17 Issues to See & Do

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a yellow building with arches along the edge of the street with a park on the right side of the road and a church with a sunset sky behind that - what to do in Merida Mexico

Questioning what to do in Mérida, Mexico? The colourful, chilled-out capital of the Yucatan state has loads to supply!

I’ve spent extra time in Mérida than I can depend. Throughout 5 journeys to Mexico, I’ve spent a number of weeks within the attractive Yucatan capital – even residing right here for over a month at one stage.

And but… I’ve NEVER written concerning the metropolis. Not as soon as! Not apart from a few mentions in passing – and by no means within the element that I’m undoubtedly certified to provide.

The locations I really like probably the most are sometimes the toughest to put in writing about. Possibly it’s the truth that I truly lived right here (albeit quickly), so my time within the metropolis was spent primarily doing on a regular basis issues like assembly up with buddies, coworking in cafes, procuring, and doing laundry. (And, let’s be trustworthy, partying!).

In between all that, nevertheless, I’ve performed just about each single factor there may be to do in Mérida!

And now, lastly, while sitting within the leafy courtyard of my pretty resort listening to music drifting on the air from the Plaza Grande a block away… I’m writing up the publish I at all times ought to have, that will help you work out what to do along with your time in Mérida. Buen viaje!

Shortlist: Issues to do in case you solely have One Day in Mérida

Many individuals solely spend an evening or two in Mérida on the best way to or from elsewhere. Personally, I believe town deserves at least 3 days – however in case you don’t have time for that, right here’s a fast listing of the can’t-miss highlights. Extra data on every one within the subsequent part of this publish.

large sign with colourful 3D letters spelling out the name Mérida in a park with green bushes behind and the two towers of a white stone cathedral behind that on a bright sunny day with blue sky and fluffy clouds overhead. what to do in Mérida Mexico.

Go to the Plaza Grande and Merida Cathedral
Take the Merida Free Strolling Tour and/or the hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Go for a stroll or bike experience alongside Paseo Montejo
Go to the Mayan ruins at Dzibilchaltún (and the close by Mayan World Museum of Mérida in case you have time)
Head to a few of Mérida’s fab free museums, just like the Gastronomy Museum and Metropolis Museum, or pop into the Governer’s Palace to see the murals.
EAT – this metropolis is thought for its wealthy gastronomy and wonderful eating places!
Benefit from the metropolis’s nightlife – from free exhibits within the Plaza Grande to saloon-style cantinas and hipster bars.

17 Issues to do in Mérida

1. Take the Merida FREE Strolling Tour

large group of people facing away from the camera towards a tour guide in front of a large peach coloured building with a row of arches on both the first and second floor

The most effective issues to do in Mérida is to take the free strolling tour. Uncover the colorful Centro Historico and a few of its most iconic buildings, church buildings and parks with a passionate and educated native information.

These excursions provides you with a quick overview of town’s historical past and a few fascinating details about varied buildings. Attempt to do the tour in your first day in Mérida, because the guides are filled with ideas for the remainder of your go to. These are actual “insider” excursions with some nice native suggestions for meals, nightlife and different sights.

There are a few totally different free excursions within the metropolis. I like to recommend the Free Tour Merida by Free Strolling Tour Mexico, which departs from the Parque de Santa Lucia daily at 10am and 5pm. Though the excursions are free, tipping (goal for $10-15 USD pp) is inspired because the guides are volunteers.

2. Wander Round Plaza Grande

two white chairs facing each other and joined by the central arm, on a pathway next to a large square bush with the two towers of a white stone cathedral behind against the bright blue sky — *Don’t miss the romantic “Tu y Yo Chairs” within the Plaza Grande*

On the coronary heart of Mérida’s vibrant Centro Historico, the Plaza Grande is town’s central sq.. Additionally referred to as the Plaza Principal or Zocalo, this bustling park is a vigorous hub which hosts common occasions. There are some fairly gardens and – in fact – the compulsory vibrant Mérida signal. Look out for the long-lasting “You and Me” chairs; white-painted benches with two seats going through each other.

The Plaza can be surrounded by among the most notable buildings in Mérida:

Mérida Cathedral (extra on that in a sec)
Palacio del Gobierno (Governer’s Palace) – a hanging inexperienced constructing dwelling to a number of unbelievable murals. Extra on this one within the “Museums” part close to the tip of this publish.
Casa Montejo – one of many oldest buildings within the metropolis with a formidable carved facade and a free museum inside.

3. Go to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso

large cathedral built from light pink cream stone with two small towers and a large arch in the centre of the facade with a busy road full of queuing cars in front and the fronds of a palm tree in the top right corner. what to do in Mérida Mexico

The Catedral de San Ildefonso – aka Mérida Cathedral – is the oldest cathedral in Mexico. It was accomplished in 1598, and was constructed on the grounds of the Mayan metropolis of T’ho – utilizing stone reclaimed from one of many historical temples. Don’t miss this historic constructing while you go to Mérida.

4. Stroll Alongside Paseo de Montejo

wide walking path with pink flagstones framed by rows of trees with the carved facade of a cream coloured mansion just visible to the left — *Stroll alongside the extensive, tree-shaded boulevard*

Paseo de Montejo is a large avenue and main highway, lined with tree-shaded strolling paths and several other gorgeous Nineteenth-century mansions. There’s loads to see right here, so spend a while strolling alongside the leafy boulevard and trying out a few of these high sights…

Monumento a la Patria – probably the most iconic monument in Mérida, devoted to the Homeland. It was created by the Mexican-Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo, with Prehispanic-inspired carvings and depictions of scenes from Mexican Historical past.
Extra monuments – Monument to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Monumento Justo Sierra, and the Monument to the Montejo.

Large circular monument built from beige coloured stone with a Mayan statue carved on the front and the mexican flag flying from it. a motorbike is driving in front of the stone steps. — *Don’t miss the Monumento de la Patria*

Tour the gorgeous mansions– Quinta Montes Molina (courting from 1902) and Montejo 495 (constructed 1906-1912).
Go to Palacio Canton – an impressive yellow mansion housing an Anthropology Museum.
Foodie suggestions: Gelato Fiorella for wonderful ice cream, Rosas & Xocolate for one in every of most well-known eating places in Mérida, and La Bottega for Mediterranean meals in a flowery wine bar.
Paseo 60 – stylish shopping center with a cool meals courtroom round a smooth courtyard.

5. Take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour

open top double decker bus with a huge multicoloured mural on the side showing different buildings from around Mérida and a woman in colourful traditional dress. the bus is parked in front of the Cathedral which has a carved stone frame aroudn the doorway and pinkish-cream coloured facade.

In the event you’re quick on time, or wish to see a whole lot of Mérida with out doing an excessive amount of strolling, the hop-on hop-off open-top bus excursions from Turibus are PERFECT.

At $120 MXN (roughly $7 USD) per grownup, it’s not too costly. And it’s such a simple, hassle-free technique to see a whole lot of the principle sights in a single go.

There are two totally different routes – I like to recommend the Ruta Norte in case you solely have time for one, as it will take you by way of the Centro Historico and alongside the Paseo de Montejo. Hop off at Plaza Paseo 60 for a stroll alongside the extensive boulevard and a better take a look at the monuments and palaces there (you possibly can seize lunch within the Paseo 60 meals courtroom).

You should buy your tickets on-line by way of the Turibus web site (which is in Spanish) or by way of Viator (click on right here), which is about $1 USD extra however could also be simpler in case you don’t converse Spanish.

6. Discover the Mayan Ruins at Dzibilchaltún

small ruined Mayan pyramid built from yellowish coloured stone with grey stone steps leading up to the temple. the land in front of the temple is arid and strewn with stones.

Chichen Itza will get all of the glory, however there are lots of extra Prehispanic websites within the Yucatan Peninsula. Considered one of them, Dzibilchaltún, is on the outskirts of Mérida – so it’s a should while you’re visiting town!

The traditional Mayan settlement, surrounded by thick vegetation, was inhabited since 500 BC – though a lot of the buildings you possibly can see immediately date from round 600-1150 AD.

Essentially the most well-known sight at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls – named as a result of a number of small effigies had been discovered right here when the temple was found. There’s additionally a cenote close to the centre of the ruins, Cenote Xlakah. You’ll be able to swim within the cenote’s pool, so it’s good for cooling off after exploring the ruins!

7. Be taught Extra on the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

white stone steps and white stone patio area outside the Mayan Museum in Merida with a large circular building of green metal and glass — *J. Magno, CC BY 2.0 by way of Wikimedia Commons*

Mix your journey to Dzibilchaltún with a go to to the close by Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum of Mérida).

It is a swanky new museum within the north of town devoted to the area’s Mayan heritage, with interactive reveals protecting the historical past of the Maya, in addition to the Mayans of immediately.

8. Try the Costco Cenote!

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its cenotes (water-filled limestone sinkholes), and several other of one of the best ones are inside straightforward attain of Mérida. However do you know there’s truly a cenote within the metropolis centre? Particularly, within the carpark of a Costco?!

Cenote Ka’ Kutsal – typically referred to as the “Costco Cenote” – is within the carpark behind the Costco within the north of town, not removed from the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.

You’ll be able to’t go swimming within the Ka’ Kutsal Cenote, nevertheless it’s price a go to in case you’re in that space. If you wish to go swimming in a cenote, ebook a day journey to one of many cenotes exterior town, like Cuzama or Santa Bárbara.

9. Watch a Mayan Ball Recreation (Pok Ta Pok)

group of Mexican men in traditional mayan costume with body paint and feather headresses around a small fire getting ready for a pok ta pok game in Merida — *AramBobba, CC BY-SA 4.0, by way of Wikimedia Commons*

Some of the intriguing points of historical Mayan tradition was the ball sport referred to as Pok Ta Pok. Anybody whose seen my favorite animated film, Street to El Dorado, will in all probability recognise this sport, wherein two groups compete to knock a rubber ball by way of a stone hoop utilizing solely their hips.

It was performed each recreationally and ritually, with ritual video games typically ending with the sacrifice of the shedding workforce with the intention to honour the gods.

Today, you possibly can watch a recreation of this conventional sport – minus the ritual sacrifice – in entrance of Merida Cathedral. That is often held on Saturdays at 8pm – however examine on the Vacationer Data workplace (on the Plaza Grande) or at your lodging, because the timings might change.

10. Don’t Miss the Mérida Cathedral Video Mapping Present

exterior of Casa Montejo in Merida at night lit up by white lights with a crowd silhouetted in front. — *Video Mapping at Casa Montejo*

There ALWAYS appears to be one thing happening within the Plaza Grande within the evenings! At weekends, don’t miss the free outside Video Mapping occasions.

These are two fascinating sound-and-light exhibits which play out town’s historical past on the facades of two iconic buildings: the Cathedral (Fridays at 8pm) and Casa Montejo (Saturdays at 8pm). Projections additionally spotlight and enlarge fascinating components of the constructing’s structure. After the Casa Montejo Video Mapping, there’s a brief play adopted by some conventional dances. It’s an excellent cultural occasion and a enjoyable perception into native historical past.

11. Discover Mérida’s Markets

crowded indoor market with peach walls and a dirty glass and metal cieling with a long row of fruit stalls all piled with tropical fruit and people browsing in the aisle — *Mercado de Lucas Galvez*

Mercado de Lucas Galvez – Huge, sprawling, and maze-like, you should buy every thing from recent fruit to a pet rabbit at this huge metropolis centre market.

There are some nice, inexpensive meals stalls each contained in the coated market and within the courtyard behind. Don’t miss the close by Mercado de Artesanos within the arches subsequent to the Metropolis Museum.

exterior of a one storey building with blue tiled walls and the words Mercado Santiago along the top in gold letters. there is a palm tree in front and several cars in the street in front of that and empty blue sky behind. — *Mercado Santiago*

Mercado Santiago – This smaller indoor market is dwelling to some glorious eateries. Don’t miss the well-known Taqueria La Lupita.

Mercado de Santa Ana – A small public market recognized for its glorious outside meals stalls within the picturesque Parque Santa Ana. An incredible place to strive genuine, inexpensive meals.

12. Pattern Native Yucatecan delicacies

close up of three Panuchos (deep fried tortillas) toped with pulled pork in an orange sauce and chopped pink onions with one green habanero in the middle — *Panuchos topped with cochinita pibil – two must-try meals while you’re in Yucatan*

Each area in Mexico has its personal distinctive delicacies, and Yucatan isn’t any totally different. Mérida specifically is thought for its thriving gastronomical scene and sensible eateries. I swear, there appears to be an excellent new restaurant opening each week! Whilst you’re visiting, you’ll want to strive just a few of the native specialities, together with:

Cochinita Pibil – conventional Yucatec Mayan pulled pork, marinated in orange and achiote (a neighborhood spice) and slow-roasted.
Sopa de Lima – lime soup, often containing rooster or turkey and topped with tortilla chips.
Panuchos – corn tortillas filled with beans and deep fried, typically served with turkey or cochinita pibil on high.
Queso Relleno – “stuffed cheese”: {a partially} hollowed-out Edam cheese, filled with minced meat, raisins, nuts, varied spices, and typically olives and/or boiled egg. It is a beast of a dish, so it is perhaps price sharing it!
Poc Chuc – strips of roasted pork which have been marinated in bitter orange juice, served with refried beans and pickled onions.
Do that Merida Road Meals Tour (from $59 USD) to be taught extra.

13. Dine on the Gastronomy Museum

three small wooden huts with grass roofs with green leafy trees overhead — *Outside reveals on the Gastronomy Museum*

Talking of Yucatecan delicacies, foodies ought to DEFINITELY take a look at the Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca (MUGY).

This Gastronomy Museum is in a gorgeous constructing with a big, ethereal central courtyard. The museum itself is pretty small, nevertheless it covers Yucatecan gastronomy nicely, together with its Mayan origins, main influences, and the principle spices and substances. There’s additionally a small outside space with reveals and reside demonstrations in conventional Mayan grass huts.

However the principle motive to go to the Gastronomy Museum in Mérida is to eat! The restaurant right here is likely one of the greatest locations to pattern Yucatecan delicacies, with a menu filled with distinctive native dishes ready by educated cooks. Don’t miss it!

14. Go Bar Hopping in Mérida!

cream painted one storey building with light green saloon style swing doors and a small black sign over the doors that says La Negrita - a small cantina bar in Merida during the day — *La Negrita is a neighborhood favorite*

In addition to gastronomy, Mérida additionally has an excellent nightlife scene. There are such a lot of bars and consuming spots to select from, from conventional saloon-style cantinas to swish cocktail bars and hidden speakeasies. I’m fairly positive this nightlife is on to blame for a way little I’ve written about Mérida prior to now!

La Negrita Cantina – don’t miss this historic native favorite, recognized for its classic attraction and reside music.
Catrin – a critically cool bar with a unusual courtyard, vibrant decor and nice drinks.

crowded bar interior at night with a large light projecttion of a cartoon skeleton wearing a suit and top hat. there is a crowd in front and mexican paper banners overhead — *Catrin’s vibrant courtyard has nice vibes!*

Malahat – a stylish, intimate speakeasy simply off the Parque de Santa Lucia, recognized for its glorious cocktails.
El Cardenal – one other native favorite cantina with a cute yard and plenty of reside music.
Hermana Republica – fab craft beer venue with a gorgeous inside.
La Mezcaleria Mérida – one in every of my favorite late-night occasion hotspots within the metropolis, with each reside music and DJs and a breezy patio out the again.
Delorean – super-local reside music venue with low cost drinks and only a few gringos within the viewers!
Merida Cantinas Strolling Tour (from $49 USD)
Get extra nice nightlife suggestions from this epic information to the meals and nightlife scene in Mérida from my buddies Tom and Meg!

15. Take a Cooking Class

If you wish to be taught even extra about Yucatecan delicacies and Mérida’s wonderful foodie tradition, a cooking class is the best way to go. In the course of the 5-hour Style of Tucatan cooking class (from $79 USD pp), you’ll head to the native market to purchase provides, then to a neighborhood dwelling for a cooking lesson.

That is such a improbable technique to immerse your self in native tradition and journey a bit of deeper. Plus, you’ll get pleasure from a scrumptious 3-course meal and uncover some traditional native dishes.

16. Discover Mérida’s fairly church buildings

small white church in a stone courtyard with several palm trees dotted around. what to do in merida mexico — *Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol*

Mérida is likely one of the oldest European-founded cities in Mexico and is thought for its gorgeous Colonial structure. In addition to the palaces, villas and haciendas that dot town centre, there are many fairly church buildings to find, together with…

Rectoría El Jesús Tercera Orden – a hanging, two-towered church whose partitions had been constructed from stones taken from a dismantled Mayan temple. You’ll be able to nonetheless see traces of Mayan carvings on the facade.
Parroquia Santa Ana – this yellow 18th-century church stands on a beautiful park.
Temple of La Candelaria – tiny, orange-painted working church simply off the Parque San Juan.
Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol – fairly, white church subsequent to a bustling indoor market.

17. Cycle the BiciRuta Mérida Bike Experience on Sundays

corner of a pastel-yellow palace with white trim and a carved facade framed by green bushes and trees against a clear blue sky — *The Palacio Canton is likely one of the prettiest buildings on the Paseo de Montejo*

Each Sunday morning, the Paseo de Montejo is closed to automobiles to permit the traffic-free bike experience referred to as the Biciruta. The complete route runs from Ermita de Santa Isabel, by way of the Centro Historico – passing the Cathedral – and as much as the Monumento de la Patria.

In the event you’re visiting on a weekend, lease a motorbike and cycle all (or a part of) the route. It’s an effective way to see the principle sights alongside the leafy Paseo de Montejo boulevard with out the same old heavy visitors.

5 Extra Nice Museums in Mérida

I’ve already talked about two of one of the best museums in Mérida above (the Gastronomy Museum and the Grand Mayan World Museum), however there are tons extra to find. A lot of them are free, and might be an effective way to flee the warmth and be taught a bit of extra about native historical past…

1. Casa Montejo

interior of an old colonial mansion with peach painted walls and a gold chandelier above two pink chairs made from dark wood with a white stone floor underneath - inside Casa Montejo Merida

This restored stately dwelling dates again to the 1540s, with its intricately carved facade going through the Plaza Grande. Inside Casa Montejo is a small, free museum with historic furnishings and decorations, giving an perception into how rich colonials as soon as lived. There’s additionally a small artwork gallery with non permanent reveals from quite a lot of worldwide artists.

2. C.A.C.A.O. Museo – the Chocolate Museum

In the event you love chocolate, it’s price popping into this small museum on the Paseo de Montejo. C.A.C.A.O Museo is a part of an artisanal chocolate manufacturing facility. Entry is free, and features a quick tour to be taught concerning the chocolate-making course of and its roots in Mayan tradition. It additionally features a chocolate tasting on the finish.

3. Museum of the Metropolis of Mérida

The Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida is one other free museum, this time specializing in native historical past. It’s pretty small, however has some good reveals showcasing the origins of town and the Prehispanic roots of the realm. Upstairs, there’s an artwork gallery with non permanent exhibitions showcasing quite a lot of artists.

4. Palacio de Gobierno

facade of a light green building with a triangular roof and a row of stone arches along the ground floor — *Governer’s Palace*

Located alongside the Plaza Grande, the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán (Governer’s Palace) is a sublime, light-green-painted authorities constructing courting from the Nineties. Inside are a number of large murals by native artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, which showcase a symbolic model of the area’s historical past. Entrance is free (and welcomed – don’t let the guards on the door put you off!).

5. Palacio Cantón: Museum of Anthropology and Historical past

The Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán is housed inside one of the spectacular mansions alongside the Paseo de Montejo. Constructed within the early twentieth century for Common Francisco Cantón Rosado, this hanging yellow mansion is a good instance of the eclectic Beaux Arts fashion.

Inside is a small museum devoted to native anthropology, with a number of fascinating Mayan artefacts. Admission is $90 MXN, and it’s price a go to only for a take a look at the within of the majestic constructing.

interior of a stately historic room in a palace with a black and white tiled floor and dark wood panelling along the walls with several large painted murals high up on the walls and two windows at the end. — *Murals contained in the Governer’s Palace*

Finest Day Journeys from Mérida

Merida makes an excellent base for exploring the remainder of the Yucatan Peninsula. Plan a few day journeys to absorb one or two of those close by highlights…

Chichen Itza – the well-known Mayan ruins, dwelling to Mexico’s most iconic pyramid (one of many new seven wonders of the world) is about 1.5 hour’s drive from Merida, so it makes an excellent day journey. You’ll be able to drive, or take the bus to Valladolid and hop in a colectivo. Alternatively, strive a tour like this Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Valladolid, & Cenote Journey (from $62 USD).
Uxmal Mayan Ruins – much less well-known than Chichen Itza, the ruins at Uxmal are about an hour’s drive from Merida. They’re often a lot quieter – and you may nonetheless climb the pyramids to get close-up to the ruins. Do that tour of Uxmal and Sotuta de Peon Hacienda (from $77)
Las Coloradas (the well-known pink lakes ) and Rio Lagartos – these gorgeous pink lakes throughout the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve are virtually 3 hours from Merida, so it’s fairly an extended day journey. This tour combines the Pink Lakes with a go to to Chichen Itza – good for individuals who are quick on time (from $124.50).
Celestun Biosphere Reserve – recognized for its flocks of pink flamingoes and idyllic white sand seashores, this biosphere reserve lies inside a lot simpler attain of Merida – round 1.5 hour’s drive away. You may get there by public bus, or do this Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour (from $154 USD)
Progreso Seaside – the closest seashore to Merida, Progreso is a neighborhood favorite – recognized for its wonderful seafood and chilled-out vibes. You may get there tremendous simply – take the Autoprogreso bus from downtown (buses go away each 20 minutes or so and take about an hour).
Cenote Excursions – There are many superior cenotes inside day journey distance of Merida. Do that Full-Day Cuzama Cenote Tour (from $97 USD) or this Tour to the Cenotes of Santa Barbara & Mayapan ruins (from $129.85 USD).

Extra Close by

The right way to Plan a Journey to Rio Lagartos

9 of the Finest Day Journeys from Cancun

Finest issues to do in Bacalar

I hope you discovered this information to what to do in Mérida useful. Obtained an excellent suggestion of your personal? Scroll down to go away a remark!