Under $100: Guanajuato City, Mexico

For many, Guanajuato means San Miguel de Allende. Not for me — while San Miguel is alright, the capital of Guanajuato State is marvelous. Its curving streets of cobblestones, attention to the arts and setting inside a bowl of a valley is like walking through a wonderland.

© Enrique Gomez | Dreamstime

There is no shortage of lovely dining options in Guanajuato and people watching as the city wakes up is the best way to start the day. Head to Casa Valdez for an outdoor table with a great view of Teatro Juarez, great coffee and a pretty darn good plate of chiliquiles.

The UNESCO site that is Guanajuato really demands you just walk around all day long. Sure, you could head out to one of the surrounding mines, but if you only have a day, I suggest simply going for a walk. If you insist on making some plans or weather forces you inside, check out the famous mummies of Guanajuato. The city also offers a number of free museums or if you wish to see where some of that art was created take a tour of Diego Rivera’s house. The birthplace of this famous artist is now a museum that won’t cost you much more than a dollar to enter.

Teatro Juarez © Enrique Gomez | Dreamstime

While simply walking around Guanajuato, pop into the Mercado Hidalgo and eat lunch from one of the many comedores or taquerias with the locals. Ask questions, point and get out on the cheap.

Trust me when I say you have plenty of money in your pocket, and as you have a $100 budget, I say you spend it on a fantastic garden dinner at El Jardin de Los Milagros. Mexican specialties of surf and turf abound in this stellar restaurant.