A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Alexandria?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Alexandria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Tulum travel costs.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Tulum and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Alexandria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Alexandria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Alexandria is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Alexandria and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Tulum different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alexandria and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Alexandria?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Alexandria.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Alexandria has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Tulum is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Alexandria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is terrific for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Hiking?

Tulum is great for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Tulum for the hiking trails. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Alexandria?

Both Tulum and Alexandria are very good shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Alexandria is well-known for its shopping. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Is Tulum or Alexandria More Beautiful?

Tulum and Alexandria both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Families?

Tulum is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tulum. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Is Tulum or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is terrific for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Alexandria can take you anywhere. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Alexandria. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Alexandria 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Alexandria?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Alexandria, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

A weekend in Tulum or Alexandria?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. 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.

Five days in Tulum or Alexandria?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Alexandria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alexandria. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Alexandria?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, 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 Tulum and Alexandria, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Alexandria, 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.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Alexandria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Alexandria. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Alexandria. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 278 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alexandria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alexandria can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Alexandria. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alexandria receives 139 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Alexandria. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alexandria this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Alexandria during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Alexandria receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Tulum