15 Greatest Issues to Do in Merida, Mexico, in 2023

Exploring historic Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, taking in cultural performances, and indulging in Yucatecan delicacies are just some of the various superb issues to do in Merida. Learn on for a more in-depth have a look at all this Mexican metropolis has to supply.

Regardless of being a state capital and common vacation spot for nomads, expats, and retirees, Merida lives within the shadow of close by Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. In any case, most vacationers who come to this a part of Mexico head straight to the seaside. 

With the closest seaside being 40 km (25 miles) away from Merida, this implies the most important metropolis within the Yucatan Peninsula has lengthy been an afterthought. However, that’s all altering.

15 Greatest Issues to Do in Merida

Conde Nast Traveler lately named Merida the most effective small metropolis on the planet. Vacationers are lastly taking discover, and Merida is prepared for its time within the highlight.

Regardless that I’ve spent the higher a part of the final three years dwelling in Mexico, I hadn’t travelled to Merida till lately. However then I spent a superb period of time there exploring the most effective issues Merida has to supply.

I’m joyful to say that Merida didn’t disappoint, and it’s one of many greatest locations to go in Mexico. It’s a vibrant metropolis with quite a few sights and locations to go to.

This put up was up to date in 2023 to incorporate new Merida sights and actions.

I’m excited to share a number of the greatest issues to do in Merida with you on this put up. Vamos, chicos!

1. Discover Centro Historico & the Zocalo

Kicking off my checklist of issues to do in Merida is a stroll across the metropolis’s Centro Historico. Apparently, solely Mexico Metropolis and Havana, Cuba, have bigger historic facilities than Merida, so there’s so much to see and do right here.

Be a part of a Strolling Tour

I like to recommend becoming a member of the free strolling tour for an informative and entertaining introduction to town. It begins at 10 AM each day in Santa Lucia Park and lasts about two hours. 

On this quick tour, you’ll get launched to the historical past, tradition, and traditions of Merida. I’m sure I realized extra throughout this two hours than I’d have throughout two days by myself.

Whereas the tour is free, it’s customary to tip your information for a job nicely carried out. An excellent tip for a strolling tour like that is 100 pesos (about $5). Head to their web site to join the tour. 

There are additionally some nice excursions for exploring Merida’s historic middle. You possibly can bounce on a 3-hour strolling tour with an area professional in cultural and pure tourism. Click on right here to test it out and guide your spot.

In the event you’re questioning what to do in Merida once you first arrive, becoming a member of a strolling tour is an effective guess. 

Discover the Zocalo Independently

Even in case you join one of many excursions, it’s value it to spend some further time exploring the Zocalo by yourself. This tree-lined park could be very a lot the guts of town and is the most effective place to take in the native tradition.

The park is dwelling to a large Mexican flag and the colourful Merida signal, which is a should on your Instagram feed. It’s additionally surrounded by probably the most well-known and essential landmarks of town.

These embrace the Merida Cathedral, Municipal Palace, Casa Montejo, and the Governor’s Palace. The latter is dwelling to some unbelievable murals depicting town’s historical past. They’re all free to go to, so take your time and luxuriate in all of them!

There’s additionally a free strolling tour of the Zocalo given by town’s tourism board. It begins at 9:30 AM on the bottom ground of the Municipal Palace. Click on right here for instructions. 

2. Swim in Cenotes

Some of the refreshing issues to do in Merida – a metropolis that’s typically boiling sizzling – is cooling off within the surrounding cenotes. In the event you’re not acquainted with these, they’re mainly pure sinkholes.

These are discovered all around the Yucatan Peninsula and quantity within the 1000’s. In the course of the hottest time of the day, there’s nothing higher than hiding from the solar and swimming in a cenote. 

There are quite a few cenotes throughout Merida, so, simply take your decide!

A terrific possibility for having fun with a couple of cenotes is this tour that visits three — Cascabel, Chaksikin, and Pool Cocom.

The complete-day journey begins at 8:45 AM and contains swimming in three cenotes, plus lunch, transportation, information, and entrance charges. Click on right here to be taught extra about this prime Merida attraction.

One other highly-rated tour is this tour that visits two completely different cenotes together with a stupendous hacienda and a few historic websites. The cenotes aren’t on the common vacationer monitor and also you’ll almost certainly have them to your self! Once I went, the one different individuals within the water had been those on the tour with me.

Alongside the best way, your native guides will train you about Mayan tradition. Meals, transport, information, and entrance charges are included. Click on right here to be taught extra. 

3. Go Museum Hopping

In and across the Zocalo you’ll discover a number of completely different museums, together with Casa Montejo. Constructed within the 1540s, it was the mansion of the conquistador Francisco de Montejo. As of late it’s a museum that’s free to go to, making it one of the common issues to do in Merida.

Earlier than you head in, remember to take a more in-depth have a look at the facade of the constructing. It depicts the Spanish conquistadores standing on the heads of the native Mayans — a reminder of the horrific realities of colonialism in Mexico.

On the precise facet of the cathedral, there’s a lined walkway referred to as Passage of the Revolution. That is the place you’ll discover one other utterly free museum, this one targeted on the artwork of Fernando Garica Ponce and different Mexican artists. 

Finishing the trifecta is the Museum of the Metropolis of Merida, the place you’ll be able to be taught all in regards to the metropolis’s historical past from the time of the Maya to the current. It’s positioned just some blocks from the Zocalo. Click on right here for instructions. 

Tackle: Casa Montejo, Calle 63 506, Centro, Merida, Yucatan, 97000

4. Study About Mayan Tradition

One of many prime locations to see in Merida is town’s Nice Museum of the Maya World. The constructing itself is kind of a powerful sight, and it holds an unlimited assortment of Mayan artifacts.  

A standard false impression amongst guests to Mexico is that there are not any Mayan individuals round anymore. I’ll admit that I used to be responsible of considering this once I first traveled there a few years in the past. Nonetheless, this couldn’t be farther from the reality.

It’s estimated that round 60% of the inhabitants of Merida is of Mayan heritage, and it is a metropolis of practically 1 million. Mayan tradition could be very a lot alive and nicely right here, mixing with Spanish, French, British, and modern-day Mexican influences.

The museum is definitely positioned fairly a distance from town middle. You possibly can hop on the bus certain for Progreso and inform them you wish to get off on the museum or simply get a cab on the market. Uber can also be out there right here and works very nicely in my expertise.

It’s open from Wednesday to Monday from 9 AM-4:30 PM and prices 150 pesos for foreigners. On Sundays, it’s free for residents of the Yucatan, so I’d suggest occurring one other day. 

Tackle: Calle 60 Norte No. 299 E, Unidad Revolución, Mérida, Yucatan, 97110

5. Go to Chichen Itza

Undoubtedly, probably the most well-known Mayan metropolis of all is Chichen Itza. One of many New Seven Wonders of the World, that is an unbelievable place to go to. Trying up on the large pyramid often known as El Castillo is an awe-inspiring expertise, to say the least.

Visiting Mayan ruins is indubitably one of many prime issues to do in Mexico. A beauty of touring to Merida is that you would be able to simply attain most of the most epic ruins on a day journey. 

Being such a well-liked vacation spot, it’s very straightforward to join a tour to Chichen Itza. It’s a bit removed from Merida (about an hour and a half), but it surely’s positively definitely worth the journey!

You possibly can hop on this highly-rated small group tour that features transport, a information, a go to to a cenote, lunch, and extra. Click on right here to guide your spot. 

One other stable possibility is a tour with an area man who’s an authorized tour information in historical past and archaeology. His excursions are extremely rated and I had a good time with him. Click on right here to test it out. 

Observe: you is likely to be considering that 6 AM departure is early, however the line-ups and crowds will be enormous at Chichen Itza, and the solar will be intense — it’s greatest to go as early as you’ll be able to. 

6. Journey the Ruta Puuc

From Merida, you’ll be able to journey the Ruta Puuc to see a handful of various Mayan websites. Whereas Chichen Itza is by far probably the most well-known, there are tons of different choices for visiting Mayan ruins within the space.

Amongst these, the most important and hottest is Uxmal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of the essential locations within the Mayan world. Having been to all the large ones, I can truthfully say Uxmal is my favourite Mayan website I’ve visited.

You possibly can simply catch an area bus there and again, though chances are you’ll find yourself ready some time on the facet of the street for the return bus as we did. The bus prices 80 pesos per particular person every manner.

There are additionally a couple of different, smaller ruins within the space like Kabah, Labna, and Xcalak.

One method to see all of those is with a rental automobile. In the event you’d fairly keep on with public transportation, the one possibility is catching the bus at 8 AM on Sunday morning. It makes fast stops on the smaller ruins and offers you a couple of hours to discover Uxmal. 

A complete go to will be loved on this tour the place you additionally go to the Kabah ruins, the Yaxcopoi Hacienda and a cenote. It contains the information and transport, however you’ll have to cowl your entrance tickets. Uxmal prices 418 ($17) pesos for foreigners and the museum is 180. 

There are lots of different excursions that go to each Uxmal and Kabah. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.

7. Hit the Seaside

As a result of it’s an inland metropolis, you’ll be able to’t simply stroll to the seaside in Merida. It takes a little bit of effort, however a day journey out to Progreso is value it in case you’re in search of a while on la playa. 

Progreso is a significant cruise ship port, so it’s positively acquired that vacationer vibe. That being mentioned, the seaside is very nice and it’s a fantastic escape from town to take pleasure in a cerveza or two, and munch on some recent ceviche. 

In the event you get on the market early sufficient and are motivated, you’ll be able to rent a driver or join a day tour to discover the world. You possibly can go to an ecological park, salt ponds, a pink lake, and a small Mayan website on a half-day tour.

The most cost effective method to stand up to Progreso is by catching the native bus. The station is positioned a couple of blocks south of the Zocalo. Click on right here for instructions. It solely prices 19 pesos every manner, or about $1. 

8. Day Journey to Ria Celestun

One of many prime issues to do in Merida is taking a day journey out to Ria Celestun, a biosphere reserve positioned about 100 km out of town. It’s nicely definitely worth the journey right here to discover the pristine seashores, mangroves, and low rainforests.

It’s a singular place as its location creates a mix of freshwater from the estuary and saltwater from the ocean. The realm is understood primarily for its pink flamingoes, who flock right here within the winter. 

To go to the reserve, you’ll be able to join a full-day tour that features a boat experience by the mangroves and lunch. It departs at 8:45 AM from Merida. Click on right here to be taught extra and to make your reserving.

Ria Celestun is definitely positioned within the State of Campeche. In the event you’re within the space, a go to right here to see the pink flamingos is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Campeche as nicely!

9. Eat Scrumptious Meals

Merida actually is a foodie’s paradise. There’s a lot scrumptious meals right here that you could possibly plan your entire keep round what you’re consuming. From avenue meals and native markets to fine-dining, it’s all right here. 

Mexico is dwelling to a number of the greatest meals on the planet, with the Yucatecan meals being well-known all throughout Mexico — and for good motive.

Essentially the most well-known native dish is unquestionably cochinita pibil — a dish of pit-cooked pork that’s marinated in an acidic citrus juice and seasoned with annatto. It’s mainly like pulled pork solely manner higher, and also you get to make tacos with it!

Different must-try gadgets right here embrace poc chuc (marinated pork), sopa de lima (lime soup), and papadzules — corn tortillas stuffed with hard-boiled eggs and lined in a pumpkin seed sauce. It sounds bizarre but it surely’s scrumptious!

Be sure you skip breakfast in case you join this wonderful meals tour. It takes you to a number of markets and plenty of avenue meals stalls. The tour begins at 10:30 AM and lasts three hours for $59 per particular person.

There’s additionally this common meals tour the place you go to a market after which pattern a number of dishes in an area’s dwelling. It runs from 4-7 PM and prices $58 every.

Mexican delicacies is so numerous and scrumptious. Regardless of the way you select to expertise it (on a tour, avenue stands, eating places, on the seaside…), simply be sure you pattern all of it!

10. Take a Cooking Class (the most effective issues to do in Merida for foodies)

Are you aware what’s even higher than attempting native meals? Attempting native meals that you just cooked your self! Some of the rewarding issues you are able to do in Merida is taking a cooking class, and also you’ve acquired a lot of choices.

On this half-day tour, you begin by visiting one of many busiest markets in Merida. You’ll find out about a number of the most typical components, together with the spicy habanero chile.

Subsequent, you head to the kitchen to whip up some basic native dishes that you just’ll get to take pleasure in for lunch. Better of all, you’ll be able to convey the recipes dwelling and impress your family and friends! This highly-rated tour begins at 10 AM. Click on right here to be taught extra.

There’s additionally this very fashionable cooking class which takes you thru a market to get all of the components for the cooking class. Then, you’ll take pleasure in your 3-course lunch in one of many nicest courtyards within the metropolis. It begins at 9:30 AM, is 5 hours and prices $85 every.

11. Admire the Structure on Paseo de Montejo

Strolling across the tree-lined boulevard Paseo de Montejo, you’ll discover some fairly spectacular buildings. Most of those had been mansions constructed within the late nineteenth century when town was experiencing a big growth because of the henequen trade.

By no means heard of henequen? Neither had I.

This agave plant that one way or the other thrives right here in a spot with little water or fertilization can be utilized to make rope. The nice occasions didn’t final ceaselessly, although — today a lot of the buildings are both museums or industrial areas.

Take a stroll alongside the boulevard and remember to convey your digital camera. You’ll spot beautiful buildings just like the Palacio Canton and Quinta Montes Molina, each of that are museums which are value a go to. 

Maintain strolling north till you discover the spectacular Monument to the Fatherland. This gorgeous monument depicts the historical past of Mexico and makes for some memorable photographs.

12. Expertise Biciruta

The most effective issues to do in Merida is collaborating within the weekly Biciruta occasion. Each Sunday morning, the Paseo de Montejo is closed to motorized autos for a number of hours.

Locals, expats, and vacationers alike all come out to take pleasure in strolling, skating, or biking alongside the scenic boulevard.

It’s potential to hire a motorbike for a couple of dollars an hour. You’ll simply have to be sure you have an ID on you. 

Apparently in addition they do a particular nighttime Biciruta on the primary Saturday of each month now, in order that’s positively value trying out in case you occur to be within the metropolis at the moment.

Don’t miss this vehicle-free time in Merida!

13. See Cultural Performances

Undoubtedly, one of many prime issues to do in Merida is taking in a number of the many cultural performances. There’s one thing occurring each evening of the week right here, they usually’re normally free.

A number of the greatest occasions to participate in embrace the Yucatecan Serenade, which occurs each Thursday evening in Santa Lucia Park at 8 PM.  There’s additionally the very festive Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night time) each Saturday with track and dance performances.

Maybe probably the most enjoyable of all, although, is Sundays in Merida. It is a day-long occasion within the Zocalo and a fantastic cultural expertise. There are meals stalls arrange all day lengthy and performances start later within the day.

There’s no denying the significance of soccer in Mexican tradition. It’s extra like a faith right here than a sport as persons are very passionate in regards to the sport! 

That’s why one of many prime issues to do in Merida is cheering on the native soccer membership. Venados FC performs within the Liga de Ascenso, which is the 2nd tier league within the nation. 

They play over at Estadio Carlos Iturralde with video games happening between January and April. Try their schedule to see if there’s a house sport once you’re on the town.

Tackle: Estadio de Futbol Carlos Iturralde Rivero, Unidad Deportiva Kukulcan, Calle 77 S/N por Circuito Colonias, Colonia Morelos Oriente, Merida, Yucatan, 97174

15. Go Cantina Hopping

Final however not least, it’s time for some cantina hopping. For the uninitiated, a cantina is a basic Mexican bar. Suppose swinging doorways, loud music, and loads of tequila.

Historically, a cantina has been considerably of a boys membership. That’s why I normally skip out on them once we journey in Mexico, as my spouse doesn’t normally really feel snug going into a spot the place she’s not precisely welcome.

That’s all altering, although, and there are many cantinas in Merida which are open to each women and men. The preferred is unquestionably La Negrita. Providing complimentary botanas (snacks) and dwell music in a pleasant courtyard, this place fills up each evening of the week.

FAQs About What to Do in Merida

Beneath are solutions to some steadily requested questions on what to do in Merida.

Now You Know What to Do in Merida

There’s a motive Merida was named the most effective small metropolis on the planet. It’s a fantastic place to go to with a vibrant tradition, loads of attention-grabbing sights, and countless alternatives for adventures within the space.

Whereas close by Cancun is extra of a Disney model of Mexico, Merida is the true deal. In the event you’re in search of an genuine Mexican metropolis with pleasant locals, scrumptious meals, and raucous nightlife, look no additional.

After years of individuals telling me how cool Merida is, I’m joyful I lastly acquired to spend a while there. A 2-week digital nomad stint was simply sufficient to scratch the floor of all of the enjoyable issues to do in Merida and I’m positively planning on going again quickly.

Have you ever ever been to Merida? Received any suggestions for issues to do, locations to eat, or day journeys? Go away a remark under and allow us to hear all about it!

Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock. Click on right here to be taught extra.

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