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

Should you visit Mexico City or Berkeley?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Berkeley? 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 dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Berkeley travel costs.

Mexico City and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Berkeley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Berkeley. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Berkeley is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mexico City on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Berkeley. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.

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

Mexico City is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Berkeley. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Mexico City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Berkeley has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Berkeley does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Berkeley?

Mexico City is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley More Beautiful?

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

Berkeley offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It has a nice campus and a unique setting that mixes an urban environment with a bayside location.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley Better for Families?

Mexico City is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Berkeley make for a nice place to visit.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Mexico City and Berkeley are both very good 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 Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley Better for Students?

Both Mexico City and Berkeley are very good 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.

Berkeley is very popular with students. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

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

Berkeley is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Berkeley has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Mexico City or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Berkeley is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Berkeley?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Berkeley 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 Berkeley?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky city of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quirky destination of Berkeley. This city 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 Berkeley?

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

The progressive city of Berkeley offers shopping and museums. 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 Berkeley?

Mexico City 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Mexico City and Berkeley, we can see that Berkeley is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Berkeley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Berkeley?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Berkeley. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Berkeley, 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.