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

Should you visit Merida or Pensacola?

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

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

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Merida and Pensacola: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Pensacola?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida than Pensacola, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Merida is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pensacola is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. 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 Pensacola?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Merida is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Merida specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Pensacola.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pensacola makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Nightlife?

Merida is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

Merida has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Resorts?

Pensacola is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Pensacola is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Pensacola are among the best in the world. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its old town. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Pensacola?

Merida is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Families?

Pensacola is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

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 Pensacola Better for Couples?

Pensacola is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Pensacola makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Merida or Pensacola Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

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

Merida is very good for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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 quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Merida or Pensacola a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable city. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Pensacola or Merida?

How long in Merida or Pensacola?

Both Merida and Pensacola have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pensacola than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pensacola.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pensacola than Merida. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pensacola that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Pensacola 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 Pensacola?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pensacola. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Pensacola?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Pensacola is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Pensacola?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pensacola. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Pensacola?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Pensacola. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Pensacola, we can see that Pensacola 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 Pensacola would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pensacola 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 Pensacola Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Pensacola?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?

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 Pensacola in the Summer?

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

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Pensacola. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Pensacola in the Autumn?

Both Pensacola 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 hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

Merida is around the same temperature as Pensacola in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Pensacola fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Pensacola in the Winter?

Both Pensacola 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. Also, many travelers come to Pensacola for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Pensacola averages at about 51°F (10°C).

Pensacola gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Pensacola in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Pensacola. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Pensacola in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Merida