A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mexico City vs. Asheville for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mexico City or Asheville?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Asheville? 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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Asheville travel costs.

Mexico City and Asheville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Asheville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Asheville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Asheville is known for its music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Mexico City different from Asheville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mexico City or Asheville?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mexico City are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mexico City or Asheville? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Asheville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Music?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Asheville has diverse options. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a good destination for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Many people head to Mexico City to see the old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Hiking?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Asheville?

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Mexico City or Asheville More Beautiful?

Asheville is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Asheville.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Couples?

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City and Asheville are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Students?

Both Mexico City and Asheville are superb destinations for students.

Mexico City is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Asheville is very popular with students. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Is Mexico City or Asheville Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mexico City is well known for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you around easily. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Mexico City or Asheville a more walkable city?

Asheville is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? and Is Asheville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Asheville or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Asheville?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Asheville 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 Mexico City.

One day in Mexico City or Asheville?

People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy mountain town of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Asheville?

People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the open-minded destination of Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mexico City or Asheville?

People visit Mexico City because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

The open-minded mountain town of Asheville offers food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Asheville?

Mexico City is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Asheville?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Asheville, 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.