Under $100: Mexico D.F.

A day in Mexico City on a budget of $100 is quite a day. The dollar here is strong; food, drinks, and cultural activities are cheap (or free); and it’s incredibly easy to get around. That said, there are so many different things to do choosing an itinerary for a single day can be a daunting task. So, here is a great day in the beautiful and bustling Mexican capital for $100!

Roll out of bed and head over El Cardenal, one of Mexico City’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants. The place is always packed for breakfast, especially on the weekends, so it might be a good idea to get a reservation if possible. Try the escamoles omelette (ant eggs, a pre-Hispanic delicacy) or the aporreado, beef with eggs made in Michoacan’s lowland style. You won’t pay more than 200 pesos ($10) for the entire breakfast.

Lucha Libre in Zocalo © Gerasimovvv | Dreamstime

From there, walk over to El Zocalo, Mexico City’s massive city square. Take in the sights and the massive flag, as this square is the world’s third-largest behind Tiananmen Square in Beijing and the Red Square in Moscow. Make sure to stroll through the cathedral (entrance is free), and take a look at the beautiful altar and marvel at the massive structure. Then, walk over to the Palacio Nacional (entrance is free) and check out the incredible Diego Rivera murals.

At this point, hop on the metro (or in an Uber; they work well here) and get over to El Pescadito in La Condesa and eat some of the best, cheapest tacos you will ever have in your life. Try the Tacotote, a taco with a cheese-filled green pepper, accompanied by fried shrimp. You won’t regret it. A full meal here will cost 200 pesos ($10).

From this point, hop in an Uber (or walk, it’s not far) to Chapultepec Park (entrance is free), Mexico City’s massive open green space. Stroll along the ponds and sidewalks until you reach the Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City’s biggest museum (entrance is 65 pesos or $4). Take in the Mexican and indigenous culture through the seemingly endless hallways of artifacts from throughout the country’s vast history.

© Mardzpe | Dreamstime

After exhausting yourself at the museum, head over to Polanco, Mexico City’s fanciest and most lavish neighborhood. Make sure to get a reservation at Quintonil, one of the city’s most exciting and unique restaurants. Taking a highly contemporary take on Mexican food, the restaurant consistently tops the best-of lists in the city. Expect to spend around 800 pesos ($43).

Once you’ve finished your dining experience, grab a few cocktails at Mexico City’s premier cocktail lounge, Jule’s Basement. The first “speakeasy” bar in the capital, the cocktails are certainly part of the charm of this bar. There is a wide selection and the well-known beverage director, Jay, prepares each one with care and attention. Aside from the explosion of flavor provided from such amazing cocktails, the bar boasts entertainment in the form of live music, comedy and imaginative, abstract décor. Expect to spend around 600 pesos ($32).

And there you have it, a full, non-stop day in Mexico City for $100. Hard to find such an incredibly fulfilling day in any of the world’s capital cities, let alone one of the most unique, cultural and beautiful destinations in the world.