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

Should you visit Merida or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Winnipeg, 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Merida and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Merida or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Winnipeg are about the same size, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Merida different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida
Winnipeg

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Winnipeg and Merida.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.


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

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Merida has a huge number of terrific 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Merida or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Winnipeg

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

Many people head to Merida for the nightlife scene. 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 Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Merida or Winnipeg Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida is great for its old town. However, Winnipeg does not have a historic old town.

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.

Winnipeg does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Winnipeg?

Merida
Winnipeg

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

Merida is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Merida or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida and Winnipeg are both good 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 Winnipeg. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Merida or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida and Winnipeg are both good 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.

Winnipeg is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


Is Merida or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Winnipeg

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

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination 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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Merida or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Merida
Winnipeg

Merida is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Merida?

How long in Merida or Winnipeg?

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

Families should spend more time in Merida than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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.


  • How many days in Merida or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Merida or Winnipeg?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winnipeg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Winnipeg?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Winnipeg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Merida and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Merida and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Winnipeg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Winnipeg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Merida Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $155
  • Private Transfer from Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Progreso Port: $134
  • Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $134
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
  • Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Merida Airport(MID): $17
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer from/to Merida Airport: $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Merida change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Merida $46
    Winnipeg $9.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Nandayo Food Tour: $39
  • Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated : $44
  • Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
  • Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
  • Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154
  • Wonders of the Mayab: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote & Cooking Class: $237

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Winnipeg $2.52
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.11
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $18
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $5.43

Tours and Activities in Merida

For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Adventure in Coloradas and Ría Lagartos and Cancunito: $120
  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $39
  • 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $102
  • 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $68
  • 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $108
  • 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $89
  • Adventure 4 cenotes with Izamal: $119
  • Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $118
  • Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Merida

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Merida:

  • Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting | Tour y Degustación de Cerveza: $46


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


Which is Bigger, Merida or Winnipeg?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Winnipeg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winnipeg this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winnipeg. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Merida or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Winnipeg. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Merida is much warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Merida or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winnipeg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winnipeg. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Merida or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Merida

Merida Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)