A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Quebec City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Quebec 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 colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Merida and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Quebec City?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Merida. While Merida is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Quebec City is well known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac.

How is Merida different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Quebec City is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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.

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

Quebec City is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Is Merida or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Quebec 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 Quebec City know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Is Merida or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Quebec City has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Quebec City?

Quebec City is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Quebec City specifically to go shopping. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Merida or Quebec City More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City 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 Quebec City. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

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 Quebec City Better for Couples?

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

Quebec City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Quebec City are both superb 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 Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Merida or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Merida and Quebec City.

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 Quebec City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Merida or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Merida?

How long in Merida or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Merida 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 Quebec City.

One day in Merida or Quebec 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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quebec City. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the traditional 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.

Quebec City 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 Quebec 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 Quebec City. 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.

A week in Merida or Quebec 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. 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.

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 Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Quebec City?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Quebec 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.