Things To Do
Paseo de Montejo Stroll
Paseo of Montejo is the main street of Merida, this avenue is divided into 2 section, the “Paseo de Montejo” and “Prolongacion Montejo“, here we can find some of the oldest and most beautiful houses in the city, some now operate as museums, banks and others are still being used as regular homes.
Mérida en Domingo
During the day on Sundays, the streets shut down to cars for a while, and Plaza Grande transforms into a street market and fair. If you’re looking to pick up some Merida souvenirs and traditional Mayan handicrafts, Merida en Domingo (Merida Sunday Market) is the perfect palace. If you pass by at the right time, you’ll catch the Vaquería folkloric dance show, and the beautiful Boda Mestiza, a recreation of a traditional wedding ceremony.
Eat at Taqueria La Lupita (As Seen on Netflix)
Located at Parque Santiago, inside the Mercado de Santiago (Santiago Market), you’ll find La Lupita Taquería. This no-frills Mexico taco shop was featured on Netflix’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, in Episode 3 called “Acid,” hosted by James Beard Award-winning Chef Samin Nosrat. While there, sample some traditional panuchos and salbutes, and wash it all down with a piña con chaya drink. This is a great place for cheap eats in Merida, as you can have three tacos and a drink for about $7USD.
Mayan World Museum of Mérida
The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum) houses the largest collection of Mayan art and artifacts in Merida. For those visitors who won’t make it out to see the Mayan Ruins near Merida, this is the next best option. Located about 20 minutes by taxi or Uber outside of downtown, this is known as the best museum in Merida, so it’s worth a trip for art and history lovers. Make sure you’re taking an Uber or taxi, as public transportation isn’t great in Merida. Mayan World Museum Merida Address: Calle 60 Norte #299, Merida, 97110 Mayan World Museum Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm Mayan World Museum Admission Cost: $150 pesos ($8USD)
Visit Puerto Progreso
Once you get to Progreso, stroll down the oceanfront Malecon (Walkway) for a bite to eat and souvenir shopping. Pick a spot to rent a beach chair, or head to one of the best Progreso beach clubs, Silcer Beach Club and El HaGuay, which is just next to the Progreso letters sign. For a sunset dinner before returning to Merida, head to the western end of the beach to eat at one of the best restaurants in Progreso — Eladio’s Bar, a locals’ favorite. For a more upscale dining atmosphere, check out either Almadia or Crabster, both located on the Progreso Malecon.
Eat at La Chaya Maya Casona
Caro's mom favorite restaurant in Merida! They have delicious regional food and drinks.
Do the (FREE) BiciRuta Merida Bike Ride
The Merida BiciRuta, which means “bike route,” is a city-wide bike ride that takes place Sunday morning along Paseo Montejo, from about 8am-12pm. This is one of the most popular things to do in Merida, both for visitors and those living in Merida. There are both FREE bike rentals (if you get there early enough) and paid bike rentals available for Merida visitors; some renters require a passport, and some only need an ID/driver’s license. One weekends, this one of the top Merida attractions, great for fitness and people-watching.
Take a photo on the famous Kissing Chairs
These white chairs go by several names: Tu y Yo Chairs (You and I), Sillas Confidantes (Confidant Chairs), and Kissing Chairs. You’ll find them throughout Downtown Merida and Yucatan state, but their true origins remain unknown. One widely-accepted theory is that hundreds of years ago, an overprotective father created the chairs so his daughter and the young man courting her could sit together and talk — without touching one another — and in the most modest way possible.