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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Raleigh?

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

Should I visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Raleigh? 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. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See San Cristobal de Las Casas travel costs.

Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly, southern, and student-friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums. See Raleigh travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Raleigh: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Raleigh. While Raleigh is larger than San Cristobal de Las Casas, San Cristobal de Las Casas has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Cristobal de Las Casas is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Raleigh is more popular for its big city activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Raleigh 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. Raleigh is well known for its many museums and being the home to North Carolina State University.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Raleigh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Raleigh is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are a number of free museums in the area. There are also some kid-friendly options and other activities that are affiliated with the colleges and universities. Popular options include the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (free), the NC Museum of History (free), the NC Museum of Art (free), and Marbles Kids Museum.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in San Cristobal de Las Casas is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Raleigh. In addition to the standard chain restaurants, you'll find a number of local eateries with great southern dishes. Try some southern classics like barbecue, pimento cheese, and fried chicken and waffles. There are also good international options including Nepalese, Laotian, and Ethiopian flavors.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Raleigh is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Raleigh has a few options to choose from. Head to downtown Raleigh or the areas around NC State University for some of the best nightlife. Trivia nights and happy hours are popular and you'll find breweries popping up in many places.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

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.

Raleigh does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its shopping areas. However, Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Raleigh More Beautiful?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Raleigh 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.

Raleigh is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

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

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 Raleigh. For such a small city, Raleigh has a number of unique kid-friendly activities like the popular Pullen Park and Marbles Kids' Museum. Pullen Park has small rides and a playground that are perfect for young kids. There's also the NC Museum of Natural History which is free and fun to explore with kids.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for couples. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for romance.

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.

Raleigh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. While it's often overlooked by couples who want a weekend away, there are a number of museums and some nice restaurants to explore.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is well known for backpackers. However, Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Raleigh is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Raleigh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a diverse student population with many nearby universities and colleges.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not popular with students.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Raleigh is not particularly known 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 quite limited in Raleigh. The city's public transportation options are limited to a few bus lines that are mostly used by students.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is very popular for its ease of walking around. However, Raleigh is not particularly known for its 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.

Raleigh is generally not a very walkable town. The city is somewhat walkable in the downtown area, but everywhere else you'll need a car.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Raleigh?

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

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 Raleigh, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this southern 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 Raleigh?

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 Raleigh, many people enjoy the food 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 Raleigh?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Raleigh. 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 Raleigh?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the city of Raleigh. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Raleigh has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Raleigh, 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.