Sometimes, you come across places where you regret not spending more time. Mérida was one of those for me. The capital of the state of Yucatan was surprisingly authentic, diverse, and lively. A city with tourists, but mostly full of locals who live and work there. I spent three days in Mérida and would have loved an extra day. The timing could have been better too, as the city center was undergoing renovations, and I was there during the week (the weekends are more fun!). Below are my tips for things to do in Mérida, Mexico.
Mérida’s safe image
When you think about Mexico, you might wonder about safety. Fortunately, Mérida is known as a peaceful and safe place in Yucatan. The city’s location contributes to this reputation. Mérida is not on the typical smuggling routes. Some people believe that the ancient Maya culture, which still thrives in Mérida, plays a role in its safety. There’s also a rumor about a deal between the cartels and the government that allows the families of cartel members to live in Mérida. Whatever the reason, safety is certainly prioritized in Mérida. The police are visible in the streets, patrolling in large pickup trucks. Of course, it’s not as if nothing ever happens; after all, it’s still a city, and every town has its ups and downs.
Things to do in Mérida
1. Stroll through the colorful El Centro
El Centro is the heart of the city, with colorful buildings, vibrant squares, and historical monuments. It’s a lively area with plenty to see. Online, Calle 64 is often recommended as the most beautiful street, but I would suggest wandering around at your own pace. Use the morning hours when it’s not as hot and crowded. Calle 60 is a great pedestrian area in the evenings. Tip: join the Free Walking Tour, departing daily at 10.00h and 17.30h from Casa Montejo.
2. Explore Plaza Grande
Start a walk through El Centro at Plaza Grande, the beating heart of Mérida. Unfortunately, it was completely under renovation when we were there, so aside from sand and construction workers, we didn’t get to see much of its charm. Several sights are located around the square. For example, the sixteenth-century Cathedral of San Ildefonso, partly built with stones from a Maya temple that previously stood on the site. Opposite the cathedral is Palacio Municipal, which (normally) offers a beautiful view of the square from its balcony. The side of the square is filled with Palacio de Gobierno, the green building with heroic murals inside. Both palaces are free to visit, even though the police at the door might not look very inviting. Time your visit on a Sunday, as you can also catch the Mercado Domingo on Plaza Grande.
3. Wander from Plaza to Plaza
From Plaza Grande, you can walk to Parque Santa Lucia (a square with terraces) and then to Parque Santa Ana (home to the colorful Mérida letters). During the day, these squares are handy places to connect to the city’s Wi-Fi and plan your next stop. In the evenings, you come here for the shows. On Thursday, there’s dancing in Parque de Santiago, on Friday, there’s a light show on the façade of the Cathedral of San Ildefonso (similar to the one in Valladolid), and on Saturday, there’s a Pok Ta Pok demonstration (a Maya ball game) on Plaza Grande. Good to know: on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the city center is largely car-free.
4. Golden Hour at Monumento a la Patria
One of the most impressive things to do in Merida is the Monumento a la Patria. This circular structure is located on a roundabout at the end of Paseo de Montejo. The walls feature around 300 hand-carved figures that tell the history of Mexico, from its founding up to the mid-twentieth century. Visit this place in the late afternoon, as the stone turns golden in the sunlight. Every Friday evening, there’s also a light show displayed on the monument.
5. Admiring mansions on Paseo de Montejo
Monumento a la Patria is located at the end of Paseo de Montejo, a promenade with wide sidewalks on both sides. The area is particularly known for its extravagant French-style houses. We just admired them from the outside, but you can visit some of the villas, such as Casa Gemelas/Montejo 495 (250 MXN + 50 MXN for photos), El Minaret (100 MXN), and the Museum of Anthropology and History (95 MXN). The luxury boulevard is a stark contrast to the rest of the city. In the nineteenth century, the city government planned to create a sort of Champs-Elysees. It may not have the same allure, but it’s a great place for a walk.
Tip: every Sunday, the Biciruta takes place on Paseo de Montejo, giving cyclists free rein on the road. On Saturday evenings from 6:00 PM, there’s also a second bike route: Biciruta Nocturna.
6. Go on a street food tour
Mexico isn’t just about tacos. There’s much more to discover, and to do so, we booked a street food tour in Mérida. Along with guide Mike, we went to the central market (Lucas de Galvez Market) to try a wide range of delicacies. We also learned a lot about local fruits and vegetables. For instance, fruit is often served with chili pepper. Mexicans also love sugary drinks, especially cola. They drink it all day. The most delightful discovery during the tour was horchata. I knew this drink from Spain, but the Mexican version is different. It’s not made from tiger nuts but from rice.
7. Take a day trip from Merida: the yellow city of Izamal
Mérida is also a great base for excursions. From the taxi station on Calle 50, you can take a colectivo to Izamal, the yellow city of Yucatan. A bus ticket costs 35 MXN and can only be paid in cash. Make sure to have the exact amount ready. You’ll receive a token that allows you to board the bus. A total of 15 tokens are issued before the bus departs. Larger buses with air conditioning also run to Izamal from Noreste Station (Centro buses, also on Calle 50).
Other great day trips from Merida include Uxmal (Maya ruins), Progreso beach, Celestun (nature park), and Las Coloradas (pink lake). Those are on my list for next time.
Where to eat and drink in Mérida?
The best horchata I had in Merida was at Organico Bar de Cafe & Cocina. I had a great lunch at Salon Gallos (delicious flautas). For good burgers and wraps, head to Crush, and for extravagant large desserts, check out Casa Aüa. Also, visit Mercado 60, a semi-covered food market. It’s a fun place for a drink and a bite.
Where to stay in Mérida?
We had a great stay at the small-scale Kuka y Naranjo. It offered a beautiful room with a hammock, a cozy atmosphere with books everywhere to browse through, and it was just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Grande. But there are plenty of great places to stay in Mérida. Next time I would consider staying at Viva Merida Hotel Boutique. It has a beautiful courtyard, a super central location, and reasonable prices. For those with a bigger budget, take a look at Decu Downtown or Casa Tavera.
These were my tips for things to do in Mérida. As I said in the intro, I wish I had more time to explore and see more of the city. It has much to offer. Would you like to visit Mérida?
All prices mentioned in the blog post are from 2024 and are subject to change. This blog post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links, I earn a small commission without you paying extra for it. You can read more about it in my disclaimer.