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

Should you visit Merida or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Vernon, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Merida and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Vernon are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Vernon attracts visitors for its hiking. Merida is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Merida different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Merida is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Merida offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Vernon?

Merida is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for Families?

Merida and Vernon 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 Vernon. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for Couples?

Merida and Vernon are both nice to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Merida or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Merida or Vernon 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, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few public transit options. 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Merida or Vernon a more walkable city?

Merida is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Merida?

How long in Merida or Vernon?

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

Families should spend more time in Merida than Vernon. 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 Vernon. 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 Vernon 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Merida or Vernon?

Merida 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.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. 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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Merida. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quiet destination of Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Vernon, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Vernon?

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

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Vernon. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

Merida is around the same temperature as Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Merida usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Merida is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Vernon. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Vernon. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Vernon. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

Merida is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Vernon. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Merida