A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez? 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a authentic, traditional, and historic city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Acapulco de Juarez. While Acapulco de Juarez is larger than Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acapulco de Juarez and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Oaxaca de Juarez on the map. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Oaxaca de Juarez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to see. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world class destination for shoppers. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Acapulco de Juarez both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Acapulco de Juarez has a few public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Oaxaca de Juarez. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Acapulco de Juarez, 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.