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

Should you visit Mexico City or Tampa?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Tampa? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City travel costs.

Tampa

Tampa is a easy-going, low-key, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

Mexico City and Tampa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Tampa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mexico City than Tampa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tampa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Mexico City is more touristy than Tampa and is known for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Tampa is famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Mexico City different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Beaches?

Tampa is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for its Old Town?

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

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Tampa?

Mexico City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. 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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Tampa.

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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Couples?

Mexico City is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Mexico City or Tampa Better for Students?

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa is not popular with students.

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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Mexico City or Tampa a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Tampa are reasonable 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Tampa or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mexico City and Tampa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mexico City than in Tampa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Tampa.

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

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going city of Tampa. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the low-key destination of Tampa. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tampa?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The low-key city of Tampa offers food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Tampa?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Mexico City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Tampa?

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