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

Should you visit Mexico City or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Edmonton? 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 vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Mexico City and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Edmonton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Edmonton. Mexico City is bigger than Edmonton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Mexico City different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town. However, Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical 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.

Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Edmonton?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton Better for Families?

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Edmonton make for a notable 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.

Edmonton is a nice destination for couples. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

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

Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton Better for Students?

Mexico City is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Mexico City can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Mexico City or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mexico City or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mexico City than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Edmonton. 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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton 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 Edmonton?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Edmonton. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Edmonton?

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Edmonton. This city 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 Edmonton?

Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mexico City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The authentic city of Edmonton offers museums and nightlife. 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 Edmonton?

Mexico City 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Edmonton. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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 Edmonton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Edmonton?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Edmonton. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Edmonton, 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.