A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Bar Harbor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Bar Harbor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional 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 Merida travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Merida and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Bar Harbor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Merida different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Bar Harbor.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Merida offers plenty to do in the evening. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a few great resort options. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor has a beach worth visiting. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Merida and Bar Harbor.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Merida and Bar Harbor are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bar Harbor. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Merida or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Merida and Bar Harbor are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Merida?

How long in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bar Harbor than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Bar Harbor 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Bar Harbor?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Merida, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bar Harbor. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Bar Harbor?

Merida 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Bar Harbor?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Bar Harbor, 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 Merida or Bar Harbor?

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 Merida or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Merida is around the same temperature as Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Merida usually gets less rain in July than Bar Harbor. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Merida is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

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

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. Merida is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Bar Harbor. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Merida is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Merida