Lucha Libre in Mexico City: How to Go Without a Tour

Witnessing a theatrical Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena Mexico is a fun way to experience the cultural phenomenon. In this guide we’ll give you the full scoop on how to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City without a tour. 

Before arriving in Mexico City, we’d heard that going to a Lucha Libre show was a fun experience, but we couldn’t find much information about going to one of these Mexican Wrestling shows on your own.

It seemed as though most people writing about this experience went with a guided tour. And while that might be a good option if you’re traveling solo and want a bit of camaraderie, it is totally doable (and safe!) to go on your own! In fact it was one of our top things to do in Mexico. 

We put together this guide to break down exactly what you need to know to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City without a tour, plus what to expect at the show and answers to some of your frequently asked questions!

Lucha Libre Mexico City Guide

• Overview
• Where to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City
• How to get in without a tour
• Do I need to book in advance?
• What to expect
• Is it safe?
• Would we recommend it?
• How much does it cost?
• FAQs

Lucha Libre in Mexico City Overview

Lucha Libre, or “free wrestling,” as it translates to English, is a quintessential form of Mexican professional wrestling that has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Nowhere is its presence more palpable than in Mexico City.

Famous for its colorful masks, flamboyant costumes, and theatrical acrobatics, a Lucha Libre fight captivates audiences with its unique combination of athleticism and showmanship. 

The masked wrestlers who participate in these bouts, known as luchadores, often adopt larger-than-life personas, with colorful costumes and distinct personas that become their trademarks. 

A Lucha Libre mask, which is worn by the luchadores, holds a special significance, symbolizing their identity and embodying the spirit of their wrestling persona.

Where to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City

There is no better place to experience Lucha Libre in Mexico City than the iconic Arena Mexico. Situated in the heart of Mexico City just outside Roma Norte, this arena serves as the epicenter for the high energy spectacle. 

The atmosphere inside the arena is charged with excitement as enthusiastic crowds cheer for their favorite masked wrestler, creating an unforgettable experience of Mexican Lucha Libre. 

Another popular venue is the Arena Coliseo, just outside of Mexico City Centro. This historic arena offers an authentic Lucha Libre experience and is known for its more intimate setting and passionate crowds.

What days are Mexico City Lucha Libre?

• Tuesdays: matches start at 7:30 p.m. at Arena Mexico
• Fridays: matches start at 8:30 p.m. at Arena Mexico
• Saturdays: matches start at 7:30 p.m. at Arena Coliseo
• Sundays: matches start at 5 p.m. at Arena Coliseo (family shows)

Check the CMLL website for current match schedules at both arenas or look for tickets on Ticketmaster. 

How to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City without a tour

When you arrive at Arena Mexico, you’ll notice lines to the ticket booth. Ignore anyone trying to sell you tickets outside the booth and get right in line. 

When you get to the window, it’s a bit hard to hear so you’ll have to get close and say how many tickets you want: “Dos personas, por favor” = Two people, please.

The staff at our hotel recommended we get seats in ring 2 or 3, but by the time we had arrived they were sold out in that area. Instead, we got seats in ring 7 and they cost 190 pesos each.

They weren’t super close to the ring, but we were able to see everything just fine! Unless you’re very particular on where you’re sitting, we think you’d enjoy the experience from anywhere in the arena.

Once you’re in the arena, you can get beer and snacks from the concession booth if you want. Vendors also bring them around during the show as well.

You have 2 options for beer: Corona or Victoria, and large (2 bottles poured in a paper cup) or small (1 bottle). They are reasonably priced at 40 pesos for the small and 80 pesos for the large.

The snacks inside aren’t all that great (think chips and instant noodle cups), so we’d recommend eating beforehand…

Tip: Right next to the ticket booth is a stand where two women prepare tacos, and they were some of the best we had in Mexico City! At just 8 pesos each, get a few. There is only one type of taco, but you can ask for green or red salsa. 

Finding your seat can be a bit difficult, so there are people wearing blue vests who will escort you to your seat. They will ask for a small tip once you are seated.

Do I need to book tickets for Lucha Libre in advance?

We’ve read online that sometimes the more famous wrestlers sell out the arena, but after having been to a show, we have a hard time believing that is a regular thing. 

We went on a Friday night and the area filled out pretty well, but there were still plenty of seats remaining. We arrived at 7:55 p.m. for the 8:30 p.m. show and had no problem getting seats.

If you are the type of person who wants to plan ahead, you can book your tickets in advance on Ticketmaster. But if you are deciding to go last minute, just show up to the ticket counter 30 minutes before the show starts and you should be just fine. 

What to expect at a Lucha Libre match in Mexico City

Lucha Libre is often described as Mexico’s version of the WWE. Instead of skilled fighting, expect a show featuring acrobatics and rehearsed tricks and wrestlers that have almost as many costume changes as they do wrestling moves.

The first few rounds were more or less organized with teams of three men each and a referee that was kind of comically not doing much. During the first rounds, the wrestlers wear the famous masks Lucha Libre is known for. Eventually there was a women’s round, during which we observed lots of hair pulling and slapping.

Towards the end of the 2-hour show, some of the wrestlers will come out without masks on, and the fighting tended to get less organized and more of a “free for all” with some of the body slamming taking place outside the ring.

During one of the last matches, a “doctor” (wearing a white coat like you’d find at a Halloween store!) came out and then ordered the fighter to be carried off in a stretcher. Some of the “injuries” are a bit comical in how much they are over-exaggerated.

The show started right on time at 8:30 p.m. and ended at a punctual 10:20 p.m. without much or a finale. A fight just ended and the bleachers started emptying. Then the lights came on, so we figured it was over.

Is it safe to watch Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

We read a few things that made us hesitate going to the Lucha Libre show without a group, but as soon as we arrived we realized there was no reason to be concerned. You’ll see families with young children, young professionals, locals and foreigners alike, and there was no time we felt unsafe at all.

As with any situation when you’re in a crowded area, pay attention to your surroundings. But honestly, there is no reason to be worried about going to a Lucha Libre show. The crowd gets into it, but it is not rowdy in a dangerous way at all.

Note: You are not allowed to bring in large bags or big cameras, but cell phones are okay.

Would we recommend seeing Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

Of course we would! It was really fun watching the wrestlers “fight” on stage and do their acrobatics. The acting was terrible but it made for a pretty good show. 

How much does it cost to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City? (Group tour vs. on your own)

There are several companies that offer tours including a viewing of a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City. The one offered by Estacion Mexico (the company we took our free walking tour with) cost 800 pesos per person (minus a 50 peso discount if you attend a walking tour). 

While this tour includes a pub visit, pulque tasting and beer at the show, we paid considerably less than that at 190 pesos each for a ticket.

That said, if you want company while attending the Lucha Libre show or just don’t feel like organizing it on your own, it’s not a bad option. The tour with Estacion Mexico also includes a tasting of pulque (fermented drink made from the agave plant), but you can easily buy that yourself at any restaurant if you want to try it.

FAQs about Lucha Libre in Mexico City

We’ve done our best to give you plenty of info in the article above, but here are quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about attending Lucha Libre in Mexico City. 

Where can I watch Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

• Tuesdays: matches start at 7:30 p.m. at Arena Mexico
• Fridays: matches start at 8:30 p.m. at Arena Mexico
• Saturdays: matches start at 7:30 p.m. at Arena Coliseo
• Sundays: matches start at 5 p.m. at Arena Coliseo (family shows)

How much is Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

Depending on the match, tickets start at 120 MXN per person (~7 USD) and go up from there. We paid 190 MXN each for our tickets. 

What is the best day to go to Lucha Libre?

This depends on what your schedule looks like more than anything. But you should also consider whether you want to see a match at the huge Arena Mexico (shoes are Tuesdays and Fridays) or the iconic and much smaller Arena Coliseo (shows are Saturdays and Sundays). 

If you are traveling in Mexico City with kids, the family shows are at Arena Coliseo on Sundays, starting at 5 p.m.

How fake is Lucha Libre?

Like other forms of professional wrestling (such as WWE in the US), Lucha Libre is a scripted and choreographed form of entertainment. 

While the outcomes of matches are predetermined, and the storylines are scripted, the physicality and athleticism of the performers are very real. Luchadores (wrestlers) execute complex and often acrobatic maneuvers, and the matches can be physically demanding and challenging.

How long does a Lucha Libre show last?

The shows are supposed to last about 2 hours. When we attended Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico on a Friday night, the show started promptly at 8:30 p.m. and ended at 10:20 p.m. with the lights coming on and the crowd dispersing as if on cue. 

Can you take photos at Lucha Libre?

Cameras, even small ones, are not permitted in the arenas so do not attempt to bring them in. You will be asked to leave them at the box office. However, taking photos with your phone camera seems to be just fine as we saw most people with their phones out during the show. 

More resources for traveling in Mexico

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, we’ve got loads of helpful resources for you! Start with our Mexico Travel Homepage, where you’ll find general info, and be sure to check out the articles below. Leave us a comment if you have any questions!

• You’ll wanna read up on the best places to visit in Mexico and keep this guide to the coolest Airbnbs in Mexico handy.
• Read our ADO bus guide for the cheapest way to travel around Mexico.
• If you want more freedom, you might consider getting a car rental in Mexico to explore more hidden gems. 
• There are tons of things to do in Mexico City, which makes a great destination for all types of travelers.
• While you’re at it, this 3-day Mexico City itinerary makes for an epic vacation.
• Don’t skip our favorite underrated region, Chiapas, Mexico!
• There are plenty of unique things to do in San Cristobal, which also makes a great home base for exploring the surrounding nature, like El Chiflon waterfalls. 
• If you’re headed west, here’s a great guide for things to do in Oaxaca, which is also where you’ll find the best food in Mexico!

Be sure to download our complete packing list for Mexico! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Mexico vacation. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

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We want to hear from you!

We hope this guide helps you figure out exactly how to see Lucha Libre in Mexico City with or without a tour. If you have more questions about traveling in Mexico City, leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!