A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Lancaster for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster? 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lancaster travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Lancaster. Oaxaca de Juarez is bigger than Lancaster, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Lancaster is more popular for its impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lancaster and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lancaster makes for a great culinary experience. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Oaxaca de Juarez has something for everybody. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Lancaster does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Lancaster is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster More Beautiful?

Lancaster is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lancaster is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for Families?

Lancaster is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly destination. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Lancaster make for a very good place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Lancaster. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Lancaster 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Lancaster. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find food and shopping around the picturesque town of Lancaster. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Lancaster is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Lancaster is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Lancaster?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Lancaster, 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.