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

Should you visit Mexico City or Santa Elena?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Santa Elena? 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a outdoorsy, scenic, and tranquil town. Santa Elena offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Mexico City and Santa Elena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Santa Elena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Santa Elena are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Elena attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Santa Elena is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its birdwatching and environmental conservation. 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 Santa Elena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Santa Elena offers a few options for museum-goers. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination 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.

Santa Elena offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for nightlife.

Mexico City is a world class 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Elena specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena Better for Hiking?

Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Santa Elena?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Santa Elena is a great destination for shopping. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena More Beautiful?

Santa Elena is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Elena offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Santa Elena.

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.

Santa Elena is a very family-friendly place to visit. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena Better for Couples?

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

Santa Elena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

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 Santa Elena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

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 Santa Elena Better for Students?

Mexico City is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Santa Elena is not popular with students.

Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Santa Elena is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Santa Elena has a few public transit options. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Is Mexico City or Santa Elena a more walkable city?

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

Santa Elena is a somewhat walkable town. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

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 Santa Elena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Elena or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Santa Elena?

It's fun to spend time in either Mexico City or Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena?

Mexico City is a dynamic city where you can fill many days. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the outdoorsy town of Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena?

Mexico City is a dynamic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena?

Mexico City is a diverse city where you can fill many days. 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.

The scenic town of Santa Elena offers shopping. 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 Santa Elena?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping when visiting Santa Elena. 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 G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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 Santa Elena Expensive?.