Top Things to do in Merida
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Top 10 Things to do in Merida, Mexico
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. Zona Arqueologica Uxmal
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
An ancient Mayan building thought to be a school and named by a Spanish historian who thought it looked like a European monastery.
Reviewed By Francisco D
Uxmal is a less traveled site than Chichen Itza- where you can hardly move if you arrive after 10am. The pyramids and temples are magnificent and you don't need an expensive guide if you buy a book that explains it all for 70 pesos= $3.50 USD. I would recommend a tour if you visit as a group, then you divide the cost (close to 50USD) and it becomes reasonable. I would also recommend you get there early simply because it gets unbearably hot.
2. Ruta Puuc
Overall Ratings
5 based on 406 reviews
Reviewed By Friendlyadvisor2 - Mexico City, Mexico
This is a must if you like archeological sites and have a car. It is very well sign posted and there is very little traffic on the road. All the sites are easy to find, with good parking. Each site has something different to offer and interesting in its own right. We recommend you go to Uxmal first, avoiding the big tour buses there, doing the route in the opposite direction than suggested in guide books. All subsequent sites will also be emptier.
3. Mayapan Mayan Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Reviewed By JoeBenevides - Fresno, California
Mayapan is a small site, but nevertheless with some impressive structures. It’s not far off the beaten path between Chichen Itza and Merida, so it’s worth the stop. Unlike Chichen Itza there was almost no one there, so we had the place almost all to ourselves.
4. Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 972 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 Joan_U778 - Hinton, Alberta, Canada
Our tour guide, Yvon, made this trip a wonderful experience. Four of us arrived about 9:20 am for the 10 am tour and were asked about Reservations, though still accepted even though we didn’t have any. The tour was prompt and interesting and Yvon was animated and fun. The first part of the tour is walking about the main buildings, and the second part involves riding on a little set of wagons pulled by mules. The visit to Antonio’s “home” is a bit hoakey but is staged to give you an “authentic” glimpse of the history of the place. The visit to the cenote is an hour long, but should offer the option of returning to the parking lot Or visiting the cenote and the margarita bar. Overall an excellent tour.
5. Casa Museo Montes Molina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Visit Casa Museo Montes Molina while you are in Merida and admire beautiful art and history. The museum is a breathtaking mansion built around 1902 and purchased by the Montes Molina family 13 years later. It is furnished with the original furniture of that period, and the four generations of the family that have continued to occupy the house to the present, have kept it in optimum condition. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. You can enjoy a 40-minute guided visit with a bilingual guide and get to enjoy a great time here.
Reviewed By Cabos - Cabo San Lucas
Stunning old colonial house now as a museum. Stunning architecture. Attended an event in their back Terrace which was large and with great all round views. Staff and service extremely good. A unique location to visit.
6. Paseo de Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy.
Reviewed By paulbV6804MW - Brampton, Canada
Merida is today a town of around 1 million souls, but apart from the main square( charming) the rest of the town is pretty grim. However, the Paseo de Montejo is lovely. It is a wide boulevard, lined with trees and exotic flowering plants, and also lined with splendid 19th century architecture, now mainly banks and offices. This street would not be out of place in the south of France/Riviera. No shops, but a couple of good cafes( Pistache in the middle and Impala at the south end.) The Paseo is THE most attractive aspect of all Merida.
7. Dzibilchaltun Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By Juan307 - Miami, Florida
This place is holding a very nice collection of mayan artifacts and the influence of the spanish colonization
The artifacts of this place are unique and everybody interested on the subject should visit it
The only down side is that the whole entire exhibition does not have air conditioner and like a sauna I wonder if this heat is affecting the conservation of this objects for the future to admire
8. Celestun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By Scuba G - Sacramento, California
I found the beach to be nice and not crowded, but it was February. Watching pods of dolphins swim by was nice.
9. Plaza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 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 Spahkee - Minneapolis, Minnesota
So we came on Sunday afternoon thinking there would be more buzz around the plaza grande but outside of the market vendors, there wasn't much else going on. Most businesses around the square was closed as was the museum. It's a beautiful place but unless you want to stroll around and shop the craft booths or eat, there isn't much else going on. I actually much preferred it during the week where there seemed to be more people and buzz.
10. Cenote X Batun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Breanna P - San Antonio, Texas, 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.
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