Top Things to do in Merida
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10 Sights & Landmarks in Merida That You Shouldn't Miss
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. El Palacio de Gobierno
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 956 reviews
Reviewed By vickyfisher - Poole, United Kingdom
This beautiful building stands on the Central Park of ol Mérida overlooking the Catheral & square .Entrance is free & inside the walls are hung with beautiful old large paintings depicting the history of the city
9. Palacio Municipal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Veronica014
After all you're at the zocalo and it's free! Interesting historical themed paintings - huge! - by local artist with explanations also in English. Lovely architecture. Views from upstairs of the zocalo and side street, seats, free toilet - a good place to get out of the het.
10. Chichen Itza, cenotes y pueblos magicos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
