Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Merida?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Merida?
Many travelers spend one to two days in Merida during their visit. After all, the historical 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Merida?
Three days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Merida, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, dine out at amazing restaurants, and grab some drinks at a bar. You could also use Merida as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Merida Street Food Walking Tour ($65)
- Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida ($22)
- Uxmal and Kabah Ruins Tour with Chocolate History ($107)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Merida.
Is 4 days enough time in Merida?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Merida at your own pace to experience the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Diving in a Cenote in Merida, Mexico
How to spend 4 days in Merida
With 4 days in Merida, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Merida is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Merida?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Merida has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Merida as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the famous sights and museums, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for backpackers. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Merida
If you have more than 5 days in Merida, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Merida is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the capital of the state of Yucatán and it offers mix of cultural activities, colonial architecture, and colorful markets.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida ($122)
- Boat tour to Celestun from Merida ($136)
- Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver ($74)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Merida.
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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