A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Warsaw vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Warsaw or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Mexico City 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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a historical, under-rated, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Warsaw or Mexico City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Warsaw. Mexico City is bigger than Warsaw, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Warsaw is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Mexico City is more touristy than Warsaw and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Warsaw is well known for its historical position as a cultural and political center.

How is Warsaw different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Warsaw or Mexico City?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.


Is the Food Better in Warsaw or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Warsaw offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Warsaw is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Warsaw. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.


Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Mexico City?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mexico City. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Families?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly destination. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Warsaw is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Both Warsaw and Mexico City are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Mexico City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.


Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Mexico City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Mexico City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Plenty of backpackers visit Warsaw. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Students?

Warsaw
Mexico City

For students, both Warsaw and Mexico City are excellent places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Is Warsaw or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Warsaw and Mexico City both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Warsaw can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.


Is Warsaw or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Warsaw
Mexico City

Warsaw and Mexico City are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Warsaw is generally not a very walkable city. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Warsaw Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Mexico City?

In either Warsaw or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Warsaw because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Warsaw, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Warsaw 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Warsaw or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Warsaw 1-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Warsaw or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mexico City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Warsaw or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Warsaw. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.

Mexico City 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.


Five days in Warsaw or Mexico City?

The under-rated city of Warsaw offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Warsaw or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Warsaw. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Mexico City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Warsaw?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $94, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $210. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Warsaw and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $52
    Mexico City $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $104
    Mexico City $82
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Warsaw


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.68
    Mexico City $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

Also for Warsaw, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • from Warsaw to Krakow private transfer: $498
  • Wilanow Palace and Gardens with Guide, Tickets and Transfers: $212
  • Private Transfer to/from Krakow: $448
  • Private Economy Transfer Airport -City 1-3 person: $67
  • Gun Shooting Experience with Transfers: $84
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfers: $176
  • Extreme Shooting Range Experience with Transfer: $175
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57
  • Chopin Airport Private Transfer: $82
  • Chopin & Modlin Airport Transfers: $65
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $36
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.18
  • Uber Ride
    $4.12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $299
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
  • Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $254
  • Mexico City Private Airport Transfers To or From Hotels: $250
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $197
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • Mexico City to Puebla - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
  • Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Warsaw change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Warsaw $27
    Mexico City $27
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $19
  • Breakfast Market Food Tour in Warsaw: $56
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $93
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $95
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $110
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.60
  • Dinner for 2
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $67
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $71
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $73
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.02
    Mexico City $15

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • 1-day tour from Warsaw to Kazimierz Dolny : $229
  • 2 Hour Super Segway City Tour of Warsaw: $67
  • 2-Hour Breakfast Experience in a Home from Warsaw: $49
  • 3 Hour VIP Warsaw Guided City Tour: $207
  • 3-Hour Guided Cycling Tour of Warsaw: $38
  • 5-Hour Private Walking Night Tour in Warsaw: $63
  • 6 Hour Private Car Tour to Treblinka With Hotel Pickup: $307
  • Architecture Walking Tour in Warsaw: $76
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Best of Warsaw Full-Day Private Tour with Private Transport: $154
  • Chopin's Warsaw - guided tour in a minivan with evening piano concert: $67
  • Chopin’s Warsaw - City tour in the footsteps of Frédéric Chopin: $69

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour/español-ingles: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $129
  • Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Half-Day Tour with Tequila tasting: $37
  • The best of Mixquic walking tour: $150
  • VIP - FULL DAY - Mexico City Private Tour : $209
  • 1 Day Hot Air Balloon Tour to the Pyramids in Teotihuacan: $295
  • 2 Hours Private Tour with Electric Scooter in Mexico City: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Warsaw $10
    Mexico City $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $177

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $24
  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $25
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


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

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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Warsaw. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw and Mexico City, 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.