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

Should you visit Hamburg or Mexico City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Hamburg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its music and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Hamburg different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mexico City on the map. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Hamburg or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Music?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Hamburg is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City offers a nice historic old town area. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Families?

Hamburg
Mexico City

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Mexico City.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly destination. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.


Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Both Hamburg and Mexico City are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Mexico City

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

Mexico City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Mexico City Better for Students?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Mexico City is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.


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

Hamburg
Mexico City

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Mexico City.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Hamburg or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Mexico City

Hamburg is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Mexico City?

In either Hamburg or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Hamburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hamburg, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Hamburg 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Hamburg or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic port city of Hamburg. Most people visit for the live music. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Hamburg. This port 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.

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hamburg or Mexico City?

The vibrant port city of Hamburg offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hamburg or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Hamburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Hamburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €195. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hamburg and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Mexico City 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Mexico City 76
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hamburg


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Mexico City 12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83
  • Round Trip Transfer Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City by van: $210
  • Rickmer Rickmers Museum Guided Tour with Transfers: $263
  • Private transfer: Hamburg City Center to Fuhlsbüttel Airport(HAM): $115
  • Private transfer from Fuhlsbüttel Airport to Hamburg City Center: $115
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hannover with 2h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Bremen with an English Speaking Driver: $236
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Fredericia Cruise Port: $97
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $52

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    1.09
  • Uber Ride
    3.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Aguascalientes Airport (AGU) Aguascalientes - RoundTrip Transfer: $48
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV/Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Business Car: $86
  • Arrival Transfer: Mexico Airport MEX to Mexico by Luxury SUV: $91
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Business Car: $86
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport MEX by Luxury SUV: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Hamburg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hamburg 35
    Mexico City 25
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St George's Culinary Food Tour: $48
  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $484
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $592

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    4.27
  • Dinner for 2
    25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Mexico City 14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hamburg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $287
  • Safari tour in St Pauli: $33
  • "Cruise in the City" - Sailing Yacht Event, Hamburg/Elbe: $70
  • "Hafengeburtstag Hamburg" 2024. Cruise&Sail from/to Wedel: $182
  • "Highlights of Hamburg" Biketour: $39
  • 1 Hour Kiez Speed Tour for Adults: $19
  • 1-Day Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour of Hamburg Line D: $20
  • 10 secrets of Hamburg's old town - exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg E-Scooter Tour: $71
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Night Tour: $93
  • 2 Hours Guided Hamburg Segway Tour: $76
  • 2 Hours Hamburg E-scooter Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.71
  • Franz Mayer Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $5.89
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour-Moctezuma and the Zocalo:The Aztec Empire : $6.99
  • Night Bus Tour Knowing Mexico City: $7.26
  • Memory and Tolerance Museum Entry Ticket: $8.25
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Mexico City (Historic Centre) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Night Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $12
  • Teotihuacan Archaeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Mexico City 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $22
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $404
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $404
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $517

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hamburg and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hamburg is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Hamburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hamburg. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg and Mexico 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.