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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Atlantic 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.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a colorful, glitzy, and flashy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Atlantic City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Atlantic City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Guadalajara is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Guadalajara. 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.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

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

Guadalajara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Atlantic City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

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

Atlantic City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City has a beach worth visiting. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is well known for its historic old town. However, Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Atlantic City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Guadalajara is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Neither Guadalajara nor Atlantic City are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Guadalajara is not always the best place to visit. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Atlantic City is not the most family-friendly destination. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Atlantic City are both notable to visit as a couple.

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.

Atlantic City is a nice destination for couples. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

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

Atlantic City is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Guadalajara and Atlantic City are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Atlantic City. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Guadalajara than Atlantic City. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Atlantic City 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 Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the glitzy city of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

The glitzy city of Atlantic City offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

A week in Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Atlantic City?

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