Under $100: Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan is a city best viewed over the course of a few days, but, if time is limited, there is plenty to keep you busy on a budget.

Begin the day with a trip to Old Mazatlan, or Centro Histórico, for a taste of history. Street vendors and smaller shops litter the sidewalks here and starting your day off with a delicious fish taco is always a good choice. Look around and you’ll find a good one for less than $5.

Next, have a peek at the nearby Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The beautiful, canary-colored spires and Italian marble make for a striking work of art. The basilica still holds services regularly so be sure to pop in when nothing is going on. Entrance is free.

From there, take a stroll along the Malecón, a stunning four-mile boardwalk decorated with statues and monuments depicting famous figures and wildlife. It’s also the liveliest area of the city with many chances to mingle with locals.

For lunch, stop at Pancho’s, a wonderful Mexican and vegetarian-friendly restaurant right on the beach. The views are excellent and the food extremely popular among the locals. A meal here will cost roughly $20.

When you’re ready to start exploring again, make your way south to El Faro Lighthouse. At 130 years, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses in the country and offers some spectacular views for anyone able to climb to the top. In the hot sun, the 40 minutes it takes to hit the peak can be daunting. It’s free to climb.

Finally, seek out the Teatro Ángela Peralta. This opulent opera house was built in the 19th century and restored in the 1980s to host live performances. Upstairs, you’ll find a gallery full of artwork and photos depicting the opera house in its original state. Tours of the building cost $2, while you can often find performances for less than $20.

If you’re hungry for dinne,r head to Topola for Latin-inspired seafood dishes in a beautiful atmosphere. The food can be pricey, so try and limit yourself to $30.