A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Durham for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Durham?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Durham? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Durham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mazatlan than Durham, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mazatlan is more touristy than Durham and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Mazatlan different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Durham?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Durham.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Mazatlan is an experience not to be missed. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Durham.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Durham has a few options to choose from. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Durham?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Durham and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Durham has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Durham.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Durham offers lots of family activities. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Durham make for a good place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Durham is a good city for couples to visit. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is well known for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Durham is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Is Mazatlan or Durham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mazatlan is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Mazatlan has a few public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Mazatlan or Durham a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Durham is not a good city for its walkability.

Mazatlan is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Durham?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Durham. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Durham. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Durham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Durham 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Durham offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Durham?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Mazatlan or Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Durham?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Mazatlan. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Durham is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Durham?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Durham, 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.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Durham?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Durham in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Durham. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Durham. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Durham averages at about 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives less sunshine than Durham during summer. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

Durham receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Durham. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Durham. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the autumn, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Durham. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets more rain in October than Durham. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Durham in the Winter?

Both Durham and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Durham can be very cold during winter. Mazatlan is much warmer than Durham in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Durham during winter. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Durham. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Mazatlan during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Durham averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the spring, Mazatlan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in April than Durham. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and Mazatlan