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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston? 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 cultural, charming, and colorful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Houston: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than San Cristobal de Las Casas. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its music and big city activities, while San Cristobal de Las Casas attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston.

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.

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Houston.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Cristobal de Las Casas make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

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

Houston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Houston is a very family-friendly destination. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Houston is a good town for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable town. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Houston. 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 Houston. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Houston?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Cristobal de Las Casas has to offer.

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Houston?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Houston. 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 Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Houston. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Houston, 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.