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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Providence?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Providence? 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. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Providence travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Providence: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Providence. While Providence is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Providence and is known 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. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Providence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around San Cristobal de Las Casas. 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.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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

Both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Providence 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 Providence. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in San Cristobal de Las Casas has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Providence 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.

Providence does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Providence is a great destination for shopping. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Providence More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

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

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 Providence. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known 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.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

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

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

Providence is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Providence 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 Providence.

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 Providence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a very easy town to get around 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.

Providence is very walkable. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Providence?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Providence. 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 Providence. 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 Providence. 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 Providence. 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 Providence 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 Providence?

San Cristobal de Las Casas might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Providence, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this active 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 Providence?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Providence, 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 Providence?

San Cristobal de Las Casas, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Providence. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Providence has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Providence, 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.