A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Mystic for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Mystic? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a laid back, charming, and quaint town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mystic travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Mystic: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Mystic, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Mystic is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Mystic and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Mystic is well known for its New England charm and local character.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mystic is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Mystic can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Mystic is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Mystic?

Mystic 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 Mystic. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Mystic is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

Mystic is a very kid-friendly town. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mystic a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Mystic?

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

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid back destination of Mystic. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Playa del Carmen or Mystic?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid back town of Mystic. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mystic is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Mystic, we can see that Mystic 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 Mystic would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Mystic?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Playa del Carmen or Mystic in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Mystic. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Mystic. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mystic averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mystic and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mystic this time of year.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

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

Both Mystic and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mystic for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Mystic in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Mystic fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Mystic. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Mystic averages at about 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Mystic. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Playa del Carmen