independencia
By far, one of the most symbolic monuments in the city and will literally take your breath away. This statue holds a lot of historical significance.
For the most stunning cityscape views, you can even climb the stairs and get views of Chapultepec Castle, which is located just a few blocks away.
When traveling to Mexico City to do a spot of photography, this one makes an impressive shot for your Instagram and other Social Media feeds.
It once tumbled down during the earthquake in 1985 before they repositioned it to look down and over Reforma Street, and it’s been guarding Mexico city ever since, a symbol of resilience and pride.
💡Smart Travel Tip
If you want advice about what not to do in Mexico, avoid taking public transport in rush hours, especially in places like this.
4. Catedral Metropolitana
After years of backpacking Latin America, I’ve seen my fair share of Cathedrals. This is the greatest one I’ve seen and quite rightly so.
It’s the biggest and on this list, not only because it’s free; but because it is known as the oldest and largest cathedral in all of Latin America.
Mexican’s are religious people and depending on what time of day you go, you’ll encounter several masses, so it can be tough to pick a perfect time to visit when it’s not crowded, though mornings tend to be calmer.
5. Bosque de Chapultepec
You could easily take a day trip from Mexico City to the floating gardens. But for a quieter time, I suggest visiting Bosque de Chapultepec because it’s much more than just a park, it’s filled with endless discoveries.
Not only is it one of my favorite free things to do in Mexico City, it’s a place I revisit even after spending hours walking around on my previous trips here.
Here’s a list of things below that you may be interested in doing:
- People Watching
- Eyeing up Street Food
- Talking to Souvenir Vendors
- Bird Watching
- Sunbathing
- Taking a bike ride
Bosque de Chapultepec has something for everybody and there’s always more to do. Mexico city has a reputation for pollution and when you’re inside this space, the thought of a smoky city instantly fizzles out and you feel at one with nature as much of the area remains natural and green.
Even the street leading up to the park is filled with interesting sculptures worth looking at. You’ll be greeted with food carts and souvenir stands.
If you’re in a hurry, you can even rent a bicycle and enjoy a ride through the park. Or maybe you want to run in El Sope athletic track. Both are fun things to do and seen as the best public places for exercise by local.
6. Palacio de Bellas Artes
The lanmark is a must visit and it makes it onto my list of free things to do in Mexico City due to its cultural significance and architectural feats.
The building is just outstanding. Also if you feel like it, you can always watch a show. The prices are very reasonable, and the shows are very good quality; it’s truly a world-class venue that should not be missed in my opinion if you are looking for things to do in Mexico City.
7. Take the free walking tour
One of the best things about Mexico City is that there are so many free activities. For me, one of the cool things to do in Mexico City that is highly recommended by many is the free walking tour.
While you’re here in the city, I would say try doing this free tour on your first day as it will 100% help you get more acquainted with the city.
That way, when you’re walking around solo, especially if you’ve not met with locals, you’ll feel more comfortable exploring Mexico City.
You’ll get a great introduction to the city as well as some epic stories, not to mention great tips about the city straight from the locals themselves.
💡Smart Travel Tip
When taking the tour, remember to carry some water, some UV sun screen, and a hat or cap to protect your head from the blazing sun!
The guides speak both English and Spanish, so no problem if you’ve still not quite brushed up your Spanish skills to as good as you’d like.
One of the things not to do in Mexico is assume that the locals know English. Many people do, but try to learn some basic expressions to get by. See this guide on basic Spanish conversation I wrote designed to help you.
8. Go to the Museum for free
One of the coolest things in Mexico is to explore the sheer amount of history and culture the city has to offer around every corner and street.
Visiting museums is one of the must-do experiences in Mexico City. If Latin Culture truly inspires you, I guarantee that it won’t leave you disappointed.
I found that not all the museums were free, but I collated a small list of the ones that were. Sometimes, it depends on the day that you go.
Here’s a list of the museums in Mexico City that offer free entry:
- The Museo Soumaya
- Museo de la Charrería
- The Museo Dolores Olmedo
- Galería OMR
Like with most attractions in Mexico, be sure to check the day before you go, as sometimes, they swap the days around or have special exhibitions. Timing is the essence, especially if you only have one day in Mexico City.
💡Smart Travel Tip
Sunday is a great day for museums as they offer free pass days, so you can explore world-class art and cultural experiences without spending a dime.
9. Observe the Street Performances
Do you know what a Mariachi is? Have you seen the Voladores (known as the birdmen) perform before? If you’re still adding things to your list of stuff to do in Mexico, you can’t miss these performances.
Some are more advanced than others, but most of the street performers I saw in Mexico City have talent in their own right.
My favorite was watching the Aztec dancers in costume. They perform traditional ceremonies and dances in and around the Zocalo area.
When looking for cheap things to do in Mexico City, please don’t overlook the street performers because they make up the heart of what the culture has to offer and channel it in their unique way.
10. UNAM Campus
Many people will recommend that you visit the UNAM Campus, even locals. It’s by far one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Mexico City. The murals of the Biblioteca are simply breath-taking.
It’s not only because Mexico’s National Autonomous University is one of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s also a library.
Plus, you can enter to see the architecture, not only from the inside but the outside too. It has four interesting points of view worth looking at.
The north view shows the pre-Hispanic heritage. The South view shows the colonial stage. The East shows the contemporary world, and the west shows the University and mid-1900 Mexico.
On a sunny day, if you can time it right, it’s the perfect place to buy yourself a Raspado (flavored ice), sit and observe the building.
💡Smart Travel Tip
If you like the arts, this is a great place to take pictures and admire the work of famous Mexican muralists, such as David Alfaro Siqueiros.
Free Things to do in Mexico City
Most of these activities listed here are centered around the daytime. So, if you’ve chosen a neighborhood in Mexico City to accommodate your stay, you shouldn’t have a problem traveling to the center.
I hope if you read up to this point that you have a better idea of Mexico City’s tourist sites and feel confident to visit them.
Use this guide to get yourself acquainted with Mexico City and ask any questions before you explore the streets of Mexico City alone.
Search in and around this blog if you’re looking for more things to do, or interested in other places to see in Mexico that are not mentioned here.
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