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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Memphis?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Memphis? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Memphis

Memphis is a creative, laid-back, and soulful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Mazatlan and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Memphis?

Both Memphis and Mazatlan have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Memphis is known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Mazatlan is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Memphis is popular for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue.

How is Mazatlan different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Mazatlan can be an interesting and educational experience. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

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

Mazatlan is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Memphis offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

Memphis is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Memphis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Memphis There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mazatlan has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Memphis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a great city for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mazatlan. 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mazatlan to see the historical old town. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Memphis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Memphis?

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known for shopping.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Memphis.

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.

Memphis offers lots of family activities. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Memphis 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.

Memphis is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Memphis is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mazatlan. 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.

Memphis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and plenty of live music that make this a popular stop off for young travelers.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis Better for Students?

Memphis is a popular place for students. However, Mazatlan is not popular with students.

Memphis is popular with students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Mazatlan is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Memphis is not known for its public transit.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

Is Mazatlan or Memphis a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Memphis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Memphis. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Memphis. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Memphis.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Memphis. 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 Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis?

In Mazatlan, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Memphis offers live music and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Memphis?

In Mazatlan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Memphis 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 Memphis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Memphis?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mazatlan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Memphis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Memphis in the Summer?

Both Memphis and Mazatlan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Memphis in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Memphis, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Memphis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Memphis. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Memphis for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Memphis this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Memphis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Memphis. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Memphis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Memphis receives 163 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Memphis in the Spring?

Both Memphis and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Memphis this time of year.

In the spring, Mazatlan is a little warmer than Memphis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Memphis averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Memphis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Memphis during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Memphis receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Memphis. In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Memphis. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Mazatlan