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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Mystic?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Mystic, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Mystic?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Mystic is more popular for its beaches. Mystic is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its New England charm and local character. 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 Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mystic 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 Mystic?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Mystic and Guadalajara.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Guadalajara. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Guadalajara or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Guadalajara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Guadalajara or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Mystic is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mystic. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Mystic Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Mystic?

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Mystic both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. 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.

Mystic is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Guadalajara or Mystic Better for Families?

Mystic is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Guadalajara or Mystic Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Mystic 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.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Guadalajara or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Mystic is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

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 Mystic a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Mystic. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Guadalajara than Mystic. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back town of Mystic. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Mystic?

Guadalajara 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Mystic. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. 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.

The charming town of Mystic offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Guadalajara. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Mystic?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Mystic, 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.