Exploring historical Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, taking in cultural performances, and indulging in Yucatecan delicacies. These are just some of the various wonderful issues to do in Merida. Learn on for a better take a look at all this Mexican metropolis has to supply!

Regardless of being a state capital and widespread vacation spot for nomads, expats, and retirees, Merida has lived in the shadow of close by Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. In spite of everything, 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 largest metropolis in the Yucatan Peninsula has lengthy been an afterthought.

However, that’s all altering.

Conde Nast Traveler lately named Merida one of the best small metropolis in the world. Vacationers are lastly taking discover, and Merida is prepared for its time in the highlight!

Although I’ve spent the higher a part of the final three years residing in Mexico, I hadn’t travelled to Merida till lately.  

I’m completely satisfied to say that Merida didn’t disappoint, and it’s the most effective locations to go in Mexico! It’s a vibrant metropolis with quite a few sights and locations to go to. I’m excited to share a few of the finest issues to do in Merida with you in this publish. Vamos, chicos!

1. Discover Centro Historico & The Zocalo

Kicking off our 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 quite a bit 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 10AM on daily basis in Santa Lucia Park (click on right here for instructions) and lasts about two hours. 

On this quick tour, you’ll get launched to the historical past, tradition, and traditions of Merida.

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 choices on Airbnb Experiences for exploring Merida’s historic heart. You possibly can soar on a 2-hour strolling tour in the night with a neighborhood and skilled in cultural and pure tourism. Click on right here to test it out and e book your spot.

If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Merida if you first arrive, becoming a member of a strolling tour is an effective guess. 

Discover The Zocalo Independently

Even when you join one of many excursions, it’s price it to spend some additional time exploring the Zocalo by yourself. This tree-lined park may be very a lot the guts of town and is one of the best place to take in the native tradition.

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

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

There’s additionally a free strolling tour of the Zocalo given by town’s tourism board. It begins at 9:30AM 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 in the encompassing cenotes. If you happen to’re not conversant in these, they’re principally pure sinkholes.

These are discovered everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula and quantity in the hundreds. 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 choose!

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

The complete-day journey begins at 8:45AM and consists of 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 that this Airbnb Expertise that visits two totally different cenotes together with a ravishing hacienda.

The cenotes aren’t on the common vacationer observe and also you’ll probably have them to your self! Alongside the best way, your native guides will educate 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 totally different museums, together with Casa de Montejo. Constructed in 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 vital widespread issues to do in Merida.

Earlier than you head in, you should definitely take a better take 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 correct aspect of the cathedral, there’s a lined walkway referred to as Passage of the Revolution. That is the place you’ll discover one other fully 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 possibly can be taught all concerning the metropolis’s historical past from the time of the Maya to the current. It’s situated just some blocks from the Zocalo, click on right here for instructions. 

4. Study About Mayan Tradition

A typical 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 pondering this once I first traveled there a few years in the past. Nevertheless, this couldn’t be farther from the reality.

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

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 enormous assortment of Mayan artifacts.  

The museum is definitely situated fairly a distance from town heart. You possibly can hop on the bus sure for Progresso and inform them you wish to get off on the museum or simply get a cab on the market. Uber can also be obtainable right here and works very nicely in my expertise.

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

5. Go to Chichen Itza

Visiting Mayan ruins is surely one of many prime issues to do in Mexico. A wonderful thing about touring to Merida is which you can simply attain most of the most epic ruins on a day-trip. 

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

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), nevertheless it’s positively well worth the journey!

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

One other stable choice is an Airbnb Expertise with a neighborhood man who’s a licensed tour information in historical past and archaeology. His excursions run from 6AM-3PM and are extremely rated. Click on right here to test it out. 

Be aware: you may be pondering that 6am departure is early, however the line-ups and crowds could be large at Chichen Itza, and the solar could be intense — it’s finest to go as early as you possibly can. 

6. Journey the Ruta Puuc

Whereas Chichen Itza is by far probably the most well-known, there are tons of different choices for visiting Mayan ruins in the world. From Merida, you possibly can journey the Ruta Puuc to see a handful of various Mayan websites. 

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

You possibly can simply catch a neighborhood bus there and again, though you could find yourself ready some time on the aspect of the highway for the return bus as we did. The bus prices 80 pesos per particular person every approach.

A extra snug go to could be loved on this Airbnb Expertise the place you additionally go to the Choco Museum. It prices simply $33 per particular person together with information, transport and a drink, however you’ll must cowl your entrance tickets. Uxmal prices 418 ($17) pesos for foreigners and the museum is 180. 

There are additionally a number of different, smaller ruins in the world like Kabah, Labna, and Xcalak.

One approach to see all of those is with a rental automobile. If you happen to’d slightly follow public transportation, the one choice is catching the bus at 8AM on Sunday morning. It makes fast stops on the smaller ruins and provides you a number of hours to discover Uxmal. 

One simpler and fewer exhausting choice is that this tour that visits each Uxmal and Kabah. It features a information, transport, lunch and a few pool time at a elaborate lodge. Excursions begin at 8:30AM. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.

7. Hit the Seashore

As an inland metropolis, you possibly can’t simply stroll to the seaside in Merida. It takes a little bit of effort, however a day journey out to Progreso is price it when you’re in search of a while on la playa. 

Progreso is a serious cruise ship port, so it’s positively obtained that vacationer vibe. That being mentioned, the seaside is very nice and it’s an ideal escape from town to get pleasure from a cerveza or two, and munch on some recent ceviche. 

If you happen to get on the market early sufficient and are motivated, you possibly can 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 approach to rise up to Progreso is by catching the native bus. The station is situated a number of blocks south of the Zocalo (click on right here for instructions). It solely prices 19 pesos every approach, or about $1. 

8. Day Journey to Pink Lagoons

One of many prime issues to do in Merida is taking a day journey out to Ria Celestun, a biosphere reserve situated about 100 km out of town. It’s nicely well 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 recent water from the estuary and salt water from the ocean. The world is understood primarily for its pink flamingoes, who flock right here in the winter. 

To go to the reserve, you possibly can join a full-day tour that features a boat trip by way of the mangroves and lunch. It departs at 8:45AM from Merida, click on right here to be taught extra and to make your reserving.

9. Eat All of the Things

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

Mexico is house to a few of the finest meals in the world, 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 principally like pulled pork solely approach 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 crammed with hard-boiled eggs and lined in a pumpkin seed sauce. It sounds bizarre nevertheless it’s scrumptious!

You should definitely skip breakfast when you join this wonderful meals tour. It takes you first to a neighborhood market, then a seafood restaurant, and at last to a gelato store. The tour begins at 10:30AM and lasts three hours for $49 per particular person.

There’s additionally this widespread Airbnb Expertise the place you go to a market after which pattern a number of vegetarian dishes in a neighborhood’s house. It runs from 4-7PM and prices simply $29 every.

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

10. Take a Cooking Class

You understand what’s even higher than making an attempt native meals? Attempting native meals that you simply cooked your self! Some of the rewarding issues you are able to do in Merida is taking a cooking class, and also you’ve obtained numerous choices.

On this half-day tour, you begin by visiting one of many busiest markets in Merida. You’ll study a few of the most typical elements, together with the spicy habanero chile.

Subsequent, you head to the kitchen to whip up some traditional native dishes that you simply’ll get to get pleasure from for lunch. Better of all, you possibly can carry the recipes house and impress your family and friends! This highly-rated tour begins at 10AM, click on right here to be taught extra.

There’s additionally this very talked-about Airbnb Expertise which takes you thru a market to get all of the elements for the cooking class. Then, you’ll get pleasure from your 3-course lunch in one of many nicest courtyards in town. It begins at 9:30AM and prices $61 every.

11. Admire the Structure on Paseo de Mantejo

Strolling across the tree-lined boulevard Paseo de Mantejo, you’ll discover some fairly spectacular buildings. Most of those have been mansions constructed in the late 19th century when town was experiencing a big increase because of the henequen trade.

By no means heard of henequen? Neither had I.

This agave plant that by some means thrives right here in a spot with little water or fertilization can be utilized to make rope. The great occasions didn’t final perpetually, although — lately a lot of the buildings are both museums or business areas.

Take a stroll alongside the boulevard and you should definitely carry your digital camera. You’ll spot attractive buildings just like the Palacio Canton and Quinta Montes Molina, each of that are museums which might be price a go to. 

Preserve strolling north till you discover the spectacular Monument to the Fatherland. This beautiful monument depicts the historical past of Mexico and makes for some memorable images.

12. Expertise Ruta Bici

Probably the greatest issues to do in Merida is participating in the weekly Ruta Bici occasion. Each Sunday morning, the Paseo de Mantejo is reduce off to motorized autos for a number of hours.

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

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

Apparently additionally they do a particular nighttime Ruta Bici on the primary Saturday of each month now, in order that’s positively price testing when you occur to be in town at the moment.

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

13. See Cultural Performances

Surely, one of many prime issues to do in Merida is taking in a few of the many cultural performances. There’s one thing occurring each evening of the week right here, and so they’re normally free!

A few of the finest occasions to participate in embrace the Yucatecan Serenade, which occurs each Thursday evening in Santa Lucia Park at 8PM.  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. This can be a day-long occasion in the Zocalo and an ideal cultural expertise. There are meals stalls arrange all day lengthy and performances start later in 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 concerning the recreation! 

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

They play over at Estadio Carlos Iturralde (click on right here for instructions) with video games happening between January and April. Take a look at their schedule to see if there’s a house recreation if you’re in city! 

15. Go Cantina Hopping

Final however not least, it’s time for some cantina hopping! For the uninitiated, a cantina is a traditional 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 might be 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.

Now You Know What to Do in Merida!

There’s a motive Merida was named one of the best small metropolis in the world. It’s an ideal place to go to with a vibrant tradition, loads of fascinating sights, and limitless alternatives for adventures in the world.

Whereas close by Cancun is extra of a Disney model of Mexico, Merida is the true deal. If you happen to’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 completely satisfied I lastly obtained 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? Acquired 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!

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