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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia. 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 idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Philadelphia is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Philadelphia travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Philadelphia than Isla Mujeres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Philadelphia is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Isla Mujeres is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Philadelphia and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

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 Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is notable for its theatre productions. However, Isla Mujeres is not a theatre destination.

Philadelphia offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Isla Mujeres is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

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

Philadelphia has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

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 Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is notable for its live music scene. However, Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a good destination for its old town. However, Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Philadelphia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

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 Philadelphia More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres and Philadelphia are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

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

Philadelphia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, this city offers its own type of beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Philadelphia is a good island for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

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

Isla Mujeres is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Philadelphia is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Philadelphia is notable for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Many students visit Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

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

Philadelphia 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.

Philadelphia has some very good public transit options. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

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 Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Philadelphia on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Philadelphia?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Philadelphia 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Philadelphia?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Philadelphia 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Philadelphia, 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.