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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena? 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a charming, picturesque, and quaint city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Pasadena travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Pasadena: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Pasadena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its historical buildings, local markets, and traditional churches. Also, San Cristobal de Las Casas is famous for the Cathedral of San Cristobal de las Casas. Pasadena is well known for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Pasadena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pasadena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Pasadena offer superb 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 Pasadena. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Cristobal de Las Casas and Pasadena.

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.

Pasadena is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of San Cristobal de Las Casas. The town is filled with narrow pedestrian streets, colorful markets, and historic churches.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

San Cristobal de Las Casas offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of mountains, this town is colorful and charming.

Pasadena is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

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

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 Pasadena. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is notable for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena 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 Pasadena.

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 Pasadena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around San Cristobal de Las Casas on foot. 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.

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Pasadena. 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 Pasadena. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Cristobal de Las Casas, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pasadena.

Families should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Pasadena. 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 Pasadena. 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas than Pasadena 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 Pasadena?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this picturesque destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Pasadena?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 San Cristobal de Las Casas, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pasadena, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Pasadena?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Pasadena. 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 Pasadena?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pasadena. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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 Pasadena Expensive?.

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

Pasadena has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Pasadena, 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.