What to do in Mérida
Mérida is the best of both worlds: City cool meets colonial Mexican charm in the largest city on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Mérida, the largest on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is an enticing escape from cold climates in spring and fall. Its enduring Mayan traditions and distinctive architecture, which combines Renaissance, baroque, Moorish, and Gothic styles, evoke Mexico’s colonial towns, while the large student population lends the town a vibrant young energy. Mérida is also a great base from which to explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Dzibilchaltún, or the quiet beaches of the Flamingo Coast, named for the pink flamingos that inhabit its lagoons.
What to do:
Paseo de Montejo
Visit the Haciendas - Haciendas in Mexico were the basis of an economic system begun by the Spaniards in the 16th century and date anywhere from the late 1600s to the early 1900s. They were built by the wealthy throughout Mexico in the areas where their products were produced and developed. They were efficient farming and manufacturing centers that produced meat, produce, and other products for export. Over time, haciendas became symbols of wealth and culture, adorned with architecture, furnishings and art from around the world. One of the most fun things to do in Mérida is to take a day exploring them… or you can even enjoy your entire stay in one!
Free city walking tour - Beginning every morning at 9:30 AM from the main square, Plaza Grande, you can learn the history and take a tour of the magical “white city.” Although the tour is free, tipping your guide is always recommended.
Carnavalito bus tour - Although you can go on cool, air conditioned bus tours of the city, why not get out of your comfort zone and enjoy your tour on the popular, open-air Carnavalito bus? It’s only 75 pesos and lasts two hours.
Visit the museums and palaces - Some of the most popular choices include the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, Palacio Canton, and Museo Montes Molina. In Mérida, about 30% of the population speak Mayan. This is because many Mayan descendants live and work in town, bringing their culture from the food to the clothing to sell and teach.
Plaza Grande Sunday Market - Head to Plaza Grande on Sunday mornings to wander the market with lots of artisanal crafts such as hammocks, bags, clothes… but more importantly, for some delicious food! You can try everything from tacos and empanadas to something less common, such as panuchos, salbutes, kibis, and more. A small insider tip is to rent a bike from Paseo Montejo and ride it alone the closed street (up until noon) and all the way to the market. And what’s better than being outdoors? The bikes are free!
Head to the beach - Progreso beach is one of our faves. Go hungry and stop at Eladio’s for free botanas, cheap tacos and beach drinks. Tired of the sand being in your hair and everywhere? Head to El Pez Gordo down the beach, they have a pool that allows day access. Want more privacy? San Crisanto beach offers just that. Also known as the “coconut grove,” this beach is perfect for renting a cabana and perfecting the art of relaxation. If you’re in the mood, stop at Angeles Azul for delicious coconut shrimp before arriving.
Where to stay:
The haciendas of Yucatán sawyer booming in the early 1900s when the local economy was souring due to the sisal fiber that was used to make rope, cord, and twine. The mansions on Paseo de Montejo and Avenida Colón in Mérida are the rich homes the “green gold”, henequén, helped provide. It was the same owners of these mansions who built haciendas off in the countryside where the henequén was produced. After the Yucatán Caste War and the subsequent invention of synthetic fibers in the 1940s, most haciendas were abandoned to decay in the jungles.
Casa Lecanda
Since then, some haciendas have been renovated into beautiful five star hotels, complete with elegant rooms, sumptuous dining facilities, swimming pools and magnificent grounds. These have inspired modern Yucatán architecture and interior design. Other haciendas are museums, providing a glimpse into former colonial times. Others are lived in by locals whose ancestors reclaimed them during the Mexican Revolution. And still others remain unrestored and open to the ravages of time. A trip to Yucatán would be incomplete without visiting some of the many haciendas within a few minutes drive from Mérida.
If you’re going to treat yourself, we recommend staying at the best of the best, either Rosa y Xocolate or Casa Lecanda.
Where to eat:
Mérida offers foods varying from delicious street food on every corner to fancy restaurant meals with innovative styles on classical dishes. If you’re looking for more traditional, head to the bustling food stands at Mercado Lucas de Gálveza. La Chaya Maya also offers Yucatán specialties, such as papadzules (egg-stuffed tortillas in tomato and pumpkin seed sauces).
There are also a number of cantinas through town, but get there early to find a seat (they open at around 5PM). After walking through the swinging wooden Western-style doors, you’ll find live music and a fun atmosphere with great snacks. Some favorites include Cantina Negrita, El Cardinal and Dzalbay.
Want something fancier? K’u’uk is serving up creations such as mock “fossil” made of ginkgo leaf, bee pollen, cactus, seaweed, and dried smelt, all ancient ingredients meant to evoke the asteroid strike on the peninsula millions of years ago.
Where to drink:
When the cantinas close, but you’re not ready to call it a night, head to the bars. Downtown offers everything from a mezcalería (Fundación) to pubs (Casa Chica and Mayan Pub).
Querreke, the first Mexican gastrobar in Mérida, is the hippest spot to try local drinks such as the anise-flavored xtabentún, a liqueur made with honey from the stingless Melipona bee, and local craft beers Cerveza Rústica and Cerveza Ceiba.
Where to shop:
Go to Casa de la Artesanías for fair-trade art that has fixed, non-negotiable prices since it is owned by the government… perfect if you don’t like haggling the prices.
You can also visit the nearby town of Tixkokob for Mexico’s best hammocks or find them in Mérida at Hamacas el Aguacate. Look for models made from sisal fiber with the tightest weave.
Interested in visiting Mérida? It is the perfect extension to your Gusto México trip, either going before or after the group experience. Find out more information below on what we offer in the Yucatán and Quintana Roo and see if it’s the right fit for you!
Carnavalito Bus Tour