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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Saint Louis, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Louis travel costs.

Guadalajara and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Saint Louis. Guadalajara is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums and attractions. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Guadalajara different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. 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.

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

Guadalajara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Guadalajara or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Guadalajara is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Guadalajara or Saint Louis Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is well known for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

If you're looking to go shopping, Guadalajara and Saint Louis both offer plenty of great 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.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Guadalajara or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Guadalajara or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Saint Louis can get you to most places easily. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around 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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Saint Louis. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Guadalajara than Saint Louis. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saint Louis.

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under rated city of Saint Louis. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis?

The historical city of Guadalajara offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The unexpected city of Saint Louis 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.

A week in Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Louis. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Saint Louis?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Saint Louis, 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.