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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Niagara Falls, 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Guadalajara and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Niagara Falls, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.


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

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Guadalajara. 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for its old town. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.


Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Guadalajara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Niagara Falls is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Guadalajara is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.


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

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Niagara Falls offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system through town.

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

Is Guadalajara or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Niagara Falls

Guadalajara is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Guadalajara. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

The breathtaking city of Niagara Falls offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Niagara Falls. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Guadalajara $138
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $138, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $38
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $76
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls


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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $35
    Niagara Falls $16

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $292
  • Niagara Falls to Pearson Toronto Airport Private Transfer: $275
  • Round-Trip Private-Safe Transfer Between Buffalo Airport & Niagara Falls Canada: $257
  • Private Departure Transfer -Niagara Falls to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $257
  • Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $214
  • ROUNDTRIP Ground Transfer Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF)-Niagara Falls Canada: $202
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
  • Transfer Niagara Falls, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $176
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada to Toronto, Canada (Downtown): $176
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake Canada to Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls $53

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $106
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $146
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $176
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $25
    Niagara Falls $19

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 Niagara Falls

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


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Fireworks & Falls Glow Walking Tour Canada + Skylon Tower : $48
  • Historic Walking Private Tour at Niagara Falls: $35
  • Private Custom Niagara Falls, Canada Winery Tour from Buffalo,NY: $293
  • Whirlpool Adventure Course ~ Kids Course: $22
  • "Niagara Virtual" Parasailing Adventure in VR!: $26
  • 1 Hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $44
  • 3-Hour 30-Minute Private Guided Tour in Niagara Falls: $145
  • 4 hr Summer Fun Tour - Niagara Falls Canada: $142
  • 4-Hour Niagara Falls Boat Tour w/ Maple & Chocolate Tastings: $80
  • 4hr Niagara Falls Canada Tour includes the Boat and tunnels: $145
  • Afternoon Wine, Beer & Charcuterie Tour: $132
  • All American Tour : $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $16
    Niagara Falls $11

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 Niagara Falls

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

  • Between The Lines Classic Wine Tasting: $18
  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $95
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $117
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $121
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122


When comparing the travel costs between Guadalajara and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Niagara Falls?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Niagara Falls, 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.

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