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

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Merida?

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

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

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Merida: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Merida?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Merida. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Merida attracts visitors for its historical sights. Merida is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Sao Paulo different from Merida?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Merida?

Sao Paulo 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, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

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 Sao Paulo or Merida? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Sao Paulo and Merida both to be superb destinations.

Sao Paulo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

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 Sao Paulo or Merida Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Sao Paulo is a must-see party destination. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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 Sao Paulo or Merida Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Merida?

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

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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 Sao Paulo or Merida Better for Families?

Sao Paulo and Merida are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Sao Paulo offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

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 Sao Paulo or Merida Better for Couples?

Sao Paulo and Merida are both nice to visit as a couple.

Sao Paulo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

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 Sao Paulo or Merida Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Merida Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Merida is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Merida is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sao Paulo can take you anywhere. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

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 Sao Paulo or Merida a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo and Merida are superb when it comes to walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Merida or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Merida?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sao Paulo or Merida to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sao Paulo than Merida because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Merida.

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

One day in Sao Paulo or Merida?

Sao Paulo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Sao Paulo or Merida?

Sao Paulo 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 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.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Merida?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sao Paulo. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical 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.

A week in Sao Paulo or Merida?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Sao Paulo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, 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 Sao Paulo and Merida, we can see that Merida is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sao Paulo is in South America and Merida is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Merida?

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

When is the best time to visit Sao Paulo or Merida?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Merida. The summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

Sao Paulo is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Meridain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Merida. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sao Paulo in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Merida. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Meridain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Winter?

Both Merida and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Sao Paulo is generally around the same temperature as Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 19°C (66°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Sao Paulo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Meridain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Sao Paulo or Merida in the Spring?

Both Merida and Sao Paulo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months.

Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in October than Meridain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Merida and Sao Paulo