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

Should you visit Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Wisconsin Dells, 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Merida and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its resorts and hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city 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 Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

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

Merida is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Merida. 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).

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Wisconsin Dells have very good 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 Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

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

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its old town. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

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

Wisconsin Dells has hiking trails worth exploring. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

Merida is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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 Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Merida and Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a nice destination for couples. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Merida is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city 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 Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Merida or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Merida is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Merida?

How long in Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The colonial destination of Merida offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

A weekend in Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

The city of Merida offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Merida is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted destination of Wisconsin Dells. 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, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Wisconsin Dells?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Wisconsin Dells, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in July than Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Merida is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 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 Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°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 Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

Both Wisconsin Dells 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.

In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Merida