By Soren Rivero
Mexico’s capital city boasts its position as an epicenter of art and culture, and as such is filled with incredible activities to experience. Even better: Mexico City is a great place to travel on a budget! Here are some of the many free things to do in Mexico City.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Any trip to Mexico City is best supplemented with some time out in Palacio de Bellas Artes. This cultural center is popular with both locals and travelers alike. The most notable features are the building’s architecture and overall artistic feeling. Visitors usually rate the stairwell murals as one of the must-see things in Mexico City. They’re painted by some of Mexico’s most famous mural movement artists such as Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. Admission is free on Sunday, but simply admiring the exterior is free as well.
Mercado Medellín
Food tours and similar excursions are some of the best ways to get acquainted with a country’s local cuisine. However, those are never free (unfortunately) and can run you up some good cash. But don't worry, as there is always a solution! You can weasel your way through the big crowds of Mercado Medellín during the early hours for a chance to taste free samples from local vendors. If you can’t get your hands on any food, walking around the market is also a great budget-friendly activity in Mexico City.
Coyoacán
Coyoacán is a municipality in the southern part of Mexico City known for its walkable streets and a hefty amount of historical attractions. The municipality was formerly a village and one of Mexico City’s 16 boroughs. In the center of Coyoacán is Jardín Centenario (Central Garden), one of Mexico City’s most beautiful parks. A visit here is a perfect way to do something relaxing in Mexico City in between exploring the more adventurous parts of the city. You’ll also find notable attractions scattered around Coyoacán, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum and Zoológico Los Coyotes.
Zócalo
Otherwise known as Plaza de la Constitución, Zócalo is Mexico City’s main city square with deep roots in the Aztec world. It previously served as the primary ceremonial center of Mexico’s early city of Tenochtitlan. It sits at the center of Mexico City and is the largest plaza in all of Mexico (second largest in the whole world). Visiting here is a top free thing to do in Mexico City as there’s nearly always some form of entertainment going on. In fact, Zócalo is probably the best place to attend free events in Mexico City. Other than that, the plaza is lined with shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to just sit and relax.
Museo Soumaya
One of the best things to do in Mexico City, regardless of price, is to visit Museo Soumaya. You’ll have no trouble spotting this fun museum in Mexico, solely because of the unique architecture that houses the museum’s works of art. Some even say that the building itself is a masterpiece, and it’s hard to disagree with that. Still, one of the best things about this museum is that it is completely free to enter. The museum hosts numerous exhibitions featuring artwork from multiple countries and multiple eras. Museo Soumaya is also a nonprofit cultural institution. It's truly one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City on a budget.
