Last Updated on May 10, 2024
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Mérida is the Capital of Yucatán and the largest city in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a vibrant city full of history, rich culture, beautiful colonial architecture and unique cuisine. Not only there are many things to do in Merida, but the city’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.
Even though its popularity pales in comparison with other places within the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida is sure becoming more of a tourist destination. After flying under the radar for a while, it got a boost from being named the Cultural Capital of the Yucatán Peninsula not once, but twice (2000 and 2017). And just recently, it was named by Forbes as one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2022.
If you are looking for a non beach destination in Mexico, Mérida is a fantastic choice. It’s authentic, not overly touristy, extremely safe and has a lot to offer. Whether you are planning a Yucatán road trip or looking to explore Mexico beyond Cancún, I highly recommend spending a few days in Mérida.
A brief history of Merida, Mexico
Before I jump straight into the list of best things to do in Merida, I thought I give you a brief introduction to the city’s history, as it’s quite a fascinating one. Mérida was founded in 1452 by Francisco de Montejo, a Spanish Conquistador, and was named after a city in Spain.
Mérida was built on the site of the Mayan city of T’hó and a lot of the stones were used to build the Colonial buildings. If you look closely, you can still see evidence of it in the walls of many of the churches and buildings across the city.
In the late 19th century, Mérida was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. The city prospered from the production of henequen, also known as Sisal fibers found in the blue agave, that was used to make rope. It turned a lot of the growers into millionaires and you can still see all the lavish mansions they built along Paseo de Montejo. The industry collapsed in the 50s, when nylons replaced natural fiber, and many were forced to abandon their homes, as they were not able to maintain them. A lot of those mansions got converted into hotels, banks and cafes, but a lot of the houses and haciendas are still in ruins.
How to get to Merida
Mérida is located in the state of Yucatán within the Yucatán Peninsula. You can either fly into Cancún and go from there, or fly right into Mérida’s airport.
If you are flying into Cancún, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Mérida is by taking the ADO bus. ADO is the leading bus service in Mexico and I’m a huge fan of their service. The buses are very comfortable, cheap / . The price range is $20-40, which depends on the day and time of day you are taking the bus. It can take anywhere from 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours to get from Cancún to Mérida, depending on how many stops the bus makes.
You can check the schedule and fares on the official ADO website, but if you’d like to book your ticket ahead of time, you might not be able to do so. A lot of US bank cards are not accepted, so if you encounter that problem, head to Busbus.com instead. You can book the exact same bus ticket with no issues.
Mérida also has an International Airport. Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport is just a short drive from the city center and there are a couple of airlines with daily flights from several US cities. The city center is just a 20 minute taxi ride, which costs about . If you are traveling in a larger group, a private transfer might be a better option. You can book it here.
One thing I don’t recommend is flying from Cancún to Merida. There’s only one airline, that flies direct ( MAYair ) and it operates on a limited schedule. It’s also more expensive and not that time efficient, when you take into consideration, that you have to be there early and the time it takes to get to and from the respective airports.
Best time to visit Merida
When it comes to weather, the best time to visit Merida is between November and March. The Yucatan Peninsula, where Mérida is located, is hot year round, but during those months you can expect pleasant temperatures, little humidity and minimal rainfall.
May and June are really hot, so unless you love oppressive heat, I would avoid those months. Especially that Mérida is not on the water and you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing. I spent 3 days in Mérida at the end of May, so I can tell you from experience, that it really is hot and humid. Hotel with a pool is a must!
Months from June to October are considered the wet season, so even though brief, rainfall is very common. This is also the hurricane season, but that rarely happens in Mérida.
How many days to spend in Merida
I spent 3 days in Merida and it was enough time to see the city’s top sights and take a day trip to Izamal. But the city is big and has so much to offer, that I could have easily added a couple more days. Besides all the things to do in Merida, there’s also a lot to see outside of the city. With the amount of day trips you can take, you could easily spend a week and stay busy.
Top things to do in Merida, Mexico
Take a free Walking Tour
I often recommend taking a walking tour on the first day in a new destination and Mérida is no exception. It’s a great introduction, where you not only get a great overview of the city and its history, but it also helps with getting oriented. In Mérida , there’s a free walking tour, offered by the Tourism Office , which is the perfect way to start your visit.
The tour starts at 9.30 am in front of Palacio Municipal and lasts about 90 minutes. It focuses on the buildings and landmarks around Plaza Grande. Even though it doesn’t cover a lot of ground, the tour gives you a good overview of Mérida ‘s history and the main sites.
Show up at the Mérida Tourism Office ( ground floor of Palacio Municipal ) about 30 minutes before the tour starts and register for the tour. The tours are currently limited to 10 people, so be sure to put your name on the list. The walking tour is one of the free things to do in Merida, but don’t forget to tip the guide.
If for some reason you miss out on taking the free walking tour, Mike & Duck Tour is one of the highly rated ones in Mérida.
Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande is the main square in Mérida and the heart of the city. It’s a great place to just hang out and people watch, for both locals and tourists. There’s plenty of seating, including the so called Sillas Tú y Yo chairs. There are very popular in Yucatán, and you can see them all over Mérida as well. Also, Plaza Grande ( and other parks in Mérida ) has free Wifi, which sure comes in handy.
Zócalo, as Plaza Grande is also known as, is a great starting point of exploring Mérida. The park is also surrounded by some incredible buildings, which are some of the city’s biggest landmarks.
- Catedral de San Ildefonso – one of the most impressive sites surrounding Plaza Grande is the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the only Cathedral in Mérida, and the oldest in all of Mexico. It was built in the 16th century on the site of a Mayan Temple, using stones from the . You can visit the Cathedral from 6 am – noon and 4.30 – 8 pm.
- Casa de Montejo – the building dates back to 1542 and was the residence of Francesco Montejo, the founder of Mérida and his family. The only original part of the building is the façade, the rest was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1978 the building was sold to the National Bank of Mexico and turned into offices. There is also a small museum you can visit, dedicated to the Montejo family, with original furnishings and several art exhibits.
- Palacio de Gobierno – the green building on the side of Plaza Grande not only houses the offices of the State Government, but is also one of the free things to do in Mérida. Once you go past the guards, you enter a big courtyard with beautiful murals and painting around, that tell the history of Yucatan. When you go upstairs, you also get a great view of Plaza Grande. Unfortunately it was closed to visitors when I was there, but when it reopens, be sure to check it out.
- Municipal Palace – this beautiful Spanish style pink building is the City Hall of Mérida. On the ground level is the Tourist Information Center, and that’s where you go to sign up for the free walking tour of Mérida. If you visit the second floor, you’ll get a great view of Plaza Grande and the Cathedral. Again, this was closed during my Mérida trip, but once it’s open to visitors again, make sure to check out the view.
Take a picture with Merida sign
Of course, no trip to a destination town or city in Mexico is complete without taking a picture with the colorful sign. You can find the colorful Mérida letters in Plaza Grande, and they are a perfect photo op, especially with the Cathedral in the background.
Parque de Santa Lucia
Not far from Plaza Grande is a much smaller Parque de Santa Lucia. Even though it’s just a few blocks away from the main square, it’s way less busy and more relaxing. It’s surrounded by several great restaurants and plenty of seating. One of the fun features of the park is the giant version of the Sillas Tú y Yo, also known as Kissing Chairs. You can find them all over the city, but those at Parque Santa Lucia are close to 8 feet tall.
On Thursday nights, the park really comes alive with live performances known as Serenata Yucateca. This event is one of the longest running in the city and has been taking place each week since 1965. It’s one of the must things to do in Merida if you happen to be there on a Thursday. The performances start at 9 pm, but show up early, as it gets quite busy.
Visit Mercado Lucas de Gálvez
If you’ve ever been to Mexico before, you know, that markets are a huge part of Mexican daily life. Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is the biggest in Mérida, with over 200 vendors selling anything from fruits, vegetables, meat to clothes, shoes and leather goods. You can also get a cheap meal at one of the food stalls.
This place is huge and crazy busy. Prepare yourself for a sensory overload. Lots of colors, smells, Spanish music blaring from the speakers. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture, this market is a must visit.
Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is located on Calle 65 A in the busy neighborhood of , about a 10-15 minute walk from Plaza Grande. It’s open every day from 8 am – 4/5pm.
Walk Paseo de Montejo
Paseo de Montejo, named after the founder of Mérida, is a wide, tree lined avenue, with some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The gorgeous mansions were once homes of the wealthy Yucatecans, who prospered from the henequen trade. A lot of them traveled to Paris and got heavily influenced by the French architecture, which you can see in the homes they built. That’s why Paseo de Montejo is often referred to as Champs-Élysées of Mérida.
Today, some of those lavish mansions are museums and hotels, others are homes to various businesses and several remain abandoned. A walk along Paseo de Montejo is simply one of those things to do in Merida you can’t miss, no matter how long you visit for.
The most scenic stretch of Paseo de Montejo runs from near Plaza Santa Ana to Monumento a la Patria, which is about a 1 mile walk each way. It takes approximately 30 minutes or more, depending how often you stop for pictures. Of course it can be much longer if you visit some of the museum and cafes along the way. There are plenty of amazing and interesting buildings on both sides of the Avenue, so I recommend starting your walk on one side until you reach the Monumento a la Patria, then head back down on the other side.
- Casas Gemalas ( Twin Houses ) – one of the first landmarks you see when you start your stroll is the set of two almost identical houses. Even though Casa Gemalas remained private residences, very recently, one of the houses opened its first floor to visitors. You can visit Montejo 495 Casa Museo on a short tour ( 20 minutes ). Open Thursday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm. It costs 250 MXN.
- Palacio Canton – just one block later you have one of the most gorgeous houses. It’s now home to a museum dedicated to Mayan history. Lower level has the permanent exhibition with close to 1000 archeological finds. The exhibits on the upper floor change and have different themes. If you want to learn more about the pre-Hispanic Mayan culture, Palacio Canton is worth a visit and it only costs 65 MXN, which is a great deal, compared to other attractions. The exhibits are in Spanish only, but you can download an audio guide in English. The Museum is open Monday – Friday 10 am – 5pm.
- Quinta Montes Molina – in this house – museum you get the unique opportunity to see what it was like to live as a wealthy person in Merida back in the day. The house is fully furnished and it’s the only one in Merida still in its original state. The museum hours are Monday – Friday 10 am -2 pm and 3 pm – 6 pm, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday 10 am – 6 pm.
Also, if you happen to be in Mérida on a Sunday, you can join in what’s called Bici Ruta. From 8 am – noon one lane of Paseo de Montejo closes to automobile traffic, allowing people to walk and ride their bikes. If you’d like to join in the fun, there are plenty of bike rentals along the way. It’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Merida on a Sunday and such great way to see the beautiful Avenue.
Monumento a la Patria ( Monument to the Fatherland )
When you reach the end of the most scenic stretch of Paseo de Montejo, you end up at what has to be one of the most impressive monuments in the world. The giant Monumento a la Patria, created by the Columbian sculptor Romulo Rozo, sits in the center of a busy roundabout and pays homage to Mexico’s history. There are 300 carvings, that tell the story of Mexico from the very first establishment of Tenochtitlán all the way through the 20th century.
The façade of the Monument is dedicated to the Mayan culture, which obviously is and is still very much present in the region.
Monumento a la Patria is quite impressive from the distance, but make sure to get close to it to see all the amazing details. Just be careful getting across the street to get to it, as it’s a really busy roundabout with steady traffic.
Stop at El Pinar house
Not far from Paseo de Montejo is El Pinar, a beautiful pink house, that is one of the most photographed houses in Merida. Since it’s a privately owned home, you can’t go in, but it’s worth a quick stop to snap a Insta worthy photo.
The house is located on Calle 60, between Calle 35 and Avenida Colon. You can take either of these side street off Paseo de Montejo to get there. Definitely worth a little detour.
Visit Mercado de Santiago
Santiago Market is much smaller than Mercado de Galvez, but definitely worth a visit, especially if you are into experiencing the local way of life in your travels. Besides the typical fruit, vegetables and meat stands, there are also several food stalls, that are frequented by the locals.
The most popular is Taqueria La Lupita, which a simple place with outstanding food. It’s full of locals, which is always a good sign. La Lupita is known for their Lechón, but Cochinita Pibil is amazing as well.
The market is right next to a small park, Parque de Santiago, which is a nice place with a fountain, plenty of shade and free WiFi. Also, a simple but beautiful white church overlooks the park and is worth a quick stop.
Get a drink at a Cantina
Experiencing night life is one of the top things to do in Merida and there’s no better way to do so than visiting a Cantina. Cantinas are basically neighborhood bars, that can be found all over Mexico, especially in the Yucatan region. Some are more refined than others, many sport the signature swing doors right out of a Western movie.
So what’s the difference between a cantina and a bar ? Historically, cantinas were for men only and it wasn’t until 1982, that women were allowed to enter.
Another things that sets those two apart is that most Cantinas close by 10 pm and draw the biggest crowd in the afternoon. They’re a popular hang out spot after work, to get a cold beer and some botanas, which are the equivalent of the Spanish tapas.
There are more than a 100 cantinas in Merida, but if you are looking for a specific recommendation, La Negrita is a favorite among both locals and tourists. I happened to be staying just down the street at Hotel Hacienda Merida, so that’s the cantina I decided to visit. As you enter through the swinging doors, it might look like a small bar, but keep walking and that opens up to a large courtyard with plenty of seating, live music and a great vibe. Get there early, as the place fills up quick.
Free events in Merida
Mérida is a hopping city and there’s always something goin on. There are several free cultural events throughout the week.
- Monday – Vaquería Yucateca at Palacio Municipal
- Tuesday – Trova traditional serenade
- Wednesday – video mapping projection at Casa Montejo at 8.30 pm
- Thursday – Serenada Yucatea takes place in Parque de Santa Lucia from 9 pm-10 pm.
- Friday – video mapping show called Piedras Sagradas ( Sacred Stones ) takes place on the Cathedral every Friday at 8.30 pm. The 20 minute show tells the history of Merida and Yucatan.
- Saturday – at 8.30 pm, right in front of the Cathedral, you can watch the reenactment of the ancient Mayan ball game Pok Ta Pok game. If you prefer live Mexican music and street food, head to the lawn of the Remate Paseo de Montejo for Noche Mexicana at 8 pm.
- Sunday – Bici Ruta takes place every Sunday morning, when one side of Paseo de Montejo closes to automobile traffic to allow bikers, skateboarders and pedestrians to enjoy the Avenue.
For the up to date schedule, check out the calendar of events here.
Indulge in Yucatán cuisine
Tacos, enchiladas and guacamole are what usually comes to mind when we think of Mexican food. While you can find those dishes all over the country, different regions of Mexico have its own distinct cuisine. In Mérida, you are in the perfect place to try the Yucatan cuisine, that is deeply rooted in the traditional Mayan cooking.
Here are some of the regional Yucatan dishes to try:
- Cochinita Pibil – it’s the most iconic Yucatan dish. It’s a suckling pig, that is marinated in achiote paste, orange juice and lime. The meat is then wrapped in banana leaves and slow cooked underground in an oven called Pib, hence the name Pibil.
- Poc Chuc – pork filet marinated in orange juice.
- Pavo relleno negro – turkey in dark, runny sauce, often served with hard boiled eggs. It might not be the most visually appealing dish, but definitely worth trying.
- Queso relleno – Dutch cheese stuffed with beef, raisin and spices, served with tomato sauce.
- Sopa de Lima – similar to chicken tortilla soup, but with a distinct lime flavor. It’s usually made from shredded turkey or chicken and served with fried tortilla strips.
- Salbutes and Panuchos – corn tortilla, that is stuffed with refried beans and fried. It’s topped with shredded meat, tomato, lettuce and pickled red onion.
- Marquesitas – are basically thin and crispy crapes with a filling of your choice. You can order one with jelly, Nutella, banana or cheese. It’s a popular street snack and you can find the carts in most parks, squares and busy streets across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Visit one of the Museums
If museums are your thing, there are several great ones in Mérida. Whether you are into art, history, music or Mayan culture, you will sure find something that suits your interests.
A lot of the museums in Mérida are closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind when adding a museum visit to your Merida itinerary.
- Palacio de la Música Mexicana – one of the newer additions to Merida is this four level interactive museum dedicated to Mexican music. There are multiple rooms, that pay homage to bothtraditional and popular Mexican music. Besides the museum part, there is also a concert hall and rooftop terrace for hosting events. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday with the general admission of 150 MXN.
- El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya – there’s no better place to learn about the Mayan culture than the Mayan Museum. The museum holds over 2,000 artifacts and is a must visit especially if you plan on visiting any of the Mayan sites. The museum is located 20 minutes outside of the city center, so you’ll need a taxi or Uber to get there.
- Museum of Anthropology and History – is located in Palacio Canton, one of the grand houses along Paseo de Montejo. For just 65 MXN you can explore the lower level, which is dedicated to Mayan culture and the upper floor, where the themes of the exhibits change.
Buy a Hammock
If you are anything like me and always wanted a beautiful Mexican hammock, Mérida is the place to get one. They are affordable, high quality and make for a perfect souvenir to bring home. Most of the hammocks are made in small towns and villages surrounding Merida.
Although there are plenty of hammocks in Mérida, buying one was more complex than I thought. Sure, you can pick just any hammock from a street vendor, but if you want a good quality one, it’s iportant to buy it from a good store. Material, size and the climate where your hammock will be used are some of the things to consider, and a good store will help you make the right choice.
Cielo Hamacas is They have an amazing selection of beautiful handmade Mayan hammocks, all sizes from single to family hammocks. If you are not sure what to pick, the staff is very knowledgeable in picking the right hammock for you and the climate where it will be used.
They have two locations in Mérida, one along Paseo de Montejo, and the other store on Calle 36, a short walk from Plaza Grande.
Day trips from Merida
One of the many great things about Merida is, that besides being a destination itself, the city is also an excellent base for exploring the region. Ancient Mayan sites, Cenotes, Haciendas and colorful Pueblos Mágicos, are all within 1-2 hour drive and make for great day trips from Merida.
Chichén Itzá
No Yucatán trip is complete without visiting the ancient Mayan site Chichén Itzá. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichén Itzá needs no introduction and if you are in Merida, you are just 90 minutes away.
You can easily visit Chichén Itzá on your own, either by renting a car or taking the ADO bus. Both options give you the advantage of getting there early before it gets crowded. If you prefer to take a tour, there’s no shortage of those in Mérida. Most of the Chichén Itzá group tours also include a visit to a nearby cenote. This Chichen Itza tour from Merida is one of the highest rated and includes lunch and a stop at Cenote Yokdzonot.
Uxmal
This UNESCO recognized archeological site might not receive nearly as many visitors as Chichén Itzá, but it’s just as impressive. It’s one of the Mayas sites, that can be found along Ruta Puuc. Unlike Chichén Itzá, that is roped off, climbing Uxmal is allowed. While there, you can also take a tour of Choco Story at the nearby Chocolate Museum.
Uxmal is located just over one hour from Mérida and you can easily get there by either a car or a bus. Buses leave every 2 hours from the second class bus station TAME, which is different than Mérida’s main bus terminal ( although they are close to each other ). Buses are operated by Sur bus company, but you purchase tickets at the ADO counter.
If you don’t have a car and don’t want to deal with the logistics of taking a bus, booking a group tour is the easiest option. You can choose from several options and most of them combine a visit to Uxmal with another stop. I personally recommend these two tours:
- Uxmal & Kabah Full-Day Tour from Mérida
- Private Tour: Archeological Site Of Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum Day Trip
Izamal
The small town of Izamal is one of the best and easiest day trips from Merida. It’s best known for having majority of its buildings painted yellow, which earned it a nickname The Yellow City ( Ciudad de Amarillo ). Izamal is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos and one of the most photogenic places in the country, so have your camera ready!
Progreso
The town is small and one day ( or even half a day ) is enough to see everything. The biggest attraction in Izamal is the impressive Convento de San Bernardino, which was built on top of a Mayan ruin and has the 2nd largest Atrium in the world. It’s right in the center of town and is free to visit. Also, for great views of Izamal, be sure to climb to the top of Kinich Kakmó, one of several pyramids left in town.
The easiest and cheapest way to get from Merida to Izamal is by catching one of the Collectivos. It’s a quick 50 minute ride and it costs just MXN one way. You can also take the bus, which might be more comfortable, but some of them make lots of stops along the way, which doubles the travel time. If you prefer an organized tour, this day trip from Merida is a combo of Izamal and Valladolid.
If you need a little break from the city life and hit the beach, Progreso is your best and nearest option.
Progreso is a nice beach getaway, but don’t expect to find beaches like those in Isla Mujeres or Tulum. It’s more of a local hang out place. But while the water might not be as gorgeous as in Riviera Maya, it’s a fun place to spend some time by the water, have a couple of beers and escape the heat in the city.
If you have a car, Progreso is just a 40 minute drive from Merida. If not, you can catch the Autoprogreso bus on Calle 62 ( between Calle 65 and 67 ). They depart every 20 minutes or so and one way ticket will cost you 21 MXN.
Celestún
Located just one hour away, Celestún is one of the best day trips from Merida for any nature lover. The actual town is just a sleepy fishing village, with not much to do, but it’s surrounded by a big biosphere reserve, that is home to flamingos, alligators, birds and other wildlife.
You can easily get to Celestún by car, bus or a Collectivo and book a boat tour while there. If you prefer not to worry about logistics and have everything organized for you, book this Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour. It includes transportation, boat trip, guided tour and lunch.
Merida group tours
It’s easy to explore Merida on your own, but if you prefer to join a group tour, there are several good ones to choose from.
Mike & Duck Walking Tour – if for whatever reason you miss out on the free walking tour offered by Mérida Tourism Office, this is a great one you can book. The tour starts at Casa Montejo and covers all the main landmarks around Plaza Grande, then proceeds to Hidalgo and Santa Lucia park. It’s one of the higher rated Merida tours.
Merida Street Food Walking Tour – if you are not familiar with the Yucatan cuisine, this 3 hour tour is a great introduction. You get to walk through the main market in Merida, Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, and sample plenty of the regional dishes, while learning all about it.
Merida Cantinas Walking Tour with Beer and Snacks – on this tour you get to stop at three of Merida’s cantinas and not only have drinks and snacks, but also hear some fun stories. This is a great way to experience the drinking culture, especially if you are traveling solo and don’t feel comfortable hitting the bars on your own. Drinks and botanas are included in the price.
Hacienda Mucuyché and Cenotes Tour – Haciendas are a big part of Merida’s history. After the henequen industry collapsed, a lot of them fell into despair, but many have been restored since and are open for tours. On this tour you not only get to step back in time exploring Hacienda Mucuyché, but also take a dip in a couple of cenotes, that are connected to this Hacienda.
Traveling solo in Merida
Mérida was part of my solo trip through Yucatan and turned out to be an excellent place to visit on your own. It’s easy to get around and the attractions are endless, which includes not only all the things to do in Merida, but also outside of the city. If you prefer exploring on your own, that’s very easy to do in Mérida, but there are also plenty of opportunities to meet people, if you’d like.
Safety of course plays a huge part in what determines, whether a destination is good for a solo traveler or not. And let’s face it, Mexico’s portrayal as a land of drugs and cartels, makes a lot of people question whether the country is safe to visit period, let alone as a solo female. Well, Mérida happens to be not only the safest city in Mexico, but also the second safest in North America ( after Quebec City ).
As a woman traveling alone, I felt really comfortable and safe the entire time I spent in Mérida. Not once I felt uneasy. Of course, there’s certain precautions I always take, but that’s no different than traveling in Europe, US or even in my own backyard.
Where to eat in Merida, Mexico
Manjar Blanco – the best meal I had during my 3 days in Merida was at a small place called Manjar Blanco. The restaurant is featured in the 2nd episode of the Netflix series Taco Chronicles, dedicated to Cochinita. I’ve had my share of Cochinita Pibil and theirs is to die for!! Manjar Blanco is located right across the street from Parque Santa Ana and steps away from the start of Paseo de Montejo. Make sure to make a reservation, as it gets quite busy due its recent popularity.
Taqueria La Lupita – this small, no frills taqueria is located inside of the Santiago Market and has great, authentic and inexpensive food. Lechón is what they are known for, but really anything you order will be fresh and delicious. La Lupita is always packed with locals, which says a lot.
Mercado 60 – this open space food hall has lots of different options to choose from, not just Mexican cuisine. It’s perfect for a fun night out with live music. Open every day 6pm- midnight.
Where to stay in Merida
For a short visit, you want to stay in or near the historic center, so you are close to all the main sites. Most of the top things to do in Merida are near Plaza Grande and Paseo de Montejo, so accommodations in that area will allow you to walk everywhere.
When choosing accommodations, go for a hotel with a pool! It gets really hot in Mérida, especially if you visit in Spring or Summer, and a swimming pool will be heaven sent after all day of sightseeing.
Hotel Hacienda Merida – beautiful, boutique hotel in a great location, a short walk to all the parks and main attractions. Close to everything, yet far enough to give you a relaxing, quiet stay. The hotel has only 8 rooms and even the smallest one I had was very spacious and comfortable. There’s a nice pool in the lovely courtyard with plenty of seating around. Breakfast is served pool side for an additional fee and there’s also a small bar on site, if you’d like to grab a cold beer and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Mérida is a busy city and Hotel Hacienda Merida felt like a little oasis in the midst of all the action. Also, a bonus: La Negrita Cantina is just down the street from the hotel.
Nomadas Hostel – if you are looking for budget accommodations, Nomadas Hostel is a favorite among backpackers. Simple, yet comfortable rooms. One of the highlights is a great swimming pool with hammocks. The hostel is about a 10 minute walk from Plaza Grande, and really close to Paseo de Montejo.
Hotel Casa Azul – considered to be one of the best places to stay in Merida, Casa Azul is not only an excellent hotel, but is also listed as National Landmark.
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa – one of the best boutique hotels in Merida, located right on Paseo de Montejo. The hotel is a great combination of a historic building and a unique design.
READ NEXT:
- Valladolid in Mexico – a hidden gem in the Yucatán Peninsula
- Best Things to do in Morelia, Michoacan – the most underrated city in Mexico
- Visiting the Yellow City of Izamal in Mexico
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