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. Actually, 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 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 cherished our time in Merida and we’d return in a heartbeat. In truth, I’d go so far as saying that it’s my favorite metropolis in all of Mexico.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing the highest issues to do in Merida if you go to.
1.) Cathedral of Mérida
Located proper throughout 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, however it 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’ll head inside at no cost to discover the cathedral. Now, like numerous 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; recurrently on the expense of native tradition and spiritual beliefs. In truth, 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’ll be able to’t miss in Merida, particularly because it’s stood for nearly 500 years.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go 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 at no cost, so anticipate crowds and arrive about 25 minutes early if you wish to be on the entrance.
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2.) Plaza Grande
When you’re already at Merida Cathedral, you’ll simply cease by Plaza Grande (that’s proper exterior). Now, the plaza itself is without doubt one of the busiest areas of Merida metropolis centre, which makes it a fantastic place to discover on foot.
In truth, 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’ll 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 because the 1800s and there are some unbelievable murals to see inside.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
3.) Merida Accommodations
For us, a great 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 stunning and the group 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 cherished it.
Now, Casa Olivia is a bit on the pricier aspect relating to lodges in Merida; however it was nicely 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 stunning. Similar to Casa Olivia, it has its personal courtyard and out of doors pool that basically seems 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 attractive, 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 among the furnishings and items relationship again from the 1500s.
It’s simply the most effective 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 they usually even have artwork reveals 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 study extra about every of the reveals while you’re there.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
5.) Eating places in Merida
Merida is such a foodie metropolis. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s considered one of my favorite cities in all of Mexico for its eating places. It’s received that excellent mixture of regional delicacies, but in addition actually cool locations which are all inside strolling distance across the metropolis centre.
Now, for dwell 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 you should definitely arrive early within the night if you wish to be sat close to the stage for dwell music. La Nagrita Cantina fills up actually fast.
Alternatively, head on over to Holoch which has inside and outdoors eating choices which are so good. We cherished this spot for dinner and their frijol con puerco (Yucatan Type Black Beans with Pork) is so tasty.
Although, you need to reserve a desk if you happen to’re going for dinner. We struggled to get a seat on our first go to.
In order for you a cool vibe for dinner and drinks, then head over to Vana. This was considered one of 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 dwell music), Café Riqueza (for its espresso) and Chook for drinks (that’s close to Decu Merida).
6.) Chichen Itza
Round a two-hour drive from Merida, Chichen Itza is a day journey it’s a must 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 numerous Maya websites, you received’t be capable of climb the pyramids – which I really 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 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 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 you should definitely 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 considered one 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 folks and homes so many buildings that you may nonetheless see to today. Similar to Chichen Itza, you’ll be able to e-book today journey from Merida which can take you throughout Uxmal.
As soon as right here, you should definitely 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 the most effective 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 will possibly get highly regarded. Take chilly water round in your stroll and ensure to slap on that sunscreen.
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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 nicely 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 that you may 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 must 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 group provide necessary 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.
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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 nicely value a go to.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying that it’s the most effective issues to do in Merida to study 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 seemingly spend round 90 minutes wanting round and studying the historical past of the Maya folks.
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10.) Palacio de la Música
Round a 5-minute stroll from Plaza Grande, Palacio de la Música is nicely value visiting if you wish to study extra about Mexican music and the historical past of music from the broader Yucatan Peninsular.
Now, the museum itself is admittedly good however I’d say that it will possibly really feel rather less thrilling if you happen to’re probably not keen on 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 considered one of Merida’s most well-known streets, Paseo de Montejo is as grand as it’s lengthy. In truth, it’s received among the grandest buildings in all of Merida and is nicely 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’ll be able to 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 among 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 be capable of 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 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 among 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 the most effective issues to do in Merida for a day journey, particularly because it’s probably the most essential areas for flamingoes north of the equator.
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