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

Should you visit Mexico City or Richmond?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Richmond? 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 vibrant, dynamic, and colorful 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.

Richmond

Richmond is a friendly, historical, and growing city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Richmond travel costs.

Mexico City and Richmond: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Richmond?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Richmond. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Richmond is famous for its cultural and historical sights.

How is Mexico City different from Richmond?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Richmond 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Richmond can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history which you can learn about at one of the many museums. There's the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and the Black History Museum. There are also landmarks and historical homes.

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Richmond. The food scene has been growing around town, and there are food halls and local restaurants that serve diverse and interesting dishes. You'll find Indian, Asian, and European restaurants in addition to local classics.

Is Mexico City or Richmond Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Mexico City just to party. 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 Richmond. You'll find diverse bars and clubs around town. Pubs are usually laid back with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find live music that includes bluegrass, country, and jazz.

Is Mexico City or Richmond Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Richmond 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.

Richmond does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Richmond?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Richmond 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Richmond. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers around town, but there are also eclectic shopping streets and boutique outlets.

Is Mexico City or Richmond Better for Families?

Mexico City is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Richmond 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.

Richmond is a family-friendly city. The Children's Museum of Richmond offers hands-on exhibits that will keep young ones entertained. Another fun option is the Science Museum of Virginia. The city also has parks and outdoor places to explore as well as playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Mexico City or Richmond Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mexico City and Richmond 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.

Richmond is a nice destination for couples. Kayaking or tubing on the James River is a great activity for couples. There are also museums and many restaurants that are perfect for a date night.

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

Mexico City is notable for backpackers. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mexico City is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Richmond is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination, and most people breeze through town.

Is Mexico City or Richmond Better for Students?

Mexico City is notable for students. Also, Richmond is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Plenty of students visit Richmond. There are a couple of colleges and universities in town such as Virginia Commonwealth University.

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

Mexico City is notable for its public transit. However, Richmond is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Mexico City can get you to most 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 Richmond. There are buses around town, but the availability and reliability is limited.

Is Mexico City or Richmond a more walkable city?

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

Richmond is a somewhat walkable city. There are some walkable neighborhoods such as the Fan and Museum District, but most people prefer to get around by 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 Richmond Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Richmond or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Richmond?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mexico City or Richmond to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mexico City than Richmond 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 Richmond.

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

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 historical city of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 growing destination of Richmond. 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 Richmond?

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 friendly city of Richmond 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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 Richmond Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Richmond?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Richmond. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Richmond, 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.