Top Things to do in Merida
Top 10 Things to do in Merida, Yucatan
The Yucatan capital has both colonial and Mayan treasures to discover. Nearby ruins at Uxmal give some insight into the lives of the predecessors of the conquistadores, who arrived in 1542. Mayan culture is also still evident in Merida's daily life and in the many colorful festivals celebrated here.
Restaurants in Merida
1. Ruta Puuc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
The main site, Uxmal, is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Yucatan, though it is worth the effort to hire a guide to see Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna, which are just down the road. You can stay at Uxmal, Ticul, or Santa Elena.
2. Plaza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,478 reviews
Also known as Plaza de Armas, this city square contains some of the most historically significant and aesthetically pleasing buildings in Merida.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
In Merida's typical hot weather, it is relaxing to get a shoe shine and watch the crowds. You will have people try to sell you handicrafts, but that could be fun, too. On Sundays, the entire plaza is full of food and drink stalls and vendors of artesanias.
3. Museo Casa Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Facing the main square in Merida, this extraordinary building dates back to 1549 and is built with intricate artistry in the Spanish Plateresque style.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
Run by Banamex, this museum has several rooms of furniture from the Montejo family that conquered Yucatan, as well as several exhibit rooms. When I was there, I saw an excellent exhibit of Mexican folk art.
4. Paseo de Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,418 reviews
This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy.
Reviewed By laBostoniana - Boston, United States
Historic Merida has narrow sidewalks and the main street, Calle 60, is not a pleasant walk because busses and trucks practically brush up against you as they dominate the road and you must walk single file. A bit north of historic district Paseo de Montejo has wide sidewalks, interesting old mansions, and actually allows for pleasant ambling.
5. Mayapan Archaeological Zone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Reviewed By DocStewart
Mayapan is a smaller Mayan archaeological site that is a short drive from Merida, Yucatan. It can easily visited in half a day. Pay to get the guide when you visit to learn about the significant differences of this site from the others in the area. This site bears a stronger Toltec influence. There are many different structures that have been partially restored and climbing up to the tops is still allowed. Since this site is not very well known it is not as crowded or commercialized as the other better know sites. Yet it is very impressive and reflects a different cultural influence.
6. Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,254 reviews
Sotuta de Peon, Live Hacienda, is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient henequen zone in the Yucatan state, and gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.
Reviewed By Y5027KTpaulh - Annapolis, United States
We took a tour of the Hacienda Sotuta de Peon on the recommendation of our B and B host, and were pleasantly surprised. The guide, who was equally fluent in French and English, explained the history of the property and off the hennequin trade, which enriched hacienda owners around Merida late in the 19th century. The highlight was a dry interesting tour of the factory whose operations have been revived to demonstrate how hennequin was processed (from yucca plants). Operating and maintaining the original equipment are people from the nearby village. Following a ride on a mule-drawn train on tracks originally used on the plantation, we enjoyed an hour swimming in a delightful underground cenote with clean water and easy accessibility. Lunch was included, efficiently served in a very pleasant pavilion. Of course it was a tourist excursion, but it provided an unexpectedly informative glimpse into how this hacienda operated a hundred years ago.
7. Zona Arqueologica de Dzibilchaltun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,537 reviews
Reviewed By SeekSunUsa
We had a great time climbing and viewing the lovely archeological sites and when we got sweaty, we could take a dip in the beautiful cenote in the middle of the site. It was super peaceful in the morning, and then the tour busses arrived just as we were leaving. If you want a relaxing experience, try to make it when they open.
8. Cathedral de Merida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,053 reviews
Reviewed By dvasconcellos - Montreal, Canada
Right in the main plaza, you'll find this beautiful cathedral, which is claimed to be the 1st built in the Americas. Magnificent inside. I walked in when there was a mass happening - a great experience too. Sometimes, they have a light show that fills the square with people.
9. Cenote X Batun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By abpowers1 - San Antonio, United States
This was our first visit to a cenote, and after visiting Uxmal earlier in the day, this completed our favorite day of our whole trip--both very cool experiences! This was a beautiful cenote, not very crowded at all. If possible, come wearing your bathing suit. You can use the changing rooms, but they are rustic and it takes a little while if you have to wait for everyone in your family to change. Also, bring a snorkel if you have it. We all enjoyed being able to see under water and my son loved discovering all the cool fish. It's definitely off the beaten path, but it's a cool drive that's worth it.
10. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,729 reviews
Reviewed By dempseynewport - Oakland, United States
Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a modern addition in Merida, YUC in the understanding of the Mayan Culture and Civilization. It is one of the most thorough collections of everything Mayan. From ancient times up to modern times is exhibited and shared with the visitor to truly understand the Maya. We highly recommend a visit which will leave you wanting more.
