A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Alexandria for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cancun or Alexandria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cancun than Alexandria, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cancun is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Alexandria is known for its historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Cancun is more touristy than Alexandria and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Cancun different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Alexandria?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cancun and Alexandria.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cancun and Alexandria.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Alexandria area. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Alexandria?

Alexandria is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Families?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Cancun is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Cancun or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Cancun or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Alexandria. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cancun or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cancun due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Alexandria 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Alexandria?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-hard city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Alexandria?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Alexandria?

Cancun, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Alexandria?

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Alexandria?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Alexandria, 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.