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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

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 Montreal. 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 relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Isla Mujeres and Montreal are both popular with visitors, Montreal has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Isla Mujeres is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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 Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Montreal can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Montreal The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. 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.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its old town. However, Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Montreal. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. 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.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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

Isla Mujeres is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Montreal has some very good public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Montreal a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Montreal both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

In either Isla Mujeres or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Isla Mujeres because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Montreal. 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 Montreal. 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 Montreal than Isla Mujeres 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 Montreal.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Montreal?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

Isla Mujeres 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a popular place to visit. 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. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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 Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Montreal, 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.