A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Playa del Carmen vs. Guadalajara for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Playa del Carmen and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Guadalajara and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Guadalajara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. 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.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Guadalajara. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Guadalajara is very walkable. 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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Guadalajara. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Playa del Carmen 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 vibrant 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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant 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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Mexico.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Guadalajara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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.