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

Should you visit Mexico City or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Mexico City or Williamsburg? 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. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mexico City travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Mexico City and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Williamsburg attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Williamsburg is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo.

How is Mexico City different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Williamsburg 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Williamsburg?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Williamsburg is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg Better for Families?

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

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Mexico City is 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.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Williamsburg is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

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 Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Mexico City. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Mexico City or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Mexico City and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is generally not very walkable. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Mexico City or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mexico City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mexico City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the well-preserved town of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Williamsburg?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 Williamsburg?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The well-preserved town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

Mexico City is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Williamsburg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mexico City or Williamsburg?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 990 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Mexico City and Williamsburg, 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.