There’s a reason millions upon millions of Americans choose Mexico as their premiere vacation spot.
More often than not, it’s to a pristine beach such as Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta.
These places are great for catching rays and waves, but if there’s a common denominator for what’s missing, it’s Mexico’s astounding culture.
Sure, you may see an unfamiliar menu item not often found back home, but taking a deep dive into the roots of Mexico is a whole other story.
Since Mexico’s most popular beach getaways are unanimously curated toward tourists, heading off for an urban adventure is the ultimate way to immerse in extraordinary traditions and cultural delights.
Doing so is never a bad idea, but what makes it even better is when it’s affordable!
According to GOBankingRates, these 2 authentic cultural getaways fit the bill for your next fall getaway.
Mexico City: A Massive Maze Of Cultural Contrasts
If you can turn a blind eye to the multitude of American chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Domino’s, there are captivating sites intermixed with modern marvels to behold in Ciudad de Mexico.
Of course, for the language barrier-challenged person such as myself, we simply say Mexico City.
This bustling Mexican metropolis never gets old to visit; it’s truly one of my favorite getaways, whether it’s for a weekend or a weeklong adventure.
Having visited 5 times, the city limits are so expansive it’s difficult to put into words.
Point being every time I visit I seem to discover something new yet still feel as though I’ve only scratched the surface.
To truly gain a sense of Mexico City’s heartbeat, I can’t recommend visiting street markets enough.
While it’s said to avoid Tepito, you’ll come across many vendors lined up on sidewalks and parks across the city.
Alameda Central is one of my favorites for perusing rows of vendor stands and chowing down on some mouth-watering local eats, as it’s rarely overcrowded.
As you probably guessed, tacos are more than a light meal here – they’re a way of life (and cheap too!).
There are ample ways to explore Mexico City’s vast array of cultural experiences, but here are 5 of my favorites:
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
- Ride a trajinera through Xochimilco’s canals
- Wander through Chapultapec Park
- Grab tacos at Mercado Coyoacan
- Visit the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán
According to GOBankingRates, travelers can get by on $500 per week in Mexico City where food, hotels, and, especially public transit, are super affordable.
Oaxaca: Mexico’s Timeless Historical City
If there’s one city that is undeniably real Mexico, it’s Oaxaca.
Unlike Mexico City in many ways, as you won’t see any skyscrapers here or recognizable high-end hotels, Oaxaca has kept true to its identity with long-held traditions and fascinating culture despite becoming a trendy destination in recent years.
Widely considered safe to visit, hopping from site to site is a must, whether it’s centuries-old cathedrals, lively markets, or simply exploring the eye-popping plazas and rows of vibrant buildings.
Of course, Oaxaca is not only a city but a state too.
While the city is incredible to visit, many tourists opt for beach trips to nearby Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, both far more culturally rich than the likes of Los Cabos, for example.
When I visited the city, it couldn’t have become any clearer Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s top foodie destinations.
You can’t go wrong with mole, enchiladas, or any of the quaint divey mezcalerias serving up the best of the best of tequila’s smokey cousin.
I highly recommend eating (and responsibly drinking) at Sabina Sabe located in a vivid teal building, one of many colorful structures in the city and featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
According to GOBankingRates, travelers can expect a budget of $450 per week, so exploring Oaxaca will be a breeze.
Make sure to check out the nearby ruins, such as Monte Alban, and lively festivities held throughout the year.
Honorable Mention: Mexico’s Cheap City Oozing European Flair
It doesn’t feel right, not to mention perhaps my favorite place to visit in Mexico, the European-esque city of Guanajuato.
It’s never hard to find cheap eats, affordable stays, and let’s just say you don’t have to jet across the globe to see mummies!
Plus, they have Uber to get around.
Better yet, you can stay in a historic castle for under $70 this fall! To read more about this under-hyped destination, check it out here.
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