Under $100: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The historic city of San Miguel de Allende is a favorite with expat retirees, and it’s not hard to see why. Here’s how to see the best of the city on a budget.

Grab breakfast at El Rincon de Don Tomas looking over the Jardin, where you can watch as the city wakes to a new day. Tuck into a traditional egg breakfast and do some early people watching ($9).

Just nearby is the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez, a former convent that now houses an art gallery and community center. The exhibitions are interesting, and there are some great photo opportunities. Plus, it’s free to get in.

Continue your stroll around town and stop in at Café Firenze for some great Italian. The chefs hail from the United States, and it’s a great spot to take a break from the ubiquitous tacos and burritos ($20). The views are amazing, too.

In the afternoon, take a look around the Mercado de Artesanias to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs. Head to boutiques such as Mixta, Juana Carta Textile Art and Camino Silvestre for more unique pieces (prices vary).

Dinner at La Parada is next, a Peruvian restaurant run by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef. Try the pork ribs or a Peruvian-style ceviche and compare it to the local Mexican version ($35).