A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Mystic for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Mystic?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Mystic can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tulum and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Mystic?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Mystic are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Mystic and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character.

How is Tulum different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Mystic?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Mystic? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Tulum. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Mystic?

Both Tulum and Mystic are very good shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Mystic are very good to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Tulum or Mystic Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tulum is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Tulum or Mystic a more walkable city?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Mystic Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Mystic?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Mystic. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Mystic. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Mystic.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Mystic 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Mystic, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Mystic?

Tulum is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mystic. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Mystic?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Tulum. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Mystic, we can see that Mystic is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic than you might in Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Mystic?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Mystic, 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 Tulum or Mystic?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Mystic in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Mystic. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Mystic in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Mystic. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mystic in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mystic averages at about 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mystic during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Mystic. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Mystic in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Mystic. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mystic can be very cold during winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches.

Tulum is much warmer than Mystic in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Mystic. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Tulum