A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Halifax. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Halifax are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. Halifax is famous for its maritime past.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Halifax is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Halifax.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Halifax. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Isla Mujeres specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Halifax is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its beaches. However, Halifax is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Isla Mujeres are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Halifax is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Both Isla Mujeres and Halifax are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Halifax has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Halifax is a good island to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Isla Mujeres and Halifax offer nice public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Isla Mujeres or Halifax a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Halifax than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Halifax 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

In Isla Mujeres, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Halifax. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Halifax, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres than you might in Halifax.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Halifax, 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.