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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport? 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 charming, colorful, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than San Cristobal de Las Casas, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its beaches, while San Cristobal de Las Casas is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport.

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 Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Newport. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

Newport is considered a top beach destination. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to San Cristobal de Las Casas specifically to go shopping. 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport both are comparable with their notable 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.

Newport is a beautiful place to visit, too. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

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

Newport is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Newport is a very family-friendly destination. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

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

Newport is very popular for romance. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has some public transit options. Urbano buses are minibuses that connect the town to the outlying residential areas. There are also colectivos that travel to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Newport, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport?

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

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

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

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

One day in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Newport, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Cristobal de Las Casas has to offer.

In Newport, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newport?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Newport, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this seaside destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Since San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Newport. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Cristobal de Las Casas and Newport, we can see that Newport 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 Newport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newport 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 Newport Expensive?.

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

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