The magical city of Merida has been on my bucket list for ages. So when my husband decided to run a half marathon there, I said, “Let’s go!”. In this post I’ll outline some of the best things to do in Merida as well as where to eat and stay.
A few of the fascinating tid bits about Merida include that it is the safest city in Mexico, it’s original name in Mayan is T’ho, and it’s been heavily influenced and impacted by colonialism throughout history. You’ll see this in everything from the architecture to the food. For example, the Dutch Edam cheese, or Queso de Bola, is a very popular ingredient in Merida’s cuisine because of the Dutch trade in the region long ago.
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Where to Stay in Merida
The Villa Delice ($) – We stayed at The Villa Delice, a charming B&B with a beautiful pool and breakfast included. The B&B is owned by an expat couple and it was everything we needed with a room and a little kitchenette. The breakfast was also amazing every day. It is about a 30 minute walk to Paseo Montejo, so it’s important to consider Ubers or taxis when staying here, but we loved it.
Wayam Mundo Imperial ($$) – For more of a hotel-type option closer to the city center. This hotel has a pool and fabulous breakfast according to the reviews. Having a pool in Merida is a plus since it tends to get very hot!
Hotel Plaza by Kavia ($) – For another option closer to the city center which also has a pool, check out Kavia. It is also quite reasonably priced.
Courtyard by Marriott Merida Downtown ($$) – For those who want to use or get Bonvoy points, the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Merida is a great option full of amenities!
Kuka y Naranja ($$) – Finally, for those looking for the classic Merida vibes and a boutique experience, check out this option. It has the quintessential Merida architecture, and it is a bed and breakfast as well. Basically, great vibes
Where to Eat in Merida
Teya ($$) – For high-end Yucateca food, this is the place. This restaurant was recommended to us by several people and it did not disappoint. For the full Yucatecan gastronomical experience, get the Nohoch Tun Yucateco, which is a sharing platter of Cochinita pibil, Poc-chuc y Lomitos de Valladolid. Three classic yucatecan dished. For a starter, I recommend the Empanadas de Chaya con Queso de Bola.
Yerba Santa Merida ($$$) – For gourmet yucatecan food, check out Yerba Santa Merida. It’s located directly on Paseo Montejo in a grand old mansion and it has great reviews. I recommend reservations and a nice outfit.
Eureka ($$) – If you’re craving non-Mexican food, this Italian place is great. We went there at the recommendation of our host and it was delicious. We needed something easy and full of carbs before my husband’s half marathon, and this was perfect.
Manjar Blanco ($) – This restaurant is located in a nice garden, and came highly recommended as well. We didn’t make it there on this trip, but it has great reviews for brunch.
Marago Coffee ($) – Another great brunch spot, this restaurant/cafe is located inside a hotel in a lush courtyard. We had brunch there one day and the food was great.
What to do in Merida
Visit the Yellow City of Izamal
One of the best things to do in Merida is to take a day trip to Izamal. The best thing to do is to combine this trip into a day trip to Chichen Itza and some cenotes as well. I have been to both of those, so we opted for a more ad-hoc tour of Izamal and some surrounding towns. In Izamal, you can visit the convent, but there are also two pyramids right inside the city that are not to be missed. For sure, both Chichen Itza and the Cenotes are worth it, and I recommend them. If you want to pack all of that into one day this is a good tour option. If you prefer to visit Izamal and the cenotes, this is a good option. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Merida, so don’t miss it!
Swim in an Ojo de Agua in Sisal or Celestun
Swimming in an Ojo de Agua – similar to a cenote but without the cave – is another great Yucatecan experience. For the tour, you will start by kayaking or being brought in a boat through the mangroves. You will then be brought to an Ojo de Agua where you can swim in these ancient pools. Sisal and Celestun offer similar experience. A few differences are that Sisal is a smaller town with more eco-friendly options. Celestun is a larger town, and they use motor boats to go through the mangroves. We chose Sisal, but both are good options depending on your preference. This is an option for Sisal, and this is an option for Celeustun.
Walk Around Paseo Montejo
Finally, in Merida itself, there is also plenty to do. Taking a walk down Paseo Montejo – which many call the Champs Elysee of Merida – is a must. This avenue is full of restaurants, cafes, and enormous mansions from the colonial period. Some places to stop into include Casa T’ho – an upscale artsy plaza with upscale boutiques. Visit the Casa Gemelas – two side-by-side mansions on the paseo. Enjoy people watching and the scenery of this avenue!
Visit the Historic Center of Merida
A visit to the historic center of Merida is also a must. I recommend checking out a few of the important buildings, and also simply walking around the area which has many cute shops and cafes. Things you’ll want to visit include the Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatan, which is located in a beautiful green courtyard and portrays much of the Mayan and colonial history of Merida (it’s free). Another important site is the Museo Casa Montejo, which is the oldest house in Mexico which also has a museum featuring various exhibitions.
More Tour Options
For more options in Merida, check out the tour options below!
