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

Should you visit Merida or Saint Simons?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Saint Simons, 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Merida and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Saint Simons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Saint Simons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Simons is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Merida different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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 Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

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

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, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great destination for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

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

Saint Simons has a few great resort options. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Saint Simons?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Merida and Saint Simons.

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.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Is Merida or Saint Simons More Beautiful?

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

Saint Simons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island 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 quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Merida or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Merida is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Merida?

How long in Merida or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.

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

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

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

In Merida, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this traditional city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saint Simons?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Saint Simons?

Merida is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Saint Simons?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

Both Saint Simons and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Saint Simons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 82°F (28°C).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Saint Simons. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Saint Simons. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 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 Saint Simons. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Simons in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons this time of year.

Merida is much warmer than Saint Simons in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°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 Saint Simons. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Saint Simons. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Simons in the Spring?

Both Saint Simons and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Simons averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Saint Simons during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Merida