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

Should you visit Tulum or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg 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. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Tulum and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Williamsburg is more popular for its historical sights. Tulum is more touristy than Williamsburg and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Tulum different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. 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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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

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

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).

Williamsburg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

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

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

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

Williamsburg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Hiking?

Tulum is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Williamsburg?

Both Tulum and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Tulum is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and 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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Williamsburg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg Better for Students?

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

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

Tulum is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Tulum or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

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

In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this well-preserved destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Tulum or Williamsburg?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

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

In Tulum, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Tulum is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Williamsburg, we can see that Williamsburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Williamsburg. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Williamsburg during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tulum is much warmer than Williamsburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Williamsburg. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Williamsburg 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Williamsburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the natural beauty.

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

In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Tulum