Visiting the Yucatan Peninsula? Don’t limit yourself to just staying in Cancun. Take a trip three hours west of the popular tourist destination and you’ll arrive in Merida, the region’s lively, vibrant capital. Home to some 750,000 people, this increasingly visited city offers something for everyone, from high-end hotels, boutique stores, and some of the best restaurants in the peninsula.
Here are our recommendations on some essential must-dos while you’re in town.
Eat In Salon Gallos
There are a lot of fantastic eateries in Merida, including street food stalls, but if you only have time for one world-class meal, then make it at Salon Gallos. This place doesn’t just offer a great meal, but also a great all-around experience. It’s housed inside an old mill, which has been magnificently repurposed into a restaurant — Salon Gallos — as well as a cinema, art room, wine bar, and several other cool spaces.
There’s always a great atmosphere, the staff are friendly and ready to please, and virtually everything on the menu is worth ordering. In fact, even if you do have time for two great meals while in Merida, you’ll probably find that you come back here.
Visit Casino Circus Merida
Merida is a casino city. Despite its relatively small size, there are a number of casino establishments in the city. The best in town is Casino Circus Merida, which is centrally located and instantly recognizable thanks to its yellow, circular building. You’ll find all the classic games once you step inside, though visitors from the US and Europe should be aware that many casinos in Mexico offer both American and European roulette. As such, visitors planning to play may find it beneficial to play both versions online before visiting, to ensure that they’re ready for whichever variant is being played at the casino. After playing, swing by the onsite restaurant, which offers delicious and inexpensive regional food.
Go Museum Hopping
It’s not casinos that Merida has in abundance; they also have bucketloads of museums for visitors to explore, too. If you’re interested in learning about the region’s Mayan culture, then make sure you check out the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which goes into terrific detail about the culture. Another museum worth visiting is the Museo Casa de Montejo, which is housed in a magnificent building and features colonial art pieces. This museum is free to enter.
Hit the Shops
It’s highly encouraged to leave some space in your suitcase when you’re packing for your visit. You’ll be happy you did so once you arrive and see the range of quality shopping options at your disposal. Take a walk through Merida, and it won’t be long before you uncover a boutique store selling locally-made clothing and home products. Vernaculo Studio and Taller Maya Santa Ana are two of the best.
Also be sure to swing by Mercado San Benito and Mercado Lucas De Galvez, two adjacent markets that sell pretty much everything, including fresh produce, leather products, and everything in between. You can also take a tour to get to understand the markets’ history and importance, which is recommended!
Photo by Erik Scheel -www.pexels.com
Take a Morning Walk Along Paseo Montejo
There’s a lovely ambiance to Merida in the morning, and one of the best ways to experience it is to take a gentle stroll along Paseo Montejo, the main boulevard that cuts through the city. The street is gorgeous, which makes for an excellent way to gently wake up, and it’ll take along many of the city’s highlights. Stop for a coffee along the way and watch the town come to life.
Enjoy the Architecture
Finally, spend some time simply exploring the town’s historical buildings, which typically have stunning architecture. Palacio del Gobierno, which features artwork from Fernando Castro Pacheco, is particularly recommended, as is the Merida Cathedral. You can go into both. And you absolutely must visit El Monumento a la Patria, which is the most famous monument in the city.
