A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Portland, Maine for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Guadalajara or Portland, Maine?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Portland, Maine, 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a seaside, laid-back, and scenic coastal town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Portland, Maine?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Portland, Maine. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Guadalajara different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Guadalajara is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Guadalajara is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Portland, Maine has hiking trails worth exploring. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Portland, Maine?

Guadalajara is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Christmas?

Portland, Maine is adequate for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Guadalajara does not offer Christmas activities.

Many enjoy the Christmas activities while in Portland, Maine. Watch the Christmas tree lighting or listen to the symphony at Christmas time.

Guadalajara does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

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

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

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 Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Portland, Maine are both nice 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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Guadalajara or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

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

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

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 Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Portland, Maine?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

The historical destination of Guadalajara offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 coastal town of Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine?

The city of Guadalajara offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the seaside destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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 Portland, Maine?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Portland, Maine. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Portland, Maine?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Portland, Maine, 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.