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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Orlando?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Orlando, 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 cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food. See Orlando travel costs.

Guadalajara and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Orlando?

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Orlando. Guadalajara is bigger than Orlando, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions and resorts. Orlando is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Guadalajara is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Guadalajara is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Guadalajara is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Guadalajara and Orlando 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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is great for its historic old town. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Orlando?

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Orlando 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.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Families?

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

Orlando is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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 Orlando Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Orlando are both notable to visit as a couple.

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Guadalajara is not popular with students.

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

Guadalajara and Orlando both offer respectable 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Guadalajara or Orlando a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Orlando?

Both Guadalajara and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Guadalajara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

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

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or Orlando?

In Guadalajara, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the entertaining city of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

In Guadalajara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Guadalajara or Orlando?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining city of Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Orlando?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Orlando, 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.