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

Should you visit Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Blue Ridge? 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Mexico City and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mexico City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Mexico City different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mexico City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Mexico City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mexico City. 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.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

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

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Blue Ridge.

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.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

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

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City and Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge Better for Students?

Mexico City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Many students visit Mexico City. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Mexico City or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

In either Mexico City or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mexico City has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mexico City than Blue Ridge. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Blue Ridge. 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.

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

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Blue Ridge?

When visiting Mexico City, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This 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 Blue Ridge?

Mexico City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

Mexico City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mexico City and Blue Ridge, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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 Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Blue Ridge?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 9560 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Blue Ridge, 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.