Under $100: Mexico City

Known as Mexico, D.F., Mexico City is a federal district and the country’s capital. Like Washington, D.C., it is independent of the 31 states of Mexico, in addition to being the largest and oldest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere. Considered to be the center of Mexican politics, economics and culture, there is an enormous number of things to do in a day, so here’s how to spend your 1835 MXN wisely.

Roughly shaped like a 60-by-40-kilometer oval, Mexico City is made up of 16 sprawling delegaciones, which are further subdivided into colonias or neighborhoods. Visitors can spend their entire vacation in one section of the city or one of several downtown areas.

To get around, the safest way to travel is by a radio taxi, which usually work hotels and restaurants and can be called on a phone. They’re slightly more expensive than the free-roaming and base taxis, but you won’t want to take one of those at night anyway. Mexico City’s metro is also one of the cheapest around, costing just 5 MXN per trip.

Lucha Libre in Zocalo © Gerasimovvv | Dreamstime

Start your day late at Centro Historico for a photo op at Zócalo. The world’s third-largest city square is also the center of city and national politics, in addition to hosting artistic performances and festivals year-round, making it of great political and cultural significance. For a late lunch, you might want to head to one of the other neighborhoods like Condesa, for Zócalo’s offerings are more touristy and of poor quality. Condesa on the other hand is filled with hip restaurants and bars, though some say it has already peaked so be sure to experience it now.

For the evening, consider a tour with Urban Adventure for 1060 MXN, where you can experience a variety of the city’s nightlife in a single night out, without having to worry about your safety or how to get around. The price will take more than half your budget, but it’s a great deal for all the things you see. To begin the night, an experienced guide can take you to an authentic Mexican cantina, which is a noisy, local drinking establishment that serves free Mexican bar food and a variety of drinks.

© Jesus Dehesa | Flickr

The tour continues with a visit to Arena Mexico to witness one of the country’s famous lucha libre matches. Like professional wrestling in America, lucha libre is a form of athletic entertainment where masked competitors with over-the-top personalities fight it out in the ring. The form was made famous in America with the movie Nacho Libre, and it is definitely a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

The tour ends with a visit to one of the city’s famous mariachi squares, where you can enjoy some outdoor music before heading to the bar.