A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a diverse, bustling, and trendy port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known, vibrant, and built-up city. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Acapulco de Juarez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Acapulco de Juarez is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Acapulco de Juarez is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs.

How is Shanghai different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acapulco de Juarez and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Shanghai on the map. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Acapulco de Juarez just to party. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Acapulco de Juarez for its luxury resorts. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is notable for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Acapulco de Juarez for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Shanghai is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez are superb family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acapulco de Juarez. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez both amazing destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great destination for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Is Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Shanghai than Acapulco de Juarez. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Acapulco de Juarez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is a popular place to visit. Shanghai is a modern port city where you can fill many days. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acapulco de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Acapulco de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez, 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.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Acapulco de Juarez. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarez during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches.

In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Acapulco de Juarez. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Shanghai