Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Merida?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Merida?
Many travelers spend one to two days in Merida during their visit. After all, the traditional city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene.
Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. The city has both Mayan and colonial history and there are many colonial architectural landmarks that include cathedrals and palaces. Outside of town you'll find Mayan ruins and temples and in town there are museums and even live performances that educate visitors on the region's history.
Do you have one or two days to visit Merida? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Merida?
The city of Merida boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions around the city. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the traditional city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have one to two days to fully enjoy the city even though it's not huge. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
How to spend a day in Merida
Don't miss Grand Plaza during your trip to Merida, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit ($89)
- Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine ($64)
- Experience Honey Tasting and Stingless Bees from Merida Yucatan ($44)
Merida is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Merida?
A weekend is the perfect amount of time in the traditional city of Merida, as many visitors prefer to spend around one to two days here. Since it's not a huge city, over two days or on a weekend trip you'll be able to wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, dine out at amazing restaurants, and grab some drinks at a bar. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your weekend adventure below.
Diving in a Cenote in Merida, Mexico
How to spend 2 days in Merida
With a weekend (two to three days) in Merida, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Merida, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Amazing Trip to Uxmal, Chocolate Museum from Mérida ($100)
- 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum ($61)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nightlife tour in Merida, Yucatan. ($210)
The public transit in Merida is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Merida, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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