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

Should you visit Tulum or Newport?

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 Newport 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 lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Tulum and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Newport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Newport is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Tulum different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newport can be an interesting and educational experience. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Newport.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Newport has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newport 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.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Newport?

Both Tulum and Newport are superb 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.

Newport is well-known for its shopping. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Newport are superb 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, Newport is very family-friendly. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Newport are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Newport is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Is Tulum or Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Both Tulum and Newport offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few 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.

Newport has some public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Tulum or Newport a more walkable city?

Tulum and Newport both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Newport is a very walkable town. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Newport?

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

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Newport. 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 Newport. 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 Newport 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 Newport?

In Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Newport, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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 Newport?

In Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Newport?

Tulum is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a fun place to experience. In Newport, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the seaside destination of Newport. 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Newport. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport 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 Newport. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Newport. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newport because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport 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 Newport during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Newport 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 Newport. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Newport 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Newport. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Newport in the winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Newport averages at about 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 Newport. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tulum or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

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

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Newport. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Newport 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. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Newport and Tulum