A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Cozumel for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Cozumel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Cozumel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Beijing travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a colorful, scenic, and lively island. Cozumel offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Cozumel travel costs.

Beijing and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Cozumel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Cozumel. Beijing is bigger than Cozumel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Cozumel is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Cozumel is well known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites.

How is Beijing different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Cozumel?

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Cozumel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Cozumel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cozumel is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cozumel. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Cozumel has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Cozumel has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great destination for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

In Cozumel, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cozumel is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Cozumel is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Cozumel?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cozumel and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cozumel. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Is Beijing or Cozumel More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Beijing and Cozumel.

Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Cozumel is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cozumel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cozumel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Cozumel are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Cozumel is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Students?

Beijing is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cozumel is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Cozumel is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Cozumel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Is Beijing or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Cozumel is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cozumel or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Cozumel?

Both Beijing and Cozumel have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cozumel has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cozumel than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cozumel than Beijing. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cozumel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Cozumel 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Cozumel?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cozumel, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Cozumel?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Cozumel, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Cozumel?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cozumel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cozumel has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Cozumel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cozumel. In Cozumel, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Cozumel, we can see that Cozumel is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Cozumel is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Cozumel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cozumel than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Cozumel?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Cozumel, 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.