The Top 32 Things to Do and See in Mérida (Yucatan)

Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan State, is a charming colonial city with colorful houses, traditional markets, and narrow streets.

To help you plan your stay in Mérida, I have put together this guide featuring the best activities and must-visit places of interest, as well as my top recommendations for restaurants and hotels for all budgets.

You’ll also find plenty of tips, practical information, and suggestions for itineraries to visit Mérida in 1, 2, or 3 days.

So, what to do in Mérida and its surroundings? Let’s get started!

Visiting Merida: The Essentials

1. Plaza Grande, the Heart of the City

As with any Latin American city, the main square is a must-visit, as it’s the heart of the city!

Here you can find Mérida’s main buildings such as Casa de Montejo, San Ildefonso Cathedral, the Macay Museum, and the Governor’s Palace.

2. Casa de Montejo 

This is the oldest house in Mérida (1549), built for the family of Francisco de Montejo, the city’s founder.

In reality, only the entrance remains from the original construction, but it’s well worth a visit with four rooms depicting the interior of a late 19th-century – early 20th-century house, as well as temporary exhibition halls.

• Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-2pm.
• On Wednesdays at 8pm, there is a projection on the façade.
• Free entry.

3. San Ildefonso Cathedral

This cathedral, one of the oldest in the Americas, was built at the end of the 16th century on the site of an ancient Maya temple.

Inside, you will find the “Christ of Unity,” a sculpture considered to be the largest indoor representation of the crucified Christ in the world.

• Open daily 6am-12pm, 4:30pm-8pm
• Free entry

4. Pasaje de la Revolucion

This is a pedestrian passageway covered with a glass roof connecting the main square to the street behind the cathedral.

It features several sculptures by Mexican and international artists.

5. Government Palace

Too many visitors walk by the Government Palace without realizing it’s one of Mérida’s best attractions, and what’s more, it’s free!

On the first floor, a series of 27 murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco depict the history of Yucatan.

One of the highlights here is the fantastic view from the balcony overlooking Plaza Grande, perfect for taking photos!

• Open daily 8am-9pm
• Free entry.

6. Macay Museum

Right next to the cathedral, in a large and beautifully restored house, you’ll find the only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s a place to check out both temporary and permanent exhibitions, and also to enjoy its lovely interior patio, brimming with plants. It’s one of the most pleasant spots in Merida to relax in the shade.

• Open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm.
• Free admission
• Website

7. Attend Cultural Events

Merida hosts many cultural events every week. Here are a few:

• Sunday: The streets around Plaza Grande are closed off, with several food and craft stalls set up for families to enjoy the day. In the afternoon, you can even catch the “Jarana“, a traditional dance of Yucatan – free of charge.
• Monday: at 9 pm the “Noche de Vaquería” takes place on the main square with regional dances that everyone takes part in. It’s a must-see. I was there by chance and really loved the atmosphere! – free of charge.
• Tuesday: from 8 pm, Parque de Santiago comes alive with 1940s music, and you can see many couples dancing (mostly older, it’s sweet!) – free of charge.
• Wednesday: starting at 8 pm is “Noche Romantica” at the Museum of the Yucatecan Song with Yucatan trova bands – 50 pesos
• Thursday: head to Parque Santa Lucia where you can enjoy the traditional Yucatecan serenade starting at 9 pm

8. Watch the Pok Ta Pok Game

Known in Yucatan as Pok Ta Pok, the Mesoamerican ball game is a ritualistic sport that has been played in the Americas, from Arizona to Nicaragua, since at least 1650 BC!

If you’ve visited archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Uxmal or Monte Alban in Oaxaca, you’ve probably seen the ball courts.

Today, you can witness a peaceful reenactment of this ball game (I promise, no sacrifices at the end!) on Saturday evenings from 8 pm to 9 pm, right in front of the Merida Cathedral.

9. The Charming Parque Santa Lucia

Having stayed in a hotel just steps away from Parque Santa Lucia during my time in Merida, I definitely think it’s one of the best areas to stay in Merida!

With its great restaurants with terraces and live music shows, this lively little square offers a wonderful neighborhood vibe. Additionally, on weekends, craftsmen come to display their products, making it a great time to visit!

10. Palacio Canton

It was while wandering through the streets of Mérida that I came upon this magnificent building, adorned with a multitude of baroque and neoclassical details, located at the corner of Paseo Montejo.

Built between 1904 and 1911 for the family of a former governor of Yucatan, it now houses the Yucatan Regional Anthropology Museum, which features an extensive collection of Yucatec Maya culture, as well as temporary exhibitions.

• Tue-Sun 8am-5pm
• Admission 95 pesos
• Instagram

11. Yucatan Gastronomy Museum

The Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca (MUGY), is both a restaurant and a museum, making it a perfect place to explore Yucatec cuisine.

Here, you can taste some of the region’s best dishes like cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and poc chuc.

And while you wait for your meal, take a quick tour of the museum. Be sure not to miss the recreation of a traditional Maya house with its kitchen just outside the restaurant!

12. Juan Gamboa Pinacotheca

Just a stone’s throw from Plaza Grande, in a 17th-century building, is this museum hosting works from the Viceroyalty era through various temporary exhibitions.

It also has a room dedicated to Juan Gamboa Guzman, the most important painter of 19th-century Yucatan!

• Tue-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10-5pm.
• Admission 70 pesos

13. The Museum of Popular Art

Mexico captivates with its colors and characters that have become part of the collective imagination, especially with the famous Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

This museum offers a glimpse into Mexican folk art, featuring stunning examples from great artists and craftsmen of the country: clothing, textiles, stonework, clay, wood, glass, and miniatures—all vibrant and colorful!

I was truly impressed by the attention to detail in the works. For me, this museum is one of my top favorites in Mérida!

• Address: Calle 50 (corner of Calle 57, opposite La Mejorada Park), Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-3pm.
• Free admission
• Facebook Page

14. Center of Visual Arts

Here’s a spot that’s definitely off the tourist path, located opposite Parque Santa Ana, just a few blocks away from Parque Santa Lucia.

Beyond its grand doors, you step into an impressive house with high ceilings, traditional tiles, and an interior courtyard that has been transformed into a cultural center.

The venue hosts various events (theater, music, etc.) but also features a regularly changing free exhibition.

• Address: Calle 60 (between Calle 47 and 45, in front of Parque Santa Ana).
• Free admission

15. Losing Yourself in Its Colorful Streets

Not only is Mérida a pretty city with colonial heritage whose main attractions in the center are very walkable, but I must remind you that Mérida is the safest city in Mexico, making it particularly pleasant to stroll around!

I had specifically been recommended Calle 64, known for its numerous colorful façades, and indeed, it is very pretty, perfect for taking photos!

But anyway, you’ll find beautiful spots all over the city. Keep your eyes open, and don’t hesitate to peek behind shutters and half-open doors; sometimes you might find beautiful surprises.

16. Paseo de Montejo

This grand avenue, inspired by the Champs Élysées, is a must-visit in Mérida!

Here you’ll find stunning buildings, which used to be the grand homes of the richest families in Mérida.

Today, it’s one of the city’s main streets, perfect for a stroll, and where you’ll find several high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants.

You’ll notice the Casas Gemelas, two large identical houses, which are the only properties on the Paseo that are still privately owned today.

17. Enjoying a Free Tour of Mérida

Having tried Free Walking Tours several times in Spain and New York, I’ve always been thrilled with these “free city tours”.

And not only because they are free (but it’s important to leave a tip), but also because the guides are usually very dynamic and provide an alternative to traditional tours.

For me, the best way to start a visit in Mérida is to join the Free Walking Tour by Estacion Mexico as it offers a general overview of the city, covering the essential points of interest.

• Free tour of Mérida: at 10am and 5:30pm daily, meeting point in front of the Casa Montejo.
• Website of Mérida’s Free Walking Tour

18. The City Museum

The city museum is located in a gorgeous building that recounts the history of Mérida through 4 permanent rooms:

• The pre-Hispanic era with artifacts from the Mayan culture
• The colonial era, showcasing pieces relating to the Spanish conquest and the foundation of the city
• Mérida in the 19th – early 20th century, illustrating the city’s economic and political development
• Mérida in the 20th century, with objects connected to the modern city, its identity, and culture

There are also 6 rooms for temporary exhibitions displaying works by local visual artists.

I was genuinely surprised to see that it’s not more well-known among travelers as it offers quite a comprehensive panorama of the city, bridging art and history, and it’s all for free!

• Address: Calle 56, 529ª (between Calle 65 and Calle 65ª).
• Tue-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2pm
• Facebook Page / Instagram
• Free admission

19. Hop on a Tourist Bus

If you want to visit Mérida while relaxing comfortably and enjoying guided insights, you should go on a city bus tour.

You have two options (both lasting 1.5 hours):

1. El Carnavalito: This is the option I chose and I really enjoyed the experience! It’s a colorful trolley with wooden benches that goes around the center as well as some neighborhoods to the north and south of Mérida with a guide. Departures are opposite Parque Santa Lucia.

2. Turibus: This is the red double-decker bus that you can see in several other destinations in Mexico. There are two routes, the Ruta Norte and the Ruta Barrios. Departures from Plaza Grande.

You can easily purchase your tickets here:

20. The Grand Museum of the Maya World

This is definitely another must-visit place in Mérida, especially if you’re interested in the history of the Maya culture and its evolution.

It’s a large modern building showcasing some 1000 archaeological pieces (textiles, documents, carvings, bas-reliefs, sculptures, ceramics, etc.) throughout four halls: the Mayas – nature and culture; the contemporary Mayas, the ancient Mayas, and the ancient Mayas of yesterday.

The exhibition is varied, dynamic, and even includes some projection rooms. Don’t hesitate to ask the guards questions, they’re happy to talk about it!

• Open Wednesday to Monday from 9 AM to 5 PM, sound and light show at 9 PM
• Guided tours in English at 11 AM and in Spanish at 12 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
• Admission 150 pesos
• Address: Calle 60 Norte No. 299 E, Unidad Revolución, Mérida.
• Website

21. Buying Unique Souvenirs

You can find beautiful examples of traditional Yucatan embroidered shirts in Mérida, but if you’re looking for something less conventional, I recommend these two places:

1. Hola Cometa – Facebook Page

It’s a real Aladdin’s cave for lovers of independent local art. Here you can find all kinds of small items, from pins and stickers to t-shirts, lighters, jewelry, and more.

2. La Casa de Donia Way – Facebook Page

I absolutely loved this shop which presents the Yucatan culture with humor and a touch of tenderness through the character of “Donia Way”.

You can find notebooks, coloring books, cookbooks featuring local cuisine, a “Yucatecan dictionary”, postcards, and all sorts of small products.

Don’t hesitate to at least take a look inside, the staff are very friendly and if you’re lucky they might even have a free illustrated map of Mérida available.

22. Exploring a Local Market

In Mérida, there are several culinary specialties such as salbutes, polcanes, cochinita pibil, tamalitos con carne mechada, papadzules, and relleno negro.

You can taste them at one of the local restaurants, but I especially recommend heading to the market for a true immersive experience.

There are several traditional markets in Mérida, like Santa Ana, Santiago, San Benito, and Lucas de Galvez.

For a first visit to Mérida, I recommend starting with the Lucas de Galvez market, which is the main market of Mérida where you’ll find everything: clothing, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and of course, typical dishes from Yucatan!

My market favorites include the cochinita pibil tacos at El Popular Turix, the relleno negro tacos at Doña Paty, and the baked lechón at Taquería La Tía.

23. Taking a Yucatan Cooking Class

For a more complete immersion in Yucatan’s cuisine, I suggest this experience where a local guide will take you to discover downtown Mérida, then to the Lucas de Galvez market to buy ingredients that you’ll use during a typical cooking class!

Book this gastronomic experience here:

24. Immersing Yourself in the Atmosphere of a Cantina

In Mérida, cantinas (traditional bars) are an integral part of local culture and one of the most authentic experiences to enjoy!

Some cantinas, like Dzalbay Cantina and La Negrita Cantina, are more popular with travelers, while others, like El Cardenal – one of Mérida’s oldest cantinas! – El Lucero, or Eladio’s are much more local.

I particularly like El Cardenal for its laid-back atmosphere. Plus, they serve several “botanas” (snacks) for free as long as you’re drinking alcohol: that’s how you recognize a true traditional cantina in Mexico!

25. The Archaeological Site of Uxmal

Beyond its colonial heritage, Mérida is also near some must-visit Mayan archaeological sites, such as Uxmal, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes (80 km) from the capital of Yucatan, it’s the most emblematic Mayan site of the Puuc architectural style.

Its relatively brief history (7th to 10th century) was marked by a strategic alliance with Chichen Itza, giving it regional importance.

The site features several buildings, with the four main ones being the towering Pyramid of the Magician (which welcomes us at the entrance), the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor’s Palace, and the House of the Turtles.

Visiting Uxmal:

• Driving there: It’s a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Mérida via the Federal Highway 261. Parking costs 80 pesos.
• If you don’t have a car, I recommend the easiest option, which is to take this excursion to Uxmal that includes a visit to Kabah and hotel pick-up in Mérida. Book it easily here:

26. Kabah Site

As the second-largest Puuc site after Uxmal, Kabah is a little archaeological and architectural Mayan gem.

It is estimated that Kabah spans over 4 km² and mainly developed between the years 700 and 1000. The city was later invaded by the Itzaes of Chichen Itza who briefly occupied it before abandoning it.

While most buildings are still covered by vegetation, there are a few impressive facades rich in sculptures, depicting the city’s rulers and war scenes like the Temple of the Sun and “Codz Poop” or Palace of the Masks.

The site isn’t very large, but since it’s half-wild and not fully restored, I found the atmosphere unique and particularly interesting.

Moreover, there are hardly any visitors on the site, which makes it extra special!

Visiting Kabah:

• The site is open from 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entry costs 75 pesos
• Located just 22 km (30 min) from Uxmal, it’s common to visit both sites together.

If you don’t have a car, the easiest option is to take this tour that includes Uxmal, Kabah, and the chocolate museum with a transfer from Mérida. Book it easily here:

27. Cooling Off in a Cenote 

The most well-known cenote in Yucatán is undoubtedly cenote Ik Kil (near Chichén Itzá), but there are also several beautiful cenotes close to Mérida!

The Mérida region is home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful cenotes, and since it’s a bit away from the Riviera Maya, they are much less touristy, making them more pleasant for swimming!

Cenote Noh Mozón and its neighbors Nayah and Suem are rarely mentioned and are located far from the tourist trails. A good car is needed to access them via country roads, but the journey is worth it as the cenote is very well-preserved and natural!

If you’re traveling by public transport, I suggest heading to Homun where several cenotes are located such as Tza Ujun Kat, Santa Rosa, Pool Uninic, Santa Cruz, San Antonio, Hool, and Kosom. – Take a colectivo from Merida to Homun here  (1h each way)

For a family trip to Mérida, I recommend going to Santa Barbara cenotes where you can find several types of easily accessible cenotes (Cascabel, Chaksikin, Xoch’, and Pool Cocom) with a kids’ play area, viewing tower, and a restaurant.

28. Dzibilchaltún

Surprisingly, Dzibilchaltún is not a highly touristic archaeological site, even though it was one of the largest Maya cities in Mesoamerica, with some 40,000 inhabitants.

No fewer than 8,400 structures dating from 500 BC to the 16th century have been found here!

Today, you can visit the Temple of the Seven Dolls, which is the main building where an offering of seven human-shaped figurines was found, a 16th-century chapel, the Xlacah cenote, and the museum presenting several artifacts discovered during excavations, including stelae (2-9^th century).

• Entry fee: 300 pesos

How to get to Dzibilchaltún from Mérida:

• By car: 20-30 minutes towards Puerto Progreso. Take the Carretera Carr. Mérida – Progreso/México 261 and then the exit to Dzibilchaltun
• By public transport: take a colectivo at the corner of Calle 61 and Calle 58 that goes to the village of Chablekal (30min), then take a mototaxi to Dzibilchaltun which should cost 20-25 pesos

29. Mayapan

Approximately 42 km southeast of Mérida, in the municipality of Tecoh, lies Mayapan, known as the last great Mayan capital.

Founded in the 13th century, it was a fortified city hosting up to 12,000 inhabitants at its peak (1250-1450). The site covers over 4 km² with around 4,000 structures!

The main buildings of Mayapán, such as “El Castillo,” reflect the great influence of Chichén Itzá. Among its constructions, there are temples, small chapels, and circular observatories, surrounded by a wall demarcating the residential area.

A distinctive feature of Mayapán is its architecture that combines Mayan and Toltec elements, as well as the presence of mural frescoes of great value, depicting ritual and war scenes.

• Entry fee: 65 pesos

30. Seeing the Flamingos at Celestun

It’s a fishing village located in a biosphere reserve of the same name.

Here, you’ll find about 300 species of birds, including the North American flamingos, making it a small paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.

You can get close to them with a boat tour (max 6 people) of around one hour that also takes you to enjoy the ojo de agua, a lagoon with clear, slightly salty water: a delightful place to swim!

And to complete your visit to Celestun properly, take the opportunity to eat in one of the village’s seafood restaurants and enjoy the beach!

When to watch the flamingos: you can see them all year round, but the best period is from November to March, especially in January when the water level is at its lowest.

How to visit Celestun from Mérida

• By bus (2h): from Terminal Noreste (departures every hour starting from 5:45 AM, last return from Celestun at 8 PM). It’s interesting to see the typical Mayan houses in the villages you pass through, such as Caucel, Ucu, Hunucma, Tetiz, and Kinchil.
• With an organized tour: this is the simplest option with a guided tour, boat trip in the reserve, lunch, and transportation from your hotel in Mérida. Book here:

31. Visit a Traditional Hacienda

The haciendas in Yucatán, particularly around Mérida, were established during colonial times as agricultural estates, mainly for the production of henequén (sisal).

Sisal, a natural fiber derived from agave leaves used primarily to make ropes, sacks, and textiles, became the main economic driver of the region in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, there are beautiful haciendas in Mérida that have been transformed into magnificent 5-star hotels like Hacienda Santa Rosa, Hacienda Santa Cruz, and Hacienda Xcanatún, into restaurants such as Hacienda Teya, or even into eco-tourism centers like Hacienda Zamna offering multiple horseback tours.

For your first visit to Yucatan, I especially recommend visiting Hacienda Sotuta de Peón and Hacienda Mucuyché:

1. Hacienda Sotuta de Peón allows you to discover the henequén production process. It also has a typical Mayan house, a swimming pool, the Dzul-Ha cenote, and a restaurant serving Yucatan cuisine. – Buy your tickets for the visit here! (cenote included)

2. Hacienda Mucuyché was one of the most prosperous haciendas in Yucatán! The tour includes the old machines, the chapel, and the main house, and offers a chance to swim in the stunning Carlota and Azul Maya cenotes, plus access to its excellent restaurant.

32. Relax on the Beach

Mérida is one of the best cities in Mexico, and it would be just perfect if it were located on the coast!

Progreso is the closest beach to Mérida, a 30-40 minute drive away, depending on traffic.

It’s popular with both tourists and locals (especially on weekends and holidays!) because of its calm and shallow waters, numerous restaurants and activities, and easy accessibility, even by public transport!

For a quieter beach experience, you can head to Chicxulub or Telchac Puerto, which are a bit further away.

Where to Stay in Mérida? The Best Hotels for All Budgets

• 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

How Many Days to Visit Mérida?

With its colonial architecture, numerous museums, and easy access to various archaeological sites, Mérida has much to offer. It’s also a very safe, human-sized city that is pleasant to simply wander around in.

Here are my itinerary suggestions to make sure you don’t miss anything in Mérida and its surroundings in 1, 2, or 3 days.

1 Day in Mérida

If you have just one day in Mérida, you’ll need to focus on the essentials. Luckily, the attractions you’ll see in the morning are all located around the main square.

• In the morning, head to Plaza Grande to discover the heart of the city.
• Visit Casa de Montejo, the cathedral, and the Macay Museum.
• Stop by the 2nd floor of the Government Palace for a beautiful view over the square.
• Check out the Lucas de Galvez market to experience local products and atmosphere. You can choose to try a dish on the spot or pick from one of the many Mérida restaurants.
• In the afternoon, head to the impressive Great Mayan World Museum.
• In the evening, return to the center to enjoy the ambiance of Parque Santa Lucia; eat on a terrace or grab a drink.

2 Days in Mérida

If you’re wondering what to do in Mérida over two days, follow the same itinerary as the first day, and on the next day, visit Uxmal, Kabah, and the chocolate museum Choco-Story.

You can book the tour here:

3 Days in Mérida

If you have three days in Mérida, you can take your time a bit more. In addition to the already recommended itinerary, consider this for day three:

• Take a stroll down Paseo de Montejo and admire the beautiful examples of architecture.
• Go to the Yucatan Regional Museum of Anthropology, located nearby Paseo de Montejo.
• You can also learn about fascinating local arts at the Museum of Popular Art.

My Thoughts on Mérida

I arrived in Mérida with no expectations, having done no prior research because I wanted to be surprised.

And the result? I was supposed to stay for 3 days during my trip to Mexico, but I ended up staying 2 weeks before continuing my journey to Campeche!

Besides its numerous cultural attractions, the city considered the safest in Mexico is an excellent base for visiting other major attractions in Yucatan such as Uxmal and Celestun.

On top of that, it has maintained its authenticity as it’s still largely protected from mass tourism since most travelers tend to stay on the coasts of Cancun and Riviera Maya.

For me, Mérida is an unmissable destination in Mexico!

Where to Eat in Mérida?

Mérida offers an extensive selection of dining options for every budget:

Gorditas Doña Gorda $, located at the corner of Plaza Grande, is the perfect spot for good, affordable food. It’s an unassuming place, but it’s always full of locals, so you know it’s good! And indeed, their gordita with cochinita pibil turned out to be excellent. Address: corner of Calle 60 and Calle 61 (Plaza Grande), Mérida.

Local markets are always the best places to eat well and inexpensively in Mérida! I am particularly fond of the Lucas de Galvez market, but Santiago market also has its good spots like Taqueria La Lupita (you must try the salbutes and panuchos).

El Apapacho $-$$: With a bohemian atmosphere, it’s a place to enjoy a good breakfast on the colorful terrace. I recommend the tecolota with chicken (75 pesos) if you’re really hungry. It’s definitely one of Mérida’s hidden treasures!

Apoala $$$: If you have a slightly higher budget, it’s the perfect spot to taste sophisticated Mexican cuisine. Fresh products, intriguing flavor combinations, very charming place, and I suggest making a reservation to enjoy a table overlooking Parque Santa Lucia.

If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience, don’t miss 130 grados, for meat lovers, Azotea Delina with the best rooftop on Paseo de Montejo, or K’u’uk for contemporary Mexican cuisine with a tasting menu.

• For all my other recommendations, check out my complete article on restaurants and cafes in Mérida!

Tourist Map of Mérida

Here’s a map to help you easily locate all the main attractions, restaurants, and cafes I mentioned earlier, allowing you to plan your visit to Mérida more efficiently.

How to Get to Mérida (Bus, Plane, Car)

Traveling by Bus to Mérida

There are several departures per day from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Campeche.

My ticket from Playa del Carmen cost 650 pesos, but prices vary depending on the time. Make sure you go to the right bus station (Terminal Alterna – Avenida 20 and calle 12 bis) as there are 2 in Playa del Carmen.

Traveling by Plane to Mérida

There are several domestic and international flights to Manuel Crescencio Rejon Airport. The airport is located just 15 minutes from the city center.

To find a cheap flight to Mérida or Cancun, or to find your international flight to Mexico, I invite you to use our flight comparison tool for Mexico, in partnership with Skyscanner: it’s the guarantee of paying the best price!

Traveling by Car to Mérida

Mérida is ideally located at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, making it easily accessible from the main cities of the region:

– From Cancún, take the 180D highway, approximately a 3h30 drive.
– From Playa del Carmen, follow the 305D and then the 180D highway for about a 3h journey.
– From Tulum, take the 180D highway via Valladolid, around 3h drive.
– From Valladolid, follow the 180D highway for about a 1h45 drive.
– From Campeche, take the 180 highway, about 2h drive.

Rent a car in Yucatan

The easiest way to visit Mérida is to rent a car, as buses are limited and there is a lot to see in the area.

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Yucatan and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best 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

• Where to stay in Mérida? (For an EPIC First Time Visit)
• 1 Day in Merida – The Perfect Itinerary (1st time visit)
• 2 Days in Merida – An Epic Itinerary
• 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
• Izamal: 11 Best Things to Do in Yucatan’s Yellow City
• 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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