Merida Mexico Things to Do + Yucatan Travel Guide
Last Updated on July 30, 2023
I first fell for Merida years ago, as a stop on a small group tour through Mexico and Guatemala. Since then, I’ve returned several times to experience this vibrant city and its museums, history, and culture. This guide includes all the tips you need to explore the cultural gem of Merida, Mexico!
Known as “The White City,” Merida is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the Americas. It was founded as a colonial capital in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors, on the remains of the Maya city of Tho. Today, it’s the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan, and has been named the American Capital of Culture twice, in 2000 and 2017.
Visiting Merida is a feast for the mind and senses with colorful architecture, fascinating history and museums, and a gastronomy scene recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage. Merida is also at the center of exciting day trips in every direction: beaches, Mayan ruins, historic haciendas, refreshing cenotes, colonial cities like Valladolid, and even an ecological reserve with flamingos.
This Merida travel guide will give you all the inside details you need, from restaurants and tours to unique places to stay like boutique hotels and haciendas. Plan to spend several days to a week here to explore the best things to do in Merida, Yucatan Mexico and the region!
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In This Travel Guide to Merida, Yucatan
Best Things to Do | Plaza Grande | Catedral de Merida | Walking Tours | Paseo de Montejo | Museums | Shopping & Markets | Yucatecan Cuisine | Merida Restaurants | Cantinas | Cenotes | Mayan Ruins | Cementerio General | Day Trips | Haciendas | Where to Stay | Colonial Homes | How to Get to Merida | Best Time to Visit | Merida Festivals
The Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico
To plan your Merida itinerary, these are the must-see sights. I’ve included tour options as well to help you maximize your sightseeing time.
1. Visit the Plaza Grande of Merida, Mexico
Merida’s charming zocalo, or main square, is located in the center of town and is known as the Plaza Grande and Plaza de La Independencia. This is a great place to start your Merida adventure. You can get a feel for the town, grab a meal, do some shopping, visit museums, and watch street performers. Especially on weekends, the entire city comes to live in the Merida Centro and its busy streets with cultural events.
The square is wide, with shade trees and park benches, and is surrounded on all sides by museums and historic buildings. There is also free WiFi if you want to do any planning.
Catedral de Merida
Overlooking the central plaza is the Cathedral of Merida, also known as the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest church on the American continent. It was completed in 1598 on the site of the Mayan city of Tho, using stones from the original city’s construction. When you visit, look for traditional Maya markings and carvings on the stones of the cathedral.
Lovers’ Chairs: “Sillas Tu y Yo”
While in the Plaza Grande, be sure to get a photo in Merida’s famous “you and me” lovers’ chairs. These are curved white conversation benches for two, where the occupants sit side by side but facing opposite directions. Local lore says these were invented many years ago by an overprotective father when his daughter reached courting age. 😉
Merida’s main square also has one of the famous city name signs” so be sure to grab a photo there too!
Pok Ta Pok Ballgame
Each Saturday night at 8:30 on Calle 60 in front of the Cathedral and Plaza Grande, there is a re-enactment of the ancient Maya ballgame known as Pok Ta Pok. During this cultural event you can watch the players engage in a fierce mock battle, accompanied by traditional live music.
Palacio De Gobierno
The Palacio De Gobierno (Government Palace) overlooks the Plaza Grande. Built in the late 1800s, the Palace also holds gorgeous murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco of scenes from the history of Mexico, from Mayan times to the colonial era and the republic.
The Haphazard Traveler Pro Tip: Photo Spot
The Palacio De Gobierno is a great place to get photos of the cathedral from its 2nd floor gallery.
2. Take a Walking Tour to Explore Merida
Merida, like many cities and important cultural centers, has companies that offer free walking tours. One of the top tours is hosted by the Merida Tourism Office, located in the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace). The 1.5-hour tour departs from here Monday-Saturday mornings at 9:30 and explores the city’s historic center.
I always recommend a tour when you first arrive in a new destination. You can get an idea of the city’s layout, and ask for inside tips from your leader and other travelers. It’s also a great way for solo travelers to meet folks!
Alone or as part of a tour, Merida’s colorful streets are packed with colonial structures and fun to stroll. Merida is one of the largest city centers in North America, so there is a lot to see and experience.
Merida, Mexico Walking Tour Details
The free tour is offered every morning Monday – Saturday, and leaves from the Merida Tourism Office in the Palacio Municipal. More details here and find the tourism office here.
If this tour doesn’t fit in your schedule, here is another free guided walking tour or the top-rated Merida walking tour with Mike and Duck.
3. Stroll the Paseo de Montejo
Paseo de Montejo is a historic boulevard lined with turn-of-the-century homes built in French and Italian Renaissance-inspired styles. These were the homes of Merida’s elite families, who prospered from an economic boom in the late 19th and early 20th century from the henequen trade. This plant has sisal-like fibers used to make twine, rope, and fabrics.
These colonial mansions were filled with Tiffany glass, European-style furnishings, and fine materials imported from all over the world. Several of the homes can be toured as museums (see below), while others remain private residences.
Along Paseo Montejo, you’ll see cafes, mansions, and monuments. These include the Montejo Monument near Plaza Santa Ana and Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland). At the start of the route, look for Las Casas Gemelas: twin houses built by the same architect for different families, about 10 years apart. See if you can spot the differences in ornamentation added over the years!
On Sunday mornings, a Merida weekly tradition takes place when one lane of Paseo Montejo closes for bicyclists in an event called La Bici Ruta. Along the way you’ll find live music and vendors, including bike rentals, and you can ride all the way to Plaza Santa Lucia park for lunch.
4. Explore Merida’s Museums, Historic Homes & Galleries
Yucatan’s capital and largest city of Merida offers a veritable buffet of museums! Here are some of the best that you’ll want to experience. The history museums in particular are a good compliment to visiting Maya ruins in the area and will give you a deeper understanding of the region’s history. If you have time, I recommend choosing at least one history museum, an art museum, and one of the historic homes.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán MACAY
The Fernando Garcia Ponce Museum, also known by its acronym MACAY, is the only comtemporary art museum in Merida with art by national and international artists. Located in the Plaza Grande right next to the Merida Cathedral, the museum has a large collection ranging from the early 20th century to present day. There are permanent galleries, three permanent rooms with works by Gabriel Ramirez Aznar, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Fernando García Ponce, and 15 temporary exhibit rooms that change every few months.
Fernando Garcia Ponce Museum (MACAY): Map location | Museum website
El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Located north of the colonial center, this striking modern museum is dedicated to the history of the Mayan civilization. Its exhibits contain information and artifacts about daily life, culture, language, science, and people both before and after the arrival of the Spanish. Signage is in both Spanish and English, and it offers many interactive exhibits.
El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya: Map location | Museum website
The Anthropology and History Museum
Located inside the beautiful Palacio Canton on the Paseo de Montejo, this museum contains exhibits and artifacts from Maya, Aztec, and other civilizations. There is considerable information on Mayan language, history and culture, including Maya language glyphs. Signage is in Spanish.
Museo de Antropología e Historia / Palacio Cantón: Map location | Museum website
Museo del Arte Popular
This is one of my favorite museums in Merida, which showcases a variety of Mexican art including folk art, pottery, and textiles. The collection here is from all over Mexico, with a permanent collection from the Yucatan. There is also a small gift shop. Located near the Parque de La Mejorada, a few blocks from the Plaza Grande.
Museo del Arte Popular: Map location | Museum website
Museo Casa Montejo
Located in the Plaza Grande, this museum is located in The former home of Francisco de Montejo and his family, where were conquistadores and founders of the city of Merida. The museum contains original furnishings dating to when it was built in 1549. There is also a serene courtyard, as well as temporary art exhibits.
Museo Casa Montejo: Map location | Museum website
Nahualli Casa de los Artistas
This private home and gallery is owned by a family whose artistic works make up a large part of the collection. Paintings, sculpture, and etchings are on display in a colonial home and garden.
Nahualli Casa de los Artistas: Map location | Gallery website
Quinta Montes Molina
This museum is still the home of a prominent Merida family and is located on the Paseo de Montejo. You can take guided tours to experience its architecture and history.
Quinta Montes Molina: Map location | Museum website
5. Shop Merida Markets, Boutiques & Galleries
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs and snacks or just want to experience local culture, Merida’s shops and markets offer all of this and more.
What to buy in Merida, Mexico
Need a souvenir? These are some of the best products to buy in Merida.
- Purses, hammocks, and other items made from henequin, a local plant similar to agave grown for its sisal-like fibers
- Jewelry and artisan goods
- Art from local galleries
- Artisanal Mexican chocolate (did you know Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate?)
- Pox (pronounced “posh”), a specialty liquor rooted in a traditional Mayan distilled drink from maize, sugar cane, and other flavors
- Xtabentun, an anise and honey rum liqueur produced by Casa D’Aristi at its distillery outside Merida
Local Handicrafts
Near the Plaza Grande, stop in Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Yucatan for an assortment of local artisan goods and handicrafts.
Map location: Casa de las Artesanías
Mercado Santa Ana and Santa Ana Parque
On Calle 60 around the cute yellow Santa Ana church and park, you can find art galleries SoHo and Terracotta, the silversmith Uxmal de Taxco, and other boutique shops. The Mercado Santa Ana here has open air restaurants which are popular with locals, especially for breakfast.
Map locations: Parque de Santa Ana | Mercado Santa Ana
Mercado de Santiago
Next to the Parque de Santiago, the Mercado de Santiago is a local market for vegetables, fruit, tortillas, meats, and fresh flowers, as well as food stalls where you can try traditional Yucatecan foods.
Map location: Parque de Santiago
Mercado Lucas de Galvez
The main market in Merida, Lucas de Galvez, dates back more than 100 years, and sells everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats and fish, souvenirs, sandals, clothing, and much more. There are food stalls here for an inexpensive meal, including aguas frescas (fruit blended with water and lime juice) and good tacos.
Map location: Mercado de Lucas de Galvez
Near the Parque Santa Lucia
Near the Parque Santa Lucia, find Ki’Xocolatl, a shop and restaurant serving hot and iced coffee drinks, Mexican chocolates, and desserts. Also near here, Coqui Coqui Perfumeria & Spa is a boutique hotel, spa and perfumery. Stop in to see its posh decor as well as shop for candles, perfumes and linen sprays.
Map location: Parque de Santa Lucia
Paseo de Montejo Shopping
Along the Paseo de Montejo, find Posheria, a quaint cafe offering traditional Mayan pox liqueur, coffee drinks and beans, and artisan goods. There are other boutique shops, coffeehouses, and more along the route.
Local Market Tour
If you’d like to experience Merida’s market scene on a tour with a local expert, check out this guided culinary experience.
6. Dig Into the Merida Foodie Scene
Merida has an amazing gastronomy scene, with regional dishes from throughout the Yucatan as well as cultural influences from elsewhere in Mexico and worldwide. From street carts and cafes to fine dining, you won’t go hungry in Merida! Some of the traditional Yucatecan foods to try include:
- Marquesitas: warm, paper-thin crunchy wafers with your choice of fillings rolled up inside. The most popular is a salty and sweet combo Nutella with Edam cheese. I prefer just the Nutella, but recommend that adventurous eaters try both! These can be found at food carts in the Plaza Grande and elsewhere in Merida.
- Cochinita pibil: this must-try traditional Maya dish starts with preparing an entire pig in a sour orange citrus marinade and the local spice achiote (annatto seed), then cooking it underground in banana leaves. The high acid content of the marinade and the slow cooking time result in a very tender meat. Cochinita pibil is served with tortillas, pickled onions, and other toppings.
- Poc Chuc: a Mayan/Yucatecan version of boiled or grilled pork.
- Papadzules: a version of this traditional Yucatecan dish might have even pre-dated the colonial era in Mexico. These are corn tortillas dipped in a sauce made from pumpkin seeds and filled with hard-boiled eggs, then garnished with a cooked tomato-pepper sauce.
- Sopa de lima: one of my favorites, this soup is made with turkey or chicken and a lime found in the region, topped with crunchy strips of fried tortilla.
- Panuchos and salbutes: panuchos are fried handmade corn tortillas stuffed with refried beans, then fried again and topped with chicken, cochinita pibil, relleno, ground meat, or seafood. Salbutes are similar, but are less crispy and are made without the refried beans. Both are served with lettuce, pickled onions, relleno negro, tomato, avocado and other toppings.
- Queso relleno: a gourmet dish featuring ground pork inside of a carved Edam cheese ball served with tomato sauce.
- Huevos motuleños: a breakfast food which originated in the nearby town of Motul. The dish is made with eggs on tortillas with black beans and cheese, often with other ingredients such as ham, peas, plantains, and salsa picante.
- Elotes: grilled corn on the cob, smothered in butter and mayonnaise, then rolled in cotija cheese. It’s finished off with a sprinkle of chilli powder and salt and a squeeze of lime.
Where to Eat in Merida, Mexico
Merida has an amazing restaurant scene, from street food and market stalls to fine dining. In the Plaza Grande, you can find pop-up stalls in the late afternoon and evening for a quick local meal. Be sure to also check out the markets above for more low-key options.
Throughout the city, you’ll find antojitos (“little cravings”). These street snacks are usually small, savory bites intended as appetizers or as a late-night snack after a few drinks.
Merida Street Food Walking Tour
Explore Merida’s street food scene with this top-rated walking tour led by a local expert.
Merida Restaurants
These are some of the top restaurants for your Merida itinerary.
- Wayan’e: classic Merida bistro (practically a local institution!) for tacos, breakfast, and castacan (fried pork belly). Open just for breakfast and lunch.
- Kuuk: chic, fine dining experience in Merida with Yucatecan dishes prepared using molecular gastronomy and fresh ingredients, most of them grown on-site. Reservations are needed.
- La Chaya Maya: traditional Yucatecan fare popular with both locals and tourists
- Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca: Hip restaurant featuring local classics and craft cocktails, with outdoor seating
- Catrin: artistic, colorful restaurant featuring inventive takes on Yucatecan favorites and expert mixology. Plus a great ambience: at night there is an outdoor light show and music.
- Mercado 60: food “market hall” located near Santa Lucia featuring 18 different restaurants serving Italian, French, Thai, Asian, Yucatecan, Lebanese food, and more. There are also local bands, artists, handicrafts, and special events on weekends.
- Hermana Republica: Yucatecan favorites, craft beers, and cocktails in a hip setting
- ChilaKillez: breakfast and lunch spot for chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast made with tortilla chips simmered in sauce
- Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon: founded in 1907, this ice cream parlor located on the Paseo Montejo offers 14 flavors of ice cream and sorbets plus handmade cakes.
Where to Grab a Drink in Merida
Merida has lots of bars and cantinas, many of which offer 2-for-1 happy hours in the afternoon and early evening! Whether you’re looking for cervezas, margaritas, mixed drinks, or even craft beers, you’ll find have an easy time find a place for a cool and refreshing drink in Merida.
Check out:
- La Negrita Merida: Bohemian cantina that’s been a hangout for Merida locals for more than 100 years.
- Eladio’s: Mexican cantina popular for its botanas – a round of snacks brought with each order or drinks.
- Malahat Speakeasy: secret bar in Parque Santa Lucia with a sophisticated ambience and elegant cocktails.
More Merida Tours for Foodies
Want to delve deeper into Merida’s gastro scene? Check out this cooking class and market visit or a private Yucatecan cooking class in a local home. Or visit three local bars with this fun cantina walking tour!
7. Cool Off in a Cenote
Dotted across the landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find thousands of cenotes, which are pools that form when limestone bedrock collapses. In ancient times, they were revered by the Maya as portals to the underworld and a precious source of freshwater. Today, they serve both locals and tourists alike as swimming holes! Some cenotes are located in underwater caverns, while others are open to the sky, and some have both open and cavernous sections.
Some of the best cenotes to visit near Merida are the Homun cenotes, Cuzama cenotes, Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche, and Cenote Kankirixche.
Cenote Tours from Merida
Ready for an adventure? Don’t miss these guided tours including transportation and lunch to the Homun Cenotes and Cuzama Cenotes.
8. Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins Near Merida
In addition to cenotes, the remains of Mayan cities are also spread across the Yucatan Peninsula, down into Guatemala and Central America. The most famous ruins in Mexico, Chichen Itza, are about an hour and a half away. Seeing ancient ruins is one of the top things to do in Merida: check out these nearby sites.
Dzibilchaltun
Located about 10 miles north of Merida, Dzibilchaltun is a small Maya site. Dzibilchaltun is notable for its accompanying museum, beautiful cenote Xlacah, and its Temple of the Seven Dolls, named for small effigies discovered during excavation. You can take a colectivo or taxi from Merida, or book a tour like this option that includes the beach town of Progreso.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It’s also one of the most-visited tourist sites in Mexico. Surviving monuments at Chichen Itza include the main temple, the Pyramid of Kukulkan (also known as El Castillo); the Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica; El Caracol, an astronomical observatory; and the Temple of Warriors, an enormous temple with hundreds of stone columns.
Chichen Itza Ruins Tours from Merida
Beat the crowds with an early Chichen Itza access plus cenotes or take a private Chichen Itza tour. Or see Chichen Izta with Izamal and cenotes.
Uxmal
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uxmal (pronounced “oosh mahl”) is one of the most important Maya archaeological sites. It is built in the “Puuc” architectural style of the region, with building facades made of plain blocks on the lower part of structures, and intricate mosaics on the upper sections.
Uxmal is about an hour south of Merida, and there are three other smaller ruins sites in the same area: Kabah, Labná and Sayil. These sites share the UNESCO designation with Uxmal. If you want to see a less crowded ruin that looks like a smaller version of Chichen Itza, Mayapan is also within an hour drive from Merida.
Uxmal Ruins Tours from Merida
Check out this tour to Uxmal and Kabah, Uxmal with Hacienda Yaxcopoil, or this Uxmal itinerary with the Loltun caves, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna. Chocoholics can visit Uxmal with a chocolate experience.
Ultimate Mexico Ruins Guide: 20+ Best Mayan & Aztec Ruins
Love history and ruins? Don’t miss my guide to the best ruins in Mexico for your bucket list, including top day trip tours to visit each!
9. Visit the Colorful and Peaceful Cementerio General
While it might seem odd to some, I often visit cemeteries during my trips in Latin America. I like to see how different cultures remember departed loved ones. Mexico especially has a unique perspective on death as evidenced in their Dia de Los Muertos festival (check out my virtual field trip here to learn more). Even separate from this holiday, many families visit cemeteries on weekends to spruce up graves of loved ones.
The main cemetery of Merida, Panteon General, has colorful graves dating to colonial times. There are even stately mausoleums, crypts, and many statues.
Map location: Cementerio General
10. Best Day Trips from Merida, Mexico
In addition to the ruins and cenotes, there are several interesting cities and sights that can be seen on day trips from Merida.
Valladolid | Charming Colonial City
The charming city of Valladolid, Yucatan is another great day trip from Merida. If has a colorful colonial center with a cathedral and Cenote Zaci, as well as a 16th-century convent. There are underground cenotes nearby including Samula, one of the most Instagrammable cenotes. Valladolid is only about 45 minutes from Chichen Itza.
- Find all my tips for visiting Valladolid on a day trip or stopover.
Celestun | Biosphere Reserve with Flamingos
Celestun is a sleepy fishing village which is home to secluded beaches and the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún, a wildlife sanctuary with flamingos the star attraction. I haven’t yet been to Celestun, having opted to see flamingos in Rio Lagartos on a day trip when I stayed in Valladolid.
Izamal | The Yellow City
Nicknamed “La Ciudad Amarilla” (“The Yellow City”), Izamal is a small town in the state of Yucatan. Izamal is famous because all of its buildings are painted the same sunny yellow! Visit the convent here, shop for souvenirs, and have a traditional Yucatecan lunch. You can also explore the Mayan ruins of Kinich Kakmó in the city center.
Hit the Beach in Progreso
Puerto Progreso is the closest beach to Merida, just 45 minutes outside of town. This is a popular port for cruise ships and there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy for the day. Get to Progreso easily via car if you decide to rent one, use the luxury bus Auto Progreso, or take a tour like below.
Best Day Trip Tours from Merida
See the best of the region with a private tour to Izamal or tour to Chichen Itza with Izamal. See Progreso with a stop at the Dzibilchaltun ruins and cenote. Or travel further afield with a full-day trip to Campeche and Becal.
Haciendas Near Merida, Yucatan
Near Merida, there are several options to visit traditional colonial haciendas or plantations that date to the 18th century. You can stay in several of them overnight, or just visit for the day for a meal and to imagine daily life here centuries ago. All of them were built thanks to the henequen trade boom.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL) is a Yucatan plantation dating back to the 17th century. The Hacienda is well-preserved but unrestored. It’s open daily for tours and offers a private guest house, museum of Mayan artifacts, gift shop, and snack bar. This hacienda is on the way to Uxmal and can be combined on a tour for a day trip.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Sotuta de Peon is a restored, working hacienda in Merida. Here you can see what henequen farming and production entails, as well as cool off in a cenote. Stay for lunch at the onsite restaurant.
Hacienda Xcanatun
This hacienda is just a 20-minute drive from Merida’s center. After years in disrepair, Xcanatun was recently restored by new owners. You can now stay overnight or visit its restaurant and gardens.
Hacienda Santa Cruz
Located just a few miles outside Merida, Hacienda Santa Cruz is a former Franciscan monastery built in 1640. Today it’s a boutique hotel where you can stay overnight, enjoy lunch, and indulge with a spa day.
Hacienda Tours from Merida
Want to experience Merida’s haciendas with the ease of a tour including transportation? Visit Uxmal with a stop for haciendas and cenotes, or step back in history to experience the working Hacienda Sotuta de Peon.
Where to Stay in Merida | Best Hotels in Merida Yucatan Mexico
In addition to the haciendas above, Merida has many boutique hotels, budget stays, and hostels to fit any travel style and budget. Check out these top hotels conveniently located to Merida’s sights and near the historic district.
$$$ The Diplomat Boutique Hotel | Merida Chic Upscale Gem
The Diplomat is a chic boutique hotel just a quick 15-minute walk from the Plaza Grande. With a gorgeous outdoor pool, secluded setting, and fantastic service, this is a top pick in Merida. Did I mention their amazing breakfast? The Diplomat has also been rated a “Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best” hotel by TripAdvisor for 2022.
See more photos & rates for The Diplomat
$$$ Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa | Stylish Merida Hotel with Great Service
Rosas & Xocolate is a sophisticated boutique hotel located in two historic French-style mansions on the Paseo de Montejo. Guests love Rosas & Xocolate for its artistic design, beautiful outdoor pool, rooftop bar, and delicious breakfast. They also rave about its helpful staff.
See more photos & rates for Rosas & Chocolate
$$ Hotel Hacienda Mérida | Historic Hotel in the Merida City Center
Hotel Hacienda Mérida is a historic building which dates to 1840. Its rooms are set around a characteristic central courtyard, filled with tropical plants. Hotel Hacienda Merida is one of the top-rated hotels in the historic district, and features a charming design, comfy beds, and sparkling pool.
See more photos & rates for Hotel Hacienda Mérida
$$ Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel | Stylish Merida Hotel Top Pick With Pool
Villa Orquídea is a centrally-located boutique hotel that gets rave reviews for its charming design, comfortable rooms, delicious brekkie, and gorgeous outdoor pool. This is a great pick for solo travelers because of its safe, friendly vibe and attentive staff.
See more photos & rates for Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel
$ Hotelito YUM KAAX | Hotel with Bright Budget Suites & Kitchenettes
Hotelito YUM KAAX is a friendly, budget hotel close to the bus station and a short walk away from the Plaza Grande. With large bright suites, a kitchenette, pool, and exceptional reviews, this is a budget best-bet in Merida.
See more photos & rates for Hotelito YUM KAAX
$ Hotel La Piazzetta | Fun, Artistic Stay in Central Location
Hotel La Piazzetta might be the friendliest hotel in Merida! They have tons of “perfect 10” reviews for their personalized service, great location, comfortable rooms, and fun design. If you want an artistic setting and lots of tips and assistance for things to do, this is a great pick for you in Merida.
See more photos & rates for Hotel La Piazzetta
Looking for hostels in Merida? Be sure to check out Nomadas Hostel and Guaya Hostel!
Airbnb & VRBO Merida Historic Colonial Homes
Traveling with a group, or want the experience or staying in a historic colonial Merida home? I’ve got handpicked favorites for your stay, all with private pools.
Casa 411 | Merida Vacation Rental for 10 Guests
Beautifully restored colonial home in Merida Centro that sleeps up to 10 guests in 4 bedrooms. With a pool, living space, and full kitchen.
Casa Escalera al Cielo | Merida Home for 6 Guests
Stunning restored colonial home which sleeps up to 6 in the main house and casita. With a pool, lush garden, full kitchen, and central location.
Casa La Ermita | Colonial Home for 3 Guests
Charming colonial casa centrally located nine blocks from Plaza Grande and steps away from lovely La Ermita Park. With pool, garden, and kitchen.
How to Get to Merida, Mexico
Merida is easily accessible from other major cities in Yucatan and Quintana Roo such as Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Campeche. It’s also easy to reach from Mexico City with a quick flight, or on a longer route by bus. Get tips below on the best ways to get to Merida.
How to Get to Merida By Plane
Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) is a five miles south of the city center, and has flights from several cities in the US as well as many connecting flights from Cancun. From the airport, the easiest way to get into town is via a taxi or shuttle bus. ADO buses also run into the city from the airport.
How to Get to Merida By Car
From Cancun, Merida is about a 4-hour drive, 190 miles or 300km. It’s an easy drive on toll roads from Merida to Cancun. If you’re considering renting a car, be sure to read my guide to renting a car and driving in Mexico.
- Search car rental companies: Merida | Cancun | Tulum | Playa del Carmen
How to Get to Merida By Bus
Merida has two major bus stations. The main station known as “CAME” is located on Calle 70. Served by ADO and OCC, CAME is where you’ll be dropped off if you are coming from distant cities like Mexico City, Campeche, or Veracruz. There’s also the “2nd Class Bus Station”, located on Calle 69, which serves regional routes within Yucatán state.
- Check bus routes on ADO or reserve tickets with the app Busbud.
The Best Time to Visit Merida Mexico
Merida is a tropical destination, and is warm year-round. Winter is a great time to visit: from September to May, expect warm temperatures and low humidity, making for ideal sightseeing conditions. Summer is much more humid, and tropical storms are possible during the rainy season from June through October.
Visit Merida During a Festival
If you’d like to combine your trip to Merida with observing special festivals and holidays (or avoid them and the crowds they bring!), these are the major festivals and annual events in the capital of Yucatán state:
- Merida Fest: this festival occurs in January each year, and celebrates the founding of the city. Expect visual arts, theater, music and dance artists. In 2022, Merida will celebrate its 500th anniversary, so expect an extra-special Merida Fest celebration!
- Merida Carnaval in late Feb/early March: tracing its origins to the 19th century, this festival occurs jsut before lent and features parades, fireworks, music, and dancing.
- Semana Santa in March/April: the week leading up to Easter, known in English as Holy Week, is called “Semana Santa” in Latin American countries and is celebrated with processions, masses and other festivities.
- Mexico’s Independence Day September 16: usually celebrated the night before on the Plaza Grande, with music and fireworks,
- Hanal Pixán October 31, November 1 and 2: meaning “food for the souls” in the Mayan language, Hanal Pixán is how Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in the Yucatan Peninsula. A different ritual is observed each day. Departed children are remembered on Oct. 31, the known as the Day of the Little Angels, or Día de los Angelitos. Adults are remembered on Nov. 1, All Saints Day. November 2 is the day to commemmorate all departed with a mass on on All Souls Day, or Día de los Fieles Difuntos. (In Mayan, the days are called U Hanal Palal, U Hanal Nucuch Uinicoob, and U Hanal Pixanoob, respectively.)
- Christmas in Merida: throughout December, there are special events to celebrate Christmas beginning with Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe on December 12 until Día de los Reyes Magos on January 6.
“Expat” Life in Merida
The city of Merida has a large popoulation of Canadian and American “expats” who have chosen to relocate or retire to Merida either full-time or during the winter months. They are drawn here due to its relatively low cost of living, safe reputation, warm temperatures, and cultural offerings paired with modern services and amenities.
Packing Tips for Merida, Yucatan
Get tips on what to pack for Merida with my ultimate Mexico packing list!
Packng List forMexico From Cabo to Cancun + Outfits Inspo!
Grab these packing tips for museum hopping in Mexico City, relaxing on beaches, or climbing ruins and swimming in cenotes. From Cabo to Cancun and everywhere in between, this ultimate packing list for Mexico will have you covered!
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