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

Should you visit Curitiba 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 Curitiba 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.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Curitiba travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.

Curitiba and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Curitiba or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Curitiba. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Curitiba is famous for its performing arts, walkability, and culture. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Curitiba different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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

Curitiba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Curitiba 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Curitiba makes for a great culinary experience. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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.

Curitiba offers plenty to do in the evening. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Curitiba does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Curitiba does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Curitiba or Mexico City?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Curitiba is a great destination for shopping. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. 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.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Both Curitiba and Mexico City are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Curitiba is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. 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 Curitiba or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. 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 Curitiba. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City Better for Students?

Mexico City is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Curitiba is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Curitiba is not popular with students.

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

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

Curitiba offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Curitiba or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Curitiba is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Curitiba is a very walkable destination. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.

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 Curitiba Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Curitiba?

How long in Curitiba or Mexico City?

In either Curitiba or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Curitiba because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Curitiba, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Curitiba. 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 Curitiba. 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 Curitiba 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.

One day in Curitiba or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Curitiba. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Curitiba or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Curitiba. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Curitiba or Mexico City?

The cultural city of Curitiba offers shopping and museums. 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.

Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mexico City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Curitiba or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Curitiba. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mexico City is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Curitiba and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Curitiba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Curitiba is in South America 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 Curitiba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Curitiba 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 Curitiba.

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

Which is Bigger, Curitiba or Mexico City?

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