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 beautiful neighbourhoods to go to. Truthfully, there are heaps of the perfect issues to do in Merida that can fill any journey to town.
Nonetheless, with a lot alternative, comes some powerful selections! 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 liked our time in Merida and we’d return in a heartbeat. Actually, 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 whenever 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 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’ll head inside totally free 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 typically an try and ‘convert’ locals to Catholicism; frequently on the expense of native tradition and non secular beliefs. Actually, the cathedral was even constructed utilizing the stones from the Maya Temple that after stood as a replacement.
That every 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 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 totally free, so anticipate crowds and arrive about 25 minutes early if you wish to be on the entrance.
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2.) Plaza Grande
For those who’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 an important place to discover on foot.
Actually, 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 be fairly secure.
It’s one of many most secure cities in Mexico to go to. This implies you don’t want a information when strolling town and you’ll simply pinpoint locations on Google Maps to stroll between.
As soon as right here, ensure 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: Finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis
3.) Merida Accommodations
For us, a great resort could make a visit to a brand new metropolis; and we stayed in some gems in Merida that we completely liked.
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 probably the most beautiful pool within the centre of the Casa. It’s like an oasis within the coronary heart of Merida and we liked it.
Now, Casa Olivia is just a little on the pricier aspect with regards to resorts 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. Similar to Casa Olivia, it has its personal courtyard and outside 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 resort, or the newer a part of the resort. Each are beautiful, and your alternative actually does come right down to the form 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 number of the furnishings and items courting again from the 1500s.
It’s simply among the finest 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 and so they even have artwork reveals that change seasonally. Heads up, there’s not a lot info in English, so ensure to brush up in your Spanish if you wish to be taught 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. Actually, 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 acquired that excellent mixture of regional delicacies, but additionally actually cool locations which can be all inside strolling distance across the metropolis centre.
Now, for reside music and hearty Mexican meals, head over to La Nagrita Cantina. It’s a energetic spot that’s well-known in Merida. We completely liked 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 reside 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 liked this spot for dinner and their frijol con puerco (Yucatan Model Black Beans with Pork) is so tasty.
Although, it is best to reserve a desk in the event you’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 full of locals and guests alike.
Staying longer in Merida? Then, don’t neglect to go to Dzalbay (for its reside music), Café Riqueza (for its espresso) and Hen 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 vital 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 to climb the pyramids – which I like. In any case, we need to protect them for so long as doable.
Oh, and don’t neglect that you simply’ll get to stroll by the ball courts that have been performed hundreds of years in the past.
Now, to make issues simpler, ebook 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 ebook your tickets earlier than arriving in Merida. Areas can promote out quick at peak instances.
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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 you can nonetheless see to at the present time. Similar to Chichen Itza, you may ebook at the present time journey from Merida which is able to take you throughout Uxmal.
As soon as right here, you should definitely 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 among the finest 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 very popular days.
You see, there may be little or no when it comes to shade and it could get very popular. 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 completely 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 website of a historic hacienda you can tour earlier than hopping into the water. Although, only a heads up, you have to to ebook 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 obligatory life jackets and lifeguards that observe your progress while there. We liked that, as we’ve been to some cenotes the place there may be 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 effectively price a go to.
Actually, I’d go so far as saying that it’s among the finest 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 charge to enter (round $10 USD) and also you’ll possible spend round 90 minutes trying 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 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 basically good however I might say that it could really feel rather less thrilling in the event you’re not likely focused on musical historical past. If that’s you, perhaps 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. Actually, it’s acquired a number 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 circumstances, you may head inside the homes which at the moment are museums. Plus, others are nonetheless accessible with guided excursions. Simply ensure to provide yourselves round 3 hours to walk the avenue and cease by a number 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 be capable 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 ebook 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 number 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 among the finest issues to do in Merida for a day journey, particularly because it’s probably the most vital areas for flamingoes north of the equator.
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