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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

El Paso

El Paso is a undiscovered, laid-back, and low-key city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See El Paso travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and El Paso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and El Paso are roughly the same size, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while El Paso is more popular for its museums and attractions. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is famous for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. El Paso is well known for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from El Paso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

El Paso is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around El Paso. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans Museum.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and El Paso can be an enjoyable experience.

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, El Paso is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

El Paso is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for its beaches. However, El Paso is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

El Paso is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

Shopping is a popular activity in both El Paso and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Acapulco de Juarez has plenty to offer. 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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in El Paso or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acapulco de Juarez than El Paso because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-2 days is enough time in El Paso.

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

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

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

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the undiscovered destination of El Paso. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

El Paso is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the low-key city of El Paso. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that El Paso has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting El Paso. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

El Paso 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and El Paso, we can see that El Paso is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 El Paso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in El Paso 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 Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is El Paso Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or El Paso?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of El Paso. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and El Paso, 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.