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City in Yucatán, Mexico
Photo: Aubolio, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A short distance — yet seemingly a world away — from the rowdy, touristy beach resorts of Cancún and Cozumel that make up the Yucatán of cliché, Mérida is the cultural center of southern Mexico, boasting a panoply of excellent museums and attractions, a vibrant street life, and a wealth of historic colonial-era architecture (centered on the Plaza de la Independencia in the center of town) that's second only to Mexico City on the national scene.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Zócalo, Plaza de la Independencia
In pre-Hispanic times the center of the Mayan city of T'Hó, the central square is at the heart of the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by impressive buildings, most of them built from stones from the Mayan temples which originally stood here. The central park is a pleasant place in which to sit and people-watch, as it is a favorite meeting place of locals, tourists, street performers, and vendors.
This is the first cathedral built on the mainland of the Americas and the oldest in Mexico, built on the site of the Mayan temple Xbac-Luum-Chaan. The temple stones were incorporated into the new building, and a number of original Mayan carvings are still visible on the church walls. Construction began in 1561 and was completed in 1599, except for the bell tower, which was finished 200 years later in 1774. The building is rather austere in style, partly due to its Franciscan design, and partly due to looting during the Mexican revolution.
The stations of the cross in the interior on the side naves are particularly noteworthy, as is the painting above a door depicting the baptism of the Mayan ruler of Maní.
An additional item of interest on the left side is the so-called El Cristo de las Ampollas ('The Christ of the Blisters') located in a side chapel. In 1645 this wood carving was brought from the village of Ichmul, after it miraculously survived a fire which had destroyed the village church. The original was destroyed during the revolution, but the devout still come to pray at the replica.
MACAY
Housed in the former bishop's palace, this museum has a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings by the most well-known artists from the state of Yucatán. Rotating exhibits of work by local artists are also on display.
The 1549 palace of Montejo the Conquistador. His descendents lived here until 1978. Although the building was extensively remodeled in 1850, some of the original architectural features remain. The ground floor has been converted to commercial use (a Banamex bank with handy ATMs), but the restored interior of the building is open to visitors during banking hours. If you miss an opportunity to have a look inside, the elaborate facade on the outside is alone worth the visit. Elements of the facade include the Montejo family coat of arms, as well as figures of Spanish Conquistadors standing on the heads of conquered native Maya – a graphic illustration of the new order the Conquest imposed.
Ayuntamiento, Old City Hall
Mérida's red city hall, easily spotted by its distinctive clock tower, was built in 1735. From this building in 1821 the Republic of Yucatán declared independence from Spain.
Governor's Palace
This lovely colonial palace was built in 1892 in the Neoclassical style, with a large courtyard and impressive staircase. Upstairs there is a permanent exhibit of paintings by the painter Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating key events in the history of Mexico and of the Yucatán peninsula. The main balcony upstairs has a good view of the Zócalo and the cathedral.
Large, modern museum opened in 2018. Chronicles the story of Mexican music from its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures through today's modern regional styles, which might include boleros, rancheros, banda as well as rock and reggaeton. There are exhibits about instruments, the recording industry, music from TV and movies, and more. The facility includes outdoor spaces that can be reserved for special events and a 450-seat concert hall.
The Museum of the City of Mérida provides more evidence of the city's long history and rich culture. Admission is free, with guides who speak Spanish, English, and French. The museum has a very interesting permanent exhibit, as well as changing art exhibits upstairs. An added bonus is that the museum is just across the street from Mérida's central market, Mercado Lucas de Galvéz.
Casa Molina
Housed in an early 20th-century mansion, this museum showcases folk art, textiles, and household objects from Yucatán and across Mexico, with a permanent collection and rotating special exhibits. Highlights includes masks from the states of Guerrero, Morelos, and Oaxaca. There is also a small gift shop.
This museum is dedicated to Yucatecan music and musicians.
The largest private art gallery in Mérida, this gallery showcases local Yucatecan artists with rotating exhibits.
Owned and operated by two internationally-exhibited Mexican artists, this gallery also offers frequent workshops in painting and sculpture.
In the 1840s English architect and artist Frederick Catherwood joined American explorer John Lloyd Stephens on an expedition across the Yucatán and Central America in search of Mayan ruins. In addition to illustrating Stephens' subsequently published travel journal, Catherwood published a collection of his remarkable lithographs in an edition of 300. Casa Catherwood does not have a direct historic connection with the artist, but does have the only complete collection of his lithographs on display in Mexico, located in a gallery on the upper floor. The building also houses a bed and breakfast and café.
Small modern museum chronicling the life and works of composer Armando Manzanero, known for his bolero works. Fun interactive exhibits include an opportunity to play a marimba and a karaoke room where you can go in and sing along with the maestro. Outdoor patio bar on site.
Iglesia de la Tercera Orden
This church was built in 1618 as part of a Jesuit college once covering an entire city block – only the church survives today. It was built with stone from an earlier Mayan temple; these carved stones can be seen on the west wall.
This was built in 1575 by the merchant D. Pedro Garcia. In 1871 the park of the same name was opened to the public, and the door arches embellished. The obelisk dedicated to General Sebastian Molas was added in 1887.
This is the newest church in the centro, with construction begun in 1756 and completed in 1796. Of particular interest is the distinctive scalloped vaulting over the main entrance, as well as a wall-top defensive walkway surrounding the building, used for surveillance in case of revolt. An annual procession takes place here on 12 December in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
This church was built in the 18th century, and although it hasn’t been well maintained it is worth a visit for the baptismal font as well as the painting of St. Anthony, located in a small niche. The charming garden with small chapel is also worth seeing.
Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatán
Since passenger rail services had stopped in 1997, this neo-Colonial building has been renovated and now houses an art institute. It is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind and is for this reason worth seeing. The ornate architectural details reflect Moorish influences, and the central tower is especially noteworthy.
In 1690 a number of arches were built to demarcate the boundaries of the Centro Histórico. All arches share a similar style and are unique in Mexico. Three remain standing today.
Arch of St. John
This once marked the beginning of the road from Mérida to Campeche. Of the remaining arches, this is the largest and best preserved.
X-Cul Arco, Arch of the Bridge
Topped by a stone cross, this was named after an earlier bridge situated here, used in times of seasonal flooding. Noteworthy are the doorways on either side of the arch, each of a different height.
Arch of the Dragons
Named for the adjoining former barracks of the Spanish regiment, this has a niche on top with a statue of St. Anthony.
Palacio Cantón
The regional archaeology museum is housed in one of the grandest mansions from Mérida's boom time, showcasing ancient Maya artworks and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits. Completed in 1914, the building originally served as the governor's mansion and is worth seeing in its own right.
Casa Museo
Another of the Paseo's grandest old mansions is also a museum, still owned by the original family. 40-minute guided tours of the lavish interior can also be booked by appointment.
Monumento a la Bandera
This monument was designed by the Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo and inaugurated in 1956, and is dominated by the 14-meter high stone figure of an indigenous man holding a flame. The structure has 31 columns, representing the 28 states of the Republic of Mexico, the 2 territories and the Federal District.
Railroad Museum
Rail buffs will love this mostly outdoor museum near the train station northeast of the Centro. Old locomotives and lots of quirky old rolling stock.
Opened in 2012 and located in a building clearly inspired by the Beijing National Stadium (aka 'Bird's Nest'), the museum has a large permanent collection of Mayan artifacts as well as a number of interactive exhibits.
A cultural center where dance performances are staged most evenings. Information on upcoming performances is available in the entrance. These performances are very popular – it is best to arrive early. Shortly before the performance people without tickets gather in a queue stretching sometimes to over 100m, in the hopes that paying audience members leave the performance early and thus vacate a seat.
The city's grand opera house. The current structure was designed by a visiting Italian architect and opened in 1908 during the height of the boom times, replacing a less opulent earlier theater of the same name; it is still the largest theater on the Yucatán peninsula. The theater is the center of Mérida's high culture and in 2011 was renovated with a new stage and updated air conditioning. If opera, symphonies, and ballets aren't to your taste, the building is still worth a look for the impressive architecture. There is also a sizable art gallery downstairs with changing exhibits. The theater was damaged by fire in November 2022, and is expected to be closed for renovations at least through mid-2023.
15,000 seat professional baseball stadium that is home field for the Leones de Yucatan, who play a 114-game schedule from March to August (a bit longer if they make the playoffs). The team is part of the Liga Mexican de Beisbol, Mexico's top professional baseball league. Clean, modern stadium with open sight lines.
15,000 seat mixed-use stadium that is home field for the Venados de Yucatan, a professional soccer (futbol) team that is part of the Expansion League.
Sponsored by the city, this annual festival commemorates the founding of Spanish Mérida in January 1542. All arts are included, with many performers coming from across Mexico to participate. Most events are staged in open spaces and free to the public.
FICMY
An annual weeklong festival devoted to Mexican as well as international cinema. Films are screened at several venues across Mérida.
An annual event with a week of celebrations leading to up to Fat Tuesday. Mérida has one of the five most important carnavals in Mexico.
Toh Bird Festival
Established in 2001, the festival sponsors a number of birdwatching and photography tours and workshops throughout the year, culminating in a marathon bird-count (Maratón Xoc ch'ich / Bird-a-thon) held in late November. The organization also maintains a list of qualified guides throughout the Yucatán peninsula.
MGT
Experiences for the Gay Traveler in the Yucatan. Merida Gay Tours offers experiences and tours around Yucatán for the gay community with a mix of nature, culture and fun with a selection of hot spots of the interest for the gay traveler.
M$100 with ventilator, M$200 with A/C. Latest possible check-out at 23:00.
M$150 with ventilator, M$250 with air conditioning. Latest possible check-out at 24:00.
M$180 with ventilator.
The site has been continuously occupied for thousands of years. Its most famous structure is the Temple Of The Seven Dolls (El Templo de las Siete Muñecas), so named because of seven small effigies found at the site when the temple was discovered under the ruins of a later temple pyramid by archaeologists in the 1950s. On the spring equinox the sun rises so that it shines directly through one window of the temple and out the other. The temple is connected to the rest of the site by a long sacbé. The other major feature of Dzibilchaltún is its cenote, which is used as a swimming hole by local residents year round; it is the first stop on the Ruta de los Cenotes. Also on the site are the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish church, as well as a museum displaying Mayan artifacts from the site and the region.
A compact, well-preserved pre-Columbian site, Mayapán was the political capital of the Maya in the Yucatán Peninsula from about the late 1220s until 1440s. Unlike at other Mayan sites, climbing of pyramids is permitted, and worth the effort. Hourly buses to Mayapán can be picked up at Terminal Noreste (listed above). Tell the driver you'd like to go to the 'ruinas', and he will drop you off at the beginning of the dirt road; from here it's a 5-minute walk to the entrance. There are toilet facilities but no amenities, so bring your own water.
A former sisal plantation which has been restored and opened up to the public. Sisal, the rope made from the fibers of the henequen plant, put Mérida on the map in the 1900s and made millionaires out of many landowners of that time. The rope came to be known by the name of the port town, Sisal, where it was shipped from to places around the world. Henequen was (and still is) planted throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. The industry crumbled after about 30 years for various reasons, leaving many haciendas in ruin. Today many of those haciendas have been restored, and Sotuta de Peón is an example of one which can be visited without spending the night.
Another good example of a hacienda kept in a state of arrested decay as a museum.
One of the better pizza places in Mérida, this tiny place offers wood-fired thin-crust pizzas with creative Mexican twists on standard classics, with such toppings as jalapeños and avocados. They also serve sandwiches and salads.
Good and cheap Mexican food, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. The daily comida is an especially good value.
Excellent tortas.
This restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, with creative twists on traditional Yucatecan and Mexican dishes. All ingredients are organic and locally-sourced.
The place was a bit hard to find, a bit secretive. It is on the second floor of a pink building with a small sign outside. Excellent treatment, great variety, quiet atmosphere. Full of locals. Their wings are very delicious.
Seafood. Great local experience.
A simple taqueria, extremely popular with locals.
Small and clean but with personality, a favorite of the students of the University of Yucatan just around the corner as well as knowing visitors for generations. The menu offers a curious combination of Yucatecan specialties along with old style diner & soda-fountain treats. Breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner. In the same building as the larger and more upscale Portal del Peregrino.
A local institution since 1958, this is a great spot for late night dinners and drinks.
This restaurant serves up traditional Yucatecan dishes, and is justifiably popular with both locals and tourists, with even several vegetarian options on the menu.
The original location, and usually very busy, especially for Sunday comida.
The newer, larger branch, in a historic colonial mansion. The food is the same excellent quality, but the setting is more atmospheric with more tables available.
Delicious Yucatán food with a lovely outdoor seating area.
Andrés Quintana Roo, the attorney and politician who helped draft Mexico's declaration of independence, was born in this colonial house in 1787. Today the building functions as a restaurant, with pleasant ambience in the courtyard and nightly live music. On offer are local specialities, crepes, and pizza, as well as a good selection of vegetarian dishes.
This restaurant serves traditional Yucatecan dishes in an informal setting.
A steakhouse owned by the same father-son partners as Trotter's.
European and Yucatecan fare in the historic centro.
Serves fusion food with impeccable service.
Serves fusion food.
An upscale steakhouse with English-speaking staff, owned by the same father-son duo as Pancho's.
Fine dining restaurant that serves their twist on traditional Yucatan food. Has a tasting menu for M$2300 with drink pairing for M$1200, but also offer à la carte. No dress code.
Established in 1907, this family-run establishment specializes in delicious sorbets and meringue-filled pastries, perfect on a hot afternoon. Sorbets are in a slew of exotic flavors, including perennial favorites coconut, mango, pineapple, and limón. Outdoor seating is in a prime spot for people-watching.
This second branch of the popular sorbetería offers the same array of flavors and has ample outdoor seating.
If you are walking along the Paseo de Montejo during the day, make sure to go to this traditional bakery. The baked goods are delicious.
Serves a wide assortment of imported German and European beers as well as local Mexican brews, along with traditional German food. Patrons can sit indoors or outdoors in a Biergarten-style setting.
The long-established cantina serves a good selection of beers and very generous botanas (snacks), along with full meals.
The restaurant has good food at reasonable prices, a full bar and, of course, Guinness beer. The owners are almost always on site and greeting customers. There are various distinct rooms, smoking and non-smoking, outdoors and air-conditioned.
Located in a former colonial home, the pub is popular with backpackers and has a beer garden, pool tables, and live music on weekends.
Operating since 1917, this classic place is popular with both locals and tourists. Drinks are inexpensive, and include a good selection of tequilas, mezcal, craft beers, and mojitos. They serve standard but tasty cantina food, and there is live music during the week. It gets exceptionally busy on weekends.
A clean, American-owned budget hotel. Each room has a private bathroom. Located a few blocks from Santiago Park.
Dorm accommodation. Internet and simple breakfast included. Kitchen use. Nice large pool.
An elegant colonial boutique hotel.
Accommodations come in double, triple, standard king, and standard twin types. All guestrooms are air-conditioned and fitted with a deck/balcony. Rooms also come with a refrigerator, IDD telephone, and cable television. Room service is available.
A small 5-room hotelito in the historical center. Modest, clean and run by a local Yucatecan.
A great, clean, and friendly place to stay that is only a few blocks to the main plaza. Off-street, secured parking is a big help if you have a rental car. Make sure to have the cafe con leche in the cafe.
Has fully furnished apartments, complete with kitchen and private bath, in a former nunnery.
A small charming hotel with colonial style. Every room is different, with unique furnishings, mosaic floor tiles and views of the inner courtyard with pool. Wi-fi, phones and A/C in the rooms.
Rooms fitted with a private toilet and bath with shower, internet and DVD player.
A colonial house that has been renovated into a comfortable and clean hotel.
Has an outdoor pool and fitness, and onsite restaurant and bar. Free wi-fi throughout the hotel.
Four apartments, each with a private veranda or ample terrace, or a combination of both offering outdoor space surrounded by tropical gardens.
A small hotel near the center of Mérida. Six spacious suites with big bathrooms. The filtered swimming pool with LED lights is open 24 hours. Restaurant with parking space is available exclusive for clients of the hotel.
A unique bed and breakfast, consisting of four casitas built for maximum privacy around waterfalls and a filtered swimming pool.
289 rooms and suites. The hotel is five minutes from the city's convention centre.
17 rooms and suites. The hotel is five minutes from the Hotel Zone (Hyatt and Fiesta Americana).
Hotel Fiesta
Large, crazy indoor market, with small stalls that sell everything from shoes to clothes to fruit and dead turkeys. The Lucas de Galvez market is on the north side with entrances on calle 65/65a with seafood, fruits, vegetables, candy and pets.
Adjoining Mercado Lucas de Galvez on the south size with entrances on Calle 54 is the newer San Benito market housing the meat hall, flowers, jewelry, and some spices. Truly a different experience for most travelers.
Sunday Market
Held every Sunday in the main square, this weekly market (tainguis) is a good place to pick up traditional crafts and clothing, as well as local food items.
Smaller public market with a good variety of produce and regional foods. An interesting snack is kibis.
Lots of food, naturally, but this market also has many vendors selling folkloric handcrafts (great souvenirs).
Astounding variety of Yucatecan regional cuisine and with one of the earliest opening time of any market in Merida, it's a great spot to get a filling, cheap breakfast.
Fruit and vegetables seem to take a backseat to Yucatecan regional food, which is abundantly available. Breakfast foods include panuchos, salbutes, and the famous huevos motulenos.
Crafts Bazar García Rejón
A collection of shops with Yucatecan handicrafts.
This is a government-operated shop selling a wide-range of handicrafts. If you are looking for high-quality, locally-made items, this is a good place to find them. Prices are fixed, no bargaining possible.
Family-owned and one of the oldest and most respected outlets on the Yucatán — one that does not employ street salesmen. Known in Mérida for its own brand of high-quality guayaberas and huipils, it counts members of the Mexican Supreme Court, telenovela actors, and other prominent people among its clientele. Also sells Mexican handcrafts, jewelry, T-shirts, and other items. One of the owners of the store, Cristina, is the daughter of the company's founders and speaks fluent English.
This shop sells high-quality custom-tailored guayaberas and huipiles.
High-end tobacconist with an excellent selection of genuine Cubanos as well as cigars from other parts of Latin America. Very knowledgeable staff with a service-oriented reputation.
By train
Tren Maya is a new intercity rail service throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
By carpooling
You can check for shared rides on Blablacar. These are the approximate prices as of January 2022: • Campeche – M$170 • Cancun – M$260 • Playa del Carmen – M$270
By bus
There are several bus stations in Mérida. The most important is the Terminal de Autobuses Mérida (TAME). First and second class buses of the ADO company arrive here.
By e-hailing
Uber may be difficult to use if you pay by credit card, drivers do not like this payment method. If you switch to cash payment you'll be picked up a lot sooner.
By bus
The Yucatán government established a modern public bus system in Mérida in the early 2020s, Va y Ven (Come and Go), and the city is now served by both public Va y Ven and private buses.
By taxi
Taxis are numerous and reasonably priced. Most taxis do not use a meter, and it's best to agree on a fare before getting in.
By bicycle
Mérida is surprisingly bicycle-friendly outside of the centro. Bicycles can be rented from a number of shops.
By horse-drawn carriage
An especially note-worthy type of transport in Mérida is the calesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage used continuously since colonial times.
By tour bus
By rental car
Most major car rental companies maintain counters at the airport, and also have offices on the ground floor of the Hotel Fiesta Americana and/or in the centro.
Orientation
Many street corners in the Centro Histórico have, in addition to the standard street signs, whimsical plaques illustrating such diverse subjects as fruits, animals, musical instruments, etc.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mérida · International · MID
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