A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Juneau for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Merida or Juneau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Juneau, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Juneau travel costs.

Merida and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Juneau is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Merida different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Juneau and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Juneau. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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

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

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, Juneau makes for a great culinary experience. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Merida or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Merida or Juneau Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Merida. 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.

Juneau does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Juneau draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Juneau?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Merida and Juneau.

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.

Juneau is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Merida or Juneau More Beautiful?

Juneau is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Juneau is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Juneau Better for Families?

Juneau is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Juneau. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. 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.

Is Merida or Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Juneau has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Juneau are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Merida or Juneau a more walkable city?

Merida and Juneau are very good 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.

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Merida?

How long in Merida or Juneau?

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

Families should spend more time in Juneau than Merida. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Juneau, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Juneau 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 Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Juneau?

Merida 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.

Juneau is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Juneau. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Merida. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Juneau. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Juneau?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Juneau. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Juneau fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Juneau. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Juneau because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Merida is much warmer than Juneau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Juneau. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Juneau in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Juneau in the winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Juneau averages at about 24°F (-4°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Juneau. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Juneau in the Spring?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Juneau. In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Juneau. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Juneau fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Juneau. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Merida