Mérida, Mexico: First-Timers Travel Guide
After two months living in Merida, we can finally present you with the ultimate Merida, Mexico travel guide. Get ready to fall head over heels for this city. This isn't Cancun's spring break mayhem or Tulum's influencer-laden beaches. Mérida is an enchanting, safe, and culturally rich city, and after spending over two months there, it has become one of our favorite places in Mexico.
So, here is the Merida, Mexico travel guide you've been waiting for, your ultimate resource for navigating the White City like a seasoned pro, even if it's your very first time.
Welcome to the White City: Why Mérida Steals Hearts
Mérida is a vibrant, lively city pulsating with Mayan heritage. Known as "La Cuidad Blanca" (The White City) for its pristine colonial buildings, Mérida has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the Americas.
Unlike some other Mexican destinations, Mérida thrives on its authentic identity. You'll find locals enjoying public plazas, traditional Yucatecan dishes served with pride, and a slower pace of life.
Arrival and Transportation
How to get to Mérida
If you're coming from outside of Southeastern Mexico, the easiest way to get to Merida is by flying. There is an international airport about a 15-minute drive from the town center that is easily accessible by taxi, ride-share apps, and the public bus.
Merida is also accessible by bus and train. ADO buses have regular routes from popular cities like Cancun, Tulum, Campeche, and Valladolid.
Tip: Browse your transportation options and compare costs using 12Go.
Transportation around Mérida
Mérida's historic center is incredibly walkable, which is fantastic because you'll want to wander and soak in every colorful building.
Walking: Your primary mode of transport within the Centro.
Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber/DiDi/InDriver): More reliable than traditional taxis, especially if there is a language barrier.
Public Buses: Extensive network, super cheap, but can be a bit confusing for non-Spanish speakers.
Bicycle: Mérida has public bikes available to rent, and many hotels will offer bike rentals as well.
Car rental: We rented a car three times while we stayed in Mérida for weekend trips around the peninsula. We rented from Beel Car Rental and Xootrip and recommend them both.
Where to Stay
Centro Histórico (Historic Center): This is where most first-timers flock, and for good reason! You're walking distance to major attractions, plazas, restaurants, and cultural events. You'll find everything from charming boutique hotels in renovated colonial mansions to budget-friendly hostels.
Paseo de Montejo Area: If you prefer a more upscale vibe, grander hotels, and perhaps a slightly quieter atmosphere (though still lively), this is your spot. It's a beautiful, tree-lined boulevard reminiscent of European avenues.
Santiago or Santa Ana neighborhoods: These are excellent choices just outside the immediate hustle of the main plaza, offering a more local feel with charming streets, local markets, and great food.
We book almost all of our accommodations using booking.com. It's our favorite place to get the best nightly rates!
What to Eat
Yucatecan cuisine is a revelation, and Mérida is its heart. Don't stick to tourist trap restaurants. Instead, seek out:
Cochinita Pibil: Slow-roasted pork, marinated in achiote and sour orange, typically served on tacos or tortas.
Sopa de Lima: A refreshing lime soup with shredded chicken or turkey and crispy tortilla chips.
Panuchos & Salbutes: Fried tortillas with beans, meat, and veggies.
Relleno Negro: Incredible, flavorful turkey stew with charred chilies, garlic, and spices.
Marquesitas: A sweet snack, similar to a crispy crepe, and loaded with Edam cheese.
Mérida is one of those places where you can eat well on a small budget or splurge at some seriously delicious upscale restaurants. If your budget allows, we recommend a mix of both!
Be sure to check out our Food Guide to Yucatan!
Popular Activities and Attractions
Mérida might not have the crashing waves of the Caribbean, but what it lacks in beachfront, it more than makes up for in seemingly endless things to see and do. Here are a few of our can't-miss spots:
Plaza Grande: You literally can't miss it. You'll find buildings like the Catedral de San Ildefonso (the oldest cathedral on the American mainland), the Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Palace), and the Casa de Montejo (a grand 16th-century mansion).
Paseo de Montejo: An Elegant, tree-lined boulevard that serves as a stark contrast to the historic center's colonial grid. Don't miss "Biciruta" on Sundays, where they shut down the street to car traffic, leaving plenty of space for walkers, bikers, and cyclists.
Mercado Lucas de Galvez: Mérida's main market and a fantastic place to observe daily life. Try some street food and pick up a unique souvenir.
One thing we loved about Mérida was how many community events there were every day of the week. Here is a rough schedule of what you can look forward to on various nights of the week:
Monday: Vaquería (traditional Yucatecan dance) at Palacio Municipal.
Tuesday: Live music at Parque Santiago.
Thursday: Serenata Yucateca (traditional Yucatecan music and poetry) at Parque Santa Lucía.
Friday & Saturday: Various events, often including the mesmerizing Mayan ball game Pok Ta Pok reenactments near the Cathedral.
Sunday: Mérida en Domingo (Mérida on Sunday) takes over the Plaza Grande and parts of Calle 60 with street vendors, food, and music.
General Tips for Your Visit
Heat & Hydration: Water might not cut it if you're not used to this kind of heat. Oxxo, 7/11, and similar convenience stores will have a wide selection of electrolyte drinks we recommend mixing into your hydration routine.
Traffic: Cars and motorcycles rule the road here. Even at crosswalks when the walk sign is on, expect cars to have the right-of-way and only cross when there is no oncoming traffic.
FAQs: Merida, Mexico Travel Guide
Is Mérida hot? Yes, especially from May to September. Our advice? Don't fight the heat, embrace it (by taking an afternoon siesta like many of the locals do).
Is it safe to drink the tap water? NO. N-O. I am shouting because I know this from experience. Don't even make coffee with it. The first week of our trip started with an innocent "Can I use Mérida tap water to make coffee"? Google led me astray by saying "yes", and I was down bad for the following week. Stick to bottled water or filtered water only.
Do I need to speak Spanish? We always recommend learning a few key phrases of the country you're visiting. A little effort goes a long way. Here are a few phrases we suggest practicing before your trip:
Hola: Hello
Gracias: Thank you
Por favor: Please
Cuánto cuesta: How much does it cost?
Buenos dias: Good morning
Buenas tardes: Good afternoon (used after 12 PM)
Buenas noches: Good night (used after sunset)
Are there mosquitoes? Yes, especially at dawn and dusk, but primarily May-October.
Can I use USD? No, Mexico uses the currency Mexican Pesos (MXN). You can easily withdraw pesos from any of the ATMs around town.