Merida is an unimaginable metropolis in Mexico to go to. Nestled on the Yucatan Peninsular, round 3-4 hours west of Cancun, Merida is beautiful, with heaps of eating places, historic buildings and gorgeous neighbourhoods to go to. Truthfully, there are heaps of the perfect issues to do in Merida that can fill any journey to the town.
Nevertheless, with a lot selection, comes some robust selections! In any case, you wish to take advantage of out of your go to to Merida and never waste any time when you’ve arrived.
We completely cherished 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 can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I’m sharing the highest issues to do in Merida while 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 wish to miss while strolling the town. Not solely is it completely beautiful, 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 unimaginable to go to, and you may head inside at no cost to discover the cathedral. Now, like plenty of websites in modern-day Mexico, cathedrals are sometimes trampled over and tried to suppress native Mayan tradition by the Spanish.
Their constructing was usually an try to ‘convert’ locals to Catholicism; often on the expense of native tradition and non secular beliefs. In actual fact, the cathedral was even constructed utilizing the stones from the Maya Temple that when stood instead.
That each one being stated, the location is one spot you may’t miss in Merida, particularly because it’s stood for nearly 500 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect to move outdoors 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 at no cost, so count on 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 outdoors). Now, the plaza itself is likely one of the busiest areas of Merida metropolis centre, which makes it an important 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 that 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 because the 1800s and there are some unimaginable murals to see inside.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
3.) Merida Inns
For us, a superb lodge could make a visit to a brand new metropolis; and we stayed in some gems in Merida that we completely cherished.
Casa Olivia is a small ‘casa’ of about 4 rooms. It’s completely quaint and the entire property is completely lovely and the crew are so welcoming. Not solely that, they’ve probably the most beautiful pool within the centre of the Casa. It’s like an oasis within the coronary heart of Merida and we cherished it.
Now, Casa Olivia is just a little on the pricier aspect relating to accommodations in Merida; but it surely was properly value it for the expertise.
One other gem within the metropolis is Decu Merida. It’s one other smaller type lodge (with lower than 10 rooms) which is completely lovely. Identical to Casa Olivia, it has its personal courtyard and outside pool that basically looks 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 lodge, or the newer a part of the lodge. Each are beautiful, and your selection actually does come right down to the type of type 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 top-of-the-line 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 beautiful.
Visits take round 25 minutes they usually even have artwork reveals that change seasonally. Heads up, there’s not a lot info in English, so be certain that to brush up in your Spanish if you wish to be taught extra about every of the reveals 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 every of my favorite cities in all of Mexico for its eating places. It’s obtained that excellent mixture of regional delicacies, but in addition actually cool locations which can 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 full of life spot that’s well-known in Merida. We completely cherished 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 can be so good. We cherished 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 if you happen to’re going for dinner. We struggled to get a seat on our first go to.
If you’d like a cool vibe for dinner and drinks, then head over to Vana. This was one in every of our favorite locations in Merida and was crammed 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 need to take when visiting Merida. You see, it’s one of many world’s most essential Maya websites.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to stroll across the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) which is iconic. Like plenty of Maya websites, you received’t be capable to climb the pyramids – which I like. In any case, we wish to protect them for so long as doable.
Oh, and don’t neglect that you just’ll get to stroll by the ball courts that have 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 certified 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 occasions.
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7.) Uxmal
One other one in every of 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 you can nonetheless see to at the present time. Identical to Chichen Itza, you may e book at the present time journey from Merida which can take you throughout Uxmal.
As soon as right here, make sure to stroll across the Pyramid of the Magician, stroll by the Governor’s Palace and go to the Quadrangle. It’s so spectacular to see and top-of-the-line 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 highly regarded days.
You see, there’s little or no when it comes to shade and it could actually get highly regarded. 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 properly value combining with a visit there.
Now, what makes this cenote so particular is that it’s additionally on the website of a historic hacienda you can tour earlier than hopping into the water. Although, only a heads up, you have to 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 crew provide obligatory life jackets and lifeguards that observe your progress while there. We cherished that, as we’ve been to some cenotes the place there’s little or no when it comes to 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 lightweight on Maya tradition and historical past that’s properly value a go to.
In actual fact, I’d go so far as saying that it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Merida to be taught extra about Maya historical past and the consequences of Spanish colonialism.
Now, you do pay a small price to enter (round $10 USD) and also you’ll probably spend round 90 minutes trying round and studying the historical past of the Maya individuals.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Tulum
10.) Palacio de la Música
Round a 5-minute stroll from Plaza Grande, Palacio de la Música is properly value 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 actually good however I might say that it could actually really feel rather less thrilling if you happen to’re probably not concerned with musical historical past. If that’s you, perhaps give this spot a miss when visiting Merida.
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11.) Paseo de Montejo
In all probability one in every of 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 properly value 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 circumstances, you may head inside the homes which at the moment are museums. Plus, others are nonetheless accessible with guided excursions. Simply be certain that to offer 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 shocking Catholic Church that’s a couple of 10-minute stroll from Paseo de Montejo itself. Alongside the best way, you’ll be capable to cease off at El Barrio, an unfussy lunch spot, that serves up some tasty Chilaquiles and horchata.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in and round Cancun
12.) Celestun
Fancy a visit to the shoreline? Then e book this tour to Celestun to discover the gorgeous 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 stand up shut and private with the flamingos. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Merida for a day journey, particularly because it’s one of the essential areas for flamingoes north of the equator.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in and round Cancun
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