Consecutively proclaimed to be Yucatán’s capital of culture, Mérida is an authentic city that has become an unmissable stop on any Mexico itinerary. This traveller’s guide covers everything you need to know, including what to see and do, where to stay – plus essential information and insightful travel tips.

Since its conquest by the Spanish in 1542, Mérida has been recognized as Yucatán Peninsula’s capital of culture, and that makes perfect sense to me.

Once you step foot in Mérida, you’ll intuitively feel that the city is one of a kind.

Situated in the northwest part of the state, Mérida is a lively town with a charming historic centre that is characterised by the most striking colonial architecture, tranquillizing central plazas, and bustling local markets.

Its true appeal though, is its mouth-watering Yucatecan cuisine, a great variety of interesting things to see and do, the most friendly people, and intriguing Mayan customs and culture, that is still very much present within the historic centre of town.

 Although Mérida wasn’t my favourite place in Mexico (this indicates how great the region is), a trip to Yucatán is incomplete without a visit to the region’s charming capital.

For that reason, I sincerely recommend spending some time wandering its picturesque, colonial streets, while learning about the region’s rich and captivating culture.

To help you make the most out of your time in Mérida, I’ve put together this detailed guide, including the best things to see and do, where to eat, and where to stay, as well as essential information and a few helpful tips.

2 | ADMIRE MONUMENTO A LA PATRIA

At the end of the famous Paseo de Montejo lies the iconic Monumento a la Patria, one of my favourite things to see in Mérida.

Sculpted and managed by Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo, it took roughly 12 years to complete the construction of the ornate Monumento a la Patria.

A short walk around the impressive monument reveals more than 300 hand-carved figures that tell the rich history of Mexico, from as early as the creation of Tenochtitlán, to the midst of the 20th century.

Along the way, you’ll notice several Maya figures, including a chac-mool, a sacred Ceiba tree (Mayan Tree of Life), a couple of jaguars, and even the city shield of Mérida.

If you’re keen to learn about the intriguing Maya history, make sure to drop by. Trust me, Monumento a la Patria is one-hundred per cent worthy of your time!

On top of that, it makes the most impressive backdrop for your next Instagram post.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Monumento a la Patria

3 | TAKE A STROLL AROUND MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES

One of my favourite ways to get a feel for a city and its people is by roaming around the local market in search of a delicacy or produce.

Nestled in the lively streets of the historic Santa Maria area is Mercado dos Lavradores, an average-sized covered market where you find plenty of market stores selling all sorts of local produce, including fruits, vegetables and fish to name but a few.

While all products found here are of tremendous quality, there was one section that particularly caught my attention, namely the exotic fruit section.

Though I’m entirely sure you stumble upon fruits you’ve never seen before, I’d highly advise not to sample every tempting looking piece of fruit – Mercado dos Lavradores is somewhat notorious in terms of prices.

If you have all sorts of fruit cravings after your visit to Mercado dos Lavradores (which makes sense), make sure you visit one of the street vendors instead, as they often offer the same fruits at a friendlier price.

Another thing worth noting is that Mercado dos Lavradores is closed during the weekends.

4 | SAMPLE MERIDA’S BEST ICE CREAM AT POLA GELATO

Set in the colourful streets of Mérida’s Santa Lucia neighbourhood is POLA Gelato Shop, a must-visit for anyone looking to taste the most exceptional flavours of ice cream.

If like me, you avoid consuming dairy, you’re most likely familiar with the struggle to find good vegan ice cream during your travels. Fortunately, POLA Gelato solves this problem, they’re basically wizards when it comes to their craft.

As a result, you’ll have a great variety of inventive flavours to choose from. Think Sour Orange with Cherries, Cinnamon with Caramelized Pineapple, Blue Cheese with Apple Compote, and my favourite: Chili Chocolate.

On top of that, they serve a selection of classic flavours, including Vanilla, Lime, and Chocolate.

But what I liked most, and why I came back (twice), was the way Pola combines classics elements with local flavours that characterize Mérida.

Make sure you stop by, trying these distinctive flavours is easily one of the best things to do in Mérida.

ESSENTIALS

Where | POLA Gelato Shop

Opening hours | Monday – Saturday 12:00 – 22:00, Sunday 11:00 – 22:00

Cost | 35 MXN, ($1,55) per scoop

5 | ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE ON PASEO DE MONTEJO

Visiting Mérida without walking along the scenic avenue of Paseo de Montejo is, in my opinion, an absolute no-go.

The wide avenue of Paseo de Montejo is often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Mérida, and is home to authentic colonial mansions, inviting boutiques, vibrant restaurants, and iconic museums.

Museums that I recommend visiting along Paseo de Montejo include:

Palacio Canton | Built in the early 1900s, Palacio Canton is a former mansion that highlights the best colonial architecture in Mérida. Since its renovation in 2012, the opulent Palace has been re-opened as a museum, allowing visitors to examine a bunch of intriguing Mayan and Yucatecan artefacts.

Cost | 60 MXN, ($2,65) per person. The entrance fee varies, depending on temporary exhibitions.

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 17:00, Monday closed

Quinta Montes Molina | Surrounded by a vast lush garden is Quinta Montes Molina, a luxurious mansion of remarkable grandeur. Built during the Porfirio Díaz period by successful Cuban businessman Don Aurelio, the stately mansion is a great representation of the wealth that came with the henequen boom in Yucatán. At present, visitors are allowed to access the mansion and admire the eclectic architecture and neoclassic tendencies.

Cost | 85 MXN, ($3,70) per person

Opening hours | Monday – Friday 09:00, 11:00, and 15:00, Saturday 09:00, and 11:00, Sunday closed. Quinta Montes Molina is only open to visitors that join a guided tour.

Make sure you keep your eyes open when walking along Paseo de Montejo, there are many more incredible mansions to see. Some of my favourites include Casa Vales, Casa del Minarete, Casa Gemelas, and Casa Peón de Regil.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Paseo de Montejo, Mérida

6 | VISIT THE IMPRESSIVE RUINS OF UXMAL

Where most travellers head only to Chichén Itzá (yes, it is exceptional), I was, quite frankly, more hyped to head for the incredibly ornate ruins of Uxmal.

Situated at only a stone’s throw away from Mérida, and encircled by lush jungle lies Uxmal, an ancient Mayan city that is easily one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Yucatán.

Upon arrival, you’ll notice that the spacious complex is made up of a bundle of exhilarating structures, all expressing the cities former historical opulence

These structures are of incredible grandeur; the Pyramid of the Magician, Governor’s Palace, and the Great Pyramid, should surely not be missed during a visit to Uxmal.

The real draw though, is a unique possibility to ascend to the summit of the Great Pyramid. Here you’ll have the most impressive panoramic views over the entire city and surrounding jungle.

For these exact reasons, I advise anyone who is visiting Mérida to embark on an adventurous day trip, exploring the ruins of Uxmal.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Uxmal Ruins, Yucatán

Entrance fee | 413 MXN, ($18.85) per person

Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 17:00

Recommended tour | Uxmal ticket with Welcome Hospitality Suite

8 | CELEBRATE HANAL PIXÁN | DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Despite that its inevitable, death is a topic that most people seldom talk about.

Not in Mexico though. On the contrary, they embrace and celebrate it.

Every year from October 31 till November 2, Dia de Los Muertos occurs, a traditional Mexican holiday, where family and loved ones gather to remember those that are no longer among them.

All of this is based on Mexican culture, where death is seen as a natural sequence in the cycle of life. For that reason, Mexican people choose to celebrate, accept and support the spiritual journey of deceased relatives, instead of lingering in grieve and sadness.

I can only say that I deeply admire this philosophy, as it fully resonates with my personal spiritual beliefs.

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss during Hanal Pixán (Mayan name for Dia de Los Muertos), it will surely be Paseo de Animas, a mesmerizing parade where hundreds of people take part in, all with gorgeous sugar skulls painted on their face.

Unfortunately, I was informed with the incorrect timetables, resulting in missing the entire parade. Make sure you don’t let this happen to you.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Throughout entire Mérida

When | From 31 October till 2 November

9 | MORNING COFFEE’S AT MANIFESTO MÉRIDA

Run by two warm-hearted people from Calabria, Italy, Manifesto brews the most delicious coffee, by merging exquisite Italian Barista techniques along with top-notch Mexican beans.

As soon as you set foot in Manifesto you’ll feel there is a somewhat hipster-ish, yet extremely relaxing vibe going on – making sure you feel welcome every time of the day.

The trendy café features attractive contemporary design; an elevated ceiling, rustic wooden details, and an ornate pattern of tiles, while still showcasing its former colonial charm.

All this makes Manifesto not only an outstanding café to treat yourself on a coffee and smashed avocado on toast, but also to grab your laptop and get some digital work done.

One afternoon, while enjoying a delicious latte with almond milk, I dotted out my adventures to the ruins of Uxmal (read my detailed guide here!). With fast free WIFI, this was a welcome find before I resumed exploring Mérida.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Manifesto Mérida

Opening hours | Monday – Friday 08:00 – 21:00, Saturday – Sunday closed

10 | SHOP TILL YOU DROP IN MÉRIDA

Roaming through the streets of Mérida learned me one thing – the entire city centre is dotted with inviting boutique stores, artistic handicraft shops, and impressive art galleries.

Whether you’re after a fresh guayabera (button-up shirt), a Panama hat, or a handcrafted souvenir, I’m sure you’ll happen to find something that draws your attention.

The majority of shops are found at Paseo de Montejo, yet I recommend strolling through every corner of the trendy Santa Lucia neighbourhood. Believe me, some of the best stores are found right here.

Some of my favourite stores include:

Happening Mérida | Located along the lively Paseo de Montejo, Happening Mérida is a trendy concept store that sells unique clothing, accessories, and home decoration.

Where | Paseo de Montejo 468, Mérida

Folks Mérida | If you’re a fan of button-up shirts that are slightly different, this is your place. Think colourful prints, distinctive patterns, and smooth textures. On top of that, they sell a wide variety of excellent clothes, both for men, women and children.

Where | Calle 55, Parque Santa Lucia

Hola Cometa | Perfect for creative, arty souvenirs, selling postcards, patches, and other inventive gadgets.

Where | Calle 55 510A, Parque Santa Lucia

Amerindio Hombre | Sells well-crafted men clothes and accessories, including button-up shirts, bracelets and Panama hats. Ooh, don’t forget to see their leather goods, they are on a whole nother level.

Where | Calle 62, Parque Santa Lucia

11 | WITNESS POK TA POK, AN ANCIENT MAYAN BALL GAME

Every Friday night, the avenue in front of Catedral de Mérida is brimming with locals and travellers, all wanting to receive a glimpse of Pok Ta Pok, an exciting ancient Mayan ball game.

First played over thousands of years ago by ancestral Mayan citizens, Pok Ta Pok was part of an intriguing, sacred ritual, pitting good against evil.

Two teams, each of four male players, are faced against each other, aiming to manoeuvre a five-pound ball through a stone hoop, using only their hip or thigh.

Legend has it, that the winners were sacrificed to gratify the gods – which was then seen as a great honour to Mayan people.

At present, the game is still played with a great amount of proud (luckily, without the sacrifices), as it is of great importance to the people of Yucatán and their captivating culture.

Attending this unique ball game is in my opinion, one of the best things to do in Mérida.

ESSENTIALS

Where | Catedral de Mérida

When | Every Friday from 20:30. Make sure you get at the cathedral a little early.

HOW TO GET TO MÉRIDA

ADO BUS | Mérida is super easy to reach, especially if you use the ADO busses. Public transport in Yucatán is comfortable, affordable and punctual. It sincerely is among the best I’ve ever used during my travels.

From Valladolid to Mérida

Where | Valladolid Bus Terminal

Cost | 240 MXN, ($10.40) per person

Travel time | The journey takes roughly 2 hours

From Campeche to Mérida

Where | Campeche Bus Terminal

Cost | 278 MXN, ($12) per person

Travel time | Expect the journey to take around 3.5 hours

For additional information, up to date timetables, and online reservations, visit the ADO website.

CAR | If you’re travelling from Valladolid via car, it’s a pretty straightforward journey. As soon as you leave Valladolid, head for Mérida by following the 180D and 180O. This journey takes roughly 2 hours.

Yucatán is one of the safest regions in Mexico, making it perfect for an adventurous road trip.

By renting a car, you have all the freedom to adjust your itinerary – plus it’s significantly easier to plan day trips.

For car rental in Yucatán, I would recommend checking out Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.

SAFETY IN MEXICO | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Mexico is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH MEXICO GUIDES

After spending nearly a month in Mexico, I created plenty of in-depth guides that might interest you too.

My 3-week Mexico itinerary

11 Wonderful things to do in Tulum

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar

11 Incredible things to do in Mérida

A traveller’s guide to Chichen Itza

A complete guide to Uxmal (Coming soon)