Free tastings and samples anyone can walk into, and the cheap local classics that keep a day of sightseeing going.
FreeOn Three Kings Day the city hands out slices of an enormous rosca de reyes, the ring-shaped sweet bread, with hot chocolate to thousands of people in the main square.
Once a year, around 6 January. Queues form early in the afternoon.
Source: Mexico City tourism office (Secretaría de Turismo CDMX)
MX$32One taco of spit-roasted marinated pork with pineapple, onion and coriander, at the Condesa taquería that has claimed since 1966 to have created the dish. Three make a light meal.
Daily from midday until late. The original branch is at Avenida Tamaulipas 122.
Source: El Tizoncito
MX$34A sit-down taquería chain known for thin-cut meats and a tray of salsas on every table. The pastor taco is the cheapest thing on the menu and the right one to order.
Daily, open late into the night. Branches in Condesa, Reforma and Palmas among others.
Source: El Califa
MX$36The same marinade and pineapple on a plant-based filling, sold as Pastor Irreal. One of the few cheap ways for a vegan to try the city's signature taco.
Daily, same hours as the regular menu.
Source: El Califa
Nothing free comes close to the Sun Stone, the Olmec heads and the Maya hall under one roof, and as a tourist you cannot use the free Sunday anyway. The MX$210 ticket buys three or four hours in one of the best museums anywhere. Go on a weekday at 9:00 and start with the Mexica hall.
Everything above is free. This is the only paid pick on the page, chosen because no free option replaces it.
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