A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. Guadalajara for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Guadalajara? 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.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is a vibrant, relaxing, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Florianopolis travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a historical, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Florianopolis and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Florianopolis, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Florianopolis is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Florianopolis is popular for its sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and beautiful nature. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Florianopolis different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Florianopolis. There are a number of science and cultural museums in the area that will introduce you to the region's local wildlife and history.

Is the Food Better in Florianopolis or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Florianopolis and Guadalajara both to be very good destinations.

Florianopolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Perhaps the most popular local dish is feijoada, which is a stew that's slow cooked in a clay pot. It's a great dish for sharing and it originated in the region's African slave population. Another common food is pão de queijo, which is a dough that is made from cassava root flour. Also make sure you try the seafood, which is available in many restaurants around town.

Dining out in Guadalajara is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Both Florianopolis and Guadalajara have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Florianopolis has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene can vary between peak tourism times and the low season. There are plenty of bars around town that cater to the locals, and you can expect these to be open year round. Alternatively, there are also places that specifically open during the summer months and will close during the off season.

The people in Guadalajara know how to have a good time. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Resorts?

Florianopolis is great for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Florianopolis is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a wide range of resorts that include everything from 5 star to more budget-friendly. There are also all-inclusive resorts and smaller, more personal places.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Florianopolis is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Florianopolis are among the best in the world. There are miles of beautiful beaches that are popular for surfing. Joaquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches, particularly with surfers, but Mole Beach is quickly catching up in popularity. Campeche Beach is one of the widest and longest stretches of beach on the island.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Florianopolis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Florianopolis does not have a historic old town.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Hiking?

Florianopolis is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Florianopolis for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful jungles, striking beaches, and many dramatic settings that make it a great place to hike. The hikes also vary in length and skill level, so there really is something for everyone.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Guadalajara is well-known for its shopping. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Many visitors go to Florianopolis to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and boutique retail shops that make for a great shopping experience.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Florianopolis is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Florianopolis offers lots of family activities. There are many outdoor activities, sports, beaches, and parks in the city. If your kids like to run around and have fun, you'll find some diverse experiences here.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Florianopolis and Guadalajara make for a good place to visit.

Florianopolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the beautiful beaches and walking paths in the area. There's impressive natural beauty and a touch of undiscovered charm.

Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Florianopolis is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not the most popular destination in Brazil, it does have a huge appeal with surfers.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Florianopolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Florianopolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town, including buses that travel between the downtown and the beaches.

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Florianopolis or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Florianopolis is not a walkable destination.

Guadalajara is a very walkable city. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Florianopolis is not a walkable destination. Most people get around the city with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Florianopolis Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Florianopolis?

How long in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Florianopolis and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florianopolis than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Florianopolis, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Florianopolis 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing city of Florianopolis. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Florianopolis. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

The relaxing city of Florianopolis offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Guadalajara. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Florianopolis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Brazil, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Guadalajara?

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