A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Merida for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a cultural, authentic, and traditional city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

You'll generally find more things to do in Merida than Oaxaca de Juarez. Merida is bigger than Oaxaca de Juarez, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Merida is better known for its big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Merida?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Merida and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

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).

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida.

Many people head to Oaxaca de Juarez for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

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

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Merida is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida Better for Couples?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

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.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Merida Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Merida or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Merida because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Merida.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Merida 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the historical city of Merida. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Merida is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Merida would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Merida than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Merida Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Merida?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Merida, 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.