MERIDA
Experience the vibrant capital city of Yucatan state, Merida, and witness the charming city which is abundant in Mayan and Spanish culture and history. Merida is a picturesque destination that is popular amongst history lovers, art and culture enthusiasts, city lovers, backpackers, and those seeking a mix of activities and sightseeing opportunities. There are numerous places to explore in Merida, including museums, art galleries, picturesque streets lined with 19th-century mansions, ancient ruins, cenotes, historic local towns, and nearby beaches. The Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train” station for Merida is located approximately 3.5 miles from Merida, to enter the city you can take a tram from the train station into the city. This cosmopolitan city, with its Spanish colonial architecture and Mayan heritage, was once the center of Mayan culture. It is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico, making it a popular destination for visitors to the region.
What is there to do?
Merida, the capital city of the state of Yucatan, is the largest city in the state, offering plenty of things to do and see within the city and in the surrounding towns. Merida's historic center is full of sightseeing opportunities, such as the cathedral, mansions, and museums. There are many ways to explore the city and its surroundings. Even though Merida is a large inland city, its proximity to the Gulf Coast provides visitors with the chance to escape the city's hustle and bustle, enjoy nature, and have a day at the beach such as Ria Celestun or Progreso. There are also numerous cenotes in the area for a refreshing swim in the Mexican sunshine. History and culture enthusiasts can visit ancient Mayan ruins nearby as well. The area's gastronomic traditions come alive in Merida, with both small eateries offering up regional food, as well as high-end dining options taking inspiration from the region’s popular dishes. Those looking to party and for some great nightlife can also find it in Merida. There is something for everyone!
Top Activities in Merida:
Visit Museums
Visit one of Merida’s many museums. Learn about the culture and history of the Mayan people at the Mayan World Museum of Merida, a modern, cultural space filled with art exhibitions, artifacts, history, and handicrafts. Check out The Museum of the City of Merida. Explore museums set in historical mansions including Museo Casa Montejo, Casa Museo Montes Molina, and Museo de Antropologia e Historia de Merida - Palacio Canton. As well as many other museums celebrating the history of the city, region, culture, as well as art and music.
Paseo de Montejo
Take a walk along the city’s picturesque, famous street - Paseo de Montejo, It is a tree-lined boulevard, inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris. Admire the many houses and mansions of the wealthy from the 19th century on both sides of the street, statues, and monuments. Now home to boutiques, restaurants, bars, office buildings, boutique hotels, museums and more.
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Go to the Beach
Escape the city, and take a day trip to the beach. The port city of Progreso, on the Gulf of Mexico, is just a 30-minute drive from Merida.
Watch an Ancient Sport
Watch a game of Pok Ta Pok, the ancient Mayan Ball Game. This game is a ritual and is performed/played in front of the cathedral each Saturday from 8 PM.
Cook Regional Cuisine
Take a cooking class, and learn how to cook a unique and traditional dish from the region.
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Go on a Horseless Carriage Ride
Go on a horseless carriage ride through the city. Take an electric carriage tour, for a unique experience.
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Take a Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Visit the famous archeological site of Chichen Itza, which takes an hour and a half from Merida, go early in the morning when the ruins open at 8 AM, before the buses arrive from the Rivera Maya, and avoid the crowds.
Explore the Market
Explore Merida’s biggest market, Lucas Galvez Market, with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat and fish, clothes, and handicraft items such as hammocks, and baskets, as well as much more!
An Afternoon in the Plaza
Enjoy an afternoon/evening in Plaza Grande (or Merida’s Zocolo). Visit one of the street vendors for a snack such as a marquesita, and sit in one of the ‘love chairs’ with your other half. This is the second largest plaza in Mexico after Mexico City.
Visit the Palacio Municipal
Enter the Palacio Municipal, Merida’s City Hall, and go to the second floor, and get some great balcony views across the Plaza Grande (or Zocalo), as well as views of the cathedral.
Watch the Free Video Mapping
Watch the free light show/video mapping on Merida’s Cathedral, each Friday at 8:30 PM and learn about the city’s history and heritage.
Visit Mayan Ruins
Go on a tour of the Ruta Puuc, a journey through various Mayan archaeological sites in the area, including Uxmal, Kabah, Labnah, and Xcalak, amongst others.
Visit the Cathedral
Check out Merida’s impressive cathedral, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, located in the Plaza Grande. It is the oldest cathedral in all of continental America and includes stones from an ancient Mayan temple.
Ria Celestun
Take a day trip to Ria Celestun, a biosphere reserve located 1 - 2 hours drive from Merida. Here you can experience wild, white sand beaches, go on a boat ride to see flamingos and explore the mangroves, view other wildlife, and stroll through the laidback, sleepy village.
Swim in Cenotes
Take a short trip out of the city, for a refreshing dip in a cenote. Cenotes Cuzama is a unique experience, traveling by horse and cart to three different cenotes. Another close by cenotes include Cenote X’batun, Cenote de Mitza, Cenote Noc Ac, and many more.
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Merida Letters
Get a photo in front of the colorful Merida letters in Plaza Grande.
Getting to Merida & Where to go After:
You may be arriving in Mexico at Merida’s International Airport where you can get to the city’s Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train” station, Teya Station, via the le-Tram electric bus. The station of the city of Merida is located in the town of Teya, the city is connected to the station by this tram, le-Tram electric. You can get to and from the city center, as well as the airport and other parts of Merida from the train station with this form of transport.
From Merida, Teya Station you can travel on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train” to see the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza in just 1 hour and 25 minutes, or visit the beautiful Yellow City, Izamal, which is a short journey east from Merida, taking just 41 minutes on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”. You can see more of the state of the Yucatan, its small towns, or its other historic city of Valladolid, on the Yucatan II Route, in just under 2 hours by traveling on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”, additionally you can go further and visit the states of Campeche, or the Caribbean coast, and Mexico’s beautiful beaches in Quintana Roo.