Merida is an unbelievable metropolis in Mexico to go to. Nestled on the Yucatan Peninsular, round 3-4 hours west of Cancun, Merida is attractive, with heaps of eating places, historic buildings and beautiful neighbourhoods to go to. Truthfully, there are heaps of one of the best issues to do in Merida that can fill any journey to the town.
Nonetheless, with a lot alternative, comes some powerful choices! In any case, you need to take advantage of out of your go to to Merida and never waste any time when you’ve arrived.
We completely beloved our time in Merida and we’d return in a heartbeat. In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying that it’s my favorite metropolis in all of Mexico.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing the highest issues to do in Merida whenever you go to.
1.) Cathedral of Mérida
Located proper inside the coronary heart of the historic centre, the Cathedral of Mérida is one spot you don’t need to miss while strolling the town. Not solely is it completely attractive, but it surely additionally has a historical past that dates again to the 1500s. This, alone, makes the Cathedral of Mérida one of many oldest cathedrals on the continent.
Now, the cathedral is unbelievable to go to, and you may head inside totally free to discover the cathedral. Now, like a lot of websites in modern-day Mexico, cathedrals are sometimes trampled over and tried to suppress native Mayan tradition by the Spanish.
Their constructing was typically an try to ‘convert’ locals to Catholicism; frequently on the expense of native tradition and spiritual beliefs. In actual fact, the cathedral was even constructed utilizing the stones from the Maya Temple that after stood as a replacement.
That each one being stated, the positioning is one spot you possibly can’t miss in Merida, particularly because it’s stood for nearly 500 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect to move exterior the cathedral each Saturday at 8 pm each week.
The roads across the plaza are closed and also you’ll get to witness a reenactment of the Maya Ballgame that was as soon as integral to Maya tradition. It’s all totally free, so anticipate crowds and arrive about 25 minutes early if you wish to be on the entrance.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
2.) Plaza Grande
Should you’re already at Merida Cathedral, you’ll simply cease by Plaza Grande (that’s proper exterior). Now, the plaza itself is among the busiest areas of Merida metropolis centre, which makes it an ideal place to discover on foot.
In actual fact, the broader historic centre of Merida is ideal to discover on foot. Not solely are there heaps of eating places, cafes and bars, however the metropolis of Merida can also be fairly protected.
It’s one of many most secure cities in Mexico to go to. This implies you don’t want a information when strolling the town and you may simply pinpoint locations on Google Maps to stroll between.
As soon as right here, be certain to walk down Pasaje de La Revolución and head into the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán. The latter has been within the plaza for the reason that 1800s and there are some unbelievable murals to see inside.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
3.) Merida Motels
For us, a superb resort could make a visit to a brand new metropolis; and we stayed in some gems in Merida that we completely beloved.
Casa Olivia is a small ‘casa’ of about 4 rooms. It’s completely quaint and the entire property is completely lovely and the staff are so welcoming. Not solely that, they’ve essentially the most attractive pool within the centre of the Casa. It’s like an oasis within the coronary heart of Merida and we beloved it.
Now, Casa Olivia is a bit on the pricier facet in relation to motels in Merida; but it surely was effectively price it for the expertise.
One other gem within the metropolis is Decu Merida. It’s one other smaller model resort (with lower than 10 rooms) which is completely lovely. Identical to Casa Olivia, it has its personal courtyard and out of doors pool that actually appears like a secret backyard within the metropolis.
Now, inside Decu Merida, you’ll get to decide on rooms within the historic ‘casa’ a part of the resort, or the newer a part of the resort. Each are attractive, and your alternative actually does come all the way down to the sort of model you want.
Oh, and don’t neglect, they’ve their very own little speakeasy that’s hidden behind the bookshelves.
4.) Museo Casa Montejo
Simply on the fringes of Plaza Grande, Museo Casa Montejo is a museum that also homes a few of the furnishings and items relationship again from the 1500s.
It’s simply among the best issues to do in Merida to get a really feel of the Spanish affect within the metropolis. Plus, it’s free to wander round and the rooms are simply attractive.
Visits take round 25 minutes and so they even have artwork displays that change seasonally. Heads up, there’s not a lot data in English, so be certain to brush up in your Spanish if you wish to be taught extra about every of the displays while you’re there.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
5.) Eating places in Merida
Merida is such a foodie metropolis. In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying it’s one in all my favorite cities in all of Mexico for its eating places. It’s obtained that good mixture of regional delicacies, but in addition actually cool locations which might be all inside strolling distance across the metropolis centre.
Now, for stay music and hearty Mexican meals, head over to La Nagrita Cantina. It’s a energetic spot that’s well-known in Merida. We completely beloved it right here and the cocktails are actually good.
Simply make sure to arrive early within the night if you wish to be sat close to the stage for stay music. La Nagrita Cantina fills up actually fast.
Alternatively, head on over to Holoch which has inside and out of doors eating choices which might be so good. We beloved this spot for dinner and their frijol con puerco (Yucatan Fashion Black Beans with Pork) is so tasty.
Although, it is best to reserve a desk in case you’re going for dinner. We struggled to get a seat on our first go to.
If you would like a cool vibe for dinner and drinks, then head over to Vana. This was one in all our favorite locations in Merida and was stuffed with locals and guests alike.
Staying longer in Merida? Then, don’t neglect to go to Dzalbay (for its stay music), Café Riqueza (for its espresso) and Chicken for drinks (that’s close to Decu Merida).
6.) Chichen Itza
Round a two-hour drive from Merida, Chichen Itza is a day journey you must take when visiting Merida. You see, it’s one of many world’s most vital Maya websites.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to stroll across the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) which is iconic. Like a lot of Maya websites, you received’t have the ability to climb the pyramids – which I like. In any case, we need to protect them for so long as potential.
Oh, and don’t neglect that you just’ll get to stroll by way of the ball courts that had been performed hundreds of years in the past.
Now, to make issues simpler, e-book this guided tour of Chichen Itza. Not solely will you get a professional information to take you round Chichen Itza, however you’ll additionally get picked up from the centre of Merida. This makes all of it really easy.
Simply make sure to e-book your tickets earlier than arriving in Merida. Areas can promote out quick at peak instances.
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7.) Uxmal
One other one in all Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, Uxmal is round 60 miles from the centre of Merida.
Way back, Uxmal was a vibrant buying and selling metropolis for the Maya individuals and homes so many buildings which you can nonetheless see to today. Identical to Chichen Itza, you possibly can e-book today journey from Merida which is able to take you throughout Uxmal.
As soon as right here, make sure to stroll across the Pyramid of the Magician, stroll by way of the Governor’s Palace and go to the Quadrangle. It’s so spectacular to see and among the best issues to do in Merida if you wish to discover the area’s Mayan historical past.
Now, a go to to Uxmal (when you’ve arrived) will take round 2-4 hours, so plan forward, particularly on extremely popular days.
You see, there may be little or no by way of shade and it could possibly get extremely popular. Take chilly water round in your stroll and ensure to slap on that sunscreen.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Tulum
8.) Hacienda Mucuyché Cenote
Now, for a very distinctive cenote in Mexico, head to Hacienda Mucuyché. It’s not too removed from Uxmal (about 40 minutes away) and effectively price combining with a visit there.
Now, what makes this cenote so particular is that it’s additionally on the web site of a historic hacienda which you can tour earlier than hopping into the water. Although, only a heads up, you will want to e-book this Hacienda Mucuyché guided tour earlier than arriving.
This does should be organized earlier than turning up as some excursions are all in Spanish or all in English.
After touring the grounds of Hacienda Mucuyché, you’ll get to leap into the cenotes itself. The staff provide necessary life jackets and lifeguards that observe your progress while there. We beloved that, as we’ve been to some cenotes the place there may be little or no by way of security precautions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Tulum
9.) Mayan World Museum of Mérida
On the outskirts of Merida is the Mayan World Museum, a hub that shines a light-weight on Maya tradition and historical past that’s effectively price a go to.
In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying that it’s among the best issues to do in Merida to be taught extra about Maya historical past and the results of Spanish colonialism.
Now, you do pay a small payment to enter (round $10 USD) and also you’ll possible spend round 90 minutes trying round and studying the historical past of the Maya individuals.
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10.) Palacio de la Música
Round a 5-minute stroll from Plaza Grande, Palacio de la Música is effectively price visiting if you wish to be taught extra about Mexican music and the historical past of music from the broader Yucatan Peninsular.
Now, the museum itself is admittedly good however I might say that it could possibly really feel rather less thrilling in case you’re probably not taken with musical historical past. If that’s you, possibly give this spot a miss when visiting Merida.
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11.) Paseo de Montejo
Most likely one in all Merida’s most well-known streets, Paseo de Montejo is as grand as it’s lengthy. In actual fact, it’s obtained a few of the grandest buildings in all of Merida and is effectively price taking a stroll down the avenue while visiting Merida.
As soon as right here, begin off on the Monument to the Fatherland and head south down Paseo de Montejo. As you stroll, you’ll get to cease by Casas Gemelas, the museums like Quinta Montes Molina and Palacio Cantón.
In some instances, you possibly can head inside the homes which at the moment are museums. Plus, others are nonetheless accessible with guided excursions. Simply be certain to present yourselves round 3 hours to walk the avenue and cease by a few of the spectacular mansions.
Afterwards, stroll on over to Parroquia Santa Ana, which is a surprising Catholic Church that’s a few 10-minute stroll from Paseo de Montejo itself. Alongside the best way, you’ll have the ability to cease off at El Barrio, an unfussy lunch spot, that serves up some tasty Chilaquiles and horchata.
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12.) Celestun
Fancy a visit to the shoreline? Then e-book this tour to Celestun to discover the attractive shores of the Yucatan Peninsular.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to discover the broader Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve and even spot a few of the resident pink flamingos.
Not solely that, you’ll get to board a ship and tour the reserve to rise up shut and private with the flamingos. It’s among the best issues to do in Merida for a day journey, particularly because it’s some of the vital areas for flamingoes north of the equator.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in and round Cancun
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