A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Guadalajara for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara? 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

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

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Oaxaca de Juarez. Guadalajara is bigger than Oaxaca de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Guadalajara.

Many people head to Oaxaca de Juarez for the nightlife scene. 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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

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.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Guadalajara are very good 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.

Guadalajara is a very walkable city. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara?

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

Families should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara. 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 Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Guadalajara. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Guadalajara, 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.