15 Incredible Things to do in Merida
It had been a while since I wanted to visit the beautiful city of Merida, Yucatan, and it did not disappoint! This vibrant city has a robust and authentic taste of what makes up Mexico.
Its colorful colonial-style buildings characterize it. Plus, there are haciendas inside and outside the city. You can find Mayan ruins nearby, go swimming in cenotes, and enjoy one of the best cuisines in all of Mexico.
The state of Yucatan is considered one of the safest in Mexico, and you can feel it as you wander the streets of the city. There is an abundance of things to do in Merida for you to enjoy.
However, some things were closed because of the pandemic, and the city wasn’t as busy. You’ll also notice it is much calmer than its nearby popular destinations, such as Cancun and Tulum.
15 Incredible Things to do in Merida
Table of Contents
1. Get some Shade at Plaza Grande
Plaza Grade is probably one of the nicest plazas I’ve seen in Mexico. It is lined with trees and benches for relaxing, and it’s the perfect place to sit and admire the fantastic architecture that Merida is known for.
The plaza, also known as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Independencia, or el Zocalo, has free Wifi. You can see locals and tourists sitting here connected to it while enjoying the plaza.
It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the culture of the city. Things to not miss at the plaza are the giant Mexican flag, the colorful Merida sign, the Merida Cathedral, Casa de Montejo, Municipal Palace, and the Governor’s Palace.
2. Stroll Paseo de Montejo
A stroll along this boulevard includes lots of gorgeous buildings. Some are museums, some are commercial businesses, and others are mansions built in the 19th century. The street has beautiful trees and plants, so make sure to walk the boulevard, visit a couple of museums, and take a coffee break.
3. Admire Casa Museo Montes Molina
Casa Museo de Molina is the only house in Merida that is still in its original state. It was built in the 1900s and is now owned by the Montes Molina family.
A visit to this museum includes seeing beautiful chandeliers, chime clocks, original art pieces, marble floors, and furniture that takes you back in time. The home is gorgeous and worthy of a stop.
4. Learn the History of Yucatan at Palacio Canton
Palacio Canton is one of the most impressive buildings I found in Merida. This museum holds information about the Yucatan and Mayan cultures.
The building was initially designed for General Francisco Canton in the early 1900s as his residence, and up to this day, the original architecture is untouched.
5. Relax at Parque Santa Lucia
Merida has many historic plazas, and one of them is Parque Santa Lucia. Outside of pandemic times, this plaza has events throughout the year, including live music and traditional performances with colorful costumes.
One show is called the “Serenata Yucateca.” It has been performed for the past 40 years. Around the plaza, there are also many cafes, restaurants, shops to enjoy. Also, don’t miss the famous couple’s chairs that Merida is known for. The ones at this park are huge!
6. Enjoy a drink at La Negrita Cantina
This friendly neighborhood bar has become quite popular among locals and visitors alike. Even famous people have stopped by this bar to enjoy their delicious food and the awesome vibe.
In addition, it’s the best place to enjoy live music and salsa dancing. Although there was not much dancing because of the pandemic, the vibe was entertaining.
7. Go on a Free Walking Tour
To learn about the city and get an idea of the layout and best places to visit, you can do a free walking tour offered in the city. The walking tours in Merida gather at Plaza Grande and show you around the city. In the end, you tip the guide as a way to thank them for showing you around.
8. Visit a Mayan Ruin: Chichen Itza
The most popular Mayan ruin to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula is, without a doubt, the newest world wonder of the world, Chichen Itza. In just an hour and a half, you can arrive and see the famous pyramid known as El Castillo. You can arrive by car or go on a tour. To avoid the crowds and heat, I recommend arriving the earliest possible.
9. Visit a less touristy Ruin: Uxmal
Another Mayan Ruin near Merida is Uxmal. It is just an hour away from the city. You can admire the beauty of this place without the hoards of tourists you find at Chichen Itza.
In my opinion, it was just as beautiful, and I enjoyed it much more than other ruins I’ve been to in Mexico. The views are amazing and worth the trip there. To get there, do so by rental car or tour from the city.
10. Admire the Haciendas
The state of Yucatan has many gorgeous haciendas that the Spaniards began in the 16th to the 19th century. They used them for farming and manufacturing products, such as meat, produce, tequila, sugar, lumber, henequen (sisal), or other products.
With time, they became a symbol of wealth and culture and became adorned with fancy art, furnishing, and architecture from around the world.
The landowners usually had Mayan or indigenous workers, and a lot of it was about race. Hundreds of workers tended them. One of the leading products produced in the haciendas in Merida was henequen, a type of fiber to make rope, cord, and twine. When the henequen industry failed, many haciendas were left behind.
Many haciendas were restored and sit a few minutes outside the city as tourist destinations. Some of them have even become hotels or destinations with cenotes that you can visit.
11. Refresh in a Cenote
There are thousands of cenotes all over the Yucatan Peninsula, with the majority in the state of Yucatan. Cenotes are natural pits or sinkholes of underground water that are exposed after limestone collapses.
There are different types but what you’ll love the most is the crystal clear water and how refreshing they are. Trust me, Merida is hot! Going to a cenote is one of the best things you can do while visiting this gorgeous city.
12. Head to the Beach
Perhaps Merida doesn’t have those beautiful turquoise waters that nearby Cancun does, but it still has a beach where you can relax and get away from the extreme heat found in Merida. Just half-hour away is Progreso Beach. At Progreso, they have palapas, food vendors, seafood, and a nice Malecon to walk at.
13. Take Day A Trip
Merida is the perfect base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and is much cheaper than its nearby cities, such as Tulum and Cancun. You can visit famous Mayan ruins from Merida such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Coba, and Ek Balam.
You can also visit the “Pueblito Mágico” Valladolid, see the pink lake Las Coloradas or go to Celestún. If you have a rental car getting around is easy. If not, there are many tours offered, or you can travel in the safe and comfortable ADO buses.
14. Eat all you can
Yucatan has some of the best cuisines in all of Mexico! There is Cochinita Pibil, Panuchos, Sopa de Lima, Poc Chuc, Pavo Relleno Negro, Papadzules, Marquesitas and so many more delicious foods the state and country are known for. Merida is truly a foodie’s paradise, and a trip here can be all about tasting food.
15. Shop Til You Drop at the Malls
Okay, not really. But if you are a shopper, Merida has so many malls! Even though the city felt like the perfect size and not too touristy, it is quite developed. Anything you need, you can find. I’m not one to go shopping when traveling but having any store you need available can be nice.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in the city center because most things will be within walking distance. The other thing I love about the city center is the Hacienda Style hotels.
Even some hostels are hacienda style. I stayed at Hotel Montejo, which was nearby everything and the architecture was stunning!
How to Get to Merida
If visiting from Cancun, I recommend taking an ADO bus from the city center. The cost will be approximately 120 MXN (6 USD) and about 4 and a half hours.
The other way to visit Merida is to fly from Mexico City. The cost for a one way flight we be under 1,000 MXN (50 USD).
What to Pack
Here are some travel items to pack for your trip to Mexico.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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15 Incredible Things to do in Merida
