10 Best Free Tours in Mexico City

Mexico City, a vibrant hub of culture, history, and art, offers countless experiences that will leave you in awe. But here's the best part: free tours in Mexico City make exploring this bustling metropolis both accessible and enriching.

Whether you're a history buff eager to visit iconic landmarks like Chapultepec Castle or a food lover wanting to dive into the city's street food scene, there's a free tour tailored to your interests. As an expert on navigating this dynamic city, I can tell you that these tours are a fantastic way to experience the real soul of Mexico City without breaking the bank. From walking through the historic center to uncovering hidden gems in vibrant neighborhoods like Coyoacán and Roma, you’ll find knowledgeable guides who provide deep insights into the city’s fascinating history and local culture.

These tours are more than just a budget-friendly option; they are an opportunity to engage with passionate locals who are committed to showing visitors the city's lesser-known treasures. Whether you’re visiting Mexico City for a few days or planning a longer stay, these free walking tours are an essential way to explore with a sense of authenticity.

As someone who has explored every inch of this city, I can vouch for the richness they add to your travel experience. Keep reading to discover the best free walking tours, museums, and hidden spots that will make your Mexico City adventure unforgettable.

The best free tours in Mexico City

Free tours are an ideal option to explore new destinations , accompanied by local guides who know every detail and secret of their streets. In addition to telling you the history of the places, with them you will learn interesting facts about the customs of their people, and you will end up taking notes on the best restaurants in the area 🙂 We are big fans.

Obviously, Mexico City is no exception. In fact, quite the opposite: there are very few cities in Latin America that offer this mix of neighborhoods and cultures , where the modern and the historical coexist harmoniously. We assure you that you will not get bored, and even less so if you sign up for one or more of the free tours of CDMX that we leave you below:

⭐ Do you want to make the most of your time in Mexico's capital? Check out our tips for visiting Mexico City .

How much should I tip?
Free tours are NOT free tours as such, but at the end of the tour it is advisable to leave a tip. But how much should I leave? We can take as a reference amount 10€-15€ per person , but several factors must be considered, such as the guide's desire, the time, how big the group was, the country and its economy... In the end it is a personal decision for each person and you should not feel obliged to give more than you think they deserve.

1. Free tour of downtown Mexico City

This is the most recommended tour for those who want to see the most emblematic places in the city . If you only have time (and desire) to do one free tour, this would be the one, and it is best to do it at the beginning of your stay in CDMX as an introduction.

The tour begins next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes and its spectacular architectural details, continues through the Palacio Postal and the Museo Nacional de Arte, and continues to the famous Casa de los Azulejos, with its façade that always attracts attention. The walk includes stops at historic churches and palaces, with their corresponding explanations, ending at the Zócalo and the Templo Mayor , where the pre-Hispanic and colonial pasts meet.

Free tour of downtown Mexico City

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2. Free tour of Rome and Condesa

If you already know the historic center of Mexico City and would like to explore more alternative neighborhoods , the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods are your destination and, lucky for you, there are free tours! These neighborhoods are the epicenter of creativity and bohemian life in the capital , where art, culture and a unique vibe come together.

Throughout the walking tour you will visit super interesting places, such as the Mercado Roma, Plaza Popocatépetl or the Casa de las Brujas. In addition, the tour goes through streets full of urban art, vintage shops and charming cafes that reflect that modern and innovative spirit so typical of Roma and Condesa. We love them!

Roma Norte neighborhood in Mexico City

3. Free taco tour

Yes, you read that right. TACOS! Knowing the history and curiosities of a destination is good, but should taking care of your stomach be any less important?! And if you can enjoy both things at the same time, we at least have no complaints.

Throughout this free tour you will try 4 different types of tacos , walk through Roma and Condesa and learn the curious stories behind this famous and delicious Mexican food. Remember to bring cash because, of course, the price of the tacos is not included in the tour. To take a gastronomic tour on your own, here we tell you the best restaurants to eat in Mexico City .

tacos in mexico city

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4. Free tour of Coyoacán

We continue with the best free tours of CDMX with Coyoacán, another of the most beautiful and unique neighborhoods in the city. And also one of the oldest . In pre-Hispanic times it was already occupied by different peoples, and with the arrival of the Spanish it became a key point, housing one of the first town halls in New Spain.

Many buildings, cobblestone streets and plazas still remain from the colonial era, and over time Coyoacán was the favorite home of artists such as Frida Kahlo, whose house-museum remains open to the public. But there is much more to see in Coyoacán: the main plaza with the coyote fountain, the colorful neighborhood market, the Church of San Juan Bautista and other charming corners.

Free tour of Coyoacán in Mexico City

5. Frida Kahlo free tour

If you are a big fan of Frida, don't settle for just visiting Coyacan and her Casa Azul, there is a thematic tour that will take you in depth to learn about this incredible artist . It takes place through the streets of Coyoacán, as it could not be otherwise, and is perfect for learning about the life and work of Frida Kahlo.

In fact, it was created with the idea of bringing the public closer to that woman who was so strong and fragile at the same time , who revolutionized Mexican art and became an icon.

Free Frida Kahlo tour in Mexico City

Fun Things to do

6. Chapultepec Free Tour

Something that caught our attention (and in a good way) in Mexico City was seeing the amount of green spaces there are throughout its enormous expanse. But if we have to choose one of those parks, we have no doubts: Chapultepec Park is not only one of the green lungs of CDMX , but it also hides a few super interesting surprises.

During the Mexica period, Chapultepec was a sacred and vitally important site due to its springs (it is said that Moctezuma himself bathed here) and around which many legends resonate. Today it houses well-kept gardens, some of the best museums in the city, such as the National Museum of Anthropology , and even a neoclassical and baroque castle where the viceroys of New Spain resided.

Views of CDMX from Chapultepec Forest

7. Iztapalapa: cable car + urban art

Very few tourists decide to visit this neighborhood, one of the most populated not only in Mexico but in the world, with 1.8 million inhabitants. Located east of Mexico City and surrounded by mountains such as Cerro de la Estrella of great cultural importance, this neighborhood is making its way as an urban art destination , due to its colorful and different murals.

This activity will give you the opportunity to get to know an authentic local neighbourhood , with its everyday atmosphere and will offer you a more real perspective of its people. In addition, to get there you will take the cable car (the longest in the world) and enjoy stunning panoramic views .

Iztapalapa neighborhood from the CDMX cable car

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Other recommended tours in Mexico City

In addition to these tours that are paid for with tips, there are other paid activities in Mexico City that we think are essential for a first visit. These are our favorites:

- Excursion to Teotihuacan, Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco ( TOP! )
- Wrestling night at the Mexico Arena
- Boat ride through Xochimilco

⭐ We expand the list in our article on the best excursions from Mexico City .

As you can see, there are options for every type of traveler and we hope that our selection of the best free tours in Mexico City will inspire you to plan your visit to the country's capital. Remember to sign up for the tours in advance so you don't miss out on a great tour. What are, for you, the best free tours in Mexico City?

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