A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Columbus for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Columbus. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Isla Mujeres and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Columbus are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Columbus attracts visitors for its museums. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Columbus is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbus? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Columbus.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Columbus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Both Isla Mujeres and Columbus are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Columbus has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Columbus is a very kid-friendly island. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Isla Mujeres has some public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbus a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Columbus to fill your time. In our opinion, Isla Mujeres has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbus 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Columbus, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbus is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Columbus is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Columbus, 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.