Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Mexico City

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared bathrooms, basic amenities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, taquerías, convenience stores, occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Metro system, public buses, walking, occasional shared rides

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free museums on Sundays, walking tours, parks, street art exploration, occasional paid attractions

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist areas for typically 60-80% savings on meals

Use the Metro system extensively - costs about 90% less than regular taxi rides across the city

Visit museums on Sundays when many offer free admission to Mexican residents and reduced rates for tourists

Stay in neighborhoods like Roma Norte or Condesa rather than Polanco for 40-60% lower accommodation costs

Buy groceries and snacks at local supermarkets instead of hotel shops for 70% savings on basics

Take advantage of free walking tours and pay-what-you-wish cultural activities

Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for typically 20-35% better rates

Staying only in Polanco or Santa Fe business districts where accommodation typically costs 100-200% more than other safe neighborhoods

Eating exclusively in tourist zones like Zona Rosa where meal prices are generally 150-300% higher than local areas

Relying solely on taxis and rideshares instead of learning the excellent Metro system, increasing transport costs by 400-600%

Not accounting for Mexico City's high altitude affecting alcohol tolerance - leading to overspending on drinks and poor decisions