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

Should you visit Tulum or Washington?

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 Washington 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. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Washington

Washington is a international, diverse, and active city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Washington travel costs.

Tulum and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Washington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington. Although Tulum and Washington are both popular with visitors, Washington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Washington is more popular for its theatre productions, food, music, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Tulum is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Tulum is more touristy than Washington and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Washington is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House.

How is Tulum different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Tulum and Washington 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 Washington are world-renowned. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is a well-known place for theatre. However, Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Washington attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Washington have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a city with good options for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Washington 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.

Washington is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Washington 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.

Washington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Washington 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.

Washington is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Hiking?

Tulum is great for hiking. However, Washington is not a good destination for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Washington?

Both Tulum and Washington 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.

Washington is well-known for its shopping. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Tulum or Washington More Beautiful?

Tulum and Washington both are comparable with their superb 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 Washington is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Washington 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, Washington is very family-friendly. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Tulum or Washington Better for Students?

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

Washington is a very popular city for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Washington 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 Washington can take you anywhere. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington a more walkable city?

Washington 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 Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Washington or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Washington?

Both Tulum and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active 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.

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

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 Washington. 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 Washington?

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.

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

A week in Tulum or Washington?

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.

Each neighborhood in Washington has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Washington?

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

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 Washington in the Summer?

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

Tulum is around the same temperature as Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

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

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

Should I visit Tulum or Washington in the Autumn?

Both Washington 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 Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).

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

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Washington. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Washington 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. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Washington in the Winter?

Both Washington 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 Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

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

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

Should I visit Tulum or Washington in the Spring?

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

Tulum is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

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

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Washington. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Washington 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Washington and Tulum