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

Should you visit Mexico City or Cleveland?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Cleveland? 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. 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.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a authentic, under-rated, and diverse city. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Cleveland travel costs.

Mexico City and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Cleveland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Cleveland. Mexico City is bigger than Cleveland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mexico City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cleveland is more popular for its music. Mexico City is more touristy than Cleveland and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo. Cleveland is well known for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Mexico City different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cleveland. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland 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, Cleveland has diverse options. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Cleveland?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Cleveland 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.

Cleveland offers some nice shopping areas. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for Families?

Mexico City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Mexico City is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Mexico City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Cleveland is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There's little in the area that attracts the backpacker crowd.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland Better for Students?

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

Mexico City is a great city to visit as a student. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Cleveland is not popular with students.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland 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, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Mexico City can move around easily with public transportation. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Mexico City or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Cleveland are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Mexico City is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Cleveland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Cleveland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Cleveland. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cleveland.

Families should spend more time in Mexico City than Cleveland. 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 Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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 authentic city of Cleveland. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Cleveland?

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 shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland?

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 authentic city of Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Cleveland. 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 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

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 Cleveland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Cleveland?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Cleveland, 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.