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

Should you visit Mexico City or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Rotorua? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rotorua travel costs.

Mexico City and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Rotorua. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Rotorua attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rotorua makes for a great culinary experience. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Rotorua?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Rotorua attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rotorua, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua Better for Students?

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Mexico City or Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Rotorua?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world-renowned town of Rotorua. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rotorua?

Because Mexico City is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Rotorua. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This 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 Rotorua?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mexico City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The natural town of Rotorua offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotorua. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Rotorua, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mexico City is in North America and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.

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 Rotorua Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Rotorua?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Rotorua, 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.