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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Ottawa?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Ottawa? 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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Ottawa travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Playa del Carmen, 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 Ottawa attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Ottawa is famous for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ottawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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 Ottawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Ottawa can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Ottawa. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Ottawa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ottawa and Playa del Carmen.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ottawa. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Ottawa is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

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

Playa del Carmen and Ottawa are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa Better for Students?

Ottawa is a popular place for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa 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 Ottawa.

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 Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Playa del Carmen or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Ottawa?

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

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

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 museums and food around the welcoming destination of Ottawa. 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.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Ottawa?

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 food and shopping around the friendly city of Ottawa. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant 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.

Ottawa 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Ottawa?

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

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

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

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Ottawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. 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 Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 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 Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ottawa averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 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 Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) 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 Ottawa in the Winter?

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

Ottawa can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Ottawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Playa del Carmen