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

Should you visit Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains? 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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a diverse, vibrant, and dynamic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains are both popular with visitors, Mexico City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mexico City is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Adirondack Mountains is known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mexico City is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Mexico City is not a skiing destination.


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

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its evening party scene.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.


Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is a popular place for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the old town. 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.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

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 Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains Better for Students?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is notable for students. However, Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is notable for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.


Is Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Mexico City
Adirondack Mountains

Mexico City is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable city. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Adirondack Mountains. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Adirondack Mountains 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 Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mexico City 3-5 
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7

One day in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic region of Adirondack Mountains. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the serene destination of Adirondack Mountains. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This region offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Mexico City for five days. Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the pristine region of Adirondack Mountains. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

The colorful big city of Mexico City offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adirondack Mountains. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this region.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Adirondack Mountains or Mexico City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mexico City is $214, while the average daily cost in Adirondack Mountains is $166. 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 Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mexico City $41
    Adirondack Mountains $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mexico City $82
    Adirondack Mountains $194
Compare Hotels in Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains

Looking for a hotel in Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains? 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 Mexico City


Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


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: Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mexico City $13
    Adirondack Mountains $33
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    $1.20
  • Uber Ride
    $4.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $18
  • Private One way Transfer from Mexico Airport to Mexico City: $21
  • Transfer to and from Mexico City Airport: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Private Transfer: Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) to Mexico City: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfer : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $37
  • Aguascalientes to Silao Del Bajio Airport BJX: Departure Transfer: $38
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Cuernavaca Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $38
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Mexico City - Mexico Airport (MEX): $43
  • Ixtapan de La Sal to Mexico Airport (MEX)-Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Mexico City or Adirondack Mountains?

Prices for flights to both Adirondack Mountains and Mexico City 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
    Mexico City $27
    Adirondack Mountains $49
Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.69
  • Dinner for 2
    $27

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.
    Mexico City $15
    Adirondack Mountains $17

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
    Mexico City $21
    Adirondack Mountains $19

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 Mexico City and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains.

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