A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Santa Fe for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Mexico City or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Santa Fe? 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. 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a cultural, historic, and charming historic town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music.

Mexico City and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Santa Fe. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Santa Fe attracts visitors for its skiing, music, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine.

How is Mexico City different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mexico City is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Mexico City is not a skiing destination.

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

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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 Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Fe makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.

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

Santa Fe is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

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.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Santa Fe?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic 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 Fe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Families?

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

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 Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Santa Fe make for a nice 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Mexico City is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for students.

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

Santa Fe is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Mexico City or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Fe Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Mexico City or Santa Fe?

In either Mexico City or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mexico City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mexico City than Santa Fe. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

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 food and shopping when visiting the historic historic town of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Fe?

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 charming destination of Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This historic 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 Fe?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Mexico City or Santa Fe?

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 skiing and live music when visiting Santa Fe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Santa Fe?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Santa Fe, 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.