A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Panama City for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Panama City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Panama City, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Panama City travel costs.

Merida and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Panama City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Panama City are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Panama City is known for its music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Panama City is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. 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 Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Merida is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Panama City have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Merida has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Panama City know how to have a good time. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Merida is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Panama City active and fun. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Merida is not a live music destination.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Resorts?

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

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Panama City. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its old town. However, Panama City does not have a historic old town.

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.

Panama City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Panama City?

Merida is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Panama City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Merida or Panama City More Beautiful?

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

Panama City offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With beautiful sand and blue water, Panama City is a beautiful spot for people who enjoy city beaches.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Families?

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

Panama City is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Panama City Better for Couples?

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

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

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 Panama City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great destination for backpackers. However, Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Panama City is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Merida or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Merida or Panama City a more walkable city?

Merida is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options 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.

Panama City is not a very walkable city. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Merida?

How long in Merida or Panama City?

Both Merida and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Panama City. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Panama City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Panama City?

The colonial city of Merida offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Panama City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Panama City. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Panama City?

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

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 Panama City in the Summer?

Both Panama City and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

In Panama City, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Panama City. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

Panama City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Panama City. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Panama City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Panama City. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Merida is around the same temperature as Panama City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Panama City. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Panama City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Panama City. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Panama City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Panama City averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Panama City in the Spring?

Both Panama City and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Panama City. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Panama City fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Panama City during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Panama City. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Merida