A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Cristobal de Las Casas vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin? 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.

San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a colorful, cultural, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Austin travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than San Cristobal de Las Casas, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is known for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and San Cristobal de Las Casas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with historical churches such as the main Cathedral of San Cristobal. While this is the most notable church, there are also smaller churches worth visiting like the Templo Santo Domingo, Iglesia de Guadalupe, and Iglesia de San Cristobal. For museums, make sure you check out the Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya, Na Bolom, and Museo de Ambar.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its restaurants. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. The cuisine is a mix of Spanish-influenced cured meats such as ham and sausage, as well as indigenous flavors like tamales and burritos. There's also a lot of great pizza around town as well as several Asian restaurants.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's an active nightlife scene that includes everything from late night clubs to salsa lessons. Most tourists who want to party head to the pedestrian streets around the plaza. There are countless bars where you'll likely find a crowd late into the night. Some clubs have a cover charge on weekends but, in general, drinks are cheap and getting around is easy.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a live music destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for its Old Town?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Cristobal de Las Casas to see the historical old town. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The nearby villages are famous for their weaving, leather, pottery, and embroidery, so many visitors pick up souvenirs at the colorful markets around town. This is one of the best towns in Mexico to purchase local items, and you should definitely set aside time to explore and shop.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a family-friendly town. While kids may not appreciate the town's beauty and culture, they will have fun exploring the night market or taking a chocolate-making class. There are pedestrian streets where everyone can explore without fear of traffic and pizza restaurants that appeal to the kids as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit San Cristobal de Las Casas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy culture, markets, traditional cuisines, and new experiences will love their time here. It's a fun place to simply wander. You can explore the markets and then eat at a local restaurant before making your way back to your boutique hotel.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Austin are both very good destinations for backpackers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels in town as well as budget-friendly hotels. Backpackers love the laid back nature of this town as well as the many markets and nature-oriented activities.

Austin is a great town to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in San Cristobal de Las Casas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin a more walkable city?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to experience the town. Most of the sights can be reached on foot and there are pedestrian-only streets that let you avoid the traffic.

Austin is generally not a very walkable town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or San Cristobal de Las Casas?

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Austin. In our opinion, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Austin. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Cristobal de Las Casas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than San Cristobal de Las Casas 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 Austin.

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Austin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this entrepreneurial destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Cristobal de Las Casas Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Cristobal de Las Casas or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Austin, 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.