
Merida, Mexico is a great destination for those looking to explore beyond the country's world-class beaches. As the capital of the Yucatan and home to 2 million people, Merida has a small-town feel while offering big-city amenities. The city is known for its safety, food, architecture, history, and culture.
Merida is the oldest city in the Americas and was the centre of the Maya civilisation until the Spanish took over in the 1500s. The city has two centres: the old historical centre and the new modern centre. The former is a lovely chaos full of surprises, including old haciendas, restaurants, bars, and museums. The latter is where most residents live and is not catered to tourists.
There are direct flights to Merida's international airport from major cities in North America, and it is also easily accessible by bus or car from Cancun. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to March, which also tends to be less hot.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Language | Spanish |
Currency | Mexican Peso |
Safety | Deemed the second safest city in North America in 2019 |
Best time to visit | November to March |
Weather | Hot |
Airport | MID Airport |
Transport | ADO bus, Mayan Train, car, Uber, taxi, colectivo, Va y Ven bus |
Where to stay | Centro |
Attractions | Dzibilchaltun Maya ruins, Uxmal Ruins, Anthropology and History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Cathedral of Merida Yucatan, Palacio Municipal, Palacio de Gobierno, Cenotes, Progreso, Izamal |
Food | Cochinita pibil, turkey salbutes, papadzules |
What You'll Learn
Merida is the safest city in Mexico
The capital of the Yucatan, Merida is also the safest state in Mexico in terms of homicides. The Yucatan state has the lowest possible level of travel advisory from the US, which is to use normal precautions. Crime rates in Merida are very low, and Yucatecans are generally super friendly. More than 60% of the people living in Merida are Mayans, and the Mayans have never really battled.
Merida's security budget has increased by 60% since 2018, and there is a notable police presence in the city, with many officers on horses, in small electric cars, and on foot. The police are there to ensure safety in the most prominent tourist areas, and the city takes its title of being Mexico's safest city very seriously.
While cartel crime is real in Mexico and affects tens of thousands of Mexicans each year, it does not impact tourists in major tourist cities like Merida.
Merida's safety is also reflected in the fact that it was named the American Capital of Culture for a second time in 2017.
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The best time to visit is November to February
The best time to visit Merida is between November and February, during the dry season. This is the winter period in Mexico, so you can expect slightly cooler temperatures and less rain and humidity.
The summer months of March, April, and May are not recommended, as temperatures can reach between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius (95-105 Fahrenheit). The rainy season in Merida is from June to October, so it is best to avoid these months if you don't want to be caught in a downpour.
If you plan your trip for November to February, you can take advantage of the more comfortable weather to explore all that Merida has to offer. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of colonial and Mayan influences. You can visit the ancient ruins of Uxmal, just an hour and fifteen minutes south of the city, or explore the well-preserved Mayan archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, located seventy-five miles east of Merida.
Back in the city, you can wander through the bustling local markets, such as Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and Mercado Santiago, and sample exotic fruits and local produce. You can also take a stroll through the historic center of Merida, with its colorful colonial-era buildings and picturesque plazas. Don't miss the main zócalo, where you'll find well-preserved 16th-century mansions and the San Ildefonso Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Latin America.
With its mix of cultural attractions, historical sites, and vibrant local life, Merida is a great destination to add to your travel itinerary. Just remember to pack accordingly for the weather and be prepared for some warm temperatures even during the cooler months!
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The city has two centres: the old historical centre and the new modern centre
Merida is a city with two distinct centres: the old historical centre and the new modern centre. The old historical centre, also known as "Centro", is the city's heart and soul, with a lively and chaotic atmosphere. It is full of surprises, from the many old haciendas to the numerous restaurants, bars, and museums. The streets of the historical centre are narrow and safe, with colourful periwinkle, sherbet pink, mint green, and vibrant peach facades. Here, you will find the main zócalo, a spacious square surrounded by well-preserved 16th-century mansions and the San Ildefonso Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Latin America.
In contrast, the new modern centre, also known as the "Paseo de Montejo", is broad and tree-lined, inspired by the Champs-Élysées. It is home to luxurious boutique hotels, such as Rosas & Xocolate, and palatial Beaux Arts homes. While some locals love the modern centre, others find it soulless compared to the historic centre.
Connecting these two centres is the Paseo de Montejo, a famous street that starts from the historic centre and ends at the Monumento a la Patria roundabout. While strolling along this street, you will find museums, coffee places, and restaurants.
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It is the oldest city in the Americas
Mérida, Mexico, is the oldest city in the Americas. It was founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors, including Francisco de Montejo the Younger and Juan de la Cámara, and named after Mérida in Extremadura, Spain.
The city was built on the site of the Maya city of Ti'ho, also called Ichkanzihóo or Ichcaanzihó, which means "City of Five Hills" in reference to its pyramids. The ancient Maya city of T'Ho was home to a significant community during the post-classical Maya era, from the 10th to the 12th century. However, the community gradually deserted the city before the arrival of the Spanish settlers, who then built Mérida on the ruins of the ancient city.
The Cathedral of Mérida, Yucatán, was built between 1561 and 1598 with stones from nearby Maya ruins and is the oldest cathedral in mainland America. Many of the carved stones of the ruins of ancient Ti'ho were used in the construction of the early Spanish buildings of Mérida, and these stones are still visible in the walls of the main cathedral.
Mérida has the third-largest old-town district on the continent, and it was the first city to be named the American Capital of Culture, an accolade it has received twice. The city has a centro histórico typical of colonial Spanish cities, and many old Spanish colonial buildings and several old city gates can still be seen in the historic centre. The street grid is based on odd-numbered streets running east-west and even-numbered streets running north-south, with Calles 60 and 61 bounding the Plaza Grande in the heart of the city.
The city's rich cultural heritage is a product of the syncretism of the Maya and Spanish cultures during the colonial era. Mérida's culture is a distinctive blend of traditions inherited from the ancient Maya civilisation, dating back to 2600 BC, and customs brought by the Spanish conquistadors.
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There are many museums to visit, including the Anthropology and History Museum
Merida, Mexico is a city rich in Mayan history and culture. There are many museums to visit, including the Anthropology and History Museum, housed in the stunning Palacio Canton on Paseo Montejo. Here are some more details about the museum and other attractions in Merida:
The Anthropology and History Museum
The Anthropology and History Museum, also known as the Palacio Canton, is one of the most recognisable buildings in Merida. It is housed in a beautiful mansion on Paseo Montejo, the city's most famous street. The building's stunning Old World design, both inside and out, makes it the most photographed building in the city. The museum showcases photography and Mayan relics, including a permanent exhibition of Mayan pieces from different regions. The fine details in the floor, walls, and marble staircase are also impressive. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm, and admission is $65 pesos (about $4 USD).
Other Museums in Merida
In addition to the Anthropology and History Museum, Merida is home to several other fascinating museums. These include the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which houses the largest collection of Mayan art and artefacts in the city; the Museum at Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins, where you can see artefacts and ancient Mayan artworks; the Museo Casa Montejo, a 16th-century mansion-turned-museum; and the Museo de las Gastronomia Yucateca, where you can learn about traditional Yucatecan food and even make tortillas by hand.
Other Attractions in Merida
Merida has a lot more to offer besides its museums. The city is known for its colourful Spanish colonial architecture, with narrow streets, picturesque facades, and broad central plazas. The main zócalo, or central square, is a spacious area surrounded by well-preserved 16th-century mansions and the San Ildefonso Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Latin America. Merida also has a lively cultural scene, with folkloric dancing and cultural events taking place in the city's plazas on Sundays. The city is also a great base for day trips to nearby archaeological sites, nature reserves, and charming villages.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Merida is during the dry season from November to March, when the weather is slightly cooler and less humid.
Yes, Merida is a walkable city, and there is also an efficient public transport system. The roads in the city centre are numbered, making it easy to navigate.
Merida has lots of attractions, including museums, cathedrals, markets, and archaeological sites.
The national language of Mexico is Spanish, and it is helpful to know some basic phrases. However, English is widely spoken in Merida, particularly by those working in the tourism industry.
Merida is considered to be a safe place to visit. In 2019, it was deemed the second safest city in North America by Business Magazine.