The Best Things to Do in the City of Mérida, Mexico

Mérida earned its nickname as La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) due to the prevalence of limestone, but most of its buildings today are, in fact, finished in a vibrant palette of pastels and primary colors. Take a stroll down the broad, tree-lined Paseo de Montejo to spy spectacular styles of architecture, from fairytale French Renaissance to flamboyant former art nouveau residences. The Palacio Cantón is a particularly fine example – now home to an anthropology museum.

When it comes to Mexican food, many of its distinctive flavors originate from the recipes of the ancient Maya – cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) is a favorite all over the world. So it’s no wonder that Mérida boasts a particularly rich gastronomic heritage and a fabulous dining scene to explore. La Chaya Maya is the place to go for authentic regional cuisine, now with two outposts on Calle 55 and downtown on Calle 62. For a more elevated experience, Kuuk has taken local flavors to dizzy gastronomic heights.

While most party seekers fly into the vacay hotspot of Cancún for the fiesta, Mérida more than holds its own when it comes to after-hours fun. Head downtown, and you’ll find lively cantinas, where the mezcal flows and people dance into the early hours (we especially love the vibe at La Negrita). You can often expect live music at these venues, pumping out everything from rock to reggaeton.

Mérida has long been an important crossroads for trade, reflected most vividly in its markets. Lucas de Galvéz is the must-visit hub, with over 2,000 stalls selling everything from traditional Mayan clothing and curios to the weird and wonderful ingredients that go into Yucatecan cooking. Its cacophonous riot of color and aromas is the best way to fully experience the essence of Yucatán all in one place. For a less overwhelming experience, head to the more orderly Mercado Miguel Alemán. The Mercado Santa Ana is the spot for sizzling street food.

Mexicans like a good party, and Yucatecos are no different. The city kicks off the year in style with Mérida Fest, celebrating the anniversary of its founding through 165 shows, dedicated to dance, theater and music. February sees the Mérida Carnival, one of the biggest street festivals in the country, full of color and costumes, followed by the rather more solemn but still spectacular Semana Santa around Easter. Not to be missed in November is Hanal Pixán, or Food for the Souls, the Mayan version of the Day of the Dead.

With a history as rich as this part of the world, it’s no wonder Mérida has some superb museums. Housed in a rather striking piece of modern architecture, Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a world-class venue (and an absolute must) dedicated to the history, culture and achievements of the Mayan culture. The city also boasts the Palacio de la Música, with interactive exhibits, where visitors explore Mexico’s musical heritage, while train buffs will love the old engines at the Railway Museum.

Right on the zócalo (main square) in the city, you can stroll into the state government palace and gawp at an incredible collection of murals depicting the Mayan civilization, history and conquest. Art lovers should also visit MACAY (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán) – the only museum dedicated to modern art on the Yucatán peninsula. For further insight into Mérida’s contemporary art scene, SoHo Galleries holds exhibitions of established international artists and emerging local talent.

With the Mayan sites of Uxmal and Chichén-Itzá both a few hours away, Mérida is a handy jumping-off point for visiting these archeological gems. But there are some great places even closer worth exploring, too. Just 30 minutes away, Dzibilchaltún is an excellent ancient site with over 8,000 structures and a great little museum. You’ll find the Cenote Xlacah here, too – a natural limestone pool filled with limpid waters and a lovely spot for a refreshing dip.