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

Should you visit Tulum or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore 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 lively, ancient, and archeological town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Baltimore travel costs.

Tulum and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Baltimore are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its big city activities. Tulum is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Tulum different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

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

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).

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Tulum just to party. 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. 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.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Tulum is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Tulum. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Baltimore?

Both Tulum and Baltimore are superb 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.

Baltimore is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Tulum or Baltimore More Beautiful?

Tulum is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Baltimore are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. 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.

Baltimore is a good town for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Tulum or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tulum is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore is a well-known place 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.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail 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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Tulum and Baltimore both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Baltimore is a very walkable town. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Baltimore. 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Tulum. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient destination of Tulum. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active town of Tulum. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

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

A week in Tulum or Baltimore?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Baltimore. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Baltimore. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tulum is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Baltimore. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. Tulum is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Tulum