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

Should you visit Merida or Newport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Newport, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a seaside, historical, and charming town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Newport travel costs.

Merida and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Newport?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Newport are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Newport attracts visitors for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Newport is famous for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history.

How is Merida different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Newport 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 Newport. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

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

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

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, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Merida or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Merida or Newport Better for Beaches?

Newport is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Merida and Newport both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Newport is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Newport?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Merida and Newport.

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.

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Is Merida or Newport More Beautiful?

Newport is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Newport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Newport Better for Families?

Newport 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 Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

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 Newport Better for Couples?

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

Newport has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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 Newport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Newport is lacking in good options 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.

Newport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a beautiful town, but accommodation tends to be expensive and there aren't any hostels to attract the budget crowd.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Merida and Newport.

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

You'll find some public transit in Newport, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Is Merida or Newport a more walkable city?

Merida and Newport are excellent 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.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Newport or Merida?

How long in Merida or Newport?

In either Merida or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Newport than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

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

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

In Merida, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Newport?

In Merida, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer.

Newport 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 Newport?

Merida is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newport. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Newport. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Newport?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Newport. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Newport, 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 Newport?

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 Merida or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is around the same temperature as Newport in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Newport during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Newport. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Newport in the Autumn?

Both Newport and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In the autumn, Merida is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Newport averages at about 53°F (12°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Newport. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Newport. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Newport in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Newport. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newport. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Newport during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Newport. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Newport in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Newport in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Merida is much warmer than Newport in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newport. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Newport. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Newport. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Newport and Merida