Cosmopolitan Mexico City can seem somewhat pricey by Mexican standards; however, when you factor in all the free activities on offer, it’s practically a bargain. From first-rate museums and inspiring public art to invigorating hikes and live music, many of the cultural capital’s premier attractions won’t set you back a single peso. Moreover, you won’t pay much to get around, either – at a mere five pesos a ride, the Metro is a steal.
1. Admire the murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes
Dazzling frescos painted by the three leading figures of the Mexican mural movement cover the stairwells of the art deco Palacio de Bellas Artes, including Diego Rivera’s compelling Man, Controller of the Universe and José Clemente Orozco’s vibrant Catharsis. Take advantage of free admission on Sunday.
If the palace’s theater happens to be open, duck in for a peek at the glorious stained-glass curtain that was assembled with nearly a million pieces of glass by New York’s Tiffany & Co.
2. Take a stroll through Bosque de Chapultepec
Chapultepec Park’s 1700 acres of wooded grounds are made for peso-pinching. Here you can gaze at Diego Rivera’s larger-than-life mosaic sculpture of the rain god Tlalóc, stroll through a botanical garden with rare orchids, and marvel at the Voladores de Papantla (Papantla Flyers) as they enact a high-flying rainmaking ritual in front of the world-class Anthropology Museum. You can also pack a torta (sandwich) and enjoy a picnic in a grassy area below the imposing Chapultepec Castle.
3. Bring your passport for the Palacio Nacional
Not only does Mexico’s presidential residence occupy one of the city’s most storied buildings, it also houses more Diego Rivera murals – dramatic renderings that visually narrate the nation’s transformative class struggles, from the brutal Spanish conquest up to the 20th-century post-revolutionary period. You’ll need a passport to access the building.
The National Palace is also home to the Museo Nacional de las Culturas, a free museum that exhibits the art, dress, and handicrafts of the world’s cultures.
Planning tip: The Palacio Nacional is a working government building and may occasionally close to the public for private functions, so check before your visit.
4. Explore Mexico City by bike
Riding a bike in the chaotic capital can feel like an adventure sport at times; however, on Sundays, the broad, tree-lined Avenida Paseo de la Reforma is closed to traffic from 8 am to 2 pm, making it a relatively carefree ride between Chapultepec Park and the city’s Historic Center.
“Bicigratis” kiosks near the Angel of Independence, Chapultepec Park’s Anthropology Museum and other areas loan free bikes for three hours with a passport or driver’s license.
Planning tip: The free bikes are on a first-come-first-served basis, so you may miss out. Poray Bikes on Paseo de la Reforma offers hourly rental and bilingual guides.
5. Hike the city’s highest peak at Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco
Mexico City may not conjure up images of a hiking destination; however, you should never underestimate the capital’s capacity to surprise. For an exhilarating climb, head for the fragrant pine forest of Ajusco National Park and hike to Pico del Aguila, the summit of an extinct volcano range that affords expansive views of the Valley of Mexico. Look for the trailhead behind Hostel Alpino Ajusco and try to visit on a weekday for fewer guests.
6. Browse the artistic offerings at Museo Jumex and Museo Soumaya
The exhibits and architectural styles of these adjacent museums in the affluent Polanco district are strikingly different. At Plaza Carso, Museo Jumex showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in a minimalist building designed by English architect David Chipperfield. Meanwhile, the shiny Museo Soumaya, a six-story building plated with 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles, houses a massive art collection featuring works by renowned artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Dalí, along with numerous Rodin sculptures.
Planning tip: Both museums are free to enter, but Museo Jumex offers free guided tours twice daily that are very popular—arrive early for a spot.
7. Take a self-guided tour of the historic city center
With over 1500 historic buildings, a stroll through downtown’s Centro Histórico—a Unesco World Heritage Site—offers a crash course in Mexico’s past. Start by contemplating the ancient ruins of Templo Mayor, a sacred temple that once stood at the heart of the Aztec Empire. Aztec dances are still practiced there today. Next, admire the colonial architecture in the nearby Zócalo, where the cathedral and presidential palace were constructed by Spanish colonizers using bricks from destroyed Aztec buildings.
Continued exploration leads you to Alameda Central, the oldest urban park in the Americas, housing a famous Diego Rivera mural that can be appreciated for free on Sundays. Be sure to stop by the Palacio Postal, a golden palace for postcards.
8. Experience the underground scene at Tianguis Cultural del Chopo
It may surprise you to learn that punk is very much alive at this Saturday flea market, affectionately known as El Chopo. Each week, mohawked punks and avid music fans gather to browse for cult videos, rare music, and vintage clothing while bands jam on the market’s rear stage. It’s an excellent opportunity to tap into the city’s underground scene and discover live music events.
Planning tip: Keep an eye on your belongings; pickpockets are known to target distracted visitors.
9. Make a pilgrimage to Basílica de Guadalupe
Legend has it that in 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin Mary, appeared several times to a peasant named Juan Diego on a sacred hill near the Basílica de Guadalupe. According to his account, after the last sighting, her image miraculously appeared on his cloak, which now hangs behind the church’s main altar. The basilica is one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, especially on December 12, when it welcomes up to a million visitors for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
10. Listen to free music in Plaza Garibaldi
It doesn’t cost anything to enjoy the live music performed by hired musicians in Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico City’s famous mariachi square. While the mariachi ensembles shine, you’ll also hear regional musicians performing classics from various Mexican music styles, including son jarocho and norteño.
Planning tip: The atmospheric plaza comes alive at night; although considered safe, it’s advisable to avoid exploring the outskirts after dark.
11. Experience the sinking city phenomenon
Mexico City is sinking at a rapid rate due to excessive groundwater extraction. Experts estimate that certain areas sink as much as 20 inches a year as the water table continues to drop. To comprehend this phenomenon, visit the iconic Catedral Metropolitana and then walk to the free Ex Teresa Arte Actual museum, which showcases its incredibly inclined floors. Even the Angel of Independence monument requires regular repairs due to ongoing subsidence and earthquakes.
