Looking for the best things to do in Merida, Mexico? If so, then you have come to the right place! Merida is a very beautiful and safe city that is definitely worth going to for both tourists and expats. If you want to take a quick family vacation to get away, then you should add it to your bucket list. However, if you are thinking about moving to Merida, you will definitely be pleased with your new home. It offers tons of fun activities that offer a mix of cultural immersion, historical exploration, natural attractions, culinary experiences, and natural beauty, catering to different interests and budgets.
Below you will find a list of some of the best Merida activities for adults and kids to enjoy when you come to the city. Book your trip today!
Here are 24 Best Things To Do In Merida Mexico:
-
- Explore the Merida Historic Center: Wander through the streets of Merida’s historic center, admiring the colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful buildings. Cost: Free.
- Visit Plaza Grande: This central square is the heart of Merida, surrounded by landmarks like the Cathedral of San Ildefonso and the Palacio de Gobierno. Marvel at the stunning architecture of this 16th-century cathedral, one of the oldest in the Americas. Cost: Free.
- Discover Paseo de Montejo: Take a stroll down this elegant boulevard lined with beautiful mansions, museums, and restaurants. Cost: Free.
4.Explore the Palacio Canton: Visit this impressive museum housed in a French-style mansion, showcasing Mayan artifacts and regional history.- 5. Enjoy Mercado Lucas de Galvez: Immerse yourself in the local culture at this bustling market, where you can sample traditional Yucatecan cuisine and shop for handicrafts. Cost: Varies depending on purchases.
- 6. Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and papadzules with a hands-on cooking class. Cost: Varies depending on the class provider, typically starting from MXN 800 (approximately $40 USD) per person.
- 7. Day Trip to Uxmal With Private Tour: Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal, known for its well-preserved pyramids and intricate stone carvings. There is also Choco-Story Museum.
- 8. Visit Santa Barbara Cenotes in Homun: Discover the natural beauty of the many cenotes in Yucatan cenotes. These underground freshwater pools are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will wear a life jacket and be able to enjoy the beautiful water underground.
- 9. Visit Haciendas: Take a tour of the region’s historic haciendas, such as Hacienda Yaxcopoil or Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, to learn about the area’s rich agricultural history. Cost: Tour prices vary depending on the hacienda and the type of tour.
- 10. Attend a Cultural Event: Check out local festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions happening in Merida throughout the year.
- 11. Explore the Museum of the Mayan World: Gain insight into Mayan culture and history through exhibits showcasing artifacts, textiles, and artwork.
- 12. Visit the Anthropology and History Museum: Learn about the diverse cultures and history of the Yucatan Peninsula through archaeological artifacts and exhibits. It’s Museum’s location is Calle 43 481 Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, Merida.
- 13. Take a Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour to learn about Merida’s history, architecture, and hidden gems from knowledgeable locals.
- 14. Relax in Parque Centenario: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in this tranquil park, perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply relaxing. It’s also a really great spot for kids to see zoo animals and even get delicious ice cream. It is located off Avenida Izaes por 59, Colonia Centro.
- 15. Experience the Nightlife: Enjoy live music, traditional Jarana dancing at Plaza Grande, and mezcal cocktails at the city’s lively bars and clubs. These are some of my best things to do in Merida at night.
16. Try Yucatecan Street Food: Sample local delicacies like panuchos, salbutes, and marquesitas from street vendors and food stalls.
17. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Explore the streets of Merida in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, a romantic and nostalgic way to see the city. Whether you walking on Paseo de Montejo or near Calle 60 area, you will always see carriage rides offered. They usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour and costs about 400 pesos ($20 USD roughly). It’s a really great way to get a guided tour of tons of historical monuments and also learn more about Mexican culture.
18. Attend a Traditional Dance Performance: Watch a performance of traditional Yucatecan dances, showcasing colorful costumes and lively music.
19. Shop for Handicrafts: Browse the stalls at Mercado de Artesanias, where you can find handmade textiles, pottery, and souvenirs. This is located por Calle 67 y Calle 56, Centro, Merida, 97000.
20. Take a Bike Tour (Bicirutas): Explore Merida on two wheels with a guided bike tour, stopping at landmarks and hidden gems along the way. A really great to check out especially on Sundays is Paseo de Montejo or the Calle 64 area of Centro. There are bicirutas that you can take which are a lot of fun and several streets are blocked off until about 12 noon. It is very safe to bicycle in Merida and you can easily rent one using an app.
21. Visit the Great Museum of the Maya World: Dive deep into Mayan culture, history, and archaeology through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
22. Take a Day Trip to Celestun: Discover the natural beauty of Celestun Biosphere Reserve, home to flamingos, mangroves, and pristine beaches.
23. Relax at Progreso Beach: Take a day trip to Progreso Beach, just a short drive from Merida, to soak up the sun, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, and enjoy fresh seafood. The beach in Progreso has a beautiful boardwalk with tons of restaurants. If you don’t have a car, another great option to get to Progreso beach on the cheap is us AutoProgreso bus. It’s very nice, comfortable and has AC. The trip from Merida to Progreso is about 40 minutes. The AutoProgreso station is located at Calle 62 524 x Calle 65 y 67, Centro 97000.
24. Parque La Plancha: This is the most recently built park in Merida that has an absolutely beautiful landscape. Its huge with tons of activites for both kids and adults. There is a swimming area for kids, food and drinks, FREE live music and entertainment, jogging, pet park, interactive fountain, sports courts and more!
Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Merida Mexico
Although there are lot of Merida activities for adults and kids to keep busy, this is a quick list of some very unique things to do in Merida Mexico. What is the best way to cover the most territory and at the same enjoy your vacation? When we first moved here, our goal was to try to see a few new places each week.
If you’re coming to Merida on vacation and will be here for only 1 week, I recommend that you select at least 2 activities per day to get the most out of your trip. This will allow you not only enjoy your family time, but also mindful of the sun as it gets quite hot here.
When considering these Merida activities for adults and kids, I think that you MUST find time in your schedule to visit some of the many cenotes that the Yucatan offers. If you don’t, then you will regret it later. These are like world wonders in themselves, somthing you don’t want to miss!
Start your trip right now by booking below a cheap flight to Merida airport (MID), search for Merida hotels or car rentals.