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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Sarasota?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Sarasota, 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a entertaining, underrated, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sarasota travel costs.

Guadalajara and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Sarasota, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Guadalajara is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sarasota is known for its resorts and beaches. Sarasota is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

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

Guadalajara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Guadalajara has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sarasota area. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for Resorts?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Sarasota is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Sarasota has a beach worth visiting. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is great for its old town. However, Sarasota 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.

Sarasota does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Sarasota?

Guadalajara is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Guadalajara is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Sarasota to go shopping. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for Families?

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

Sarasota is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

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 Sarasota Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Sarasota are both good 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.

Sarasota is a nice destination for couples. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Sarasota is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are budget friendly places to stay, but there isn't a large backpacker or young crowd hanging around.

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

Guadalajara and Sarasota 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

Is Guadalajara or Sarasota a more walkable city?

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Sarasota?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

The city of Guadalajara offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the underrated city of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Guadalajara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Guadalajara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing city of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarasota. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Sarasota?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sarasota. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Sarasota, 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.