A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Playa del Carmen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Playa del Carmen?

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

Should I visit Paris or Playa del Carmen? 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.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Paris travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Paris and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Playa del Carmen. Paris is bigger than Playa del Carmen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Playa del Carmen is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Playa del Carmen and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Theater?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Playa del Carmen is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Paris and Playa del Carmen.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Music?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Paris or Playa del Carmen.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Playa del Carmen make for a first-rate place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Paris or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Paris?

How long in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Both Paris and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Playa del Carmen. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Playa del Carmen 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this picture-perfect destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town 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.

A weekend in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paris is in Europe and Playa del Carmen is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Playa del Carmen, 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.

When is the best time to visit Paris or Playa del Carmen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paris or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Playa del Carmen. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Paris usually gets less rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

Both Playa del Carmen and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paris is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Should I visit Paris or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

Both Playa del Carmen and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Playa del Carmen. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paris is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Paris