How to Spend 2 Days in Mérida: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

Planning to visit Mérida in 2 days? Wondering what are the must-see places?

You’ve come to the right place!

To make your trip smooth and enjoyable, I have created for you the perfect 2-day itinerary in Mérida. It will allow you to explore the best attractions without feeling rushed.

You’ll visit the main plaza, the traditional market, and the Mayan museum on the first day, followed by Uxmal, Kabah, and the chocolate museum on the second day.

In this guide, I will also give you all my best tips as well as a list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Mérida in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Discover the Heart of Mérida

Morning: Exploring Plaza Grande

Start your day with a stroll around Plaza Grande, the lively main square surrounded by some incredible sights:

1. Casa de Montejo

Begin at Casa de Montejo, a beautiful 16th-century mansion that houses a museum giving you a glimpse into the lives of Mérida’s colonial elite. You can explore four rooms: an office-library, a living room, a bedroom, and a dining room.

• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 4pm, and Sunday 10 to 2pm, Admission is free

2. Mérida Cathedral (Cathedral of San Ildefonso)

Next, head over to the Mérida Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, which was built with stones from ancient Mayan temples.

It’s considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Inside, you’ll find the Crucifix of the Christ of the Blisters, which is the largest indoor crucifix in the world. It’s quite a sight!

3. MACAY Museum

Next up is the MACAY Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán), the best spot for contemporary art in Mérida.

They have rotating exhibits from both Mexican and international artists. And there’s a lovely garden with plenty of shade – a perfect spot to chill and escape the Mérida heat for a bit.

• The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, 10 am to 5 pm, and admission is free.

5. Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace)

Wrap up your morning at the Palacio de Gobierno, where the 27 impressive murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco tell the story of Yucatán’s history.

These murals are distributed across two floors of the building: the Salón de la Historia, the upper and lower corridors of the palace, and the staircase cube.

From the Salón de la Historia, you can also enjoy great views of Plaza Grande!

• Open from Monday to Friday from 10 to 4pm. Admission is free

Lunch: Mercado Lucas de Galvez

By now, you’ll probably be hungry, so head to the market for lunch.

While there are five emblematic markets you can visit in the center of Mérida—Mercado San Benito, Mercado de Santa Ana, Mercado de Santiago, and Mercado de Chem Bech—I personally recommend starting with Mercado Lucas de Galvez for your 2-day Merida trip.

It’s a very traditional spot in Mérida, first established in 1887, where you’ll find a huge variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, hardware, flowers, and authentic Yucatecan dishes.

I’ve been there many times and always try to discover new spots, which I recommend, as getting lost in the market and making your own discoveries is part of the fun!

But I have to say, my personal favorites are the lechón al horno from Taquería La Tía, the delicious cochinita pibil tacos from Doña Rosi at El Popular Turix, and the relleno negro from Doña Paty.

Afternoon: Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

After lunch, head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, a must-visit to understand the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.

The museum itself is modern and beautifully designed, housing an extensive collection of artifacts, including textiles, sculptures, and everyday items used by the Mayans, so plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there.

• It’s open  Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm

Evening: Parque Santa Lucia

For the evening, head back to the city center and relax at Parque Santa Lucia, my favorite park in Mérida! It’s a charming spot surrounded by great restaurants with outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Make sure to arrive a bit early to get a good spot, especially on performance nights. The park is a popular spot, and it can get quite busy.

Day 2: Exploring Uxmal and Surroundings

Morning: Uxmal

Kick off the second day of your two-day Mérida trip with a visit to Uxmal, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Uxmal was the most important city in the Puuc region, which included many other cities such as Kabah.

Developed from 700 to 1000 AD, Uxmal was a large settlement at its peak, covering over 5 square miles and home to nearly 25,000 inhabitants!

Here is what you can visit in 2h-2h30:

The Pyramid of the Magician, the main structure of Uxmal, is particularly impressive with its rounded sides and steep steps, standing as an imposing 115-foot pyramid.

Another highlight is the Nunnery Quadrangle, named by the Spanish because they thought it resembled a convent, with its four palaces surrounding a courtyard.

Make sure to visit the Governor’s Palace, a long, low building with a facade covered in over 20,000 carved stones. The structure is thought to have been a governmental building or a royal residence. It is one of the few structures you are still allowed to climb, so don’t miss it.

Another must-see is the Great Pyramid, with a temple on top with a small ceremonial platform and narrow plaza.

Following Uxmal: Chocolate Museum and Kabah

After exploring Uxmal, head to the Choco-Story Uxmal, located just across the road from the archaeological site.

This museum, set in an amazing tropical garden, is dedicated to the history and culture of chocolate, which has been a part of Mayan culture for centuries. You can learn about the chocolate-making process, see live demonstrations, and even sample some delicious chocolate drinks.

It’s a fun way to cool off after your morning adventure—perfect for families visiting Merida, and even without kids, I really enjoyed it!

Next, drive about 20 minutes south to visit Kabah, the second largest archaeological site in the Puuc region after Uxmal.

Kabah is known for the Palace of the Masks, which features hundreds of stone masks of the rain god Chaac. Don’t miss the Arch of Kabah, which once marked the start of a sacbé (white road) connecting Kabah to Uxmal.

Where to eat on the second day?

Depending on the time of day, you might get hungry. If you’re going on your own  and can’t wait to return to Mérida, there are some great local spots around Uxmal and Kabah, like Ppapp Hol Chac de Uxmal and Restaurant Bar Cana-Nah.

In Santa Elena, I also recommend checking out Restaurant La Central and Lonchería Doña Eli II.

After a day full of exploring under the sun, head back to Mérida for a relaxing evening. It’s the perfect way to end your 2-day Mérida adventure!

Personally, I would end this trip with a walk on Paseo de Montejo while enjoying a delicious marquesita, a Yucatecan specialty that’s like a crispy crepe filled with cheese and other sweet toppings. 😋

Best Places to Stay for a 2-Day Visit in Mérida

For a 2-day stay in Mérida, it’s best to stay in the center, as it’s walkable and you’ll have easy access to all the main attractions

• Che Nomadas: Mérida’s best hostel, for adults only, very well located in the city center. Friendly atmosphere, swimming pool surrounded by plants and hammocks, many activities (yoga, cooking, outings, etc.). Starting at just 8$usd for a bed in a dormitory or 44$usd for a private room!

• El Gran Hotel: ideally located in the very center of Merida, right next to the cathedral. It is a very charming hotel, where time seems to have stopped with its colonial look and beautiful woodwork. There’s a restaurant, the rooms are spacious and the wifi works well. Good value for money, starting at only 45$usd per night!

• Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP: this small, luxurious hotel is the ideal place to spend a few romantic days in Merida. Located in the historic center, it is an elegant hacienda-style building, illuminated by candlelight at nightfall. Here you will find a charming swimming pool, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Starting at 165 $usd per night

• Hotel Boutique Mérida Santiago: this is a small, comfortable hotel with a colorful hacienda look, modern and with a traditional Mexican touch. There’s a swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. With excellent homemade breakfasts and spacious rooms, it is the ideal hotel if you are looking for comfort without falling into luxury. Starting at  180 $usd per night

Is 2 Days in Mérida Enough?

Yes, 2 days in Mérida can give you a great taste of the city, but there’s so much more to see around Yucatan, making it a great base for an extended stay.

In Mérida, you can visit the Palacio Cantón, which houses the Regional Museum of Anthropology of Yucatán, the City Museum, and the Museum of Popular Art.

Stroll along the colorful Calle 64, take a walk on the Paseo de Montejo, and relax at Parque de Santiago and Parque de Santa Ana.

To fully immerse yourself in Mérida’s culinary scene, try this guided market tour with an authentic Yucatecan cooking class: Book the food tour here!

Beyond the city, there are amazing natural sites like Celestún, where you can take a boat tour to see flamingos in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve and relax on the beach.

Explore impressive haciendas like Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, where you can access the hacienda and its cenote, and discover the henequen production process.

Discover the pink salt pools of Las Coloradas, enjoy free time at Cancunito Beach, and take a boat tour in the Río Lagartos Reserve to see flamingos.

Spend time at the Cuzamá Cenotes, including Cascabel, Chaksikin, and Pool Cocom, with lunch included.

Finding the Best Deals on Airline Tickets

Mérida International Airport receives many national flights, as well as direct international flights from Houston, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, and (seasonally) Toronto and Los Angeles. I suggest you compare prices with Cancun International Airport, but keep in mind it is a 4.5-hour drive away.

To book a cheap flight to Mérida or Cancun, as well as your international flight to Mexico, use our flight comparison tool in collaboration with Skyscanner. It’s the best way to secure the lowest price!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See

• Mérida: 20 Best Things to Do and Must-See Attractions
• Where to stay in Mérida? (For an EPIC First Time Visit)
• 1 Day in Merida – The Perfect Itinerary (1st time visit)
• Uxmal (Mérida): the Definitive Guide + tips

• Celestun: How to see pink flamingos?
• Chichén Itzá: the definitive guide + My tips
• El Cuyo: The Ultimate Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Paradise
• How to Visit Chichén Itzá (Yucatan): The Definitive Guide
• Valladolid: the 25 Best Places to Visit!

• Itinerary: 8-10 days in Mexico – From Mexico City to Oaxaca
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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