A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Juneau for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Guadalajara or Juneau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Juneau, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a historical, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Juneau travel costs.

Guadalajara and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Guadalajara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Guadalajara is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Juneau is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Juneau is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Guadalajara
Juneau

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Juneau and Guadalajara.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.


Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Guadalajara and Juneau can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Juneau makes for a great culinary experience. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Guadalajara is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Guadalajara offers plenty to do in the evening. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Juneau

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Juneau does not have a historic old town.


Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Guadalajara
Juneau

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Juneau both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Juneau is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau More Beautiful?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Juneau is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Juneau is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Juneau

For backpackers, both Guadalajara and Juneau are very good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.


Is Guadalajara or Juneau Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Guadalajara and Juneau both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Public transit is generally limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Guadalajara or Juneau a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Juneau

Guadalajara and Juneau are very good when it comes to walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Juneau Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Juneau. In our opinion, Juneau has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Juneau than Guadalajara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Juneau 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 Guadalajara.


  • How many days in Guadalajara or Juneau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    Juneau 2-3

One day in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic city of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.


A weekend in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Juneau. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The historic city of Juneau offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Guadalajara or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Juneau. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Juneau or Guadalajara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Guadalajara Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Juneau Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guadalajara $138
    Juneau $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, while the average daily cost in Juneau is $196. 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 Guadalajara and Juneau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $38
    Juneau $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $76
    Juneau $176
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Juneau

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Juneau? 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 Guadalajara


Hotels in Juneau


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Juneau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $35
    Juneau $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $35
  • Transfer from International Airport to Tequila Jalisco: $89
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Private Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels Safe & Stress-Free: $159
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Guadalajara Airport Private Transfer to Ajijic & Chapala: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Juneau?

Prices for flights to both Juneau and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $75
    Juneau $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

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

  • Private Street Food Tour and City Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated : $44
  • Guadalajara Private Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $108
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $195
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $25
    Juneau $17

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

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

  • Bar Tour of the Coolest Quarter of Guadalajara: $17
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • Guadalajara City Center Walking Tour: $25
  • Guadalajara Tour: $27
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $36
  • Walking Tour Historic Center Guadalajara: $39
  • Lucha Libre Tour at the Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara as a local: $39
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Tequila Route Experience from Guadalajara: $40
  • Classic Tequila Tour and CANTARITOS EL GÜERO: $41
  • Guadalajara Private Walking Tour: $42
  • History and Murals: Walking Tour Guadalajara: $44

Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Juneau are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Juneau are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Fishing Experience/Class in Juneau: $225
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $189
  • 4-Hour Wildlife and Coastal Tour in Juneau, Alaska: $220
  • Alaska Native Tour and Tram Combo: $145
  • Alpine Segway Wilderness Trail Adventure: $180
  • Alpine Zipline Adventure in Juneau, AK: $257
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $123
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $145
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour: $129
  • Juneau Lighthouse Tours - Whale watching & Lighthouse Combo: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $16
    Juneau $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

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

  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara Mexico: $25
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $65
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $95
  • Guided Tour of Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery: $105
  • Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos: $155
  • Private Adventure Day Tour to Tequila and Cazcanes Distillery: $156
  • Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $161
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $167
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $211
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264

Sample the Local Flavors in Juneau

Also in Juneau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour!: $159
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour with Scenic Stops: $159


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Juneau?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Juneau, 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.