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

Should you visit Merida or Durham?

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

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

Durham

Durham is a diverse, student-filled, and sports oriented city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Durham?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida than Durham. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Merida is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Durham is famous for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Merida different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Durham 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 Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Merida or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Merida or Durham Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Durham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Durham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Durham?

Merida is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Merida or Durham Better for Families?

Merida and Durham 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 Durham. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Merida or Durham Better for Couples?

Merida and Durham 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Merida or Durham Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Durham is not a good city 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.

Durham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The student population means there are a number of parties and bars around town, but most backpackers overlook this city.

Is Merida or Durham Better for Students?

Durham is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Merida is very good for its public transit. However, Durham is not a good city 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

Is Merida or Durham a more walkable city?

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

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

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Durham or Merida?

How long in Merida or Durham?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Durham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Durham?

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.

Durham 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 Durham?

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 Durham. 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 Durham?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colonial 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 diverse destination of Durham. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Durham?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Durham. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Durham, 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 Durham?

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 Durham in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Durham. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Durham in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Durham. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Durham. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Durham. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Durham. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Durham in the Autumn?

Both Durham and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

In the autumn, Merida is a little warmer than Durham. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Durham averages at about 61°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Durham. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Durham in the Winter?

Both Durham and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Durham fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Durham. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Durham. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Durham in the Spring?

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

Merida is a little warmer than Durham in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Durham during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Durham. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Durham and Merida