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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Tampa?

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

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

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back 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 and beaches.

Guadalajara and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Guadalajara is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Guadalajara different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

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

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Tampa?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for Families?

Tampa 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 Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa Better for Couples?

Guadalajara is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Guadalajara or Tampa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Public transit is quite limited in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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 Tampa a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Tampa?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa?

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back city of Tampa. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the laid-back destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tampa?

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The easy-going city of Tampa offers food. 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 Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Tampa?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Tampa, 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.