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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Ensenada are roughly the same size, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its beaches. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Oaxaca de Juarez know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is adequate for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its old town. However, Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. 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.

Ensenada is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Oaxaca de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Ensenada are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Ensenada 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 Ensenada?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ensenada. 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 Ensenada?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic city of Ensenada. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ensenada is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Ensenada is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada 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 Ensenada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Ensenada?

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