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

Should you visit Merida or Saint Louis?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Saint Louis, 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 colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a fascinating, under rated, and unexpected city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Merida and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Saint Louis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Saint Louis. Merida is bigger than Saint Louis, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Saint Louis is more popular for its museums. Merida is more touristy than Saint Louis and is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Saint Louis is well known for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West.

How is Merida different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Louis is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Saint Louis has many famous sights for visitors. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Merida is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Merida or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Merida is well known for nightlife. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Merida is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Saint Louis has a few options to choose from. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

Is Merida or Saint Louis Better for its Old Town?

Merida is well known for its historic old town. However, Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint Louis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Saint Louis?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Merida and Saint Louis.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

Is Merida or Saint Louis Better for Families?

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.

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 Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Merida and Saint Louis are both notable 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.

Saint Louis is a nice destination for couples. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

Is Merida or Saint Louis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is well known for backpackers. However, Saint Louis is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Saint Louis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a number of affordable motels around town but no real hostels.

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

Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Merida is well known for its walkability. Also, Saint Louis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Saint Louis is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Merida?

How long in Merida or Saint Louis?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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 Saint Louis. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Merida or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial 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.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Saint Louis?

The colonial 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 Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Saint Louis?

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 fascinating destination of Saint Louis. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Saint Louis?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Saint Louis. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis?

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 Saint Louis in the Summer?

Both Saint Louis and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Louis in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Saint Louis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Louis averages at about 81°F (27°C).

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

Merida usually gets less rain in July than Saint Louis. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Saint Louis. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint Louis for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Merida is generally a little warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Louis this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 203 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 Saint Louis. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Louis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Saint Louis. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Louis because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint Louis can be very cold. Merida is much warmer than Saint Louis in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°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 Saint Louis. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Louis receives 160 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Saint Louis. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Merida is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Saint Louis averages at about 58°F (15°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Louis. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Saint Louis during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Louis receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Louis. It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Merida