There are so many incredible Merida, Mexico activities to choose from that it can be difficult to decide. You must do this during your visit to this lovely colonial city.
Many travel blogs include day trips from Merida on their lists of Merida, Mexico things to do. But, we aim to maintain this list of the top activities in the city. We have a full blog post dedicated to the amazing day trips you can do from Merida, which you can find here. You are also able to view certain of the greatest famous tours following.
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1. Plaza Grande
The Plaza Grande is Merida’s largest square, located in the heart of El Centro. The actual name is “La Plaza Principal,” but Merida inhabitants call it Plaza Grande. We welcome you to stroll across the plaza and admire the architecture. Explore the church, observe the pigeons flutter, as well as rest in the plaza’s shade. On Sundays, the Plaza Grande hosts an outdoor marketplace. The streets are with street vendors offering conceivable. The city also hosts many events in the Plaza Grande. When we arrived in January, the city was commemorating its 482nd anniversary. And there were performances every night in the Plaza. A stroll through the Plaza Grande is a must-do if you visit Merida.
2. Merida’s Government Palace
Most visitors walking around Plaza Grande are unaware that they can visit the modern Government Palace. This edifice, which dates from 1892, housed the Spanish Royals before Mexico’s independence. Fernando Castro Pacheco produced stunning murals on the second story that depict parts of Yucatan history. There are guards in front of the Palace door, which makes entering a little daunting. But, as long as the doors are open, you are welcome to enter (without camera equipment).
3. Walk and shop around Centro
Walking around Centro and shopping is another must-do activity in Merida, Mexico. El Centro is Merida’s historic core, where the majority of tourists stay while visiting. It’s filled with vibrant buildings, uneven walkways, adorable stores, and wonderful restaurants. El Centro is an excellent area to pick up a souvenir or get a Guayabera. Guayaberas are a traditional Yucatan garment or shirt composed of sisal and cotton. These shirts and gowns are hand-embroidered and worn as formal attire. We spent the entire day strolling up and down the many streets in Centro admiring the doorways. Shopping in stores, and cooling off with a paleta or drink at a cantina.
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4. Paseo de Montejo
The Paseo de Montejo is a well-known avenue in Merida, right off El Centro. During the beginning of the nineteenth century’s Sisal manufacturing boom. Owners of haciendas resided on this avenue. It was on Paris’ Champs-Élysées Boulevard. The homes were abandoned when demand for sisal fell after Nylon was introduced. Yet they are still magnificent to behold and envisage in their past magnificence. The structures are very magnificent!
5. Monumento a la Patria
At the end of Paseo de Montejo, there is a massive Mayan monument known as “Monumento a La Patria”. This Monument to the Fatherland was in the 1950s to commemorate the Yucatan’s Mayan culture and Mexican independence. The monument surrounds the elaborate figure with important dates from Mexico’s history. And the back has a placard for all 32 Mexican states. This is a popular photo location with an easy walk down Paseo de Montejo. You may also locate another colorful Merida sign here if the one in Plaza Grande is too crowded!
6. Yucatan food
The Yucatan is particularly proud of having some traditional foods that cannot be elsewhere in Mexico. There are many Yucatan specialties to taste when there. Salbutes, panuchos, polcanes, cochinitapibil, relleno negro—the list goes on. One of our favorite things to do in Merida is eat all the food. On our most recent trip to Merida, we tried a variety of new meals and were away by the nuanced and often odd flavors. We have two blog posts dedicated to the best Yucatan meals to taste and the top 17 restaurants in Merida.
7. El Gran Parque de La Plancha
El Parque de La Plancha is one of Merida’s newest attractions. This huge 22-hectare park is Merida’s “Central Park”. It is home to two museums, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, and a food court (which is not yet operational). Many fountains, a train car ideal for children, strolling trails, and a skate park. This attraction offers something for everyone to enjoy. It remains a new attraction after being (by Mexico’s President) in November 2023. The trees on the path have not yet grown, so we recommend going on a cloudy day!