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

Should you visit Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a scenic, bustling, and spirited coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mexico City than Fort Lauderdale. Mexico City is bigger than Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Mexico City is well known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. Also, Mexico City is famous for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mexico City that are not to be missed. 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Fort Lauderdale is a great choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few good snorkeling spots. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical 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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

Mexico City is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable 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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale Better for Students?

Mexico City is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is a great destination for its public transit. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Is Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than in Mexico City. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 3-7 days is enough time in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Mexico City is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the spirited destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

Mexico City is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the bustling coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mexico City. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

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 New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Fort Lauderdale?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Fort Lauderdale, 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.