A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Columbia for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known, vibrant, and built-up city. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Acapulco de Juarez and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Columbia is known for its museums. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also home to the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia and Acapulco de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Columbia is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Acapulco de Juarez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbia. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very kid-friendly city. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a popular place for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Columbia is popular with students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Acapulco de Juarez has a few public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acapulco de Juarez than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Columbia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acapulco de Juarez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Columbia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Columbia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Acapulco de Juarez.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

The city of Acapulco de Juarez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Columbia. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbia is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the friendly city of Columbia. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acapulco de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Columbia, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Columbia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Columbia. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia this time of year.

In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Columbia during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

Columbia receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Columbia. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia for the shopping scene.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Columbia. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Acapulco de Juarez