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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Newport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Newport, 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 vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newport

Newport is a charming, coastal, and seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Newport are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Newport attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Newport is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Guadalajara and Newport can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Guadalajara or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Guadalajara has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Guadalajara or Newport Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara and Newport both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Newport?

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Newport both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Guadalajara or Newport Better for Families?

Newport 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 Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

Is Guadalajara or Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

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

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Guadalajara and Newport are excellent 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.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Newport?

In either Guadalajara or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Guadalajara because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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

In Guadalajara, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the seaside town of Newport. 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 Newport?

In Guadalajara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Newport. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Newport?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the seaside town of Newport. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newport. 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 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 Guadalajara and Newport, we can see that Newport 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 Newport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newport 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 Newport Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Newport?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Newport, 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.