Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Managua
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Managua
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Managua
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
15 places sorted by traveller favourites
Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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Cultural Tours • Climbing Tours
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Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours
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Cultural Tours • Day Trips
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City Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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What travellers are saying
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,821 contributionsRunning out of tourist attractions to visit in Granada, I decided to visit instead the attractions in Managua. I took the public bus that goes to UCA Terminal in Managua. Cost is 47 cordobas per person or about US$ 1.10.
This is one of the attractions I visited with my driver/guide that I hired . There is a 10 cordoba entrance fee, free for seniors to enter. There are many restaurants located at this attraction. Nipa nuts located along the water can be used to eat the foods ordered from the restaurants.
There is a small park with a statue of Sandino and brief explanations of the revolution. A boat is parked along the Malecon, but there was no one to ask where this boat goes.
It appeared that the best time to visit this attraction is when the sun set down and weather gets cooler.Written 6 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,821 contributionsLocated near the Plaza dela Revolution, this Antiguo Catedral can be easily visited. Entrance is not allowed due to the danger imposed of falling bricks and other materials.
I briefly took pictures of this cathedral and wondered how it might have looked prior to being damaged by the earthquake.Written 6 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - YHaterOakville, Canada60 contributionsIt's an okay place for a short visit and the buildings on the square are somewhat interesting. There is also a memorial park to the Sandinista heroes on the west side. Parking is very easy and there is a big and free lot on the east side right beside the Palace of Culture.Written 1 February 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Panamajoe2017Sechelt, Canada319 contributionsA great viewpoint overlooking the city. Helps you get your bearings as you can see the old cathedral and the lake from the top. Costs one USD to walk up. Very clean park with everything well manicured and watered.Written 3 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Myo MCoquitlam, Canada22,956 contributionsA long rectangular & "fairly imposing" (although just 2-storied) building, the "national history" museum inside kind of spread out over two wings of the building on its 1st floor (with 2 "inner courtyards" between the wings) is not one with a great many displays from which you can actually learn about the history of the country (which is the experience I got from the national history museums of Chile, Brazil, Colombia & Costa Rica), but this one instead is one for what I would just describe as "an idea or a glimpse" of the national history. But that being said, it was quite enjoyable to go through a nice "timeline coverage" of the periods from pre-historic to pre-Columbian to colonial to modern day (actually in a sense a better timeline than those 4 museums as just mentioned which only start from the pre-Columbian period) with also displays ranging from interesting ones (such as tusks of pre-historic elephants, a fossilized "human footprint" from thousands of years ago & animal-shaped pottery objects called metates for burial or ceremonial purposes in the pre-Columbian times) to beautiful & colorful ones (such as human figures in bright clothes, miniature models of the country's famous cathedrals & the display I liked most here which is a big "colorful & 3-D" map of the country); and also adding to my nice museum tour was the staff lady who was my guide doing her best with historical narrations (& also some interesting folk tales & such). And yes, with two "inner courtyards" (as mentioned between the Museum's two wings), be sure not to miss these "sculptures of dancers" in one of those courtyards (life-sized ones placed in a circle which to me was just a "pretty interesting" set of sculptures to see and where nearby is also a "model hut" such as that of the pre-Columbian period).
Located on the south side of Plaza de la Revolucion (which I was actually kind of surprised by its "total emptiness" without any trees or benches or statues as usually seen at many other main plazas of South & Central Americas), just to the right outside this museum is the cathedral which once was the city's "main cathedral" (until damaged by the earthquake of about 50 years ago although as far as I could see was one still "perfectly standing" today!), and at just about a 5-minute walk away (to the left after coming out of here, through the small wooded area like a mini-park, then to the right on the main street) is the promenade-like "lake front" of Lake Managua where apart from a pretty great view of the lake is also a long row of "various-colored" artificial trees (but each tree with only one color) & long vertical plates with colorful stripes likely those of the state or provincial flags of the country.Written 20 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dod2015Los Angeles, CA228 contributionsUnique exterior architecture. I came here by mistake but enjoyed the site anyways. Quiet, unassuming with a dignified interior sanctuary. Make sure to tell your taxi to go to the church in Plaza de la Revolucion if you want to visit the Antigua Cathedral de Managua, which is a much more imposing structure.Written 23 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynne SWinters, CA595 contributionsThere is precious little to do/see in Managua so this little historical display was a good outing. Being underground meant it was slightly cooler. A guide makes all the difference.Written 8 July 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Onyx_and_MouseKitchener, Canada57 contributionsSo when we arrived at the school we weren't even sure it was open. The gate was closed but we called out and they came.
The teachers we had were really nice. Unfortunately my daughter 11 got sick so I only ended up going for 2 days for 2 hours. I learned a ton is that short time. I think it was a little over my daughters head so maybe not someone that young unless they are really enthused to learn Spanish but for Adults...wowWritten 15 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Brendan BuckleyJersey City, NJ1 contributionMy wife and I arranged transportation through Nicaroads from Managua airport to Aqua Wellness resort. Our driver was waiting for us on arrival and got a safely to the resort, very seemless. Driver was nice and professional. Car was new and clean. Overall great experience.Written 27 May 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TiffanyManagua, Nicaragua71 contributionsThe "Huembe" as locals call it is a one stop shop for almost anything. The Mercado Roberto Huembe is not to be confused with the Mercado Oriental, which is said to have a lesser reputation. You can buy almost anything at the Huembe market. Fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, typical clothing, makeup, etc. You can get a haircut, keys made, vegetables, and a fresh chicken all in one place. The Huembe is generally safe. I'm unsure of the cleanliness and safety now due to COVID-19, but many locals shop here at the Huembe without any issues whatsoever.
Outside of the Mercado Roberto Huembe they do money exchanges and sell animals as well. There is a drive through street outside of the Huembe where many sell dogs of all breeds. I can't vet for the health of the animal, but there are numerous dog breeds there from terriers, German shepherds, Huskies, poodles, to chihuahuas and so forth. Outside of the market on another street they exchange cordobas to dollars or dollars to cordobas. Some of the guys are known to have better rates than others. You just drive up and exchange the money. It is safe. We did this numerous times.Written 18 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jasmin v2 contributionsThis is my second time traveling with ITA & Raqc. First time to Peru and this last time to Cuba. ITA Team is amazing. Considering it was an all girls trip, never did I feel unsafe. Team is very detailed in all activities. All I did was show up and enjoy, no need to worry about anything. No worries = good vacation. Thank you ITA / Raqc for an extraordinary trip with amazing memories and new travel friends, can't wait for the next one. -JazWritten 30 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Su Ming Y1 contributionI was visiting Nicaragua and last minute decided to book a tour. I was looking for rainforest in Nicaragua and Bartola base camp peaked my interest. It would be quite the trek from Iguanas where I was staying, and with only a week left of my vacation, I decided to give it a shot. Gerald's name in Tours by locals came up among others, but Gerald was the only one to respond quickly. Being a last minute trip, time was of the essence. Not only did he reply quickly, he was able to draft an itinerary in no time flat. By late afternoon, he sent me a draft itinerary and I said let's go tomorrow and he replied "let;s do it!." With just a couple tweaks to the draft itinerary, it was a go. Being female travelling alone, I was immediately put at ease when I met Gerald. He was prompt, kind, easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. I spoke minimal Spanish so the it was important his English was good, and it was thankfully excellent. He is very much a naturalist and cares about the environment and sustainability. He even brought me a pair of binoculars to use and his book on birds and taught me so much and showed me more birds than I've ever seen. It was a 6 hour car ride, 3 hour public boat ride, and then another 2 hour private boat to get there. Despite the long arduous journey, it didn't seem as long as Gerald showed me stuff and educated me about Nicaragua along the way. He stayed with me the whole time as guide and interpreter. He even introduced me to a lovely local family living at base camp and got to spend some time cooking with them and seeing how they lived. Bartola base camp is a beautiful place, off the beaten track, rustic but comfortable accommodations (covered tents!) It was an opportunity to be immersed in the rainforest. They were open to some constructive feedback from Gerald and I and I can see Gerald really cares about this place, preserving the beauty and nature of the environment, and the people who live there. I would definitely recommend Gerald and hope to use him again in future visits!Written 28 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Johanne4 contributionsA wonderful trip. The planning and execution was flawless. Thanks Rayna. We got to visits so many wonderful places and meet lots of nice people.Written 27 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ZOEHLERLago Sul, DF77 contributionsWe loved Nicaragua, secure and beautifull country, specially with Bosa Tour operators mas their helpfulness and objectivity.
De purpose the programa below:
26.03 - Day 01 Welcome at the Airport by our driver arrive at 10:30
Transfer to Leon Duration: 02 ½ hr
15:00 am City tour Leon Duration: 02 ½ hr
27.03 - Day 02
09:00 am Cerro Negro Volcano Sandboarding Tour Duration: 04 ½ hr
14:30 am check out hotel
Private Transfers Leon – Granada Duration: 03 h
28.03 - Day 03
09:00 am City Tour Granada - Duration: 2 ½ hr
03:00 pm Tour Isletas – Boat tour Duration: 02 ½ hr
29.03 - Day 04
9:30 am Mombacho & Canopy Tour Duration: 06 hr
04:00 pm Night Tour Masaya
07:00 pm Return to Granada
30.04 - Day 05
08:30 am Transfer to the port
09:30 am Ferry to Ometepe Island
10:30 am Full Day Tour around Ometepe Island
31.04 - Day 06
Check out – 08 am – transfer to the port Ferryboat 09 am
10:00 transfer a San Juan del sur
beach time.
03:00 pm Boat tour around San Juan del sur Duration: 02 ½ hr
01.04 - Day 07
transfer to Managua
Managua sightseeing with Presidential Palace, Parliament and High Court.Written 7 April 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chucho F1 contributionAn incredible time. It was all very well organized.we went to various sites on Ometepe island and it was all very interesting and fun.I higly recommend booking a tour with Gueguense Tours. They take their to organize so you can enjoy the day to the max.DONT WAIT! BOOK TODAY IN ALL CONFIDENCE/ Un dia increible. todo bien organisado. Fuimos a varios sitios en Ometepe y todo era interesante y alegre. Les recomiendo mucho tomar un tour con Gueguense Tours, toman su tiempo planear para poder disfrutar al maximo el dia. NO ESPEREN! TOMEN UN TOUR CON TODO CONFIANZAWritten 17 September 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
