A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Acapulco de Juarez vs. Guadalajara for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara? 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 vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Acapulco de Juarez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Acapulco de Juarez attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Guadalajara is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Acapulco de Juarez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Acapulco de Juarez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the well-known destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Guadalajara is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Acapulco de Juarez. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Guadalajara. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Guadalajara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Adventure Tours to Mexico, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

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 Guadalajara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Guadalajara, 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.