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

Should you visit Mexico City or Columbia?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Columbia? 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 diverse, vibrant, and dynamic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbia travel costs.

Mexico City and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City than Columbia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mexico City is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also home to Zócalo. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Mexico City different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Mexico City is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

For foodies, Mexico City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Mexico City or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Mexico City or Columbia Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is a popular place for its old town. However, Columbia does not have a historic old town.

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.

Columbia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Columbia?

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

Columbia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Mexico City or Columbia Better for Families?

Mexico City is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Mexico City is a very kid-friendly 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Mexico City or Columbia Better for Couples?

Mexico City is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Mexico City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Mexico City is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mexico City is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Mexico City or Columbia Better for Students?

Mexico City is a well-known place for students. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

Mexico City is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Mexico City can get you to some places 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Mexico City or Columbia a more walkable city?

Mexico City is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mexico City or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mexico City than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

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

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 shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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 suburban city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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 Columbia?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbia. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Columbia?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Columbia. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Columbia, 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.