10 Best Things to Do in Mérida
What is Mérida Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Mérida include shopping in its oldest covered market, swimming in natural underground pools or discovering the history of the Mayan people at Chichen Itza. Capital of Yucatan and a cultural hub, Mérida is a great destination no matter what kind of holiday you’re looking for. Here, modern city life stands side by side with history in this Mexican municipality.
Mérida is full of life and overflowing with culture. Whether it’s the oldest cathedral in the Americas, magnificent museums, the spectacular Music Palace or the beautiful, tree filled plazas, there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy.
What are the best of things to do in Mérida?
1. Plaza Grande
A beautiful, historic plaza
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Sit beneath the huge laurel trees in the picturesque Plaza Grande and soak in the atmosphere. With historical sites on every side, this square is the hub of Mérida’s past. To the east stand the imposing towers of the colonial Catedral de San Ildefonso beside the Museum of Contemporary Art. Opposite is the Municipal Palace of Mérida. Other historical buildings, including museums and palaces, can be found nearby as well.
Every day the Plaza Grande hosts the flag raising ceremony and on Saturdays it is home to a buzzing market. Make sure to take the time for a visit during your stay in Mérida.
Localização: C. 60 S/N, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Telefone: +52 999 924 4000
Plaza Grande
2. Paseo de Montejo
Tree-lined boulevard with 19th-century mansions
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Running North to South through the centre of Mérida, the Paseo de Montejo is a beautiful 19th-century boulevard designed in the classic French style. Lined with trees and dotted with magnificent mansions, this street is a vital part of Mérida’s culture and community.
While strolling beneath the trees, stop at the Quinta Montes Molina for a tour of the mansion, or learn about the region’s rich history at the Museo Regional de Antropologia. Don’t miss a photo op at the iconic Monumento a la Patria, which stands on the roundabout at the north end of the paseo. Pop by at night when its Mayan carvings are lit up in the colours of the Mexican flag.
Localização: Zona Paseo Montejo, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Paseo de Montejo
3. Chichen Itza
Mayan Ruins at a UNESCO World Heritage site
Ideal para: História, Foto
If you’ve heard of one place near Mérida, it will be Chichen Itza. Just an hour and a half from the city centre, Chichen Itza is a world-famous landmark and a must-see experience. The famous Mayan pyramid is the most well-known building here, but there’s also an ancient observatory, a temple and a sporting arena. Walk in the footsteps of the astronomers and athletes of the past.
A variety of tours are available for different budgets, so you can choose what best suits your plans. They’re an excellent way to explore the site and its history. However, if you’re more of a wanderer, tickets are available on-site and you can go your own way.
Localização: 97751 Yucatan, Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 4.30 pm
Telefone: +52 985 851 0137
Chichen Itza
4. Museo de la Luz
An illuminating museum for all the family
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Viagens alternativas
The Museo de la Luz, or Museum of Light, is not an old museum, having only opened its doors in 2023, but it’s bursting with fun and ideas. Dedicated to colour and light, from both the scientific and artistic points of view, it’s a little bit museum, a little bit art gallery and a little bit of an adventure.
Learn about the history, psychology and science of colour through vibrant displays and interactive spaces. The exhibits explore the visible and invisible colours in the world around you in fun and exciting ways. So, be sure to put this intriguing museum on your itinerary.
Localização: C. 50 419B, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm (closed Monday)
Museo de la Luz
5. Merida Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas
Ideal para: História, Foto
Built in the 16th century, Mérida Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Built using stone from the Mayan ruins that once stood in the area, it is designed with Moorish towers bracketing the entrance. Above the door, you’ll see the coat of arms featuring the Mexican eagle, remade following Mexican independence.
Within the solemn interior of the cathedral, the main altar draws the eye immediately. The Cristo de la Unidad (Christ of Unity) crucifix stands over 7 metres high, carved from birch and mahogany. This sculpture was designed to signify unity between the indigenous Mayan population and the Spanish settlers.
Localização: C. 60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 4 pm to 6.30 pm
Telefone: +52 999 928 6131
Merida Cathedral
6. Mayan World Museum of Mérida
A journey through Mayan history
Ideal para: História, Foto
From the moment you see its striking modern exterior, inspired by the native ceiba tree, the Great Museum of the Mayan World captures the attention. Containing more than 1,000 different pieces within its permanent exhibits, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge about Mayan civilisation. Admire textiles, engravings, art works and documents that bring the indigenous history of the area to life.
It also explores the lives of modern Maya people in the Mayas de Hoy exhibit, following the evolution of the culture and society. With so much to do and see, be sure you don’t miss this excellent stop on your visit to Mérida.
Localização: C. 60 299 E, Unidad Revolución, 97110 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Wednesday–Monday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Telefone: +52 999 341 0435
Mayan World Museum of Mérida
7. Santa Lucia Park
The beating heart of the city
Ideal para: Casais, Alimentação, , Vida noturna
What it lacks in size, the Santa Lucia Park makes up for in personality. It might be more accurate to call it a plaza than a park in the traditional sense of the word. The square is ringed by restaurants and regularly filled with the sounds of live music and traditional dancing.
Grab a photo on the giant chairs, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants or head here on a Thursday night to immerse yourself in local music and dancing. This plaza on the corner of Calle 60 and Calle 55 is a great place to stop and soak in the Merida atmosphere as you explore the city.
Localização: C. 60 476A, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
Santa Lucia Park
8. Cenotes Santa Barbara
Enchanting underground pools
Ideal para: Aventura, Viagens alternativas, Alimentação
If you’re looking for a trip with a difference, the Cenotes Santa Barbara won’t disappoint. Take a dip in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of these natural cave pools. The sun pours in from openings in the rock above and dramatic stalactites hang from the roof, lending the experience an otherworldly feel.
The pools range from 10 to 40 metres deep. The shallower pools are perfect for lovers of underwater exploration, while nature lovers will adore the unique perspective the deepest pool, Cenote Xooch, offers of the jungle above. There’s also a restaurant on site serving delicious local recipes. Try the mouthwatering papadzules or orden de salbutes and wash them down with an ice-cold lemonade or a frosty bier.
Localização: Sobre, C. 19 S/N, 97580 Homún, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +52 999 116 1512
Cenotes Santa Barbara
9. Lucas de Galvez Market
Souvenirs, hand-crafted gifts and food galore
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação
The largest and the oldest covered market in Mérida, the Lucas de Galves Market is the perfect place to shop while you’re in the city. Spread across 2 floors, this market has everything from fresh food to textiles to Mayan masks and sculptures available along one of its twisting pathways. The only problem you might have is exploring as much of it as you’d like.
Local produce and handicrafts are the stars of the many, many stalls. It’s a chance to pick up the perfect souvenir, a beautiful gift and a tasty snack, all at the same time. Many vendors don’t speak English, but they’re used to tourists so if you’re having trouble, hand signals should get you through.
Localização: Calle 65A, C. 56 &, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Lucas de Galvez Market
10. The Music Palace Merida
Stunning concert venue and music museum
Ideal para: Casais, Vida noturna
Dramatic outside and in, the Music Palace Mérida makes a statement. Just walking through the open plan areas at street level is astounding, but the building holds many more secrets. Underground you’ll discover the interactive museum of Mexican Music, which charts the journey of local folk music through to the modern day. There’s also a shop, for buying those essential souvenirs.
Above ground are 3 more levels containing the Concert Hall and a music archive of recordings. The concert hall seats 450 people, and there is also an outside performance area. Check the website in advance to see what’s on. Head to the roof, and you’ll find beautiful gardens and views, perfect for relaxation and photos.
Localização: C. 58, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Telefone: +52 999 923 0641
The Music Palace Merida
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