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Top 53 Things To Do in Mérida

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Top things to do in Mérida

See all 53 things to do in Mérida

#1Chichén Itzá Express Tour

Open the gates to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and admire the legendary, ancient Maya town. Tucked deep in the Yucatan jungle, Chichén Itzá—a UNESCO...

recommend84% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$123
per adult
Chichén Itzá Express Tour

#2Cuzama Cenotes Day Tour with Lunch

On this tour, you will visit three cenotes each one with impressive characteristics: Cascabel, Chaksikin and Xoch and have a chance to swim and admire the su...

recommend98% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$84
per adult
Cuzama Cenotes Day Tour with Lunch

#3Silcer Beach Club Day Pass

Spend a day relaxing and soaking up the sun at the Silcer Beach Club. Located on a secluded beach in Progreso, the club is the perfect day-long getaway. Unwi...

recommend56% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$65
per adult
Silcer Beach Club Day Pass

#4Private Full-Day Izamal & Valladolid Excursion

Join a personal guided tour and discover 2 spectacular colonial cities on an immersive tour. This full-day excursion takes you to the picturesque Izamal and ...

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$160
per traveler
Private Full-Day Izamal & Valladolid Excursion

#5Chichen Itza Your Way with Preferred Suite Access

Traipse around one of the New7Wonders of the World at your own pace, exploring the magical pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza. Stand before the dominating El...

recommend56% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$32
per adult
Chichen Itza Your Way with Preferred Suite Access

#6Yucatecan Cooking Class with a Local Market Tour

Uncover the history and culture of Merida on this day spent exploring its culinary delights and cooking traditions. Sample tastes of authentic street food at...

recommend98% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$75
per traveler
Yucatecan Cooking Class with a Local Market Tour

#7Chichen Itza Premium Tour from Progreso

Enjoy an awe-inspiring tour of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous of all late Maya cities. This Mayan holy site contains structur...

recommend20% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$89
per adult
Chichen Itza Premium Tour from Progreso

#8Chichén Itzá Day Tour Including Cenote Ik-kil

Wander the remarkable ruins of Chichen Itza, an iconic city of the ancient Maya, on this full-day cultural excursion. Explore the sacred temples, grand pyram...

recommend78% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$75
per adult
Chichén Itzá Day Tour Including Cenote Ik-kil

#9Private Chichen Itza Full-Day Tour

Feel the luxury and comfort of a unique private guided tour to Chichén Itza's Archaeological Site especially designed for you. Begin this activity at your ti...

recommend100% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$79
per traveler
Private Chichen Itza Full-Day Tour

#10Uxmal Tour with Sound & Light Show

Spend an afternoon visiting the fascinating archaeological ruins at the Maya city of Uxmal. Enjoy a traditional Yucatán dinner before returning for a beautif...

recommend88% of travelers recommend

Free Cancellation Free Cancellation

$69
per adult
Uxmal Tour with Sound & Light Show

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Things to Do in Merida

Both the capital and the largest city of the province of Yucatán, Merida is a cultural and governmental hub in the Yucatán Peninsula. Constructed by the Spanish during the 16th century on the site of the ancient Mayan center of T'hó, the city represents one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the Americas, and reflects a mix of Maya, Mexican, and European influences. Colonial architecture, picturesque squares, vibrant markets, and access to some of the province's most incredible Maya ruins make Merida a destination with ample things to see and do.         

Areas & Neighborhoods

Merida's streets are arranged on a grid system, making it an easy city to navigate and explore. Right at the center, the peaceful Plaza Grande reflects both the city's rich history and relaxed atmosphere. To the north, the market district and the Paseo de Montejo beckon with a wealth of opportunities for shopping and dining.

Plaza Grande

Lined with shady trees, benches, and Spanish colonial buildings, Plaza Grande is the place to begin exploring Merida. Alongside architectural treasures like the 16th-century Merida Cathedral-the oldest of its kind on the continent-and the plateresque-style Casa Montejo, sidewalk cafes and ice cream shops make this square a delightful place to spend an afternoon.

Paseo de Montejo

Modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the wide boulevard of Paseo de Montejo was constructed in the 19th century and lined with grand mansions for the city's elites. Some of them survive today, and the area is also home to posh hotels, restaurants, and trendy clubs.

Market District

The lively market district is where locals and tourists like come to shop in Merida. The largest market in the area, Lucas de Galzez, offers a feast for the senses, brimming with fresh produce, meat, flowers, spices, and locally made clothing and crafts.

Things to See in Merida

From stunning architecture to fascinating museums, Merida contains an enchanting mix of historic and contemporary sights. In addition to its colonial-era cathedral and the Casa Montejo, the Plaza Grande features 19th-century government landmarks including the Governor's Palace and the Palacio Municipal. Next door to the Merida Cathedral is the Museo MACAY, an art museum featuring the works of contemporary Mexican artists. The contemporary Gran Museo del Mundo Maya pays tribute to the Yucatán's Mayan heritage. After browsing an impressive collection of ancient relics, as well as sections devoted to modern-day Maya culture, head north to the Dzibilchaltún to explore the Mayan ruins just outside the city. At the Museo MACAY, art enthusiasts can marvel at the works of Gabriel Ramirez Aznar, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Fernando García Ponce.

Things to Do & Attractions in Merida

Merida serves as a convenient starting point for day trips to the region's ancient Maya archaeological sites. Join a group tour of the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chichén Itzá, or let a private guide introduce you to the incredible ruins of Uxmal. In the modern-day cities of Izamal and Valladolid, remnants of the Maya civilization coexist with Spanish architecture, bearing witness to the area's pre-colonial and colonial history. If you're eager to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Yucatán, embark on a snorkeling tour that plunges you into mysterious underground cenotes, or visit the vibrant Caribbean flamingos at the ecological reserve in Celestun. Merida also offers opportunities to take a bite of its delicious culinary heritage-take a lesson in preparing classic Yucatán dishes with a local, or taste your way through the city's best street food.