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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or San Antonio?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or San Antonio? 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 colorful, cultural, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

San Antonio

San Antonio is a colorful, festive, and fun city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and San Antonio: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than San Antonio. While San Antonio 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 more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while San Antonio is known for its music. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than San Antonio and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. It is also home to the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. San Antonio is popular for being the home to the Alamo, the popular RiverWalk area, and several world-class amusement parks.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from San Antonio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 San Antonio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

San Antonio has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for nightlife. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 San Antonio has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.

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

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

The music scene in San Antonio is active and vibrant. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in San Antonio. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Antonio. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or San Antonio Better for Christmas?

San Antonio is a popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in San Antonio. It's fun to see the lights along the River Walk at Christmas.

San Cristobal de Las Casas does not offer Christmas activities.

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

San Antonio 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, San Antonio is a very family-friendly destination. The RiverWalk is a fun family-friendly area. There's also Six Flags, SeaWorld and the San Antonio Zoo as well as a number of museums and other amusement parks in the area. It's easy to spend days having a great family vacation in this area and you can combine history, culture, and entertainment all in one setting.

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 San Antonio Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for romance. Also, San Antonio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

San Antonio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy taking a boat ride and exploring the many sites around town. The RiverWalk has many restaurants and a great atmosphere for a date night. There's also the botanical gardens and many outdoor spaces to explore.

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

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

San Antonio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While its not on most backpacker's lists, it does have a fun atmosphere and a social setting.

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

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

Plenty of students visit San Antonio. There are a couple of colleges in the area. This is also a major conference destination so it's possible to network and meet other professionals.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or San Antonio 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, San Antonio is a city 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 San Antonio. Buses connect most of the city's tourist attractions, but you'll find life much easier if you have your own car.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, San Antonio is a city with minimal options for its high level of 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.

San Antonio is generally not a very walkable town. If you stick to the downtown area you will be fine getting around on foot. Outside of that area, you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or San Antonio?

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

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

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

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 San Antonio, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. 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 San Antonio?

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 San Antonio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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 San Antonio?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting San Antonio. 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 San Antonio?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the city of San Antonio. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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

San Antonio has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and San Antonio, 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.