A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Mexico City vs. La Paz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Mexico City or La Paz?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or La Paz? 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 colorful, cultural, and diverse 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Mexico City and La Paz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or La Paz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than La Paz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while La Paz is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. La Paz is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. 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 La Paz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Mexico City just to party. 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 La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Beaches?

La Paz is very popular for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a city with good options for its old town. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or La Paz?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or La Paz.

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.

La Paz is a very family-friendly place to visit. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and La Paz 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.

La Paz is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City and La Paz are both excellent 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 La Paz. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Is Mexico City or La Paz Better for Students?

Mexico City is notable for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is notable for its public transit. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is Mexico City or La Paz a more walkable city?

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is 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 La Paz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Paz or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or La Paz?

It's fun to spend time in either Mexico City or La Paz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mexico City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Paz.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mexico City than La Paz. 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 La Paz 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 La Paz?

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 La Paz?

Mexico City 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of La Paz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 La Paz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 La Paz?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Mexico City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting La Paz. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Adventure Tours to Mexico, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico.

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

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 La Paz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or La Paz?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and La Paz, 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.