A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hue vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hue or Mexico City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hue and Mexico City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hue

Hue is a imperial, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hue travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a colorful, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Hue and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hue or Mexico City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Hue. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hue attracts visitors for its historical sights. Hue is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Hue different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hue or Mexico City?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mexico City on the map. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hue. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.


Is the Food Better in Hue or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Mexico City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hue. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Mexico City is a must-see party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hue. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Hue
Mexico City

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hue. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.


Is the Shopping Better in Hue or Mexico City?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hue. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Families?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Hue is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the Imperial City, visiting Ho Quyen Arena and Long Chau Temple, or wandering through the city's local markets. The Demilitarized Zone is also an interesting side trip.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Hue
Mexico City

Both Hue and Mexico City are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hue is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy boat rides or sunset cruises along Perfume River. There are also interesting temples and fascinating day trips that you can take from the city.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.


Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hue
Mexico City

Both Hue and Mexico City are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Hue is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It is a popular stop over in central Vietnam. There are plenty of hostels and budget guesthouses to accommodate the backpacker crowds. There are also cheap restaurants and interesting activities relating to the city's long history.

Mexico City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Students?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for students. However, Hue is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Hue is not popular with students.

Is Hue or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hue
Mexico City

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Hue is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Hue has some public transit options. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.


Is Hue or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Hue
Mexico City

Hue is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Hue is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Hue Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Hue?

How long in Hue or Mexico City?

In either Hue or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than Hue because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Hue, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Hue 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 Mexico City.


  • How many days in Hue or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hue 1-3 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Hue or Mexico City?

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

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Hue or Mexico City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Hue. 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.

Many people visit Mexico City for a weekend. When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Hue or Mexico City?

The authentic city of Hue 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.

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Hue or Mexico City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hue. 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.

Mexico City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Hue?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hue is $56, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. 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 Hue and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hue $22
    Mexico City $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hue $44
    Mexico City $76
Compare Hotels in Hue and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Hue or Mexico City? 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 Hue


Hotels in Mexico City


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: Hue Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hue $12
    Mexico City $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:


  • Cyclo
    $0.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.83
  • Taxi Ride to Tombs
    $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:

  • Transfer from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass and Golden Bridge: $94
  • Transfer from Hue to Hoi An by Motorbike: $67
  • Transfer from Hue to Da Nang or Hoi An via Bach Ma National Park: $81
  • Transfer from Hue city to Phu Bai airport: $29
  • Transfer from Hue airport to Hue city center or vice versa: $6.81
  • Transfer between Hue Hotels and Hue Airport: $7.11
  • Transfer Hue to Dn/Hoi An via Hai Van & Springs (or Vice Versa): $55
  • Transfer Hue city to Da Nang by limousine: $19
  • Roundtrip Transfer to Ba Na Hills - Golden Bridge via Hai Van Pass from Hue City: $85
  • Rental of a Scooter from Hue to Hoi An with Bag Transfer: $30
  • Privated Hue Airport Transfer-Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $14
  • Privated Hue Airport Transfer - Airport to Hotels or vice versa: $6.75

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.09
  • Uber Ride
    $3.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer to Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Inbursa Aquarium optional Round trip transfer: $20
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $32
  • Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $41
  • Toluca to Toluca Int Airport (TLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Hue or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Hue 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
    Hue $25
    Mexico City $43
Typical Food Prices in Hue

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:


  • River Night Market Dinner (for Two)
    $7.58
  • Two Sugarcane Drinks
    $0.76
  • Quick Lunch (for Two)
    $2.08
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $4.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue

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

  • Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
  • Hue Food Tour 5 Delicious Stops for Culinary Exploration: $25
  • Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
  • Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
  • Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
  • Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
  • Hue Night Walking And Street Food Tour: $30
  • Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
  • HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
  • Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
  • Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.24
  • Dinner for 2
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

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

  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $54
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
  • Lunch Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $62
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Breakfast Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hue $11
    Mexico City $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue

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


  • Boat Ride
    $7.39
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $1.06
  • Imperial Citadel Entrance
    $3.03
  • Massage at Institute for the Blind
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hue

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

  • Bach Ma National Park Adventure Trekking Day Trip from Hue: $56
  • Day Tour Adventure in Hue and Phong Nha : $200
  • Hoi An Guided Bus Tour via 4 Stops from Hue with entry ticket : $18
  • Hue City Full-Day Tour with Boat Trip on Perfume River and Lunch: $128
  • Phong Nha and Paradise Caves 2 Day Adventure from Hue: $119
  • 12 Hours Experience Different Hue: $179
  • 13 Days Private Tour Highlights of Cambodia & Vietnam: $4,980
  • 2 Day Nature Tour in Tam Giang Lagoon & Bach Ma National Park: $245
  • 2-Day Scenic Adventure from Hue to Phong Nha and Paradise Caves: $129
  • 2025 Journey to Paradise Cave — An Adventure's Paradise : $57
  • 3,5-Hours Hue Imperial Walking Tour with Guide with Local Gifts: $28
  • 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $23

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Children in Silence (Admission ticket): $1.36
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.57
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.57
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.57
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.47
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Skip the Line Tickets for Temple Major: $9.99
  • Night Tour of Mexico City Panoramic Ride on a Double-Decker Bus: $10
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hue $5.49
    Mexico City $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:


  • Beer
    $0.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222
  • Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $479


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hue and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hue is in Asia and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Hue.

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


Which is Bigger, Hue or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Hue and Mexico City, 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.