Yucatán’s colorful capital city of Mérida is where history, art, and food come together in harmony.
Add in some epic day trips to nearby Pueblos Mágicos, the legendary Chichen Itza, and chilled-out beach towns, and you have the perfect destination to kickstart your journey through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
I’ve been here a couple of times now, and have yet to run out of things to do.
Whether it’s exploring the wonderful flavors of the Yucatecan cuisine, hopping between museums and galleries to take in the city’s vibrant cultural heritage, or spending the day in the countryside’s endless cenotes, there was always something new for me.
Here is my short guide to Mérida, including my favorite spots around the city, tips on where to stay, and a look at how to get around by public transport. I also share some of my favorite foods and where to try them, along with suggested trips to other towns within the state.
Here are 12 wonderful things to do in Mérida, Mexico.
Join a Free Walking Tour
Hands down one of the best ways to experience a place is by going on a walking tour. Luckily in Mérida, some amazing tip-based options explore the history of Yucatán’s largest city. There are a few companies that host free tours, and honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
On my visit, I went on the Free Walking Tour Experience with Fernando. I’ve been on more than a dozen free walking tours so far, and this was one of the most knowledgeable ones. Fernando is well-informed and the excitement he brings to the tour really shines through.
We explored a few of the city parks and learned a ton about the ancient and modern history of the region, including how Mérida got its nickname “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City.” The tour ended in the main square, where we were given some more tips about what museums to visit and must-try foods!
I found Fernando’s tours through the FreeTour website, but I know he’s also on GuruWalk and has a website of his own that has his WhatsApp number. Alternatively, you can head to Parque de Santa Lucia at 10 am and see if there are open slots available.
FreeTour and GuruWalk also have other free Mérida options, so it’s worth checking them out to see what style of tour and starting time best suits you.
Most of these tours start in the morning, so if that doesn’t mesh with your schedule you can look into more personalized paid tours. This historic center tour and this private tour are great choices.
Explore the Zócalo
The liveliest part of every Mexican city and town is undoubtedly the zócalo i.e. the main square. Here that’s the Plaza Principal de Mérida, a large public square with shady trees, a constant buzzing energy, the famous city letters, and colorful historic buildings at its edges.
It’s also where a vast majority of city tours either start or end.
You can come here at almost any hour and find something to do, whether it’s visiting a museum, observing a cultural show, or people-watching while you snack on some street food. Here are some of the things you can do on a visit to the ‘Plaza Grande’ in Mérida:
- Admire the imposing Catedral de San Ildefonso, Mérida’s 16th-century cathedral, and one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
- Pop into the Olimpo Cultural Center to see the current exhibits, be amazed by the planetarium, or watch a theater show.
- Be wowed by some amazing local art pieces at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art).
- Walk through the Pasaje de Revolucion, a large glass-roof passageway lined with shops, and often displays large art sculptures.
- Check out the Museo Casa Montejo to see what a colonial mansion once looked like.
- Get some alternative views from the second story of Edificio Municipal de Mérida, the city’s peach-colored town hall.
- Wander the courtyard of the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatan and appreciate the large murals and paintings housed inside.
Visit Mérida’s Museums
As the largest city in Yucatán, Mérida is a cultural hot spot and one of the best cities in Mexico to learn about the country’s rich history. It also has a thriving art scene and a focus on sharing the region’s tumultuous past.
One of the best ways to learn these things, along with the walking tour, is to explore the local museums. There are dozens here in Mérida, so you’ll have plenty of options depending on what your interests are.
Here are some favorites:
House Montejo Museum (Museo Casa Montejo) | This is, in my opinion, a must-see in the heart of the city. The elegant, restored mansion has wonderful historical room displays and beautiful local art exhibits.
The entry is free and you’ll be asked to leave any bags at the front with security. Opening times to the public are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm. Access to different rooms varies by day.
The Contemporary Art Museum of Yucatán (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Ateneo de Yucatán) | Located in a former colonial palace on the main square, the museum shares fantastic pieces from Mexican artists.
When I was there it was free and some rooms were closed due to ongoing renovations, but the last I heard was that an entry fee of $60 MXN was added.
Music Palace (Palacio de la Música) | An interactive museum about the history of Mexican music. Part of the property is a concert hall that holds intimate musical performances and symphony orchestra events.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and entry costs $200 MXN.
Museum of the City of Mérida (Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida) | The small multi-story museum shares the history of the 16th-century city. There is also a steady stream of temporary local art installations.
Entry is free and opening times are Wednesday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and weekends from 9 am to 2 pm.
Regional Museum of Anthropology (Museo Regional de Antropologia) | This museum is housed in the Canton Palace (Palacio Cantón) and has rotating exhibits that focus on the region’s cultural history. The palace itself is luxurious and often displays Mayan antiques from previous excavations.
Entry is $95 MXN and opening times are from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Mayan World Museum of Mérida (Gran Museo del Mundo Maya) | A gorgeous museum that is a must for those looking to dive into Mayan culture and history. There are some wonderful exhibits and artifacts, although not everything is written in English.
Entry is $150 MXN and opening times are Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 5 pm. English tours are available on the weekends.
Other Museums to look into are the Railroad Museum, Paranormal Museum, Filux Lab, Quinta Montes Molina, Museo de la Luz Mérida UNAM, and Museo de la Canción Yucateca Asociación Civil.
Stay and Watch the Night Shows
I was surprised while walking by the Pasaje de Revolucion one night, to see a live dance performance roaring with life right in front of my eyes. The excitement of the crowd, the dazzling spectacle, and the vibrant atmosphere were something that instantly caught my attention.
At first, I thought this was a one-off event, but after spending a few days in the city, I realized this was a common occurrence.
Almost every night, you’ll find an event going on around Mérida. Most are held in the main plaza, with video mapping events held on Wednesdays at Cas de Montejo and Fridays an animated art display on the facade of the Mérida Cathedral.
On Saturdays, the ancient Mayan ball game ‘Pok te Pok’ keeps up its tradition with a weekly hour-long game from 8 pm to 9 pm. In contrast, Mondays bring people out to watch the historical Vaquería Dance event.
The dancing doesn’t stop there though, Mérida hosts a ‘Musical Remembrances’ song and dance at Santiago Park on Tuesday evenings and an open-air ‘Yucatecan Serenade’ on Thursday nights at Parque Santa Lucia.
If you have the time for even just one of these events, it’s worth stopping by for the experience.
Taste Yucatecan Cuisine
Mérida is a foodie destination at its very core.
I feel like I repeat that statement a lot in my articles about Mexico, but I truly mean it. The city exhibits the best of the best regional dishes and I dare say it’s the best place to dive into the Yucatecan cuisine on the whole peninsula.
Well, at least out of all the towns I visited.
YUCATAN FOOD SPOTLIGHT
Here are some typical dishes to try on your visit to Mérida.
Cochinita Pibil | Slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice and achiote.
Queso Relleno | Edam cheese stuffed with meat, spices, and more, then covered with white and red sauces.
Sopa de Lima | A soup that consists of a broth with meat (usually chicken), lots of lime juice, spices, and fried tortilla strips.
Papadzules | Yucatán’s version of enchiladas. Rolled-up corn tortillas stuffed with hardboiled egg and covered with pepita and tomato sauces.
Poc chuc | Thin-cut pork pieces marinated in citrus juices, cooked over the grill, and served with traditional sides.
Salbutes and Panuchos | Two similar dishes of fried, puffed corn tortillas topped with meat and fresh ingredients. Panuchos are less inflated and have beans stuffed inside them.
Huevos Motuleños | Fried tortillas drenched in a red sauce. They are typically topped with the likes of egg, cheese, peppers, and plantain.
Sikil P’ak | Creamy dip consisting of blended pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and fresh spices.
Marquesita | Rolled crepe with edam cheese in the center. You normally can add toppings such as Nutella, chocolate sauce, and strawberry sauce.
My recommended restaurants for tasting traditional dishes in Mérida are the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy and La Chaya Maya. Both places have many of these dishes and pride themselves on authentic Yucatecan food and cooking principles.
Craving something a bit different than the regional cuisine? There are plenty of eateries that focus on more common, but equally as delicious bites.
My go-to taco joint was Taqueria de la Union, a simple sit-down shop with fantastic tacos, quick service, and nice salsas. It’s a little on the pricier side of things, but the cochinita pibil taco was worth every peso.
Another frequent visit for me was Gorditas Doña Gorda on the corner of the zócalo near the cathedral. They have a wonderful variety of cheap and tasty gorditas that are perfect for taking away. It was the perfect handheld snack for the evenings I sat in the plaza and enjoyed the festivities.
If the focus of your trip is food I recommend looking into one of the many food tours offered around town. This street food tour here is a great option, as is this one here. Alternatively, you can try a do-it-yourself approach by joining a small group cooking class that includes a visit to a local market.
Walk Paseo de Montejo
One of the best things to do in Mérida is simply to stroll the length of Paseo de Montejo. The elegant street – named after Francisco de Montejo, one of the conquistadors who founded the city – has much to see.
Between the rows of restaurants and cafes that line the street, you’ll find luxurious historic mansions that double as museums and art houses. It’s worth taking your time meandering down the avenue, popping into some of the mansions, and embracing marveling at the splendid architecture.
Here are some notable highlights to keep an eye out for:
- Museo Regional de Antropologia | I’ve mentioned it already, but the culturally significant museum is housed inside a gorgeous palace and is worth a look.
- Montejo 495 | Another museum within a mansion, this one can be seen by guided tour. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but if you want to view the interior of a beautifully restored home it’s worth a view.
- Centro Cultural Fernando Castro Pacheco | A small art gallery/museum that is free to enter. There are some nice pieces by local artists worth seeing.
- Quinta Montes Molina | A wonderfully decorated palace that can be toured. It’s marvelously maintained and has authentic furniture reminiscent of historical times.
- The Monuments | In the middle of Paseo de Montejo you’ll see three significant statues, one at each roundabout.They are the Monument to Felipe Carillo Puerto, Monument Justo Sierra, and Monumento a La Patria.
Get Your Art On
Mérida has a flourishing art scene, with works from local and national artists shown at various galleries around the city. A few of the museums I already mentioned, like those around the main plaza and the mansions on Paseo de Montejo, have exhibits year-round and are a great starting point for jumping into the city’s art scene.
However, if you want to explore a little deeper, it’s worth heading to some of the smaller galleries as well. I found two main areas where you can, as I like to call it, “art hop.”
The first spot is the galleries off of Calle 57 and Calle 70. Here you’ll find three innovative and incredible establishments – Galleria Le Cirque, Estudio de Juan Pablo Bavio, and El Zapote Gallery – that have exhibits showcasing local artists.
The second is the Calle 60 art galleries, which are located around Parque de Santa Ana. You can walk between five places here: SOHO Galleries, La Sala Art Gallery, Nahualli House Artists, Eliza Art Gallery, and Galería Terracota. There are a ton of gorgeous contemporary pieces here, including prints, sculptures, and paintings.
Take a trip to the Yellow City of Izamal
If I had to choose one town to visit as a day trip from Mérida it would be Izamal.
The ‘Yellow City’ as it’s fittingly called, is one of Mexico’s renowned Pueblos Mágicos and a quick, easy bus ride away from the city. Inherently photogenic and equally romantic, Izamal features Mayan ruins, a beautiful historic church, and aesthetically pleasing architecture. It also has an almost infectious, chilled-out atmosphere.
Here are some things to add to a full-day itinerary of Izamal:
- Wander around the courtyard and peek inside the picturesque Convento de San Antonio. This is the gem of Izamal and a common pilgrimage site.
- Relax in Plaza Izamal and snap some pictures of the Izamal letters.
- Walk up to the top of the Piramide Kinich Kak Moo for panoramic views of the countryside. Entrance is free and the climb is steep, but not difficult.
- Explore the town’s lesser-visited ruins like the Iztamatul Pyramid and Chaltun-Ha. It should be noted that sometimes the entrances to these archaeological zones are locked up.
- Stroll through the colorful arcade at Mercado Municipal de Izamal. You’ll find several souvenir stands and fast food eateries within the halls.
- Sit down, relax, and enjoy some food at one of the tasty restaurants. Restaurante Kinich Izamal, Restaurante Zamna, and Restaurante Los Arcos are some of the favorites.
Getting There | Buses leave from the Terminal de Autobuses Noreste station (maps) in Mérida every hour or so. A one-way ticket costs $36 MXN (as of 2024) and the trip takes around an hour and a half.
Hit the coast at Celestún
If you’re itching for the ocean after a few days in the city, you’re in luck. There are a few coastal towns just outside of Mérida that are close at hand. They make for great daily excursions and offer the typical laid-back feel of the classic Mexican beach town.
My favorite of those? Celestún.
The tiny, brightly-colored fishing village is idyllic in setting, with an expansive white sand beach dotted with thatched-roof eateries and rows of wooden fishing boats.
To its east, you’ll find the Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a nature park filled with thick mangroves and tons of wildlife. The highlight here is a chance to see thousands of brilliant pink flamingos. To get the most out of the reserve, a boat tour like this one leaving from Mérida is recommended. Although, if you’re on a budget, there are still a few spots to see flamingos on the outskirts of the park.
To the west, the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico appear at the edge of Celestún’s sandy shore. While the water isn’t always flawless, they’re swimmable and a welcomed relief from the brutal sun. The open-air restaurants along the beach are also worth checking out if you enjoy cold drinks and freshly grilled fish.
Getting There | Buses leave from the Oriente Station (maps) near the Terminal de Autobuses Noreste station that I mentioned in the previous ‘Izamal’ section. You’ll be dropped off quite centrally in Celestún, right next to the main park where the Celestún letters are. A one-way ticket costs $68 MXN (as of 2024) and the bus should take around 2 hours.
Take A Visit To Yucatán’s Cenotes
Mexico’s beaches get a lot of hype, and rightfully so, but the best way to beat the heat in Mérida is by taking a dip in one of the surrounding cenotes. These natural pools range from refreshing to downright magical, and there are plenty within driving distance of the city.
Back in the day, you used to be able to hop inexpensively from one cenote to another, but those times are long gone. You can reasonably expect to pay anywhere between $100 MXN and $400 MXN for most of the popular ones, with prices going up almost yearly.
With that being said, there are plenty that are still worth the trip.
Some Nearby Cenotes Worth Visiting
Cenote X’batun
Cenote Dzonbacal
Santa Barbara Cenotes
Cenote Kankirixche
Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche
Cenote Yaal Utzil
Cenote Cuzama
Cenote San Ignacio
Yokdzonot Cenote
Cenote Su-hem
Cenote Homún
I’d just suggest doing some research beforehand and picking a few out that are must-sees for you. You’ll have a choice between cavern cenotes, wide-open pools, ancient collapsed holes, or a mix of one or more.
The best bang for your buck will be if you have a rental car and can drive to the spots that most catch your attention. However, there are a few that are accessible by combining public transport with a short taxi ride.
Of course, you could always join a guided tour, but keep in mind cenotes are often just a part of the itinerary, with trips to ruins and one or more Pueblos Mágicos being the other. There are a few exceptions like this Cenotes of Santa Barbara tour.
Be Wowed at Chichen Itza
For most people visiting the Yucatán Peninsula, a trip to Chichen Itza is a mandatory stop. And, as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World,’ it’s hard to argue with that. The whole complex is gorgeous, with well-maintained ruins and some epic pyramids.
My partner and I enjoyed our time here, spending a half-day roaming the grounds and learning about its history. We visited on our own, and if you can manage it, I’d recommend doing the same.
A BASIC OVERVIEW OF CHICHEN ITZA
Popular Sites To See | El Castillo Pyramid, Gran Juego de Pelota, Warriors Temple, El Caracol, Cenote Xtoloc, Plataforma de Venus, El Osario, and Templo del Hombre Barbado
Entrance Fee | $614 MXN for foreigners (as of 2024)
Opening Times | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Ticket booths close at 4 pm.
Getting There From Mérida | You can take an ADO or Oriente bus from the Mérida Bus Station. Buses run often starting in the morning and it takes between 2 and 3 hours to get there. The last bus back to Mérida usually leaves Chichen Itza around 5:20 pm.
Tours | There are tons of tour options leaving from Mérida. If you want a guide or to combine Chichen Itza with other sites I suggest looking here on Viator and here on GetYourGuide for an option that works for you.
It’s good to remember when going, however, that this is one of the busiest tourist spots in Mexico. You can expect crowds most of the time, but if you head into your day knowing that, it’ll make them a bit easier to tolerate. In the end, you’re at one of the most renowned and impressive archeological sites in the world, so enjoy your time!
Tips | The earlier you get to Chichen Itza the better. Tour buses usually start rolling in around 10 am (and later), so if you can get there when it’s opening you’ll have a less hectic experience. It also saves you a bit from the sun, as the site has little shade. It’s also worth downloading an offline audioguide for Chichen Itza, there are plenty out there that’ll walk you through the ruins and share interesting tidbits about each one.
Other Ruins Near Mérida | Some other nearby ruins worth checking out are Dzibilchaltún, Acanceh, Xcambó, Uxmal, and Kabah.
The latter two are often seen as must-visits for history lovers visiting Mérida or alternatives to Chichen Itza if you’re visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for a second time. They are both around an hour south of the city and within 30 km of each other. I’m not sure about Kabah, but Uxmal can be reached by bus (same as Dzibilchaltún).
You can also hop on a combined Uxmal and Kabah tour (with a stop at a cenote) leaving from Mérida.
Get out of the City with these other Day Trips
There are endless day trip opportunities within the Yucatán Peninsula. While I’ve mentioned a few already, here are a couple more I find easily accessible from Mérida:
Valladolid | A colorful town with an almost equal amount of things to do as Mérida. I think it deserves a few days of your time to explore, but that’s not always possible when traveling. So if you can’t spend a night or two, I recommend seeing it on a day trip. You’ll find tasty food here, a gorgeous zócalo, and excellent cenotes within its borders. Given its popularity, buses to and from leave often. An alternative to a do-it-yourself visit is joining a Chichen Itza tour that has Valladolid as a stopover.
Progreso | About 45 minutes outside of Mérida, the port city of Progreso sits at the edge of coastal mangroves. An ecological park, sunkissed promenade, and white sand beach are what draw the crowds. It should be noted that, at times, Progreso can be overwhelming when the cruise ships dock. And while the beach won’t show up on any best-of-the-best lists, it often misses out on the waves of sargassum.
Pueblos Mágicos | The previously mentioned Valladolid and Izamal are part of the Mexican government’s initiative to showcase smaller towns known as Pueblos Mágicos. But, they aren’t the only ones in the state of Yucatán. Maní, Sisal, and the recently inscribed trio of Espita, Motul, and Tekax are the others. If you have the time, it’s worth visiting these places to see the charm of rural Mexico.
TOURS IN MERIDA
I’ve mentioned a few tours already, there are hundreds to choose from that explore Mérida and the surrounding region. If you’re looking to tailor an itinerary with visits to specific ruins, cenotes, and towns, I suggest having a look here on GetYourGuide and here on Viator.
While I tend to lean towards exploring things on my own, I find that tours are an excellent alternative for when I have time constraints.
GETTING AROUND MERIDA
Most of the main sights in the city, especially in the historic center can be reached by foot. However, Mérida is a large city with plenty to do on the outskirts of the old town. For these, you’ll want to use public transport or services like Uber or DIDI if you don’t have a car.
For most of the buses, you can check the routes on Google Maps, this is what I did, and it got me to some of the malls outside of walking distance. Colectivos are a little trickier. For these you’ll have to do some research beforehand, ask your accommodation for help, or brave it out and inquire (in Spanish) with the colectivo/bus drivers around town.
Since my visit, a new electric tram has opened. I don’t know much about it, but you should be able to get to some of the major attractions in the suburbs. You can check out routes and schedules on the Yucatan Transport website. They should also have public transport bus lines for Mérida there too.
In terms of longer-distance buses, you’ll have a few major stations to keep in mind.
ADO Bus Terminals | There are three main ADO stations in Mérida. Most of the regular ADO buses leave from the Historic Center Station (maps). While ADO Platino buses usually leave from Terminal Paseo 60 (maps) and ADO Aeropuerto buses from the Altabrisa Station (maps). If you purchase your ticket online (which is recommended) make sure to look at what station you leave from.
Terminal Oriente | This is where I caught the bust to Celestún. Odds are if you’re taking a bus with Oriente you’ll leave from here or down the street at Terminal de Autobuses Noreste.
Terminal de Autobuses Noreste | This is the station for Izamal and some of the more rural towns in Yucatán.
WHERE TO STAY IN MERIDA
- Hotelito YUM KAAX | A lovely boutique condo-hotel with a fully equipped kitchen and shared swimming pool. I really enjoyed spending a few nights here and would stay again in a heartbeat.
- Hostal Barrio Vivo | A chic hostel with shared dorms and a free breakfast. It’s a bit further from the center, but the chilled-out atmosphere and nice lounge areas make up for it.
- Casa Lool Beh | A bed and breakfast conveniently located between the bus stations and the city center. The rooms are simple but clean and the property has a courtyard with a small pool to lounge in.
- Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza | The well-situated accommodation with a shared kitchen and outdoor swimming pool. There are dorm options and private rooms available.
- Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel | A higher-priced boutique hotel in the center with clean rooms, modern facilities, and a shared pool.
For more options, you can check here.
