A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Chattanooga for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga? 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.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a charming, colorful, and cultural town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Chattanooga. While Chattanooga is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chattanooga is more popular for its hiking. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chattanooga and San Cristobal de Las Casas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with historical churches such as the main Cathedral of San Cristobal. While this is the most notable church, there are also smaller churches worth visiting like the Templo Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and Iglesia de San Cristobal. For museums, make sure you check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, Na Bolom, and Museo de Ambar.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in San Cristobal de Las Casas is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is a mix of Spanish-influenced cured meats such as ham and sausage, as well as indigenous flavors like tamales and burritos. There's also a lot of great pizza around town as well as several Asian restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in San Cristobal de Las Casas know how to have a good time. There's an active nightlife scene that includes everything from late night clubs to salsa lessons. Most tourists who want to party head to the pedestrian streets around the plaza. There are countless bars where you'll likely find a crowd late into the night. Some clubs have a cover charge on weekends but, in general, drinks are cheap and getting around is easy.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. The nearby villages are famous for their weaving, leather, pottery, and embroidery, so many visitors pick up souvenirs at the colorful markets around town. This is one of the best towns in Mexico to purchase local items, and you should definitely set aside time to explore and shop.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly town. While kids may not appreciate the town's beauty and culture, they will have fun exploring the night market or taking a chocolate-making class. There are pedestrian streets where everyone can explore without fear of traffic and pizza restaurants that appeal to the kids as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit San Cristobal de Las Casas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy culture, markets, traditional cuisines, and new experiences will love their time here. It's a fun place to simply wander. You can explore the markets and then eat at a local restaurant before making your way back to your boutique hotel.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in town as well as budget-friendly hotels. Backpackers love the laid back nature of this town as well as the many markets and nature-oriented activities.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chattanooga is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Chattanooga is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

You'll find some public transit in San Cristobal de Las Casas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to experience the town. Most of the sights can be reached on foot and there are pedestrian-only streets that let you avoid the traffic.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Chattanooga. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Chattanooga. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Chattanooga 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas.

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. 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.

In Chattanooga, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this outdoorsy destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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.

In Chattanooga, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

Because San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Chattanooga. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive? and Is Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Chattanooga, 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.