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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 rely. Throughout 5 journeys to Mexico, I’ve spent a number of weeks within the beautiful Yucatan capital – even dwelling 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 offer.
The locations I really like essentially the most are sometimes the toughest to put in writing about. Possibly it’s the truth that I really lived right here (albeit briefly), so my time within the metropolis was spent primarily doing on a regular basis issues like assembly up with associates, coworking in cafes, buying, and doing laundry. (And, let’s be sincere, partying!).
In between all that, nevertheless, I’ve completed just about each single factor there may be to do in Mérida!
And now, lastly, while sitting within the leafy courtyard of my beautiful resort listening to music drifting on the air from the Plaza Grande a block away… I’m writing up the put up 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 when you solely have One Day in Mérida
Many individuals solely spend an evening or two in Mérida on the way in which to or from some other place. Personally, I believe the town deserves at least 3 days – however when you don’t have time for that, right here’s a fast checklist of the can’t-miss highlights. Extra information on each within the subsequent part of this put up.
- 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 when 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 understood 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
Probably the greatest 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 offers you a short overview of the town’s historical past and a few fascinating information about numerous buildings. Attempt to do the tour in your first day in Mérida, because the guides are filled with suggestions for the remainder of your go to. These are actual “insider” excursions with some nice native suggestions for meals, nightlife and different points of interest.
There are a few completely 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 on daily basis at 10am and 5pm. Though the excursions are free, tipping (intention for $10-15 USD pp) is inspired because the guides are volunteers.
2. Wander Round Plaza Grande
On the coronary heart of Mérida’s vibrant Centro Historico, the Plaza Grande is the town’s central sq.. Additionally known as the Plaza Principal or Zocalo, this bustling park is a full of life hub which hosts common occasions. There are some fairly gardens and – in fact – the compulsory vibrant Mérida signal. Look out for the enduring “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 putting inexperienced constructing house to a number of unimaginable murals. Extra on this one within the “Museums” part close to the top of this put up.
- 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
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 historic temples. Don’t miss this historic constructing once you go to Mérida.
4. Stroll Alongside Paseo de Montejo
Paseo de Montejo is a large avenue and main highway, lined with tree-shaded strolling paths and a number of other gorgeous Nineteenth-century mansions. There’s rather a lot to see right here, so spend a while strolling alongside the leafy boulevard and testing a few of these prime sights…
- Monumento a la Patria – essentially 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.
- Tour the attractive mansions– Quinta Montes Molina (relationship 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 among 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 court docket round a glossy courtyard.
5. Take the Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour
Should you’re brief on time, or need to see numerous 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 approach to see numerous the primary sights in a single go.
There are two completely different routes – I like to recommend the Ruta Norte when you solely have time for one, as it will take you by means of the Centro Historico and alongside the Paseo de Montejo. Hop off at Plaza Paseo 60 for a stroll alongside the vast boulevard and a better have a look at the monuments and palaces there (you may seize lunch within the Paseo 60 meals court docket).
You should purchase your tickets on-line by way of the Turibus web site (which is in Spanish) or by means of Viator (click on right here), which is about $1 USD extra however could also be simpler when you don’t converse Spanish.
6. Discover the Mayan Ruins at Dzibilchaltún
Chichen Itza will get all of the glory, however there are a lot of extra Prehispanic websites within the Yucatan Peninsula. One among them, Dzibilchaltún, is on the outskirts of Mérida – so it’s a should once you’re visiting the town!
The traditional Mayan settlement, surrounded by thick vegetation, was inhabited since 500 BC – though a lot of the buildings you may 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. Study Extra on the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
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 the town devoted to the area’s Mayan heritage, with interactive displays overlaying the historical past of the Maya, in addition to the Mayans of immediately.
8. Try the Costco Cenote!
The Yucatan Peninsula is legendary for its cenotes (water-filled limestone sinkholes), and a number of other of one of the best ones are inside simple attain of Mérida. However do you know there’s really a cenote within the metropolis centre? Particularly, within the carpark of a Costco?!
Cenote Ka’ Kutsal – typically known as the “Costco Cenote” – is within the carpark behind the Costco within the north of the town, not removed from the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.
You’ll be able to’t go swimming within the Ka’ Kutsal Cenote, however it’s value a go to when you’re in that space. If you wish to go swimming in a cenote, e book a day journey to one of many cenotes outdoors the town, like Cuzama or Santa Bárbara.
9. Watch a Mayan Ball Recreation (Pok Ta Pok)
Probably the most intriguing points of historic Mayan tradition was the ball recreation known as Pok Ta Pok. Anybody whose seen my favorite animated film, Street to El Dorado, will in all probability recognise this recreation, through which two groups compete to knock a rubber ball by means 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 staff with the intention to honour the gods.
As of late, you may watch a recreation of this conventional recreation – minus the ritual sacrifice – in entrance of Merida Cathedral. That is often held on Saturdays at 8pm – however examine on the Vacationer Info workplace (on the Plaza Grande) or at your lodging, because the timings might change.
10. Don’t Miss the Mérida Cathedral Video Mapping Present
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 the 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 elements of the constructing’s structure. After the Casa Montejo Video Mapping, there’s a brief play adopted by some conventional dances. It’s a superb cultural occasion and a enjoyable perception into native historical past.
11. Discover Mérida’s Markets
Mercado de Lucas Galvez – Massive, 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, reasonably priced 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.
Mercado Santiago – This smaller indoor market is house to some glorious eateries. Don’t miss the well-known Taqueria La Lupita.
Mercado de Santa Ana – A small public market identified for its glorious outside meals stalls within the picturesque Parque Santa Ana. An amazing place to attempt genuine, reasonably priced meals.
12. Pattern Native Yucatecan delicacies
Each area in Mexico has its personal distinctive delicacies, and Yucatan is not any completely different. Mérida particularly is understood for its thriving gastronomical scene and good eateries. I swear, there appears to be a superb new restaurant opening each week! Whilst you’re visiting, make sure to attempt a number of 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 hen or turkey and topped with tortilla chips.
- Panuchos – corn tortillas filled with beans and deep fried, typically served with turkey or cochinita pibil on prime.
- Queso Relleno – “stuffed cheese”: {a partially} hollowed-out Edam cheese, filled with minced meat, raisins, nuts, numerous spices, and typically olives and/or boiled egg. It is a beast of a dish, so it could be value sharing it!
- Poc Chuc – strips of roasted pork which were marinated in bitter orange juice, served with refried beans and pickled onions.
- Do that Merida Road Meals Tour (from $59 USD) to study extra.
13. Dine on the Gastronomy Museum
Talking of Yucatecan delicacies, foodies ought to DEFINITELY try the Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca (MUGY).
This Gastronomy Museum is in a wonderful constructing with a big, ethereal central courtyard. The museum itself is pretty small, however it covers Yucatecan gastronomy effectively, together with its Mayan origins, main influences, and the primary spices and elements. There’s additionally a small outside space with displays and reside demonstrations in conventional Mayan grass huts.
However the primary motive to go to the Gastronomy Museum in Mérida is to eat! The restaurant right here is among the finest 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!
In addition to gastronomy, Mérida additionally has a superb 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 certain this nightlife is on to blame for the way little I’ve written about Mérida previously!
- La Negrita Cantina – don’t miss this historic native favorite, identified for its classic appeal and reside music.
- Catrin – a significantly cool bar with a unusual courtyard, vibrant decor and nice drinks.
- Malahat – a classy, intimate speakeasy simply off the Parque de Santa Lucia, identified 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 wonderful inside.
- La Mezcaleria Mérida – one among my favorite late-night celebration 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 associates Tom and Meg!
15. Take a Cooking Class
If you wish to study even extra about Yucatecan delicacies and Mérida’s wonderful foodie tradition, a cooking class is the way in which 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 house for a cooking lesson.
That is such a implausible approach to immerse your self in native tradition and journey a little bit deeper. Plus, you’ll take pleasure in a scrumptious 3-course meal and uncover some traditional native dishes.
16. Discover Mérida’s fairly church buildings
Mérida is among the oldest European-founded cities in Mexico and is understood for its gorgeous Colonial structure. In addition to the palaces, villas and haciendas that dot the town centre, there are many fairly church buildings to find, together with…
- Rectoría El Jesús Tercera Orden – a putting, 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
Each Sunday morning, the Paseo de Montejo is closed to autos to permit the traffic-free bike experience known as the Biciruta. The total route runs from Ermita de Santa Isabel, by means of the Centro Historico – passing the Cathedral – and as much as the Monumento de la Patria.
Should 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 primary sights alongside the leafy Paseo de Montejo boulevard with out the standard 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 heaps extra to find. A lot of them are free, and might be an effective way to flee the warmth and study a little bit extra about native historical past…
1. Casa Montejo
This restored stately house 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 short-term displays from a wide range of worldwide artists.
2. C.A.C.A.O. Museo – the Chocolate Museum
Should you love chocolate, it’s value popping into this small museum on the Paseo de Montejo. C.A.C.A.O Museo is a part of an artisanal chocolate manufacturing unit. Entry is free, and features a brief tour to study 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 displays showcasing the origins of the town and the Prehispanic roots of the realm. Upstairs, there’s an artwork gallery with short-term exhibitions showcasing a wide range of artists.
4. Palacio de Gobierno
Located alongside the Plaza Grande, the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán (Governer’s Palace) is a sublime, light-green-painted authorities constructing relationship from the Nineties. Inside are a number of big 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 some of the spectacular mansions alongside the Paseo de Montejo. Constructed within the early twentieth century for Common Francisco Cantón Rosado, this putting yellow mansion is a superb 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 value a go to only for a have a look at the within of the majestic constructing.
Finest Day Journeys from Mérida
Merida makes a superb 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, house 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 important day journey. You’ll be able to drive, or take the bus to Valladolid and hop in a colectivo. Alternatively, attempt 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 a protracted day journey. This tour combines the Pink Lakes with a go to to Chichen Itza – good for many who are brief on time (from $124.50).
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve – identified 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 will get there by public bus, or do this Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour (from $154 USD)
- Progreso Seashore – the closest seashore to Merida, Progreso is a neighborhood favorite – identified for its wonderful seafood and chilled-out vibes. You will get there tremendous simply – take the Autoprogreso bus from downtown (buses depart 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
Easy methods 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. Received an important suggestion of your personal? Scroll down to go away a remark!
