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

Should you visit Merida or Chattanooga?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Chattanooga, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Merida and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Chattanooga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Chattanooga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its hiking. Merida is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Merida different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

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

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 Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chattanooga has a few options to choose from. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Chattanooga?

Merida is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Merida and Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Merida and Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

Is Merida or Chattanooga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great destination for backpackers. However, Chattanooga is a city with minimal options 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.

Chattanooga is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's proximity to the mountains and diverse outdoor activities make this an under-rated destination for many backpackers.

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

Chattanooga is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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.

Is Merida or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Merida and Chattanooga are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Merida?

How long in Merida or Chattanooga?

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colonial city of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Merida or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

The traditional city of Merida offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 thriving destination of Chattanooga. This city 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 Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Chattanooga?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chattanooga. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

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

Merida is cooler than Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Chattanooga. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Merida is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 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 Chattanooga. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Chattanooga in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°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 Chattanooga. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga 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.

Merida is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chattanooga during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Merida