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

Should you visit San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tampa?

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

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

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Tampa travel costs.

San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tampa: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Tampa. While Tampa 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 better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. San Cristobal de Las Casas is more touristy than Tampa 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. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is San Cristobal de Las Casas different from Tampa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for nightlife.

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tampa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

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

Tampa is considered a top beach destination. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

San Cristobal de Las Casas is not a beach destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa does not have a historic old town.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tampa More Beautiful?

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

Tampa is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Tampa 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.

Tampa is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa Better for Couples?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

San Cristobal de Las Casas makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

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

San Cristobal de Las Casas is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Tampa is lacking in options 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.

Tampa is generally not very walkable. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

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

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

How long in San Cristobal de Las Casas or Tampa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tampa. 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 Tampa. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in San Cristobal de Las Casas than Tampa. 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 Tampa 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 Tampa?

Even though San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Tampa, many people enjoy the food that this low-key destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tampa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Cristobal de Las Casas. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Tampa, many people enjoy the 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 Tampa?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a fun place to experience. San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tampa?

San Cristobal de Las Casas is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the city of Tampa. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Cristobal de Las Casas. When comparing the sizes of San Cristobal de Las Casas and Tampa, 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.