A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Mexico City for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Belfast or Mexico City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Mexico City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Belfast or Mexico City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Belfast. Mexico City is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.

How is Belfast different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Mexico City?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Belfast or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Mexico City?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Families?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.


Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Students?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Is Belfast or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Belfast
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.


Is Belfast or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Belfast
Mexico City

Belfast is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Mexico City?

In either Belfast or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Belfast 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Belfast or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Belfast or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Belfast. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Mexico City 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.

A weekend in Belfast or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Mexico City 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.


Five days in Belfast or Mexico City?

The authentic city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City 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 Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Belfast?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is £167. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belfast and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Mexico City £32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Mexico City £64
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Belfast


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belfast Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Mexico City £10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Carryduff to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Whiterock: $62
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Warrenpoint: $135
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Trillick : $202
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strangford: $110
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $227
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Stewartstown : $151
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    £0.94
  • Uber Ride
    £3.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
  • Private One way Transfer from Mexico Airport to Mexico City: $21
  • Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Private Transfer: Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) to Mexico City: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $37
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Cuernavaca Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Mexico City - Mexico Airport (MEX): $43
  • Ixtapan de La Sal to Mexico Airport (MEX)-Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Belfast change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Belfast £51
    Mexico City £21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    £10
  • Coffee and Snacks
    £3.66
  • Dinner for 2
    £21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Mexico City £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip: $147
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $93
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $102
  • 4 Hours Private Guided Belfast City Tour: $254
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $439
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $159
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $126

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.71
  • Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.89
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
  • Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.25
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
  • Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Mexico City £16

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


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

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Mexico City, 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.