I am often sceptical about walking tours, preferring to wander around a city to do sightseeing by myself, at my own pace. However, when I was invited by Estación Mexico to join their free walking tour of Mexico City, how could I turn them down?! After doing their walking tour in Mexico City Centre, and in Coyoacan, here’s why I think Estación Mexico offer the best free walking tour in Mexico City.
Know Before You Go to Mexico City
Before travelling to Mexico City, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE HOTELS IN MEXICO CITY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS:
$$ Casa Mannach – Excellent location in Condesa with a shared kitchen
$$ NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace
$ Hostel Home: I volunteered here for 3 months and loved it!
⭐ TOP 3 MEXICO CITY ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. Mexico City: Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine & Tlatelolco Tour
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The free Mexico City walking tour meets at every day at 11am in front of the Cathedral, and the guides are easy to spot wearing bright pink t-shirts & holding a pink umbrella. They run separate walking tours in Spanish and English – all the guides are Mexican but speak really good English.
Now is the time to ask your guides everything you want to know about Mexico City, and Mexican history, to get a really great introduction to Mexico City!
There was quite a big group gathered for the Mexico City walking tour, so after the obligatory photo for Facebook we split into 3 groups – one Spanish, & two English guided tours. Our guide was Ari, and she was full of information about the city and Mexico in general.
The tour obviously covered the key sites in the Centro Historico (Historic Centre), like the cathedral, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Palacio Nacional, but also more unusual sites like the first cinema in Mexico, and some beautiful hidden treasures that even Mexicans don’t know about!
Want More Mexico Travel Ideas?
Check out these blog posts for your Mexico vacation inspiration, or click here to read all my Mexico blog posts.The free walking tour in Mexico City lasted around 2 and a half hours, and the time passed quickly. There is so much varied history in Mexico City, and we were given a good introduction as a starting point, although visiting the museums in the city will you give you a more complete view.
It’s hard to imagine the city as it was for the Mexica people who founded it, proud pyramids surrounded by water – the capital of the Aztec empire. Nowadays there are remnants of the pre-colonial past everywhere, from the Templo Mayor behind the cathedral, to newly opened ‘windows’ looking below the city. There is even an archaeological site at an underground metro station if you keep your eyes peeled!
READ MORE: What to do in Mexico City
One thing that really surprised me was the fact that the city is sinking. I had no idea, but Ari explained that Mexico City is built over a series of lakes, and some areas are noticeably sinking into the mud below the surface. Check out the Sears building opposite Bellas Artes for example to see the widening split between the buildings!
I really enjoyed the tour, it wasn’t too long so I didn’t get bored following someone around, and I was pleased to visit more unusual places that I wouldn’t have found by myself. If you are short on time too, the Mexico City walking tour is the perfect way to get a snapshot of the city and see the key sites in just a couple of hours.
Many people seem to spend a short time in the city, or even just a few hours here on a layover, and although I recommend at least 4 or 5 days here these guided tours of Mexico City are perfect if you don’t have much time!
You can get more information about the free walking tour of Mexico City on Estación Mexico’s website, and sign up to reserve your place. Estación Mexico also offer a free walking tour of Coyoacán, and other paid day tours such as a tour to the Chapultepec Castle, day trips from Mexico City to the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the infamous Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling, so take a look & see what you fancy!
Thank you to the Mexico City Tourism Trust for arranging my tour as part of my visit to Mexico City.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Each area in Mexico City has its own distinct personality and vibe. Most visitors stay in Condesa, Roma, the Historic Centre, Polanco or Zona Rosa. My favourite neighbourhood in Mexico City is around Roma and Condesa. This area is full of cool bars and restaurants, leafy streets and a hip crowd, and is very safe.
You could also choose a hostel or hotel close to the Zocalo in the Centro Historico to get your fill of history, although the area is a bit dodgy at night during the day you are perfectly placed to explore the city.
Polanco is another option where there are more hotels than hostels, or the Zona Rosa which is traditionally a student area with lots of bars, although I’d say that is better if you are travelling in a group.
Hotels in Mexico City
Casa Mannach – Excellent location in the heart of Condesa with a shared kitchen to prepare your own meals and socialise. Choose from apartments or suites, some with balconies. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
NaNa Vida CDMX – Lovely hotel in Roma Norte with a roof terrace, spacious rooms and helpful staff. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
Kali Centro Mexico City – In the city centre, this beautiful hotel is close to the popular Mercado San Juan gourmet market, La Alameda Park, and many other sites. Enjoy the on-site breakfast and many other amenities offered. >>> BOOK NOW
Hotel Flamencos – Highly rated overall, but especially for its staff, this 4-star hotel is conveniently located near Zocalo Square, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Palace. Their full suite of amenities make for a comfortable and memorable stay. >>> BOOK NOW
Hostels in Mexico City
Hostel Home
When I travel alone, I often prefer to stay in hostels so I can meet other travellers more easily. I loved Hostel Home in Roma, it really did feel like home.
They have a private room, a female dorm room, and two mixed dorm rooms to choose from, although they do fill up fast so book in advance if you can. There are plenty of bars and restaurants close by, although if you do go out alone at night, I still recommend taking an Uber home. >>>CHECK PRICES & REVIEWS
Other top-rated hostels in Mexico City Include:
Casa Pancha – This modern and chic hostel has a female-only dormitory and 24-hour reception and security making it perfect for solo female travelers. Plus, they offer free breakfast and a free city tour for those stretching their travel budget. >>> BOOK NOW
Hostal Regina Centro Historico Ciudad de Mexico – Offers a number of options for solo female travelers including a female-only dorm room and private rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Plus, an on-site restaurant and entertainment, and amenities helpful to solo female travelers like 24-hour reception and security. >>> BOOK NOW
Apartments & Airbnbs in Mexico City
There are also plenty of options for Airbnb in Mexico City too although I usually prefer to book apartments on Booking.com as they often have better cancellation terms.
Have you taken a free walking tour of Mexico City? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave your comments below.
If you’re looking for travel insurance for your trip to Mexico, get a quote now from World Nomads.
Want More Mexico Travel Ideas?
Check out these blog posts for your Mexico vacation inspiration, or click here to read all my Mexico blog posts.Like this post? Pin it to read later:
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Mexican Wrestling: Lucha Libre in Mexico City
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Great! I hope you enjoy it – I’m sure you will 🙂 i definitely recommend tipping your guide, but as for the amount it’s difficult to say. Perhaps $100 pesos (about $5 USD)?
I’m going on my first walking tour tomorrow and I can’t wait! Doing Coyoacán tomorrow and Teotihuacan the next day. Do you have any tips on tipping guides?
Walking tours are usually one of my go-to’s whenever I’m visiting a new place! It’s a great way to hear a local’s perspective for sure. 🙂 Mexico City sounds beautiful!!
I love exploring new places on foot, whether it’s by myself or with a walking tour. I find it’s the best way to interact with the locals and to really get to know a place in an authentic manner. I’ve recently done quite a few free walking tours around the world and think it’s a great way to learn something new about a destination that you won’t find in a guidebook.
Thank you for your tip, this tour looks very interesting. In such a big city have someone to advise on the best spots and hidden gems is important.
Generally I don’t opt for walking tour too, as I like too explore a place at my own pace. But if the tour takes you to unusual places and is as interesting as this I’m all for it. This is indeed a good way to know more about a place and make new friends. It is so sad to know that Mexico city is sinking, I had no idea!
My son spent time in Mexico City earlier this year and thought the architecture was remarkable. I would love to see the old cathedrals. A walking tour sounds like a great way to see and learn about the city.
This looks like a good walking tour and it’s free! I had no idea that Mexico City was sinking. Tour guides often know the “ins and outs” of areas that others do not. Walking tours are great for people traveling alone, as it offers new people to meet along the way. Looks like you had a fun day.
I’m also not a fan of walking tours, I usually think it’s better to adventure on my own, but after reading this it made me think twice. There is so much more knowledge you gain about a place when you take a tour. I’ve been to Mexico but not to Mexico City, I would love to return, better visit before the city sinks 😉
I quite liked that idea of a Free Walking Tour. Some thing I guess I would have enjoyed. The idea of walking with strangers and a single soul who definitely must be feeling like a leader, doing most of the talk, could be fun. History of any place for that matter could really fascinate and pull you into the details and the more you hear, the more you want to. However my attention span is very short especially if I’m carrying my camera.
I’d however listen and keep my ears open even if I’m busy taking photos. But, I usually avoid that as it would be rude to not pay attention to the guide who’s there, explaining the historic importance of the site.
The city, through your pictures look beautiful but that thought of it being sinking scares me a bit.
– Pixellicious
I haven’t been outside the airport in Mexico City, although I’d dearly like to! A walking tour is always such a good way to get to grips with a place. Can’t complain when it’s free, either. And Mexico is not a country that I’d expect to have a sinking city! How strange!
Nothing compares when you amble around the City with all its beautiful architecture building design. I sometimes rather walk around when I’m in the big City like Mexico. This is something I should try in the near future.
That’s really nice. I Love walking tours too. We joined one in Edinburgh, nothing better than ambling the streets like locals and discovering hidden gems. Would love to visit Mexico someday… It seems you had a lot of fun
I had no idea Mexico City was sinking either!!?!? That’s crazy! And I’m just like you, I usually prefer to explore a city by myself but I always wonder what I’m missing out on so maybe next time I’ll go or the freebie tour 😉
So cool! I’ve been wanting to visit Mexico City for a while and it’s great to know that their walking tour is so awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I love free walking tours! I did it once in Barcelona and learn much more about the city than I would have by myself. I need to be more proactive about finding them. And like you said, who can turn down a free walking tour! Great article.
I had a long layover in Mexico City so I just wandered around for a few hours. A walking tour would have been wonderful as I didn’t feel to safe straying from the cathedral area on my own. I guess I didn’t plan very well. Next time I will consider joining a walking tour.
I have also done a few Free Walking Tours lately and I really like them. It’s not something I would have ever thought of but when I visited Brussels I literally had half a day there and no time to properly orientate myself. So I took the tour and it was great. I think they are a brilliant way of finding your way around quickly and then if you have more time you can always go back to the places you want to spend more time. It’s also good for meeting people if you are traveling solo. Great post!
I enjoy walking towards because locals usually know the hot spots beyond the touristy. Glad you had a frat experience!
Sounds like a great walking tour! I also enjoy wandering on my own and getting lost, discovering parts of the city off the beaten path. That said though I’ve realized the benefit in joining walking tours, mainly for the history and facts which come with having a knowledgeable guide show you around. Really changes your perspective having that info along the way. I had no idea Mexico City was sinking either!
I love walking tours and even better if they’re free! This is a great option for those visiting — will definitely save for later!