A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Prague vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Prague or Mexico City?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Prague and Mexico City. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Prague

Prague is a beautiful, festive, and fun-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Prague travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Mexico City travel costs.

Prague and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Prague or Mexico City?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Prague than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Prague, Prague has more sights and attractions for tourists. Prague is more popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City is known for its food, shopping, and big city activities. Prague is more touristy than Mexico City and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Prague different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Prague. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague
Mexico City

Plenty of people visit the amazing sights and museums in both Prague and Mexico City.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Prague are among the most recognizable in the world. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.


Is the Food Better in Prague or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Prague
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Mexico City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Prague
Mexico City

Both Prague and Mexico City are amazing when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Prague is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Music?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Prague has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Prague or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for its historic old town charm. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Prague has a world-famous historical area. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Many visitors go to Mexico City to see the historical old town. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague
Mexico City

Mexico City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Mexico City make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

Is Prague or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Families?

Prague
Mexico City

Both Prague and Mexico City are superb family-friendly destinations.

Prague is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Prague makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Prague, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.


Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Students?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Is Prague or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Prague has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Prague or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Prague
Mexico City

Prague is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Prague. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Prague Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Prague?

How long in Prague or Mexico City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague than Mexico City 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 Prague.


  • How many days in Prague or Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Prague 2-7 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mexico City 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.

Five days in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague is a cultural city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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


A week in Prague or Mexico City?

Prague is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Mexico City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City or Prague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Prague is $147, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is $212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Prague and Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Prague $77
    Mexico City $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Prague $154
    Mexico City $76
Compare Hotels in Prague and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Prague or Mexico City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Prague


Hotels in Mexico City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Prague Hotel Prices and Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Prague $9.25
    Mexico City $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Prague

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Prague:

  • VIP Private Transfer from Prague Hotel to Prague Airport: $66
  • Transfers and driving tours in Prague and Czech Republic : $60
  • Transfer from or to Prague Airport and City Center 1–6 passengers: $52
  • Transfer from Vaclav Airport (PRG) to Prague City Center: $26
  • Transfer from Prague to Karlovy Vary: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing : $141
  • Transfer from Prague to Dresden: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $209
  • Transfer from Prague to Cesky Krumlov with 2h in Hluboka : $151
  • Transfer from Prague Hotel to Airport Prague: $84
  • Transfer from Prague City Center to Vaclav Airport (PRG): $26
  • Terezin Tour Including Admission Ticket and Transfer & Audio: $71
  • Tandem Skydiving in Prague - Tandem Jump with transfers!: $281
  • Scenic Private Transfer from Passau to Prague in a Sanitized Car: $287

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    $1.09
  • Uber Ride
    $3.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Mexico city Airport - Mexico city Downtown hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer to Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $16
  • Inbursa Aquarium optional Round trip transfer: $20
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Mexico City- Private Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Mexico to Mexico City Airport (MEX) Departure Arrival Transfer: $31
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Mexico City Airport (MEX): $32
  • Transfer & assistance one-way from/to Mexico City Airport/hotel : $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mexico City Airport: $34
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Mexico APT-HTL (MEX) : $36
  • Private Transfer From Mexico City Airport to Downtown: $41
  • Toluca to Toluca Int Airport (TLC) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Prague or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City and Prague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Prague $51
    Mexico City $43
Typical Food Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of dining costs in Prague are as follows:


  • Fruit
    $4.84
  • Lunch for One
    $15
  • Bananas
    $0.68
  • Cookies
    $0.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Prague

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Prague.

  • Folklore Dinner with Unlimited Drinks 4course Menu: $63
  • Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $69
  • African Dinner, Party and Pub-crawl : $72
  • Prague Boats 3-hour Dinner Cruise: $72
  • The Castle Side Food Tour: Hidden Flavors & Scenic Views: $74
  • Small-Group Local Pubs Walking Tour And Traditional Czech Dinner: $74
  • Prague 5 Courses Medieval Dinner and Live Performances: $76
  • Prague Old Town And Beer Walking Tour Including Dinner: $82
  • Prague Boats 3-hours Crystal Dinner Cruise: $85
  • Medieval Dinner Show Castle and Brewery Tour with Hotel pick up: $102
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner in Prague: $118
  • Prague by Night: Drinks & Food Tour with Eating Europe: $118

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    $4.24
  • Dinner for 2
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Coyoacán Market Food Tour Urban Eats & Local Legends: $52
  • San Juan Market Food Tour Exotic Bites & Flavors: $52
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $54
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
  • Lunch Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $62
  • Old Town Food Tour of 7 Tastings & Secret Dish: $66
  • Breakfast Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Prague $18
    Mexico City $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Prague

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Prague are as follows:


  • Opera Tickets
    $4.84
  • Two Tickets for Charles Bridge Tower
    $6.77
  • Image Theatre for Two
    $46

Tours and Activities in Prague

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Prague are as follows:

  • Live Virtual Tour of Prague: $63
  • Private Prague City Tour with Pick Up : $286
  • "Best of Prague" Customised Private Full Day Tour : $250
  • 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise: $20
  • 1 hour Prague Sightseeing tour using Vintage Car for 1- 6 persons: $191
  • 1,5 hour oldtimer convertible Prague sightseeing tour: $239
  • 1,5-Hour Prague Magical Segway Tour: $74
  • 1,5-Hour Prague Monasteries Segway Tour : $74
  • 1.5 Hour SEGWAY Tour of Prague: $78
  • 1.5h Prague E-Scooter Panoramic Tour small-group with PragueWay: $62
  • 2 Countries Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland tour from Prague: $155
  • 2-Hour Old Town and Jewish Quarter Tour in Prague: $29

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Children in Silence (Admission ticket): $1.36
  • MUCHO Museum of Chocolate Entrance Ticket: $4.36
  • Free Mexico City Centre Tour: $5.57
  • Bastards of Mexico: Unfiltered Tour of the Historic Center: $5.57
  • Flavors of the past: A Pre-Hispanic drink tour in Mexico city. : $5.57
  • CDMX: Museum of Memory and Tolerance - Anne Frank (Entrance ticket): $6.81
  • Hidden Gems of Exploration Game and Tour: $7.47
  • Double Decker Bus Night Tour: $8.17
  • Skip the Line Tickets for Temple Major: $9.99
  • Night Tour of Mexico City Panoramic Ride on a Double-Decker Bus: $10
  • Mexico City (Coyoacan) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Night City Tour in a Double Decker Bus: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Prague $13
    Mexico City $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Prague

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Prague from other travelers:


  • A Bottle of Wine
    $7.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Prague

Also in Prague, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Prague Pub Crawl - with free unlimited drinks and cocktails : $45
  • Prague - Private Pub Crawl with Unlimited Beer and Local Guide: $47
  • Craft Beer Tour: Try 8 Czech Beers, Brewery and Beer Garden: $62
  • ️ Segway Fun Tour of Prague to Castle and Strahov Monastery viewpoint & Brewery: $62
  • Prague Historic Pub Tour with Drinks Included: $65
  • PUB CRAWL IN PRAGUE | Admission Ticket: $66
  • Prague Microbrewery Tour and Beer Tasting: $75
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl in Prague: $82
  • Wine Tasting and History Prague : $96
  • Prague Segway Tour - 3-hour Double Monastery & Brewery Tour : $114
  • 3 in 1 Tour Brewery & Castle in Bohemian Paradise Unesco Geopark: $131
  • COUNTRY BIKE TOUR TO UNETICE BREWERY. Bike / e-Bike tour: $142

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mexico City:

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $23
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $94
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222
  • Private Cheese and Wine Tour to Queretaro: $479


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Prague and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Prague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Prague is in Europe and Mexico City 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 Prague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Prague 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City than you might in Prague.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Prague Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Prague or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Prague. When comparing the sizes of Prague and Mexico City, 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.