A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Playa del Carmen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Playa del Carmen 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Beijing and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Playa del Carmen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Playa del Carmen attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Beijing is famous for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Playa del Carmen is famous for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches.

How is Beijing different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Beijing is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Beijing is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Beijing or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Both Beijing and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Playa del Carmen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Playa del Carmen than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Playa del Carmen 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

A weekend in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

In Playa del Carmen, 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Beijing is in Asia and Playa del Carmen is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Playa del Carmen, 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 Beijing or Playa del Carmen?

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 Beijing or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

Both Playa del Carmen and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Playa del Carmen in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

Both Playa del Carmen and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Beijing or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Playa del Carmen. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Playa del Carmen. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

Beijing is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Beijing