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

Should you visit Tulum or Montreal?

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 Montreal 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. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tulum travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Tulum and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Tulum, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tulum is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Tulum is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Tulum different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Tulum and Montreal have amazing landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. 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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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

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

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).

Montreal has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Both Tulum and Montreal are amazing when it comes to partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. 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.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Tulum is great for hiking. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Montreal?

Montreal is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Tulum or Montreal More Beautiful?

Tulum is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Montreal 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, Montreal is very family-friendly. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Couples?

Tulum is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Tulum or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is terrific for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular city for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Montreal 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 Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus 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 Montreal a more walkable city?

Tulum and Montreal both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Montreal is a very walkable town. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Montreal?

In either Tulum or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Tulum has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tulum than Montreal. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Montreal?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Montreal?

Tulum is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tulum, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Montreal?

Tulum is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful big city of Montreal. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Montreal, 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 Montreal?

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 Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Tulum is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Montreal. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) 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 Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Montreal. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Montreal. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) 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 Montreal and Tulum