Merida is an unbelievable metropolis in Mexico to go to. Nestled on the Yucatan Peninsular, round 3-4 hours west of Cancun, Merida is attractive, with heaps of eating places, historic buildings and beautiful neighbourhoods to go to. Truthfully, there are heaps of one of the best issues to do in Merida that may fill any journey to the town.

Nonetheless, with a lot alternative, comes some powerful choices! In any case, you wish to take advantage of out of your go to to Merida and never waste any time when you’ve arrived.

We completely cherished our time in Merida and we’d return in a heartbeat. In truth, I’d go so far as saying that it’s my favorite metropolis in all of Mexico.

So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I’m sharing the highest issues to do in Merida if you go to.

1.) Cathedral of Mérida

Located proper throughout the coronary heart of the historic centre, the Cathedral of Mérida is one spot you don’t wish to miss while strolling the town. Not solely is it completely attractive, but it surely additionally has a historical past that dates again to the 1500s. This, alone, makes the Cathedral of Mérida one of many oldest cathedrals on the continent.

Now, the cathedral is unbelievable to go to, and you may head inside without cost to discover the cathedral. Now, like a number of websites in modern-day Mexico, cathedrals are sometimes trampled over and tried to suppress native Mayan tradition by the Spanish.

Their constructing was usually an try and ‘convert’ locals to Catholicism; commonly on the expense of native tradition and non secular beliefs. In truth, the cathedral was even constructed utilizing the stones from the Maya Temple that when stood as an alternative.

That each one being mentioned, the positioning is one spot you’ll be able to’t miss in Merida, particularly because it’s stood for nearly 500 years.

Oh, and don’t neglect to go exterior the cathedral each Saturday at 8 pm each week.

The roads across the plaza are closed and also you’ll get to witness a reenactment of the Maya Ballgame that was as soon as integral to Maya tradition. It’s all without cost, so count on crowds and arrive about 25 minutes early if you wish to be on the entrance.

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2.) Plaza Grande

For those who’re already at Merida Cathedral, you’ll simply cease by Plaza Grande (that’s proper exterior). Now, the plaza itself is without doubt one of the busiest areas of Merida metropolis centre, which makes it an incredible place to discover on foot.

In truth, the broader historic centre of Merida is ideal to discover on foot. Not solely are there heaps of eating places, cafes and bars, however the metropolis of Merida can also be fairly secure.

It’s one of many most secure cities in Mexico to go to. This implies you don’t want a information when strolling the town and you may simply pinpoint locations on Google Maps to stroll between.

As soon as right here, be sure to walk down Pasaje de La Revolución and head into the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán. The latter has been within the plaza for the reason that 1800s and there are some unbelievable murals to see inside.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis

3.) Merida Resorts

For us, a superb resort could make a visit to a brand new metropolis; and we stayed in some gems in Merida that we completely cherished.

Casa Olivia is a small ‘casa’ of about 4 rooms. It’s completely quaint and the entire property is completely stunning and the crew are so welcoming. Not solely that, they’ve essentially the most attractive pool within the centre of the Casa. It’s like an oasis within the coronary heart of Merida and we cherished it.

Now, Casa Olivia is a little bit on the pricier facet in terms of resorts in Merida; but it surely was effectively value it for the expertise.

One other gem within the metropolis is Decu Merida. It’s one other smaller fashion resort (with lower than 10 rooms) which is completely stunning. Identical to Casa Olivia, it has its personal courtyard and out of doors pool that basically appears like a secret backyard within the metropolis.

Now, inside Decu Merida, you’ll get to decide on rooms within the historic ‘casa’ a part of the resort, or the newer a part of the resort. Each are attractive, and your alternative actually does come all the way down to the type of fashion you want.

Oh, and don’t neglect, they’ve their very own little speakeasy that’s hidden behind the bookshelves.

4.) Museo Casa Montejo

Simply on the fringes of Plaza Grande, Museo Casa Montejo is a museum that also homes a few of the furnishings and items courting again from the 1500s.

It’s simply probably the greatest issues to do in Merida to get a really feel of the Spanish affect within the metropolis. Plus, it’s free to wander round and the rooms are simply attractive.

Visits take round 25 minutes and so they even have artwork reveals that change seasonally. Heads up, there’s not a lot data in English, so be sure to brush up in your Spanish if you wish to be taught extra about every of the reveals while you’re there.

Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis

5.) Eating places in Merida

Merida is such a foodie metropolis. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s considered one of my favorite cities in all of Mexico for its eating places. It’s obtained that good mixture of regional delicacies, but in addition actually cool locations which can be all inside strolling distance across the metropolis centre.

Now, for stay music and hearty Mexican meals, head over to La Nagrita Cantina. It’s a full of life spot that’s well-known in Merida. We completely cherished it right here and the cocktails are actually good.

Simply be sure you arrive early within the night if you wish to be sat close to the stage for stay music. La Nagrita Cantina fills up actually fast.

Alternatively, head on over to Holoch which has inside and outdoors eating choices which can be so good. We cherished this spot for dinner and their frijol con puerco (Yucatan Model Black Beans with Pork) is so tasty.

Although, you must reserve a desk if you happen to’re going for dinner. We struggled to get a seat on our first go to.

If you’d like a cool vibe for dinner and drinks, then head over to Vana. This was considered one of our favorite locations in Merida and was stuffed with locals and guests alike.

Staying longer in Merida? Then, don’t neglect to go to Dzalbay (for its stay music), Café Riqueza (for its espresso) and Hen for drinks (that’s close to Decu Merida).

6.) Chichen Itza

Round a two-hour drive from Merida, Chichen Itza is a day journey you need to take when visiting Merida. You see, it’s one of many world’s most necessary Maya websites.

As soon as right here, you’ll get to stroll across the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) which is iconic. Like a number of Maya websites, you received’t be capable to climb the pyramids – which I really like. In any case, we wish to protect them for so long as attainable.

Oh, and don’t neglect that you simply’ll get to stroll via the ball courts that had been performed 1000’s of years in the past.

Now, to make issues simpler, guide this guided tour of Chichen Itza. Not solely will you get a certified information to take you round Chichen Itza, however you’ll additionally get picked up from the centre of Merida. This makes all of it really easy.

Simply be sure you guide your tickets earlier than arriving in Merida. Areas can promote out quick at peak instances.

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7.) Uxmal

One other considered one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Websites, Uxmal is round 60 miles from the centre of Merida.

Way back, Uxmal was a vibrant buying and selling metropolis for the Maya individuals and homes so many buildings which you can nonetheless see to this present day. Identical to Chichen Itza, you’ll be able to guide this present day journey from Merida which is able to take you throughout Uxmal.

As soon as right here, be sure you stroll across the Pyramid of the Magician, stroll via the Governor’s Palace and go to the Quadrangle. It’s so spectacular to see and probably the greatest issues to do in Merida if you wish to discover the area’s Mayan historical past.

Now, a go to to Uxmal (when you’ve arrived) will take round 2-4 hours, so plan forward, particularly on highly regarded days.

You see, there may be little or no by way of shade and it could possibly get highly regarded. Take chilly water round in your stroll and ensure to slap on that sunscreen.

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8.) Hacienda Mucuyché Cenote

Now, for a very distinctive cenote in Mexico, head to Hacienda Mucuyché. It’s not too removed from Uxmal (about 40 minutes away) and effectively value combining with a visit there.

Now, what makes this cenote so particular is that it’s additionally on the web site of a historic hacienda which you can tour earlier than hopping into the water. Although, only a heads up, you will have to guide this Hacienda Mucuyché guided tour earlier than arriving.

This does have to be organized earlier than turning up as some excursions are all in Spanish or all in English.

After touring the grounds of Hacienda Mucuyché, you’ll get to leap into the cenotes itself. The crew provide obligatory life jackets and lifeguards that comply with your progress while there. We cherished that, as we’ve been to some cenotes the place there may be little or no by way of security precautions.

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9.) Mayan World Museum of Mérida

On the outskirts of Merida is the Mayan World Museum, a hub that shines a light-weight on Maya tradition and historical past that’s effectively value a go to.

In truth, I’d go so far as saying that it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Merida to be taught extra about Maya historical past and the consequences of Spanish colonialism.

Now, you do pay a small price to enter (round $10 USD) and also you’ll possible spend round 90 minutes wanting round and studying the historical past of the Maya individuals.

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10.) Palacio de la Música

Round a 5-minute stroll from Plaza Grande, Palacio de la Música is effectively value visiting if you wish to be taught extra about Mexican music and the historical past of music from the broader Yucatan Peninsular.

Now, the museum itself is absolutely good however I’d say that it could possibly really feel rather less thrilling if you happen to’re not likely excited about musical historical past. If that’s you, possibly give this spot a miss when visiting Merida.

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11.) Paseo de Montejo

In all probability considered one of Merida’s most well-known streets, Paseo de Montejo is as grand as it’s lengthy. In truth, it’s obtained a few of the grandest buildings in all of Merida and is effectively value taking a stroll down the avenue while visiting Merida.

As soon as right here, begin off on the Monument to the Fatherland and head south down Paseo de Montejo. As you stroll, you’ll get to cease by Casas Gemelas, the museums like Quinta Montes Molina and Palacio Cantón.

In some circumstances, you’ll be able to head inside the homes which at the moment are museums. Plus, others are nonetheless accessible with guided excursions. Simply be sure to provide yourselves round 3 hours to walk the avenue and cease by a few of the spectacular mansions.

Afterwards, stroll on over to Parroquia Santa Ana, which is a shocking Catholic Church that’s a couple of 10-minute stroll from Paseo de Montejo itself. Alongside the way in which, you’ll be capable to cease off at El Barrio, an unfussy lunch spot, that serves up some tasty Chilaquiles and horchata.

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12.) Celestun

Fancy a visit to the shoreline? Then guide this tour to Celestun to discover the attractive shores of the Yucatan Peninsular.

As soon as right here, you’ll get to discover the broader Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve and even spot a few of the resident pink flamingos.

Not solely that, you’ll get to board a ship and tour the reserve to rise up shut and private with the flamingos. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Merida for a day journey, particularly because it’s one of the crucial necessary areas for flamingoes north of the equator.

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