51 Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico in 2023 (with Map)
Looking for the top Merida Mexico things to do?
You’re in the right place because I lived in Merida Mexico for many years, and in this article, I’m going to show you all the best things to do in Merida, “The Cultural Capital of the Yucatan Peninsula.”
The Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico
1. Stay in a Renovated Merida Hacienda
To this end, I don’t think I’d be a good city guide if I didn’t help you pick the best accommodations in Merida!
Prefer a hotel in Merida to an Airbnb?
Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico
2. Stroll Paseo de Montejo
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3. Visit Centro Historico (Downtown Merida)
These including the Merida Cathedral and the big, colorful letters spelling out MERIDA (#4 on this list).
You’ll find letters just like these in popular cities throughout Mexico, and they make for one of the most quintessential Merida photos.
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4. Take a Photo of the Merida Sign
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5. People-Watch in Plaza Grande
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6. Marvel at the Merida Cathedral
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7. See the Merida Cathedral Video Mapping Show
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8. Photograph the Monumento a la Patria
When it comes to beautiful places to see in Merida Mexico if you want to get those swoon-worthy Merida photos, you have to add Monumento a la Patria to your itinerary.
🏩 Want to Stay at Rosas & Xocolate Merida Hotel?
Rosas & Xocolate is one of the best hotels in Merida, and it definitly has the best location on Paseo Montejo so you can walk to everything.
It also has an on-site spa, restaurant, boutique shop, and that prized location. There are only a handful of rooms in Rosas & Xocolate Merida, so don’t hesitate on reserving this gorgeous boutique hotel in Merida.
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10. Visit the Mayan World Museum of Merida (Best Merida Museum)
- Merida Travel Tips: Mayan World Museum is closed Tuesdays, as are most Merida museums.
- Mayan World Museum Merida Address: Calle 60 Norte #299, Merida, 97110
- Mayan World Museum Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm
- Mayan World Museum Admission Cost: $150 pesos (about $10 USD)
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11. Have Lunch at Manjar Blanco (As Seen on Netflix)
- Manjar Blanco Address: Calle 47 #496, Colonia Centro, Merida, 97000
- Manjar Blanco Hours: Open daily, 8am-6pm
- 💁♀️ Pro Tip: Try their famous queso relleno negro, the house speciality.
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12. Tour the Palacio de Gobierno
- Palacio de Gobierno Address: Calle 60, between Calles 61 and 59, Merida, 97000
- Palacio de Gobierno Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
- Palacio de Gobierno Admission Cost: FREE
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13. Take a Photo on the Merida Big Chairs in Parque Santa Lucia
In Parque Santa Lucia (Saint Lucia’s Park), you’ll find the famous and Instagrammable Merida giant white chairs.
Though they don’t always look like it in photos, these huge chairs stand at almost 8-feet-tall (2.5m).
These chairs, located all over Merida and the Yucatan, go by a lot of names: Sillas Tú y Yo (You and I Chairs), Sillas Confidentes (Confidants’ Chairs), and Kissing Chairs.
Regardless of the name you call them, you’ll want your photo sitting on these giant white chairs in Merida.
🪑 Want to know more about these famous Yucatan chairs? Just click that link!
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14. Enjoy Dinner & Dancing in Santa Lucia Park at Night
Some of the best restaurants in Downtown Merida ate located here, like Apoala for traditional Oaxacan food, Avec Amour, a French-Mexican fusion bistro, and Rosa Sur 32°, a hip and beautiful gastrobar.
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15. Marvel at Museo Palacio Canton
- Palacio Canton Address: Paseo de Montejo #485, Merida, 97000
- Palacio Canton Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-5pm
- Palacio Canton Admission Cost: $65 pesos ($3 USD)
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16. BiciRuta Merida Bike Ride (Best Free Things to Do in Merida)
WHAT IS THE MERIDA BICIRUTA?
The BiciRuta which means “bike route,” is a city-wide bike ride in Merida that takes place Sunday morning along Paseo Montejo, from about 8am-12pm.
If you’re not a morning person, there’s also a nighttime Merida bike ride on Saturday nights called Biciruta Nocturna.
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17. Photograph the Hotel Casa Azul
- Hotel Casa Azul Address: Calle 60 #343, Colonia Centro, Merida, 97000
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18. Shop the Boutiques at Casa Tho
📍 Casa Tho Address: Paseo de Montejo #498, Merida, 97000
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19. Visit Parroquia Santa Ana Church
💋 History of the Yucatan Kissing Chairs
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20. Take the Merida FREE Walking Tour
Looking for free things to do in Merida?
💡 Merida Travel Tips: It is customary to tip as payment for these types of city walking tours. Please consider tipping your guide at least $100-200 pesos ($7-12 USD) per person, though more is welcome.
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21. Relax at Parque Hidalgo
Looking for things to do in Merida at night? On most nights, there’s a great night market in Parque Hidalgo where you can buy hand-made jewelry, hammocks, clothing, purses and artisan craft souvenirs.
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22. Learn About and Eat Yucatan Foods at Merida Gastronomy Museum
- Merida Gastronomy Museum Address: Calle 62 #466, Merida, 97000
- Merida Gastronomy Museum Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-10:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-10:30pm
Want to try more authentic Yucatecan cuisine?
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
23. Visit Museo Casa Montejo Museum
🎨 Prefer contemporary art? Head to the nearby Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida, formerly known as Museo Fernando García Ponce (MACAY).
- Museo Casa Montejo Address: Calle 63 #506, Merida, 97000
- Museo Casa Montejo Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-7pm
- Museo Casa Montejo Admission Cost: FREE
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
24. Catch a Pok Ta Pok Mayan Ball Game
You can also see the Pok Ta Pok ball court at Uxmal, one of the best Mayan Ruins in Yucatan Mexico, which is located about 1.5 hours from Merida.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
25. Have a Rooftop Dinner at Picheta
- Picheta Address: Calle 61 #501, Merida, 97000
- Picheta Hours: Monday-Thursday, 5pm-10pm; Friday-Sunday, 2pm-10pm
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
26. Shop the Merida en Domingo Sunday Market
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27. Check out Merida’s Restaurant Row
🍷🍽 Best merida restaurants on Calle 47
- Micaela Mar y Leña: Mexican/Yucatecan fusion, with a seafood focus. (Note: This is my personal favorite Merida restaurant!)
- Catrin: Hip Yucatecan gastropub with funky artwork.
- Oliva Enoteca: Upscale Italian food, with a great wine list.
- Amado by The Beer Box: Beautiful indoor/outdoor restaurant with live jazz several nights per week.
☕️ Best merida cafes ON CALLE 47
- Cafe Latte Quattro Sette: One of the prettiest Merida coffee shops, with decadent pastries.
- Te Extraño, Extraño: Beautiful indoor/outdoor breakfast and lunch cafe; located just around the corner from Calle 47, in the Lagala Building.
- Baretto Espresso Bar: European-style cafe, perfect for a quick coffee and pastries.
- Centro Cultural Punto MID: Part book store, part cute cafe with cool art on the walls.
- Menta y Rosa: Adorable pink and mint green-colored cafe; located just around the corner from Calle 47.
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28. Enjoy a late night meal at Cafe Impala
- Cafe Impala Address: Calle 56A #500, between Calles 47 and 45, Merida, 97000
- Cafe Impala Hours: Open daily, 8am-1am
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29. Admire the El Pinar House
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30. Go Organic at the Saturday Slow Food Market
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32. Create your own Perfume at Coqui Coqui Merida
- Merida Travel Tip: You must make a reservation to visit Coqui Coqui
- Coqui Coqui Merida Address: Calle 55 516, Merida, 97000
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
33. Shop for Authentic Merida Souvenirs
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34. Visit the Historic UADY Campus
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35. Visit Merida Arches: Arco de Dragones, Arco del Puente & Arco de San Juan
🚶♀️Merida Travel Tip: Walk under the Arco de San Juan, heading southwest on Calle 64 (64th Street) to see a whole street full of cute, colorful buildings.
- Arco de Dragones: Calle 50 and Calle 61
- Arco del Puente: Calle 50 and Calle 63
- Arco de San Juan: Calle 64 and Calle 69A
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
36. Eat at Taqueria La Lupita (As Seen on Netflix)
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37. Enjoy Dinner & Live Music at Mercado 60
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38. Check out Lucas de Galvez Market
- 📍 Lucas de Galvez Address: Calle 56 and Calle 65A, Merida, 97000
- ⚠️ Note: It’s great for photos, shopping and cheap eats, but it can be a bit hectic. You’ll want to pay extra attention to your belongings here.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
39. Have Botanas & Drinks at the Merida Cantinas
🍻 Among the favorite things for visitors who want to imbibe, don’t miss this Merida Cantina Crawl Tour (Rated 5 Stars)!
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
40. Go Bar Hopping at the Best Merida Bars
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
40. Casa Montejo 495 (Casas Gemelas)
- Merida Travel Tips: Casa 495 Museum is closed Tuesdays, as are most Merida museums.
- Casa 495 Address: Paseo de Montejo #495, Mérida Mx, 97000
- Casa 495 Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
- Casa 495 Admission Cost: $250 pesos ($13 USD)
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
41. Stroll Pasaje a la Revolucion
🖼️ Want to see more museums in Merida?
Don’t miss the Quinta Montes Molina (AKA Casa Museo Montes Molina), with tours by reservation only. This is the home Francisco de Montejo and “the Montejos” lived in — the founders of Merida, Mexico.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
42. Fundacion de Artistas
- 📍 Fundacion de Artistas Merida Address: Calle 55 #520, Mérida Yucatán, 97000
- ⚠️ Note: It seems the Merida Artist Foundation is temporarily closed, but I’m leaving them on the list in the hopes they re-open soon. To check the status, visit their Instagram.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
Best Merida Day Trips: Beaches, Ruins, Cenotes
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43. Progreso Beach
🏝 Related Article: 15 Best Merida Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula
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44. Chichen Itza Ruins & Cenote Ik Kil
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45. Celestun to See the Flamingos
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46. Uxmal Mayan Ruins & the Ruta Puuc
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47. Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins & Cenote Xlacah
💧 Cenote Xlacah Merida
⚠️ Note: The cenote has been closed for some time now, but hopefully will re-open soon. The ruins themselves are open.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
48. Izamal, The Yellow City
When visiting Izamal, make sure to check out the Piramide Kinich Kakmo (AKA Izamal Ruins), a smaller Mayan ruins site named in honor of the Mayan Sun God.
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49. Cenotes Hacienda Muchucye
WORTH IT! This place has the most beautiful cenotes! People in Yucatán and everyone I know that has come to this hacienda says they’re the prettiest ones they’ve seen…
—Nicole (Read more reviews)
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50. Valladolid & Cenote Zaci
💧 Cenote Zaci Valladolid
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
51. Cenotes Santa Barbara
Best Things to Do in Merida Map
Merida Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Merida Mexico located?
Merida is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico. It is the capital of Yucatan state, one of the three states that make up the peninsula along Quintana Roo state and Campeche state.
🗺️ Merida Mexico Map
Need a visual on the location of Merida Mexico?
The map above will help you visualize Merida’s location, but if you want to see some maps of the Merida neighborhoods and the city itself, check out Merida Mexico Maps: Where is Merida Located?
📍 What are the Best Places Near Merida?
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
How far is Merida Mexico from the beach?
The closest beach to Merida is Puerto Progreso, which is about 22 mile (35 km) from Downtown Merida. The Merida to Progreso drives takes about 45 minutes in normal traffic.
Planning to visit some of the Yucatan beaches on the Gulf of Mexico?
While Progreso Beach is the closest Merida beach, there are a few others nearby. Get the full list at 15 Best Merida Mexico Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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Is there Uber in Merida Mexico?
Yes — There Merida Uber service as well as other ride-share apps like DiDi and InDriver. It is perfectly safe to use Uber in Merida, or any similar service, even taxis.
Is Merida a walkable city?
Yes — Merida is walkable, and you only need to consider renting a car in Merida if you’ll be doing a few days trips. Otherwise, Merida is walkable but also, very hot.
best THINGS TO DO IN MERIDA MEXICO
Is Merida Mexico safe?
For the vast majority of most travelers, Merida is very safe. In fact, it had been called the safest city in Mexico thanks to its low crime rates.
But, in short, the answer to Is Merida safe? — is Yes!
🚨 Mexico Travel Insurance
- World Nomads Insurance: If Mexico and Merida travel safety are on your mind, World Nomads is a great option for general travelers. Policies start at about $7 USD per day, and you can get a FREE quote here.
- SafetyWing Insurance: SafetyWing provides affordable, basic Mexico travel insurance policies perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Plans start at just $42 USD per month, and you can get a FREE quote here.
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Is it safe to walk around Merida at night?
For the most part, Merida is safe all day and night. However, it’s always a good idea to use Uber to get home if you’re traveling solo or have had a few drinks.
What makes Merida so safe?
Merida and Yucatan State are know for having an honest police force, and a small drug cartel presence.
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Is there an airport in Merida Mexico?
Yes — Merida International Airport (code: MID) is located only about 20-30 minutes by car from downtown. MID is a smaller airport, and easy to navigate.
Are there direct flights to Merida Mexico?
Yes — There are a limited number of direct Merida flights from the U.S. and Canada. For now, you can fly direct to Merida Mexico from Miami, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Havana, Guatemala City, and Toronto (seasonal flight).
🚌💨 Best Merida Airport transfers
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What’s the best way to get from Cancun to Merida?
Wondering, What’s the best way to get to Merida? If you’re coming from far away, it’s a flight into Merida MID Airport.
However, some people will opt to fly into Cancun Airport and drive to Merida, so here’s some info on that.
If you’re flying into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), you’ll have to make the (approx.) 4 hour drive to Merida.
The easiest and best way to get from Cancun to Merida is this private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.
You can also rent a car in Cancun Airport and drive yourself, or take the ADO bus from Cancun to Merida. The Cancun to Merida drive is safe, and the roads are generally well-maintained.
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Should I rent a car in Merida?
Renting a car in Merida is only necessary if you want to do a few day trips from Merida, or plan to do a Yucatan road trip. If not, you can easily get around by walking, using Uber, taxis or the Va y Ven Merida buses.
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What’s the best time to visit Merida Mexico?
Winter — Merida has a tropical climate, and temperatures tend to range from hot to very hot.
🌡️ Merida Weather Averages
As you can see, the winter months of December, January and February tend to have mild temperatures and low humidity. However, summers tend to be hot, muggy, humid and rainy ☔️
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What is the hottest month in Merida Mexico?
May — The months of May to October are hot and humid, to the point that it turns many off. However, of those five months, May is known as the hottest.
What is high season in Merida?
Wondering, What’s the best time to travel to Merida? The answer is the winter season. This is also the high season, with December and January being the business months in Merida.
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Why is Merida Mexico so popular?
Besides being called the safest city in Mexico, Merida is known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan. It is one of the best places in Mexico to experience Mayan culture and enjoy Yucatan cuisine.
Is Merida touristy?
In the last few years, Merida has become one of the most popular Mexico destinations, and tourism has increased. You will see a lot of tourists in Centro Historico (Downtown Merida) and Paseo Montejo, but not really in other areas.
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Is Merida Mexico expensive?
In recent years, prices have increased in Merida. However, it is still less expensive than other Yucatan Peninsula destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Is Merida worth visiting?
Most travelers will find Merida Mexico is worth visiting because there’s a lot to do in the city and surrounding areas — including Mayan Ruins, beautiful beaches and swimmable cenotes.
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Merida Mexico
Merida Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Merida?
No — You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Merida?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?
For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb! (Read more)
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.