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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Nashville?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Nashville? 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Nashville

Nashville is a southern, country music lovers, and eclectic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife. See Nashville travel costs.

Mazatlan and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Nashville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nashville than Mazatlan. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nashville is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, and big city activities, while Mazatlan attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Nashville is famous for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. It is also well known for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Mazatlan different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Nashville both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. 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.

Nashville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Nashville is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nashville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Music?

Nashville is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Nashville The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Mazatlan is not a live music destination.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a popular place for its resorts. However, Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nashville makes a nice vacation spot. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Mazatlan is not a resort destination.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Nashville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Nashville?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Mazatlan. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Nashville.

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.

Nashville offers lots of family activities. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Nashville 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.

Nashville is a good city for couples to visit. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Mazatlan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Mazatlan is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Mazatlan has some public transit options. There are city buses around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Mazatlan or Nashville a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Mazatlan is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Nashville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Nashville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Nashville. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nashville.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Nashville. 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 Nashville. 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 Nashville 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 Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Nashville offers live music and food. 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.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Nashville?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nashville 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 Nashville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Nashville?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historical city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Nashville is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Nashville?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nashville is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan and Nashville, 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.

When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Nashville?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Nashville in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Nashville. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Nashville for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Nashville. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Nashville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Nashville. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nashville in the winter. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Nashville averages at about 38°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Nashville. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the activities around the city.

In April, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nashville receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Nashville. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Mazatlan