Free Things To Do In Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. With a population of over 21 million people, it is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. Mexico City has a rich history, stretching back to its founding by the Aztecs in 1325. Today, it is a modern city that is known for its vibrant culture, architecture, and cuisine. Although it is often overshadowed by other Latin American cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Mexico City is a must-visit destination for all travelers.

With its bustling metropolis, world-class museums, and stunning architecture, Mexico City offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. While it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city, there are still plenty of free things to do that won’t break the bank. From visiting ancient Aztec ruins to exploring the vibrant markets, here are some of the best free things to do in Mexico City.

Explore the Ancient Aztec Ruins

One of the most popular free activities in Mexico City is to explore the ancient Aztec ruins located in and around the city. One of the most important sites is the Templo Mayor, located in the city’s Historic Center. This ancient temple is believed to have been built in 1427 and was one of the most important sites for the Aztecs. Visitors can explore the ruins and get a glimpse into the history and culture of the Aztecs.

Nearby, visitors can explore the ruins of Teotihuacan. This ancient city was once one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica and was built in around 100 BCE. Visitors can explore the remains of the city’s impressive pyramids and get a glimpse into its past.

Visit the Zocalo

The Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitución, is one of the most iconic public squares in Mexico City. Located in the heart of the city’s Historic Center, this large plaza is home to many important landmarks, including the Catedral Metropolitana and Palacio Nacional. It has long been the site of political protests, gatherings, and celebrations and is a popular spot for visitors to explore.

Explore Mexico City Markets

Mexico City is home to many vibrant markets, which are popular spots for both locals and visitors alike. The Mercado de la Merced is one of the oldest and largest markets in Latin America and is a great place to explore for free. Here visitors can find everything from traditional Mexican goods to modern items like clothing and electronics.

La Lagunilla Market is another popular market located in Mexico City’s Historic Center. This open-air market offers visitors an opportunity to explore Mexico City’s vibrant street culture. Here visitors can find everything from antiques and vintage goods to handmade crafts and traditional Mexican food.

For a unique shopping experience, visitors can explore El Bazar Sabado. This market is held every Saturday on the grounds of San Ildefonso College and features more than 100 vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and more.

Take a Stroll Through Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in Latin America and one of Mexico City’s most popular attractions. This sprawling park is home to numerous attractions such as museums, gardens, lakes, and monuments. Visitors can stroll through the park for free and take in its picturesque landscapes.

Explore Museum Row

Mexico City’s “Museum Row” is home to some of the city’s best museums. The National Museum of Anthropology, for example, offers visitors an opportunity to explore Mexico’s rich history with its vast collection of artifacts from pre-Hispanic cultures. The National Museum of Art (MUNAL) is another popular museum located on Museum Row and is home to an impressive collection of Mexican art from the colonial period up to today.

Visit Xochimilco

Xochimilco is a neighborhood located in the south of Mexico City that is known for its unique canal system. Visitors can explore this area on one of the colorful trajineras (gondola-like boats) that ply its waters. Xochimilco offers visitors an opportunity to explore its vibrant culture and take in its beautiful scenery as they cruise down its canals.

Visit Popular Attractions for Free

Mexico City offers some of its most popular attractions for free or at discounted rates for students or senior citizens. One such attraction is Chapultepec Castle, which was once home to Emperor Maximilian I. Visitors can explore its stunning grounds for free or take a tour of its interior for a nominal fee.

Other popular attractions that offer free admission include the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), which features murals by Diego Rivera; The Metropolitan Cathedral; and La Casa Azul (The Blue House), which was once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Go on a Free Walking Tour

For those looking to explore Mexico City on foot, there are several free walking tours available that offer an insight into the city’s history and culture. Visitors can choose from tours that explore different neighborhoods or focus on certain topics such as art or architecture.

Attend Cultural Events

Mexico City is known for its vibrant cultural life, which often features free events throughout the year. From art exhibitions to music performances, there are plenty of cultural events that visitors can attend for free or at discounted rates.

Visit example Tour with Viator

One popular tour that visitors can enjoy in Mexico City is a guided tour of its Historic Center with Viator (https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Mexico+City+Historic+Center). This tour takes visitors on a journey through time as they explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Zocalo, Palacio Nacional, and Catedral Metropolitana. Along with learning about their history, visitors will also have an opportunity to visit some of Mexico City’s most colorful markets such as el Mercado de San Juan or el Bazar Sabado.

Visit Example Tour with GetYourGuide

For those looking for a unique experience in Mexico City, they can visit Teotihuacan with GetYourGuide (https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Mexico%20City%20Teotihuacan). This tour takes visitors on a journey through one of Mesoamerica’s most impressive sites where they will learn about its history and see some of its spectacular pyramids such as The Pyramid of the Sun or The Pyramid of The Moon. Along with exploring these ancient ruins, visitors will also have a chance to visit nearby sites such as San Juan Teotihuacan or La Ciudadela as part of their tour.

Conclusion

Mexico City offers plenty of activities and attractions for travelers looking to explore without breaking the bank. From exploring ancient Aztec ruins and visiting vibrant markets to taking a guided tour around its Historic Center or attending cultural events, there are plenty of free things to do in Mexico City that will give visitors an insight into its rich culture and history.