The best things to do in Merida Mexico can all be enjoyed with just a few days in this beautiful, vibrant city.
Merida is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is best known for its colorful streets and rich Mayan heritage. Merida’s city center is home to numerous historical attractions and is the perfect place to begin your visit.
What stood out to me most during my recent trip to Merida was the kindness of the locals and the delicious food. I share my favorite restaurants with you down below, don’t worry.
Merida is known to be very safe, even for solo female travelers. I felt completely comfortable walking around the city, even after dark on my way home from a night out. Obviously normal precautions should be taken, but I never once felt unsafe in this city.
As I explored Merida over the course of several days, curious locals often started conversations with me, inquiring about where I was from and what I was doing in Merida.
Everybody was so kind and always ended the conversation by giving me tips on where to go next.
Seriously, Merida is a friendly place with lots to see, do and eat.
Things to do in Mérida Mexico
As I mentioned above, you can see a lot in Merida in just a few days. I recommend spending at least three full days in the city if it’s your first visit.
The vast majority of Merida things to do can be found in the city’s historic center, most of which can be seen on a walking tour of Merida.
How to get to Merida Mexico
You can fly directly into Merida from the United States. You’ll find nonstop flights from several major US cities including Houston and Miami.
Once you arrive in Merida, you can get through immigration and customs fairly quickly. This is a small airport, so in most cases you won’t have many other flights to contend with in the immigration line.
After you make it outside, the easiest way to the city center is via taxi. The airport is about 15 – 20 minutes from the city center and taxi fares are very affordable.
Now that you know how to get here, let’s find out what you can do with your time in Merida.
For this travel guide I’m sharing my top things to do in Merida Mexico and my best tips to help you enjoy your visit.
1. Palacio Municipal
Palacio Municipal is a historic building in Merida’s city center which currently functions as the town’s City Hall.
It was originally built in 1542, but has since been refurbished on two occasions, once in the 1730s and again in the 1850s.
The pastel pink Colonial style building is dominated by multiple archways which make for great photos if you’re a photographer.
Impressive architecture aside, the reason I recommend placing Palacio Municipal at the top of your Merida to do list is because this is where you’ll find the Merida tourism office.
The tourism office is located on the bottom floor near the center of the building, you can’t miss them.
Head inside for a quick visit to pick up a mini guide guide for the city and get local recommendations on what to see while you’re in town. They can also answer any questions you may have about Merida.
If possible, plan your visit for just before 9:30 a.m. so you can join their free walking tour of Merida. The tour is about 90 minutes and takes you to all the historical buildings in the city center.
2. Plaza Grande
Located at the center of Merida’s historic district you’ll find the city’s main square, or Plaza Grande as it is known locally. Plaza Granda is one of the most popular Merida attractions and for good reason, there’s lots to see.
Here you’ll find the colorful Merida sign, large open spaces for events, a huge Mexico flag, and plenty of park benches to just sit and enjoy the day.
Public events in the city are often held in or around Plaza Grande, so it’s a busy area to be in. I recommend arriving early if you’d like to enjoy the plaza before it gets crowded.
If you get hungry while you’re here, grab a snack from one of the local street food vendors lining the outer perimeter of the square.
3. Catedral de Merida – San Ildefonso
The Catedral de Merida – San Ildefonso, also known as the Cathedral of Merida, is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas.
The cathedral was built in the 1600s between 1562 and 1598 and was the first built on the mainland of the Americas.
Mass is held multiple times daily at varying times throughout the week and respectful visitors are always welcome to attend.
4. Museo Casa Montejo
Museo Casa Montejo is a historic Renaissance style home in Merida’s historic center. It also happens to be the only such Renaissance style house in Mexico.
The home was built back in the 16th century and today operates as a museum with three galleries, a bookstore, an interactive center, and an educational workshop.
Exhibitions on display vary and change throughout the year. However, the inside is worth a look if you have a little extra time.
If you have time for another museum while you’re in the area, the Fernando García Ponce Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as Museo Fernando García, is located just a short walk from here.
5. Merida Government Palace
If you have time to visit only one of the buildings around Merida’s Plaza Grande, make it this one.
The interior of the Merida Government Palace is gorgeous and definitely worth a look. While the building was previously used for government and administrative purposes, today it is primarily a museum.
On the bottom level you’ll find a beautiful interior courtyard.
On the upper level are large gallery style rooms with historically important murals and incredible architecture. Even the stairways are impressive.
The 27 murals inside were painted by renowned Yucatan artist Fernando Castro Pacheco between 1971 and 1978.
A quick stop in will only take a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
To Be Continued
