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

Should you visit Merida or Charlottesville?

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

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

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a traditional, young, and collegiate university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Merida and Charlottesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Charlottesville?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Charlottesville are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Charlottesville is known for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Merida is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Merida different from Charlottesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

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

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its old town. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Hiking?

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

Charlottesville has hiking trails worth exploring. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Charlottesville?

Merida is a great city for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Christmas?

Charlottesville is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Merida does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. From Christmas lights on campus to a festive atmosphere at the Monticello, the town is beautiful for Christmas.

Merida does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Families?

Merida and Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Couples?

Merida and Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville is a nice destination for couples. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known 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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Merida or Charlottesville Better for Students?

Charlottesville is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Charlottesville is a great destination for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Merida or Charlottesville a more walkable city?

Merida is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known 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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Charlottesville or Merida?

How long in Merida or Charlottesville?

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

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

The traditional 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.

Charlottesville might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?

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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville?

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.

Charlottesville is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This university town 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 Charlottesville, we can see that Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Charlottesville?

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

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 Charlottesville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Charlottesville. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Charlottesville in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Charlottesville during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 305 hours of full sun in the summer.

Charlottesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 5 inches (128 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Charlottesville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Charlottesville. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Charlottesville for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Charlottesville. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 221 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Charlottesville. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Charlottesville in the Winter?

Both Charlottesville and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine.

The weather in Charlottesville can be very cold. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Charlottesville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Charlottesville averages at about 36°F (2°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Charlottesville during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Charlottesville receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Charlottesville. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Charlottesville in the Spring?

Both Charlottesville and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Charlottesville this time of year.

In April, Merida is generally a little warmer than Charlottesville. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Charlottesville fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Charlottesville receives 265 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Charlottesville. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Charlottesville receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charlottesville and Merida