A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Prague vs. Cancun for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Prague or Cancun?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Prague and Cancun. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Prague

Prague is a festive, fun-filled, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, shopping, and museums.

Cancun

Cancun is a wild, party-hard, and tropical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Prague and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Prague or Cancun?

You'll generally find more things to do in Prague than Cancun. Prague is bigger than Cancun, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Prague is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Prague is well known for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. Also, Prague is famous for The Prague Castle. Cancun is well known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins.

How is Prague different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Prague or Cancun?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Prague are world-renowned. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.


Is the Food Better in Prague or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cancun. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Prague
Cancun

Both Prague and Cancun are first-rate when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Prague is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Cancun is a world class party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Music?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Prague. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Cancun is not a live music destination.


Is Prague or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Prague is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Cancun for its luxury resorts. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Prague is not a resort destination.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Prague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Prague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Prague is not a beach destination.

Cancun offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Prague is not a beach destination.


Is Prague or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Prague is one of the most recognized in the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague is not a hiking destination.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Cancun?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Prague is well-known for its shopping. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.


Is Prague or Cancun Better for Families?

Prague
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Couples?

Prague
Cancun

Prague and Cancun both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Cancun makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Prague is extremely popular for backpackers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.


Is Prague or Cancun Better for Students?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Cancun is not popular with students.

Is Prague or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Prague has a great public transit system. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Prague or Cancun a more walkable city?

Prague
Cancun

Prague is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Prague. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Prague?

How long in Prague or Cancun?

Both Prague and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Prague has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Prague than Cancun. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Cancun 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 Prague.


  • How many days in Prague or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Prague 2-7 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Prague or Cancun?

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Prague or Cancun?

Prague is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Prague or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Prague. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Prague or Cancun?

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Prague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $111, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $145. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Prague and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Prague $68
    Cancun $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Prague $136
    Cancun $192
Compare Hotels in Prague and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Prague or Cancun? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Prague


Hotels in Cancun


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Prague Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Prague $8.26
    Cancun $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • VIP Private Transfer from Prague Hotel to Prague Airport: $60
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Prague APT-HTL (PRG) : $36
  • Transfer from Prague to Salzburg with Tour Stop in Cesky Krumlov: $292
  • Transfer from Prague to Dresden: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $192
  • Transfer from Prague airport: $23
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Prague Hotel to Prague Airport: $25
  • Private transfer from Prague to Vilshofen: $592
  • Private transfer from Prague to Munich: $700
  • Private transfer from Prague to Budapest: $1,066
  • Private transfer from Prague to Berlin with stops in Potsdam + Sanssouci Palace: $285
  • Private transfer from Prague to Berlin with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $285
  • Private transfer Prague: $45

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.65
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $14
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $16
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $2.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cancun Airport Small-Group Transfer to Cancun Hotels: $8.00
  • Cancun Airport private transfer to Cancun hotel zone: $15
  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport : $15
  • Shared Transfer from Cancun Airport: $15
  • Cancun airport private transfer: $17
  • Private Transfer in Cancun: $17
  • Shared Round-Trip Transfer To/From Cancun International Airport: $19
  • transfers between hotels in Cancun hotel strip: $20
  • Private transfer to Cancun Airport from hotels in Cancun Area: $23
  • Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfer From & To Cancun Airport: $25
  • Cancun Hotel Zone Private Transfer From and To Cancun Airport: $25
  • Private transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Cancun zones: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Prague or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Prague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Prague $26
    Cancun $28
Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    $4.30
  • Lunch for One
    $13
  • Bananas
    $0.61
  • Cookies
    $0.34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $17
  • Anti Tour Prague - Self Guided Beer and Food Tour: $21
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Prague with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Prague by Night: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $47
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $47
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $53
  • Prague Street Food Tour: $53
  • Vltava River Evening Dinner Cruise: $54
  • Folkloric Dinner Show with Unlimited Drinks: $57
  • 2-Hour Dinner Cruise with Transfers: $58
  • Vltava River Cruise with Dinner: $58

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
  • The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
  • Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
  • (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
  • (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
  • (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
  • Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
  • Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Prague $16
    Cancun $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.30
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $6.02
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $41

Tours and Activities in Prague

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:

  • Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $58
  • Prague Escape Game Experience: $32
  • Private live-guided E-Scooter TOURS around Prague : $44
  • "Best of Prague" custom-built private tour 7 hours : $199
  • 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $18
  • 1–Hour Vintage Car Tour: $129
  • 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $164
  • 1000 years of history! Evening walking foodie tour: $146
  • 180 Min Grand Private City Tour on E-Scooter: $95
  • 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $170
  • 2 Hours Guided Prague Behind The Iron Curtain Communism Tour: $24
  • 2-hour evening cruise with delicious buffet and live music: $39

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.59
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $100

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
  • Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $8.17
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Punta Cancun Lighting Tower: $14
  • Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
  • El Sol De Cancun : Panoramic Tour in Regular Cabin: $20
  • Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
  • Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
  • ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
  • Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
  • Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Prague $11
    Cancun $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $6.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Staropramem Brewery Self-Guided Tour with Tasting: $13
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl with Drinks and Shots: $24
  • Clock Tower Bar Crawl in Prague: $26
  • Pub Crawl in Prague: $32
  • Pub Crawl and International Party: $34
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Entry: $34
  • Pub Crawl with 2-Hour Open Bar at Drunken Monkey: $36
  • Golden Burlesque Show & Live Music w/ Lady & The Devil: $37
  • Golden BURLESQUE: $42
  • 2.5-Hour Prague Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $46
  • Prague beer tour with brewery visit and tasting: $47
  • 30th DEC Holiday Pub Crawl in Prague: $55

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
  • Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Prague and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Prague is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun than you might in Prague.

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


Which is Bigger, Prague or Cancun?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Prague and Cancun, 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.