A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Bar Harbor for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor? 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.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a charming, picturesque, and relaxed coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its food, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Playa del Carmen is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Bar Harbor is an experience not to be missed. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a must-see party destination. 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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

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

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

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beach.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor both have notable trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its walkability. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

One day in Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Bar Harbor is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor 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 Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor, we can see that Bar Harbor is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor, 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 Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

Both Bar Harbor and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Playa del Carmen