A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Columbus for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ensenada or Columbus?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Columbus? 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ensenada and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Columbus?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ensenada than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Ensenada, Ensenada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ensenada is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. It is also well known for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Ensenada different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Columbus?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Ensenada and Columbus.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbus. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Columbus has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbus has a few options to choose from. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Columbus?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbus and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Families?

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

Columbus is a very kid-friendly city. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Couples?

Ensenada is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Ensenada is a nice destination for couples. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Ensenada or Columbus Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Columbus.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Ensenada or Columbus a more walkable city?

Ensenada is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ensenada or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ensenada than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Columbus 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Columbus?

The city of Ensenada offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or Columbus?

Ensenada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ensenada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbus, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Columbus?

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbus is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Columbus?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Columbus is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Columbus, 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.