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

Should you visit Prague or Playa del Carmen?

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 Playa del Carmen. 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. The famous beauty of Prague is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Prague travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Prague and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Playa del Carmen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Playa del Carmen is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Prague 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. Playa del Carmen is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches.

How is Prague different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Prague on the map. 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.

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 Prague or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Both Prague and Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is a world class 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.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Music?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

In Prague you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a live music destination.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Prague 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.

Prague is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Prague 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.

Prague is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Prague is not a beach destination.

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.

Prague is not a beach destination.

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

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Prague offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague 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.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

Prague 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 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.

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 Prague or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Prague is one of the main draws. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

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.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Prague. 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.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Prague and Playa del Carmen both amazing destinations for a couple.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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.

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

Prague is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Prague is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

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.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Prague is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with 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.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

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

Prague is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Prague is top-notch. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Prague or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Prague and Playa del Carmen both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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

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.

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

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

How long in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

Both Prague and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Prague has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Prague than Playa del Carmen. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Prague, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Prague. 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.

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

One day in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Prague because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

A weekend in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

People visit Prague because there is so much to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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.

Five days in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

Prague 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.

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.

A week in Prague or Playa del Carmen?

Prague is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Prague or Playa del Carmen?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Prague and Playa del Carmen, 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 Prague or Playa del Carmen?

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 Prague or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Prague and Playa del Carmen. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Prague this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Prague is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Prague in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In Prague, it's very sunny this time of the year. Prague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Carmen during summer. Prague gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Prague usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Prague as well as Playa del Carmen. Many travelers come to Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Prague is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Prague average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Prague often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Prague usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

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

Both Playa del Carmen and Prague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Prague in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Prague can get quite cold in the winter. Prague is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Prague averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. Prague usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Prague gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Prague usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Playa del Carmen and Prague during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Prague is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Prague in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Prague often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.

Prague usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Prague gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Prague