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

Should you visit Merida or Sedona?

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

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

Sedona

Sedona is a dramatic, scenic, and striking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Merida and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Sedona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Sedona are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Sedona is known for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Sedona is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats.

How is Merida different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

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

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, Sedona makes for a great culinary experience. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Merida or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Merida for the nightlife scene. 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 Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Merida or Sedona Better for Resorts?

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

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Sedona offers a nice historic old town area. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Is Merida or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona 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 Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Sedona?

Sedona is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Sedona specifically to go shopping. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Merida or Sedona Better for Families?

Sedona 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 Sedona. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sedona has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sedona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination 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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Merida or Sedona a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Merida?

How long in Merida or Sedona?

In either Merida or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

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

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.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Sedona?

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.

Sedona is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Sedona?

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 Sedona. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sedona?

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.

Sedona is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Sedona?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Sedona, 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.