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

Should you visit Mexico City or Charlottesville?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Charlottesville? 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 cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a southern, proud, and traditional university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Mexico City and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Charlottesville 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, shopping, and big city activities, while Charlottesville is known for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mexico City is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Mexico City different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mexico City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Mexico City are world-renowned. 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 Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Mexico City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

Mexico City is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Mexico City and Charlottesville.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Many visitors go to Charlottesville to see the historical old town. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Charlottesville is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Mexico City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Mexico City draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Mexico City does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Mexico City does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Mexico City is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mexico City is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Charlottesville make for a good place to visit.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Charlottesville is a nice destination for couples. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

Many 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Charlottesville. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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

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

Mexico City is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Mexico City or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Charlottesville are decent when it comes to walkability.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

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

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Charlottesville. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Charlottesville 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.

One day in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Charlottesville is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Charlottesville?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This university town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Charlottesville is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Charlottesville is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Charlottesville, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

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 Charlottesville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Charlottesville?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Charlottesville, 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.