Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next family holiday or dreaming up the perfect solo adventure, add my hometown, Merida, to your bucket list. A much quieter alternative to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, it tends to fly under the radar for those visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.
Merida, originally the Mayan settlement of T’ho, was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1542. Serving as the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state, the city offers a unique blend of Mayan heritage and Spanish influence. See for yourself as you walk past the elegant mansions of Paseo de Montejo and try traditional treats from street-side stands.
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Overall Impressions
As a Merida native, I genuinely believe that anyone, regardless of age, gender or interests, can find something exciting to do while in town. That being said, visiting Yucatan is more about experiencing the culture than ticking off famous landmarks. Therefore, I’d recommend this destination to solo travelers or families who can afford to spend at least a few weeks in the area.
Immersing yourself in local culture comes effortlesly. Enjoy the Centro Historico’s free experiences, such as live trova music, folkloric dance performances and Mayan ritual reenactments. Walk around safely, be it with young children or on your own as a woman, even after dark.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A little kindness goes a long way. While most businesses have English-speaking staff, locals will surely appreciate being greeted in Spanish. Nothing too crazy, try learning simple sentences like “Buenos días/buenas noches” (good morning and good evening), “por favor” and “gracias” (please and thank you), “disculpe” (excuse me) and maybe even “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much does this cost?) when shopping.
Pros of Visiting Merida
- Often ranked among the safest cities in the Americas
- Authentic cultural activities hosted by locals
- Close proximity to beaches, cenotes and Mayan sites
- Less crowded than other Mexican destinations
- Efficient public transport and little traffic
Cons of Visiting Merida
- Beaches aren’t as nice as those on the Caribbean side of the Peninsula
- Extreme heat that might hinder your sightseeing plans
SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan to arrive between the months of October and March so you have plenty of time to acclimate to the warm weather before summer hits. May and June are usually our hottest months, with temperatures averaging daily highs of 96ºF.
Things to Do in Merida
Kick off your stay by exploring Plaza Grande, the main square, where you’ll become acquainted with Merida’s history. Gaze at the imposing facade of San Ildefonso Cathedral, admire the murals at Palacio de Gobierno, browse the art exhibits at MACAY Museum and Olimpo Cultural Center, and tour the Casa Montejo, once home to Yucatan’s conquistadors.
To keep the little ones engaged and happy, take a break from sightseeing by getting lunch somewhere along 47th Street – Cafetería Impala is a local staple – before making your way to the adjacent Parque La Plancha. Once there, you can stop by the interactive Museo de la Luz, explore Merida’s former train station and see the old wagons scattered around the massive park.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to keep some change on you at all times, as street food stands and markets will not take cards. Mexican pesos are the only currency used in the area, but fear not, you can get them upon arrival at currency exchange booths or directly from an ATM for the best rates.
Places to Eat in Merida
No trip to Merida would be complete without a meal at Hacienda Teya, my go-to for regional cuisine. Located on the grounds of a 17th-century hacienda on the outskirts of the city, this beloved restaurant offers a wide array of Yucatecan dishes, including a juicy cochinita pibil (traditional pork dish) and exquisite papadzules (egg tacos covered in pumpkin seed sauce).
For a quick meal on the go, stop at Mercado de Santa Ana for a taste of Yucatan’s own panuchos and salbutes. Alternatively, head over to the iconic Parque de Las Americas, a great spot to try marquesitas, esquites and other street food kids tend to love.
When in need of a break from traditional food, visit La Tratto Santa Lucia, Holoch, Paseo 60 or Emplumado, all in the downtown area.
Where to Stay in Merida
I can’t recommend the Centro Historico enough for your first visit. The colorful barrios of Santiago, Santa Lucía and La Mejorada are all within walking distance of historic buildings, bustling markets, high-end restaurants and contemporary art galleries.
When it comes to accommodation options, you have an endless list of possibilities. Book a refurbished colonial home for longer stays or indulge in the comfort of 24/7 amenities at a boutique hotel. Decu Downtown and Hotel Sureño, each awarded one Michelin Key, truly shine due to their timeless charm and excellent location, just a stone’s throw away from all the action.
What’s Nearby
Top family-friendly activities include day trips to the beach, as well as cenotes, haciendas and Mayan ruins. Consider checking out my top choices:
- Malecon de Progreso . A lively seaside boulevard in the town of Progreso, the Malecon makes for a lovely beach getaway. Spend the day relaxing by the ocean and eat lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
- Hacienda Mucuyché . Tour the remnants of a real hacienda, then swim in its majestic cenotes—an ideal cenote trip with small children, as steps have been built in to avoid slipping. If you wish to visit a working hacienda, I suggest looking into Hacienda Aké.
- Dzibilchaltun. The closest Mayan archaeological site is just 20 minutes away from Merida. While not as impressive as Chichen Itza, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Items to Pack
Make the most of your time in Merida and avoid any heat-related mishaps by bringing light, breathable clothing (locals love fabrics like cotton and linen), as well as shoes. I personally wear rubber Birkenstocks everywhere I go.
Other musts include sunscreen, hats and insect repellent for the more humid months. Additionally, fine dining restaurants usually have a dress code, so pack a pair of dress pants or a cocktail dress and closed-toe shoes if you’re planning to visit one.
Getting There
You can fly into Cancun then take a 4-hour train or bus ride to Merida, or travel directly to Merida’s smaller airport, depending on where you’re flying from. The Merida airport receives direct flights from Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston and Toronto, while the Cancun airport receives daily arrivals from over 100 international locations.
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