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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City? 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.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Although San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City are popular destinations, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Panama City attracts visitors for its music, resorts, and beaches. Panama City is more touristy than San Cristobal de Las Casas and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also well known for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to San Cristobal de Las Casas can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City 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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City.

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.

Panama City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Panama City is active and vibrant. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

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

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a resort destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Panama City is considered a top beach destination. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to San Cristobal de Las Casas to see the historical old town. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City 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.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Families?

Panama City is very popular 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Panama City is a very family-friendly destination. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City make for a very good place to visit.

San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Panama City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City 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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City Better for Students?

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

Panama City is a very popular beach town for students and younger travelers. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options 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 Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options 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.

Panama City is not a very walkable town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City?

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

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

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

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 Panama City, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this active destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Panama City?

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 Panama City, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City?

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.

In Panama City, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City?

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.

In Panama City, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beach town offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Panama City?

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Panama City, 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.