A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mazatlan vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Mazatlan or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Edmonton? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Mazatlan and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Mazatlan is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its shopping. Mazatlan is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also well known for the Malecon. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Mazatlan different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Mazatlan and Edmonton.

Mazatlan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Many visitors head to Edmonton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Is the Food Better in Mazatlan or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mazatlan makes for a great culinary experience. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Edmonton.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

If you're looking for night time activities Edmonton has a few options to choose from. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Edmonton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Edmonton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Mazatlan is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Edmonton is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Edmonton.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Edmonton offers lots of family activities. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Edmonton make for a nice place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Edmonton is a good city for couples to visit. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mazatlan. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Edmonton.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Mazatlan or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mazatlan than Edmonton 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 Mazatlan.

One day in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

The city of Mazatlan offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The city of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Mazatlan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Edmonton 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mazatlan, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton 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.

A week in Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Mazatlan 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.

Edmonton is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Edmonton, 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.