Mérida, the lively capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, was one of our favorite cities we explored during our tour of Mexico. And I reckon it’s a must-see spot for anyone looking to mix history and culture, with a buzzy modern vibe. Famous for its colonial architecture, Mérida gives you a charming look at Mexico’s past with its well-kept buildings and cobblestone streets.
And would you believe, Mérida is one of the oldest cities in Latin America – it dates back to 1542!
The city’s bustling plazas and markets are great for diving into local culture and trying out traditional Yucatan dishes like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima. Plus, Mérida is a perfect launchpad for checking out nearby Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
Why visit Mérida?
If you’ve ever dreamt of a Mexican getaway that blends culture, history, and a dash of adventure, then Mérida, the charming capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, is calling your name. Having spent an unforgettable 3 days wandering its vibrant streets, I’m here to share my top picks for the best things to do in this delightful city…
As I said, we only had 3 nights here, so we packed as much as we could in.
9 Best Things to Do in Mérida
1. Stroll around Plaza Grande
We spent most mornings strolling around Plaza Grande (the biggest park in the city). And it’s so picturesque, with lots of trees and colonial buildings surrounding the park. Both times, we grabbed a takeaway coffee from Kadus Bistro on Calle 60 and enjoyed it on one of the benches in the park.
You see, Plaza Grande is the city’s bustling hub that captures the essence of Merida. It’s the perfect place to start your days here – grab a fresh coconut from a local vendor or a coffee from a Cafe like we did and watch the world go by. As I said, the square is flanked by stunning colonial architecture, including the Mérida Cathedral and the Governor’s Palace.
If you can, try to visit on a Sunday to catch Mérida en Domingo, a lively cultural event with music, dancing, and delicious street food.
2. Museo Casa Montejo
We also checked out the Museo Casa Montejo, an exquisitely restored home from the 1500s (entry is free), and the Catedral de Mérida – San Ildefonso, both of which are close to Plaza Grande.
Anyway, we really enjoyed the hour or two we spent at Museo Casa Montejo – the building dates back to the 16th century and showcasing Renaissance architecture like no other building in Mexico.
Over the centuries, Casa Montejo has seen many changes but still boasts its impressive facade. The National Bank of Mexico took over in 1981, and after a major restoration between 2007 and 2010, the museum now reveals more of its original charm, especially in the courtyard.
3. Walk along Paseo de Montejo
We also spent a lot of time on Paseo de Montejo, a grand avenue lined with beautiful colonial mansions.
It’s the perfect place to come in the evening because when the sun sets, the boulevard comes alive with music and laughter from cafes and restaurants. I treated myself to a gelato and watched as locals and tourists alike enjoyed the evening air. The atmosphere was magical.
4. Mayan World Museum
My husband loves history, and so he couldn’t resist spending a couple of hours at the Mayan World Museum of Mérida. This modern architectural marvel houses an impressive collection of Mayan artifacts (over 1,200!). The exhibits are both engaging and informative, offering a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Mayan culture and history.
I found myself lost in the stories of ancient civilizations, their art, and their achievements. And yes, the air conditioning is a sweet relief from the tropical heat!
5. Visit a cenote
A trip to Mérida wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the natural wonder of cenotes. These mystical sinkholes are scattered throughout the region, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim.
I joined a local tour and explored four different cenotes, each uniquely beautiful. Swimming in these geological marvels felt like being in a secret paradise. If you’re a thrill-seeker, try a jump from the cliffs – an exhilarating experience that remains etched in my memory!
What I really liked about this particular tour was that it didn’t cram in the same cenotes as everyone else; the guide took us to cenotes away from the beaten path.
6. Eat delicious food at Lucas de Galvez Market
As for where to eat in the city, we loved the bustling Lucas de Gálvez Market. Here you can sample Yucatecan delicacies like cochinita pibil and panuchos.
It’s a feast for all the senses here. And as I meandered through the stalls, the aroma of spices and sizzling meats had me suddenly feeling very hungry. What I really liked about this place too was that the vendors were eager to share their recipes and traditions.
Just remember to bring cash, as many stalls only accept cash.
7. Explore the colorful streets of Barrio de Santiago
Barrio de Santiago, a neighborhood bursting with color and character, is about a 10-minute walk from Merida’s center. Wandering the streets felt like stepping into a vibrant painting – pastel facades, lush gardens, and cheerful locals waving as they passed by. I stumbled upon Santiago Park, where I cooled down with a fresh juice from a nearby stand. Overall, the neighborhood exudes a laid-back vibe, and it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
8. Visit the zoo
The Centenario Zoo in Mérida was established in 1910, and it’s home to a variety of animals and a lush, beautiful landscape. We saw numerous different species on our afternoon here, including hippos, giraffes, ostriches, bighorn sheep, flamingos, tigers, leopards, a panther, capybaras, and so much more. The zoo also features a train ride that takes you through the park – we didn’t go on it, but it seemed to be very popular with local families. The train was built in the early 1980’s.
In addition to the animal attractions, the Centenario Zoo has play areas for children, picnic spots, and food vendors, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.
9. Go on a day trip to Uxmal
A short drive from Mérida lies the ancient ruins of Uxmal, an archaeological site that rivals the more famous Chichén Itzá. The site is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate exploration of the majestic pyramids and temples. As I climbed the Pyramid of the Magician, the view from the top was breathtaking – lush green jungle stretching as far as the eye could see. The intricate carvings and architecture left me in awe of the Mayan civilization’s ingenuity.
This half-day tour is perfect if you just want to see Uxmal and have most of your afternoon free. The guide picked us up at 7 am and we returned around 12:30 pm. He was so informative during his guided tour of Uxmal, he answered our questions, helped us take pictures, and gave us more than enough free time to explore the site on our own.
Where to stay in Mérida:
We spent 3 nights at Hotel Hacienda Mérida, this gorgeous colonial-style boutique hotel was one of the most luxurious hotels we stayed in during our time in Mexico.
Another top choice is the luxurious Chablé Yucatán, a retreat set amidst lush jungle surroundings offering an exquisite blend of modern comfort and traditional Mayan influences. If you’d prefer a more central location, the elegant Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa on the historic Paseo de Montejo offers a distinctive design with carefully restored colonial architecture and a hint of contemporary flair.
Thanks for reading!
Reflecting on my journey, Mérida’s allure lies not just in its attractions, but in its spirit. The warmth of its people, the rich culture, and the vibrant energy create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, Mérida has something to offer everyone.
You can read my other Mexico blog posts here –
- 8 Fun Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Best Activities, Where to Stay & Eat
- Our Honest Opinion of Tulum, Mexico (and the Best Things to Do)
- Isla Holbox Travel Guide (My Honest Review of Isla Holbox, Mexico)
- How to Spend 3 Days in Palenque, Mexico
- How to Visit Chacahua, Mexico: The Ultimate Guide
- 11 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
Booking Your Trip Soon? These are my go-to booking sites!
Below you will find a list of the sites we always use when booking our trips. By booking via the below links you can support my writing at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much!
1. Flights
I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It allows you to compare and book flights on over 500 airlines from across the globe.
2. Hotels
I use Booking.com for all of our hotel stays. And if we’re traveling on a budget, I like to use Hostelworld to book a hostel.
3. Renting a Car
We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.
4. Tours
I use Viator or Get Your Guide to book any guided tours we plan on doing. I find Viator particularly good for the USA, Canada & New Zealand, and Get Your Guide is great for Europe.
5. Travel Sim Card
An eSIM is a great idea if you’re coming to a place for more than a week. As that way, you won’t need to change your number or remove the physical SIM from your phone. They are so handy and cheap, too. Obviously make sure your phone is compatible with an eSIM first. We always use Saily for our eSIM’s.
6. Airport Pick-Ups
Instead of cabs, we book with welcome pickup to get from the airport to our hotel. Why did we do that? The drivers from Welcome Pickups are English speaking and you’ll pay a flat rate. So, you know exactly how much you’re paying before hopping in.
7. Compensation for Delayed or Canceled Flights
You can easily claim compensation for a canceled or delayed flight with the website – AirHelp. You just input your flight details and some personal information, and AirHelp will handle the rest.
Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by snaphappytravel