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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

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 Mystic. 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Isla Mujeres and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Mystic 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 Mystic attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mystic is notable for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Mystic.

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 Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. 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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

Mystic is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly island. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Isla Mujeres is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in 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 limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Isla Mujeres or Mystic a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mystic than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Mystic, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mystic is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Mystic, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Isla Mujeres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Isla Mujeres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla Mujeres 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Isla Mujeres.

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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Mystic?

Isla Mujeres has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Mystic, 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.