Exploring Mexico City on a Budget: Affordable Things to Do and See

Mexico City is a vibrant and dynamic city with a rich history, bustling markets, and incredible cultural experiences. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to experience it all! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top budget-friendly and free activities, along with affordable dining options, to help you explore Mexico City without breaking the bank.

A Google Maps list of these locations is included at the end of the blog.

Top Budget-Friendly Activities

Explore Mexico City’s Historic Center

Start your journey by visiting the Zócalo, the city’s main square. Here, you can admire the historic Metropolitan Cathedral, and other colonial buildings that showcase the city’s architectural history. Just a couple of streets away you'll find the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) with murals by Diego Rivera. Entry to these landmarks is either free or inexpensive.

Admire the Street Art in Roma and Condesa

The neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa are filled with vibrant street art, eclectic cafes, and unique shops. Take a self-guided walking tour to appreciate the murals and sculptures scattered throughout these trendy areas. This activity is entirely free and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Free and Low-Cost Museums

Museo Soumaya

This stunning museum, shaped like a silver wave, houses over 66,000 works of art, including pieces by Salvador Dalí and Auguste Rodin. The Museo Soumaya offers free entry, making it a must-visit for budget travelers interested in art and culture.

Watch the Museo Soumaya Instagram Reel here.

Chapultepec Castle 

For a small fee (MX$95 or free on Sundays for Mexican residents), you can explore Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in North America. Located on a hill within Chapultepec Park, the castle offers stunning views of the city and exhibits on Mexican history.

Museo Nacional de las Culturas

For a deep dive into Mexico’s cultural heritage, visit the Museo Nacional de las Culturas. Entry is free, and the museum features artifacts from various civilizations, including Aztec, Maya, and other indigenous cultures.

Best Budget-Friendly Markets

Mercado de la Ciudadela

For affordable souvenirs, head to Mercado de la Ciudadela, a market specializing in Mexican arts and crafts. You’ll find pottery, textiles, and more—all at reasonable prices, and many vendors are open to bargaining.

La Lagunilla Market

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the La Lagunilla Market. It’s one of the city’s largest flea markets, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to unique antiques. Arrive early for the best deals.

Mercado Roma

Located in the Roma neighborhood, Mercado Roma is a gourmet food market with a variety of affordable food options. While the market itself is trendy, you can find budget-friendly bites to enjoy in the communal seating area.

Cheap Eats in Mexico City

Street Tacos

Street tacos are a staple of Mexico City’s food culture, and they’re incredibly affordable. Try tacos al pastor, tacos de suadero, or quesadillas at any street food stall. You’ll typically pay only a few pesos per taco, making it an excellent option for budget travelers.

Here is a list of local street taco places that came highly recommended by locals.

Watch the Instagram Reel of when we went to get Tacos in Mexico.

Churrería El Moro

Treat yourself to churros and hot chocolate at Churrería El Moro. This famous spot has been serving up delicious churros since 1935, and you can enjoy a tasty snack for less than 50 pesos. There are couple of El Morro locations within CDMX. You can find one closest to you on Google Maps.

Watch the Instagram Reel of when we went to get Churros in Mexico.

Tortas at Tortas Don Polo

If you’re looking for a hearty meal, stop by Tortas Don Polo for a torta, a Mexican-style sandwich filled with meat, cheese, and toppings. A meal here will only set you back around 50-60 pesos, making it a fantastic budget option.

Exploring Parks and Nature

Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec)

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s free to enter. Spend the day wandering its paths, renting a paddleboat on the lake, or relaxing in the gardens. The park also hosts several museums and attractions, making it a great place for a budget-friendly day.

Parque México and Parque España

Located in the Condesa neighborhood, Parque México and Parque España are perfect spots to relax, people-watch, and soak in the local atmosphere. These parks are beautifully landscaped with Art Deco features and are free to visit.

Xochimilco Canals

While hiring a trajinera (colorful boat) to navigate the canals of Xochimilco isn’t free, it’s an affordable way to experience a unique part of Mexico City. Split the cost with a group to make it even more budget-friendly.

Getting Around Mexico City on a Budget

Using the Metro

Mexico City’s metro system is extensive, reliable, and incredibly cheap, with fares around 5 pesos per ride. The metro can take you to most major attractions in the city, making it one of the best ways to get around on a budget.

EcoBici: Bike Sharing

If you prefer biking, EcoBici is the city’s bike-sharing program. For a small fee, you can rent a bike and explore neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Chapultepec. It’s an eco-friendly and affordable way to travel short distances.

Public Buses

Public buses are another inexpensive option, though they can be a bit more challenging to navigate than the metro. Once you get the hang of it, buses are a convenient way to reach areas not serviced by the metro.

Best Time to Visit Mexico City on a Budget

The best time to visit Mexico City on a budget is during the off-peak seasons (April to early May and late October to November). During these months, you’ll find fewer crowds, and accommodation prices tend to be lower. Avoid major holidays like Day of the Dead if you’re looking to save money, as prices for flights and hotels can rise significantly.

Conclusion

Exploring Mexico City on a budget is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. With affordable food, free attractions, and low-cost transportation, you can experience the best of this vibrant city without spending a fortune. Follow this guide to enjoy a memorable trip, filled with rich culture, history, and flavors—all while staying within your budget.

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