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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Newport?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Newport? 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. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a historical, charming, and coastal town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Newport: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Newport are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Newport attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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 Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newport 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 Newport is an experience not to be missed. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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 Newport Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect 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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

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

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. 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.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for the beach. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Newport is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Newport?

Newport 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 Newport. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

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

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Newport is a very family-friendly place to visit. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Playa del Carmen and Newport make for a world-class place to visit.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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

Playa del Carmen is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Newport.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While Newport offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Playa del Carmen or Newport a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Newport?

In either Playa del Carmen or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newport?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Newport. 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 Newport?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Newport is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Newport?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Newport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Newport. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. 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 Newport. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport 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 Newport. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Newport and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Newport during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Newport 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 Newport. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

Both Newport and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Newport 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 Newport. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

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

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Newport. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport 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 Newport during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Newport and Playa del Carmen