A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Williamsburg for Old Town, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg?

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

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

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg is more popular for its historical sights. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known 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. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Williamsburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Williamsburg offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

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

Williamsburg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Williamsburg make for a superb 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 Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

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

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

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Williamsburg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Williamsburg. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Williamsburg?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Williamsburg. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Williamsburg, we can see that Williamsburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

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

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