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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Reno?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Reno? 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Reno

Reno is a energetic, growing, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez and Reno: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Reno. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Reno attracts visitors for its museums. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Reno is famous for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Reno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Reno 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 Reno. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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 Reno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Reno can be an enjoyable experience.

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Reno. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

The people in Reno know how to have a good time. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a resort destination.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Reno?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reno 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 Reno. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Reno is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Reno a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Reno is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Reno?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Reno. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Reno. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Reno.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Reno. 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 Reno. 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 Reno 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 Reno?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the energetic destination of Reno. 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 Reno?

Acapulco de Juarez is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Reno?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the well-known destination of Acapulco de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Reno. 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 Reno?

The built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Reno 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Reno, we can see that Reno 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 Reno would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reno 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 Reno Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Reno?

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