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Ten Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico

I feel like I need to start by saying that I absolutely love Merida. Having been twice in two years it’s certainly one of my favorite cities in Mexico. Not only is Merida one of the safest cities in Mexico it also boasts a rich culture with many unique things to do, too. Here is my list of the best things to do in Merida, Mexico:

>> be sure to check out my complete guide to visiting Merida for more travel tips (and foodie spots)

Take a food tour

You cannot go to Merida and not enrich yourself with the knowledge of Yucatan food. With a strong influence of Mayan culture the food is distinct and super tasty. Eating with Carmen is one of my favorite tour operators in the Yucatan. The price is fair and the portions are huge. You’ll walk away with many new favorites, so be sure to book your tour at the start of your trip.

Take a tour at Hacienda Stouta de Peon

Haciendas have a rich and complex history that are worth the visit. I’ve been to de Peon twice now and I can assure you it’s an incredible experience. The hacienda has refurbished itself to making rope the traditional way that made the Merida area wealth during the Spanish Colonial Era. Your tour includes a historical walking tour, access to their private cenote and lunch, too. 

You can also stay on the beautiful property for just $250 a night.

I used my rental car and drove myself here but you can hire a driver to take you there and back for around $80 USD. The roads are well-paved and easy to navigate. Once you’re out of the chaos of Merida you’ll find driving is very easy. Plus, you can then combine your trip with other experiences in the surrounding area.

See the free entertainment in Plaza Grande

Every evening the Plaza Grande has free entertainment that is better than most paid shows. On the weekends you’ll also find vendors selling handmade and mass-produced trinkets and Mexican street foods, too. One of my favorite parts is sitting at the park and watching the locals play soccer, dance, and relax.

Explore the town on a free walking tour

I took this free walking tour and did not regret it! You’ll get a great view of the city plus local recommendations for restaurants and can’t-miss things to do on your trip, too. (Just be sure to tip your guide at the end of your tour.)

Rent a bike during Sunday’s Biciruta

I hope you are fortunate enough to be in Merida on a Sunday to enjoy the magic that is Biciruta, where the city streets of Merida are shut down for locals to bike. You can rent a bike from many shops located on the Paseo de Montejo for less than $3. 

Keep in mind it’s not unusual for them to ask to keep your ID during your ride. Be sure to bring your driver’s license (so you don’t have to leave your passport). You’ll get it back upon returning the bike, no questions asked.

Visit the surrounding cenotes

Though the entire Yucatan has cenotes well worth a visit what sets the Merida area apart is how few crowds there are at them. In fact you can easily have a cenote all to yourself, which is insane! 

Merida Cenotes Worth the Visit:

  • Cenote Kankirixche
  • Cenote Dzonbacal
  • Cenote Xlacah
  • Cenote San Ignacio

Buy local products at the Slow Food Market

I’ll start by saying that this market brings out every expat in Merida. With prices on the higher side it’s certainly targeting higher income individuals but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the visit. Locals come and sell a variety of handmade goods and beautiful foods, too. 

Take a free salsa class

One of the best things to do in Merida is salsa. There are a few locations in Merida offering free salsa classes but Mercado 60 is the most well-known of them. You’ll need to check the schedule on their Facebook page (or just ask a local.. It seems like everyone knows about this free class!).

See Mayan ruins without the crowds at Uxmal

Visit the ruins at Uxmal and avoid the tours of the similar ruins near Cancun. For just $25 per person, you can see some epic ancient Maya city ruins within the jungle outside Merida. Renting a car is one of the best and cheapest ways to see the ruins but you can book a tour if you would prefer to go with a guide. This tour includes the ruins and a cenote!

Join the epic cantina experience at la negrita cantina

Probably one of the top things to do anywhere in Mexico is to experience cantina culture. But I’ve found no where that mixes locals with tourists quite like La Negrita Cantina. Come after 6 and you’ll likely be waiting some time outside before finding an open table but the coming around 4:00 is perfect. You’ll snag a table just in time for things to start heating up inside the cantina.

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