A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salvador vs. Guadalajara for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Salvador or Guadalajara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Guadalajara, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salvador

Salvador is a historical, authentic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Salvador travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Salvador and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Salvador. While Salvador is larger than Guadalajara, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Salvador attracts visitors for its beaches. Salvador is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Salvador different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salvador or Guadalajara?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salvador or Guadalajara.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salvador can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

Is the Food Better in Salvador or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Salvador and Guadalajara can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Salvador is an experience not to be missed. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Guadalajara. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Salvador and Guadalajara.

Salvador is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Salvador is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Salvador. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Salvador is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Salvador. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Salvador or Guadalajara as a family destination.

Salvador doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.

For families, Guadalajara is not always the best place to visit. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Salvador is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Salvador is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador and Guadalajara are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salvador is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Salvador offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Salvador or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its walkability.

Guadalajara is a very walkable destination. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Salvador is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Salvador Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Salvador?

How long in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salvador and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salvador than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Salvador, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Salvador 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Salvador. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

The city of Guadalajara offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Salvador. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Guadalajara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Guadalajara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salvador or Guadalajara?

The authentic city of Salvador offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salvador or Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Salvador. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Salvador or Guadalajara?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Guadalajara. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Guadalajara, 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.