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

Should you visit Merida or Roanoke?

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

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

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Roanoke travel costs.

Merida and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Roanoke?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Merida is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Merida different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Merida is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Merida or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Merida or Roanoke Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Roanoke?

Merida is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Merida or Roanoke Better for Families?

Merida and Roanoke are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Merida or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Merida or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Merida is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Merida?

How long in Merida or Roanoke?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke?

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 scenic destination of Roanoke. This town 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Roanoke?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Roanoke. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Merida is cooler than Roanoke in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Roanoke receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Roanoke. 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 Roanoke because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Roanoke averages at about 60°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Roanoke. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 210 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Roanoke. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Roanoke this time of year.

It's quite cold in Roanoke in the winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Roanoke during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Roanoke receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Roanoke. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

Merida is a little warmer than Roanoke in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Roanoke, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Roanoke. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Roanoke receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Roanoke. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Merida