👋 New Here? We’re Jeff and Sandra, American expat and senior nomads. In 2023 we sold everything, packed our lives into carry-on luggage and dove into fulltime international travel to figure out where in the world we could actually afford to live without draining our savings. If you’re interested in doing the same, following along as we share with you what we learn along the way.
Adventures in Mexico City’s Museums, Parks and Public Spaces
Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture, is known for its bustling streets, mouthwatering cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience it. Some of the best budget-friendly things to do in Mexico City are woven into its museums, parks, and public spaces—where history, art, and daily life come together. Join us on a walking tour through some of the city’s most iconic spots, from historic plazas to lush green spaces, and see how much of CDMX’s magic you can experience without busting your budget.
Budget Friendly Things to do in Mexico City
Zócalo: The Heart of Mexico City
Our journey begins in the Zócalo, officially known as Constitution Square. This expansive plaza is the beating heart of Mexico City and one of the largest downtown squares in the world. Surrounded by historic structures, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, Metropolitan Tabernacle and the Palacio Nacional, the Zócalo buzzes with activity, showcasing everything from street performances to festivals throughout the year. We went through the square several times during our stay in Mexico City, at various times of day, and it ranged from ‘there’s some people here’ to ‘holy heck, there’s a lot of people here’. It is an active place in the evenings, lots of littles running about with their toy planes and kites and bubble blowers. Don’t forget to take a moment to simply absorb the grandeur of the surrounding architecture.
Quick Facts:
- Hours: Open 24/7 (public space)
- Admission is free because it’s an open public space, however be aware that events may alter accessibility
- The nickname “Zócalo” is derived from the Aztec language and was used to refer to the ceremonial center of Mexico City. Today, the term is often used as the place name for the main square of any Mexican city or town.
- The square found itself in a completely dilapidated state by the end of the 20th century. During the late 1990s, a $300,000,000 renovation project of the square was launched and the square itself and the blocks surrounding it were completely renovated.
- Mexico City was developed over a natural lake that was drained as the city grew
- In contrast to many city plazas this zócalo currently lacks monuments and statues – instead there is a massive Mexican flag in its center – the flag is lowered every day at 6pm.
Insider Tips:
- Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe to fuel up for your adventure or stay at the same hotel we did and enjoy their breakfast buffet!
- Arrive early in the day to avoid the intense heat (there’s a serious lack of shade in the Plaza),
- Head over to the restaurant & bar ‘La Terraza Gran Hotel’ in the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México for amazing food and a kick ass view of the plaza. Visit the hotel during the day and see the stained glass ceiling lit up, it’s incredible.
- or have lunch at Balcón del Zócalo, a rooftop restaurant in the Zócalo Central Hotel, which offers gorgeous views of the plaza.
The Majestic Metropolitan Cathedral and Metropolitan Tabernacle
Adjacent to the Zócalo lies the breathtaking Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) and Metropolitan Tabernacle (Sagrario Metropolitana). This architectural marvel blends various styles, primarily baroque and neoclassical, dating back to the 16th century. Catedral Metropolitana is said to be the first cathedral built in the Americas. It is impressive inside and out. Built on top of an ancient temple using primarily materials scavenged from the pyramids and temples found in the area. Step inside to admire its stunning altars, intricate artwork, and the captivating atmosphere of worship.
Quick Facts:
- Admission is Free
- Open Monday to Sunday from 10.00AM-6.00PM
- For the purposes of touring and exploring, Sagrario Metropolitana and Catedral Metropolitana are one huge religious and architectural artifact – There’s an interconnecting door.
- The porous volcanic rock – tezontle – responsible for the red color is beautifully contrasted by the white stone carvings adorning the exterior.
- The Cathedral and Tabernacle stands on the site of a drained lake and its foundations are slowly sinking because of the unstable subsoil. Efforts are currently underway to stabilize the building and other nearby structures.
- The Catedral is the oldest and largest European church in the Western Hemisphere.
- Since this is a functioning cathedral, make sure to avoid mass hours, unless your intent is to attend mass
- Look for the large pendulum suspended from the ceiling which tracks how much the building has sunk (due to the soft clay subsoil on which it stands) by marking a record on the floor.
- Also, check out the doorways and columns to see how the church is leaning.
- Don’t miss the Black Jesus (aka the “Lord of Poison”) statue in the chapel at the back (you may want to read in advance to see why it’s famous).
National Palace
Just steps away is the Palacio Nacional, the seat of the Mexican government, adorned with Diego Rivera’s breathtaking murals that depict the nation’s history. (If you’re lucky enough to be in Mexico City on a Friday see note below about touring the Palace.)
Quick Fact:
- Admission is Free but visits to the interior spaces are by guided tour only.
- Only open on Fridays 12pm to 5pm.
- To book your tour join the queue a the Museo de la Secretaría de Hacienda across the street at 10am. (The website indicates that you can also book your tour via an email to visitas_guiadas@hacienda.gob.mx but when we did that we received a form email in response that said to go to the Museo de la Secretaría de Hacienda across the street
- Be sure to carry your ID or passport to enter as it is a working government building, and leave bags, water bottles, and sunglasses back at the hotel.
A Journey Back in Time: Templo Mayor
Just a stone’s throw from these iconic sites is the Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan. The ruins provide a glimpse into the city’s pre-Hispanic past and offer informative exhibits that narrate the rich history of the Aztec civilization. It’s a fascinating contrast to the colonial structures surrounding it.
Quick Facts & Insider Tips:
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
- The open-air section of site can get very hot. Make sure to wear a hat and stay hydrated, or avoid the midday sun.
- We didn’t go inside this site during this visit to Mexico City and I’m on the fence about whether I regret not taking the time… you can still see the ruins from the walkway
Strolling Down Calle Madero
After absorbing the historical essence of the Zócalo, we stroll down Calle Madero, a pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Here, every step is accompanied by the vibrant energy of Mexico City, with street vendors selling artisan goods and local cuisine. Don’t miss visiting the Palacio de Iturbide, (free) a stunning example of colonial architecture that now houses an temporary art exhibits. A quick stop at Iglesia de San Francisco (free) showcases the beautiful interiors of another important religious site.
Casa de Azulejos and Sanborns Cafe
Next up is the Casa de Azulejos, or House of Tiles. This striking building, adorned with beautiful blue and white tiles, houses a branch of Sanborns Cafe. Stop for a light meal or dessert in this charming venue, soaking in the beautiful surroundings and enjoying the local flavors or take a moment or two to stroll around the exterior of hte building to see even more of the fabulous tiles.
Ascend to New Heights: Torre Latinoamericana
Continuing our walking tour, we arrive at the iconic Torre Latinoamericana. This skyscraper offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. Take the elevator to the observation deck and marvel at the sprawling urban landscape, the distant mountains, and the unique blend of modern and historical architecture that defines Mexico City.
Marveling at the Palacio de Bellas Artes
A short stroll away is the magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance. The palace is home to the National Museum of Architecture, a permanent exhibit showcasing the archiecture of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, of murals and hosts temporary exhibitions as well. The theater hosts various performances year-round. Its ornate interiors and the vibrant murals by Diego Rivera and others make it a must-visit. If you aren’t interested in the museums, at least take a few minutes to go in and look at the lobby and public area. It’s fantastic. We did this walk tour on a Monday when Palacio de Bellas Artes was closed but we were so taken by it, we made a point to go back the next day to see the interior and it was totally worth it – you can see more on our blog post about the Palacio de Bellas Artes here.
Quick Fact:
- Admission to the Museum of Architecture and exhibit halls is $95.00 (mexican pesos) per person (about $5 USD), except for 60+ or under 13’s it’s free (nationals and visitors).
- Admission into the lobby is free
- Admission to the theater is limited to performances only – though there is a beautiful cut-away model of the theater up in the Museum of Architecture!
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Rejuvenating in Alameda Central Park
Finally, we conclude our adventure at the Alameda Central Park, one of the oldest public parks in the Americas. This lush green space is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and plenty of shaded areas to relax. Take a leisurely stroll along the paths or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst the trees.
That’s a wrap…
Exploring Mexico City’s museums, parks, and public spaces is an incredible (and budget-friendly) way to spend the day and connect with the city’s heart and soul. From the historic significance of the Zócalo to the greenery of Alameda Central, every stop on our walking tour added another layer to the story of this vibrant metropolis. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just soaking up the local energy, these public spaces offer a glimpse into what makes CDMX so special. Lace up your walking shoes and hit the streets—there’s so much more to discover!
(I know… I know we didn’t mention the Diego Rivera Mural Museum. The Diego Rivera Mural Museum showcases a singular mural… Rivera’s iconic Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central. Originally in the Hotel del Prado, it was relocated after the 1985 earthquake. The mural, painted in 1947, depicts Mexican history with over 150 figures, including famous leaders and ordinary people. It was commissioned by Carlos Obregón Santacilia and reflects Rivera’s memories of his youth. The museum was built around the mural and opened in 1988 near Alameda Park. It was closed the Monday we visited, so we couldn’t see it and aren’t sure if it’s worth a second trip—especially since we’re not huge Rivera fans. (We did visit the Casa Diego Rivera Museum in Guanajuato, which had far more to offer than just one mural.)
Note about touring the National Palace
If you are in Mexico City on a Friday and you want to tour the National Palace I suggest you head directly over to the Museo de la Secretaría de Hacienda at 10am and join the queue for same day tickets to one of the Palace’s guided tours. The tours are free but they don’t start until noon and they are first come first served so you’ll receive a ticket for a guided tour later in the day.
Also… Be sure to carry your ID or passport to enter as it is a working government building, and leave bags, water bottles, and sunglasses back at the hotel.
Videos from our visit to Mexico City
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