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

Should you visit Merida or Niagara Falls?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Niagara Falls, 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Merida and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Niagara Falls, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Merida and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Merida is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Merida. 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).

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Merida is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Merida has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its old town. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Niagara Falls?

Merida is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

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

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Merida and Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

Is Merida or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Merida?

How long in Merida or Niagara Falls?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional destination of Merida. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Niagara Falls?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls in the Summer?

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

In July, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Niagara Falls. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Niagara Falls. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Niagara Falls. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Merida is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Niagara Falls. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

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

In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 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 Niagara Falls. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Merida