Weekend in Acapulco de Juarez

Main square with shade trees, benches, and a kiosk. Locals sell snacks, and street musicians often play in the evenings. A relaxed spot to people-watch.

Tip: Buy a bag of fresh mango with chilli from the vendors on the north side. The adjacent Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude is free to enter and has a striking blue dome.

Small museum dedicated to Mexican masks from various states and indigenous traditions. Housed in a colonial building near the Zócalo. About 80 masks on display.

Tip: Donation requested but not enforced. The shop sells affordable replica masks. The stairs are steep, so take care. Closed on Mondays.

Watch divers plunge from 35-metre cliffs into a narrow channel. Performances happen several times daily. Best viewed from the public mirador above the cliff, not the paid hotel terrace.

Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to get a spot at the public viewing area. The 1pm low-tide show is the most dramatic because the water is shallower.

Large public park with a lake, walking paths, playgrounds, and a small zoo with monkeys and birds. Popular with families. Parts are a bit scruffy but the lake area is pleasant.

Tip: Bring your own snacks. The park's food stalls are overpriced. Early morning is best to avoid heat and see animals active. The small botanical garden corner is free.

17th-century fort housing the Museo Histórico de Acapulco. Exhibits cover the Manila Galleon trade, piracy, and colonial history. The building itself is impressive.

Tip: Entry costs around 80 pesos (about £3.50). Go on a Sunday for free admission if you're a Mexican national or resident. The rooftop offers a good view of the bay.