posted by Shelley | last updated: December 26, 2020
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Ready to discover the most instagrammable things to see in Merida?
Located only about 3.5 hours from Cancun and Tulum, the Yucatan city of Merida has endless beautiful, colorful and instagrammable places to see — but let’s start with these 25! Oh, and BONUS, they are all pinned to a handy and FREE Merida map below, just for for you ❤️
From historic monuments to colonial buildings, colorful streets to charming cafes, you’ll never run out of beautiful places to photograph, and fun things to do in Merida Mexico! Oh, and if by chance you do run out of things to see in the city, check out this guide on the 25 Best Merida Day Trips, featuring numerous places to see within three hours of Merida.
How do I know all this about Merida, Mexico?
👋 I’m Shelley, I have been living in in Merida since July 2019! In fact, I have been traveling solo and living in Mexico for 2.5 years now. I also happen to love me some Instagram… and sharing Mexico’s beauty is the reason I blog and podcast, and share so many photos on social media! I hope this article helps you find all of my city’s beauty.
Now, if you’re ready, let’s dive in and explore the 25 most photogenic places with pretty things to see in Merida, one of the most beautiful cities in the Yucatan Peninsula.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Merida Mexico Map
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For your convenience, all 25 of the instagrammable things to see in Merida mentioned in this blog have been pinned to the map below. It is the perfect way to plan your Merida sightseeing adventure in Mexico.
You might notice on this map of Merida that many things are quite close to one another — and you’d be right! Merida is not a very big city, and in fact, it makes for the perfect Mexico weekend getaway because you could leisurely explore downtown Merida and the surrounding areas in two days. If you have more time, head to one of the nearby towns like Tulum, Valladolid and Campeche.
🤔 Did You Know: The photogenic city of #MeridaMexico has the oldest church on the Americas Continent!? Find out the Top 25 things to do & see in this historic, colorful, colonial city 📸 #Mexico #Yucatan #Travel
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25 Things to See in Merida
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— #1 —
Paseo de Montejo
There are no shortage of beautiful, photogenic places to see in instagrammable Merida Mexico! Some of the prettiest parts of the city are located along and around the Paseo de Montejo (Montejo Street/Walkway). This walkable, tree-lined street, is full of history and some of the most beautiful buildings in Merida.
The Paseo is about 13 city blocks long (2 miles/3.2km), with numerous beautiful buildings, cute cafes and chic shops along the way, so go ahead and walk the whole street, to create your very own Merida walking tour!
Paseo Montejo runs north-to-south. It goes from a small park called El Remate on the south side of the Paseo on Calle 47 (47th St.), and ends two-miles north at the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland). This iconic structure if the most photographed monument on the Paseo.
Essentially, you can start at either side and walk to the other. For this article, we’ll start on the south/El Remate side, and head north to the Monumento a la Patria.
Pro tip: North of this monument, the street name changes to Prolongación Paseo de Montejo, and there’s not much to see or do — so you can stop at the monument.
📸 Curious about Mexico travel? This is the podcast for you!
— #2 —
Casa Montejo 495
Recently opened to the public, Casa 495, one of the two Casas Gemelas (Twin Houses), is like stepping back in time. The inside of this European Renaissance-style mansion has been well preserved and reflects the esthetic style popular in Merida during the early-1900s, when Casa 495 was built. Within this picturesque home, you’ll see tapestries from all over the world, sculptures, paintings, stained glass windows and more.
Pro Tip: Casa 495, and all other Merida museums, are closed Mondays.
- Casa 495 Address: Paseo de Montejo 495, Mérida, 97000
- Casa 495 Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
- Casa 495 Admission Cost: $250 pesos ($13)
— #3 —
Museo Palacio Canton
Museo Palacio Canton (Canton Palace Museum) is undeniably the most photographed building in Merida! This museum is also the biggest and most iconic of Paseo de Montejo’s grand European-style buildings, with its stunning Old World design, both inside and out.
Recently, the museum’s name changed to Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán, Palacio Canton (Regional Museum of Anthropology of Yucatán, Canton Palace), as it now houses a small collection of Mayan artifacts. Locally, however, everyone still knows it as Palacio Canton or Palacio Canton Museum.
Pro Tip: Palacio Canton Museum, and all other Merida museums, are closed Mondays.
- Casa 495 Address: Paseo de Montejo 485, Mérida, 97000
- Casa 495 Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-5pm
- Casa 495 Admission Cost: $65 pesos ($3)
RELATED BLOG ✈️ 25 Amazing Day Trips From Merida That You Need to Take
— #4 —
Quinta Montes Molina
Quinta Montes Molina is the last of the beautiful European-inspired homes along Paseo de Montejo. It is now a museum and private event space. Admittedly, I haven’t been inside (ahem, yet!); but the photos online look stunning. You can request a guided tour to see for yourself, as they don’t allow walk-ins, but this tour is one of the best free things to do in Merida.
- Quinta Montes Molina Address: Paseo de Montejo 469, Mérida, 97000
— #5 —
Monumento a la Patria
The Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland) is one impressive monument. It is pretty both during the day and at night, when it’s lit up with different colored lights! Unlike many monuments, you can go right up to this one to check out the details.
The monument was made by Colombian sculptor, Rómulo Rozo. It features more than 300 hand-carved figures, chronicling about 700 years of Mexican history. On it, you’ll see artistic representations of everything from the establishment of Tenochtitlán (present-day Mexico City) in 1325, through other notable and historic events in the 20th century.
— #6 —
El Pinar
El Pinar (The Pine Grove) is one of Merida’s most instagrammable homes. When you see it, you’ll know why — It’s basically Barbie’s Dream House!
This French-style mansion is actually privately owned, so you can’t go in. However, you can put your camera through the gate and snap some photos, like everyone else on Instagram — me included, as you see in my photo below — has done!
📸 Ready to level up your solo travel photos? This is the podcast for you!
— #7 —
Hotel Casa Azul
The Hotel Casa Azul (Blue House Hotel) is super pretty and has actually been declared a national historic monument. Its light blue exterior makes for a beautiful photo, but so does the interior courtyard — just ask nicely and the front desk staff will let you snap some quick photos.
🏨 Book your stay at the Hotel Casa Azul, one of the best hotels in Merida Mexico, according to so many near-perfect reviews!
— #8 —
Parroquia Santa Ana
Built in 1733, the Parroquia Santa Ana (Parrish/Church of Saint Ana) is one of several photogenic spots in the hip Santa Ana neighborhood. In the adjoining park, you’ll also find some of Merida’s famous Tú y Yo (You and I) white chairs, as well as the open-air Mercado Santa Ana (market). At the mercado, be sure to eat some traditional Yucatecan cuisine, like cochinita pibil (slow-cooked suckling pig) and sopa de lima (lime soup).
History of Merida’s Kissing Chairs (Tú y Yo Chairs)
These white chairs are located in several places throughout Merida and Yucatan state, but their origins are actually unknown!
One of the widely-accepted theories is that hundreds of years ago, an overprotective father created the chairs so his daughter and the young man courting her could sit together and talk — but without actually touching one another. On the Sillas Confidantes (Confidant Chairs), these two youngsters could interact in a more modest way than they could on a traditional bench.
RELATED BLOG 🇲🇽 5 Effective Ways to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety
— #9 —
Calle 47 & Restaurant Row
So we’re back to Calle 47 (47th St.), where we started the Paseo de Montejo journey at El Remate! This street is wonderful, and the buildings on Calle 47 are all very beautiful and well-maintained.
You should check it out on both the east and west sides of Paseo de Montejo, as they are both quite photogenic. The side of Calle 47 to the east of Paseo Montejo is known as Restaurant Row, where — you guessed it — a lot of the city’s trendiest cafes and restaurants are located… including the next place featured in this article!
RELATED BLOG ☕️🥐 Eating Alone While Traveling: How to Overcome Your Fear
— #10 —
Cafe Latte Quattro Sette
This cafe is like an instagrammable dream come true! It has to be one of the cutest cafes in the city; and in my opinion, it is for sure the prettiest! They keep early hours, so double check that they are open when you want to go! If they aren’t, check out the next place featured in this article!
- Cafe Latte Quattro Sette Address: Calle 47 # 465, Mérida, 97000
- Cafe Latte Quattro Sette Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-5pm
— #11 —
Cafe Impala
Cafeteria Impala, a favorite among locals that’s located just around the corner from Cafe Latte Quattro Sette — and pretty much always open. This indoor/outdoor old school diner is both instagrammable and has stood the test of time, serving delicious food at one of the best restaurants in Merida since 1958.
This Merida institution is popular day and night, but many love to head there after Merida’s Sunday morning bike ride along the Paseo Montejo, the BiciRuta. Keep scrolling to find out about the Merida BiciRuta!
- Cafe Impala Address: Calle 56A 500 X Calle 47 y 45, Mérida, 97000
- Cafe Impala Hours: Open daily, 8am-1am
What is the BiciRuta in Merida?
The Merida BiciRuta, which means “bike route,” is a city-wide bike ride that takes place several times a week, with the most popular ride on Sunday mornings along Paseo Montejo from about 8am-12pm. There are both free bike rentals (if you get there early enough!) and paid bike rentals available for Merida visitors; some renters require a passport, and some only need an ID/driver’s license.
— #12 —
Plaza Grande & the Big Merida Letters
Located in Downtown Merida, Plaza Grande (Main Plaza/Big Plaza) is the city’s main plaza/square. It is also known as the Zocalo, and is as old as the city itself! In general, Centro de Merida (Downtown) never gets old; there are just so many colorful homes, vintage cantinas, beautiful colonial buildings, bougainvillea bushes, charming windows & doors, vintage VW cars and so many more things to see and photograph.
Many of Merida’s instafamous places, however, are found in Plaza Grande (and all pinned on the FREE Merida Map at the top of this blog), including the big, colorful letters spelling out MERIDA. You’ll find letters just like these in all of Mexico’s major and historic cities.
RELATED BLOG ✈️ Afraid to Travel Alone? These 5 Powerful Tips Will Help
— #13 —
Palacio de Gobierno
Built in 1892, the Palacio de Gobierno (Governor’s Palace) houses Yucatan state’s executive government offices. This pretty green building is lovely from the outside, but do head inside if it’s open. Check out both floors for some pretty Instagram-worthy spots and beautiful art, including murals and oil paintings by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, showcasing the Yucatan Peninsula’s history.
- Palacio de Gobierno Address: Calle 60 S/N X Calle 61 y 59, Mérida, 97000
- Palacio de Gobierno Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
- Palacio de Gobierno Admission Cost: FREE!
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— #14 —
Merida Cathedral
Built throughout the 16th century from 1561-1598, this is one of the oldest cathedrals in the entire Americas Continent! It’s also the main/biggest church in Merida. The outside and inside are both very instagrammable — just remember to be quiet and respectful if you take photos inside the church.
— #15 —
Pasaje a la Revolución
The Pasaje a la Revolución (Revolution Passageway) sits between the Merida Cathedral and the Fernando García Ponce-Macay Museum. Inside, you’ll find a rotating lineup of art installations from both Mexican and international artists. The Pasaje is FREE to walk through.
RELATED BLOG ✈️ Mexico Solo Travel: How To Be Safe & Crush It
— #16 —
Museo Casa Montejo
The outside of the Museo Casa Montejo (Montejo House Museum) is so beautiful! It is one of only a few examples of the architecture style called “Plateresque,” found mostly in Europe. As the name implies, this museum is also a house, and the inside is like going back in time! There’s also a gallery with rotating exhibits.
Pro Tip: Museo Casa Montejo, and all other museums in Merida, are closed Mondays.
- Museo Casa Montejo Address: Calle 63 506, Mérida, 97000
- Museo Casa Montejo Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-7pm
- Museo Casa Montejo Admission Cost: FREE!
— #17 —
Parque Santa Lucia
Here you will find Merida’s famous and instagrammable giant white chairs — which never seem to look like it in photos — but stand at almost 8-feet-tall (2.5m)!
These chairs, located all over Merida and Yucatan state, go by a lot of names: Sillas Tú y Yo (You and I Chairs), Kissing Chairs, and Sillas Confidentes (Confidants’ Chairs).
Regardless of the name you choose, one thing’s for sure: You probably want your photo sitting on the instagrammable white chairs in Merida.
📸 Ready to level up your solo travel photos? Head to this blog, How to Get Awesome Solo Travel Photos, and get 5 photo tips and 5 FREE editing presets!
Merida Nightlife: Santa Lucia Park
Parque Santa Lucia (Saint Lucia’s Park) itself is pretty during the day, but it really comes alive after the sun goes down. At night there is often live music and folk dancing, and all the restaurants open — transforming this unassuming park into the perfect place to enjoy dinner al fresco, listen to music and people-watch.
RELATED BLOG 🍷🍽 Eating Alone While Traveling: How to Overcome Your Fear
— #18 —
Arco de Dragones & Arco del Puente
The Arco de Dragones (Dragon’s Arch) and Arco del Puente (Bridge Arch) are two of Merida’s three remaining arches that still stand today. There were originally eight, but the others have fallen over the years.
These two of the three are located on both ends of Calle 50 (50th St.), so when you’re standing at one, you can see the other. Walk to both and see where the sun is hitting better, to get the most instagrammable shot.
— #19 —
Arco de San Juan
Located on the outermost edge of downtown, the Arco de San Juan (Saint John’s Arch) is little bit of a walk — but also the prettiest of the three, so it’s worth it. If you do want to see it, there is also the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (Church of Saint John the Baptist) and Parque de San Juan (Saint John’s Park) right next to the arch.
Pro tip: Walk under the arch, hearing southwest on Calle 64 (64th St.) to see a whole street full of cute, colorful buildings.
— #20 —
Teatro Jose Peón Contreras
Teatro Jose Peón Contreras (Jose Peon Contreras Theater) is the oldest, and arguably, the most beautiful theater in all of Merida. It is stunning from the outside, but you have to go inside, even just to the foyer. It was designed by Italian architects and looks similar to any grand and opulent European theater from the 19th century.
Want to see a live performance in this historic theater? When in season, the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra performs here Friday nights at 9pm, and again on Sundays at noon.
- Teatro Jose Peón Contreras Address: Calle 60 490, Mérida, 97000
RELATED BLOG ✈️ 5 Effective Ways to Overcome Solo Travel Anxiety
— #21 —
Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan (UADY)
The Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (Autonomous University of the Yucatan), or “UADY” for short, is a college campus. That being the case, you can’t just roam it freely. However, the courtyard right at the entrance is the beautiful and instagrammable part of UADY. This Moroccan-inspired entryway looks like it’s straight out of Marrakech!
- UADY Address: Calle 60 491A, Mérida, 97000
— #22 —
Parque Hidalgo
Of all Downtown Merida parks, Parque Hidalgo (Hidalgo’s Park) tends to be the most relaxing. Get an ice cream at the Santa Clara or a coffee at Starbucks, then sit on the white Tú y Yo/Kissing Chairs and people-watch. Oh, and bonus: There’s FREE WiFi in Parque Hidalgo!
Before leaving Parque Hidalgo, head inside Gran Hotel and Hotel Caribe, both located in the park. The two hotels have beautiful lobbies that make for great Instagram photos. Parque de la Madre (Mother’s Park) is right across the street, and there, you’ll find the beautiful Iglesia de Jesus (Jesus’ Church).
— #23 —
Fundacion de Artistas
You won’t see this place on any other Merida travel lists, because the Fundación de Artistas (Artist’s Foundation) is one of Merida’s hidden gems.
This unique space is an art gallery with a boutique store and café outside in a beautiful courtyard. They always have really cool exhibits, but if you’re not feelin’ the art, the outdoor space is stunning and totally instagrammable and the indoor store is one of the best places to shop in Merida.
- Fundacion de Artistas Address: Calle 55 520, Mérida, 97000
— #24 —
Coqui Coqui Merida
Located in a converted home, the Coqui Coqui store wears many hats — Perfumeria (perfume store), spa and one-room hotel. In fact, it is one of the best spas in Merida, and one of the best boutique hotels in Merida Mexico as well. Head there for some beautiful photos and to create your own custom perfume scent.
- Coqui Coqui Address: Calle 55 516, Mérida, 97000
— #25 —
Casa de las Artesanias
The Casa de las Artesanías del Estado de Yucatán (House of the Artisans of Yucatan State) is a fair trade store — and one of the best places for shopping in Merida Mexico to purchase authentic handicrafts from local artists.
Opened in 1978, the Casa de las Artesanias is operated by the Yucatan state government. It is part of a nonprofit cultural program to support indigenous Mayan artisans.
Pro tip: Unlike similar artisan shops, prices in the Casa de las Artesanias are non-negotiable.
- Casa De Las Artesanias Address: Calle 63 X 64 y 66, Mérida, 97000 (next to Monjas Church)
Merida Mexico Travel FAQs
Is Merida Mexico Safe?
This question is tricky, as no place is 100% safe. I do my best to address the Mexico safety question in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: How to Be Safe & Crush It. But, in short, the answer to Is Merida safe? is Yes!! Merida has been ranked as not only one of the safest cities in Mexico, but one of the safest in all of the Americas.
Should I get travel insurance for Mexico?
Want an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times? Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
I’ll be honest, when I first started traveling solo, I wasn’t insured. However, after years of solo traveling, I wised up… now, I even have a whole page of this website dedicated to travel insurance, because it’s just that important!
If Mexico and Mexico City travel safety are on your mind, get your free quote below now!
10 General travel safety tips
- Always listen to your intuition — because your intuition is always right.
- If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place asap. Don’t worry about making a kind, nice or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away fast.
- Don’t walk home alone at night.
- Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket.
- Learn some basic Spanish. If you can’t learn it, save this infographic as an image on your phone so you have something to use even if you’re off-WiFi.
- Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things. This is annoying, for sure, but it works to not get your stuff stolen.
- Speaking of bar neighbors… don’t take drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended.
- Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.
- Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to pay.
- When in doubt: Get Travel Insurance!
Register for the STEP Program
Make sure you enroll in the free STEP Program before your trip. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
After you’ve registered, the U.S. Consulate in Merida can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.
Is Merida Safe at Night?
Again, there can’t possibly be a definitive answer when it comes to safety. However, following general travel safety guidelines, as you would anywhere else in the world, should suffice in Merida. Though it is one of Mexico’s larger city, Merida does feel like a small town.
There is Uber in Merida, so taking it at night versus walking home alone is a smart idea! Also, learning a few words of Spanish will help, not wearing flashy jewelry, and a few more Mexico safety tips I outline in this podcast below.
Pro tip: Uber in Mexico is much cheaper than in the U.S.! Prices will of course vary, but figure about $50 pesos ($2.50) for a 20 minutes ride.
📸 Curious about Mexico travel safety? This is the podcast for you!
Traveling to Merida Mexico
Wondering about flights to Merida? There’s actually an airport about 20 minutes from downtown — Merida International Airport (code: MID)!
There are direct flights to Merida Mexico from the Miami, Oakland and Houston airports in the U.S., and daily flights from most of Mexico’s major airports, including Mexico City or Guadalajara International Airports. From there, where you can take a short, connecting flight into MID.
From the airport, you can take an Uber, taxi, or private transport service to your accommodation. The airport is only about 25-35 minutes from Downtown Merida.
Merida Car Rental
If you are looking to rent a car in Merida, the airport is the best place to do so. For travelers mostly staying in the city limits, you might want to skip a rental car, but if you’re planning to take a few day trips from Merida, you’ll want to consider a car!
🚗💨 Need tips on driving in Mexico? Head to this article all the Mexico driving tips you’ll need!
As Merida isn’t a big city, can rental options can be limited… so do book in advance! Click the image below to use Discover Cars, a reputable company for a rental car in Merida.
Cancun to Merida
If you aren’t flying to Merida International Airport, you can fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) and take the bus or drive your rental car over to Merida. There are also some small carriers that offer Cancun to Merida flights, like Magnicharters and MAYAir.
• Cancun to Merida Bus: You can easily take an ADO bus from the Cancun Airport, on what is about a five-hour drive. ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company and has a fleet of luxury class busses. You can buy your tickets online, or in person. Prices vary, but figure about $500 pesos ($25) for a one-way ticket.
• Cancun to Merida Drive: This drive takes about 3.5 hours by car and is known as a very safe drive. In general, the Yucatan Peninsula is known as one of the safest parts of Mexico, roads included.
🚗💨 Need tips on driving in Mexico? Head to this article all the Mexico driving tips you’ll need!
Tulum to Merida
Traveling to Merida from Tulum — the Instagram capital of the Yucatan?! This trip will take about 3 hours by car, and closer to 4 by bus.
From Tulum, you can easily take an ADO bus from the main bus terminal in Downtown Tulum. You can also rent a car and drive… Just follow all the driving in Mexico tips linked below!
🚗💨 Need tips on driving in Mexico? Head to this article all the Mexico driving tips you’ll need!
FREE DOWNLOAD 📸 How to Get Awesome Solo Travel Photos + 5 FREE Presets
Best Time to Visit Merida
The best time of year to visit Merida Mexico is from October-March, when the weather’s cooler and not so humid. May is known as the hottest, most humid month.
Located in the tropics, it rains pretty much daily during the peak of rainy season in June-September. This is also hurricane season, so if possible, you might want to avoid Merida travel from May-September.
Like much of Mexico, December is the busiest month for tourism in Merida. However, December is also a festive and fun time to visit with city-wide festivals like Noche Blanca to enjoy, in addition to nice weather.
Merida Weather
Below is an idea of what you can expect from Merida Mexico weather, and in general, Yucatan Peninsula yearly weather averages, throughout this entire area of Mexico.
While Hurricane Seasons technically runs June 1-Nov. 30, Merida’s rainy season tends to run from mid-May through mid-October. Since the city is about 100 miles inland from the coast, hurricanes aren’t a big problem — though do expect heavy rain storms during the rainy season.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that the Merida temperature can feel 5°-10°F higher due to the humidity.
| MONTH | Day Temp. | Night Temp. | Rainy Season? |
| Jan. | 85°F | 66°F | No |
| Feb. | 87°F | 66°F | No |
| March | 90°F | 68°F | No |
| April | 94°F | 71°F | Maybe |
| May | 97°F | 74°F | Yes |
| June | 95°F | 75°F | Hurricane Season! |
| July | 92°F | 74°F | Hurricane Season! |
| Aug. | 92°F | 73°F | Hurricane Season! |
| Sept. | 90°F | 72°F | Hurricane Season! |
| Oct. | 88°F | 71°F | Maybe |
| Nov. | 87°F | 70°F | No |
| Dec. | 86°F | 68°F | No |
Best Day Trips from Merida
Merida’s physical location makes it the perfect home-base for road tripping to all the surrounding places you can take day trips to.
Some popular day trips from Merida include: Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Las Coloradas, Mexico’s famous pink lakes, Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche, a beautiful hacienda with two cenotes onsite, Celestun Biosphere Reserve, home to the Yucatan’s wild flamingos, and the pueblo mágico (magic town) of Valladolid.
🚙💨 Want more Merida day trip options? 25 Amazing Day Trips From Merida That You Need to Take
Merida Car Rental
If you are looking to rent a car in Merida, the airport is the best place to do so. For travelers mostly staying in the city limits, you might want to skip a rental car, but if you’re planning to take a few day trips from Merida, you’ll want to consider a car!
🚗💨 Need tips on driving in Mexico? Head to this article all the Mexico driving tips you’ll need!
As Merida isn’t a big city, can rental options can be limited… so do book in advance! Click the image below to use Discover Cars, a reputable company for a rental car in Merida.
Free Merida Walking Tours
Nearly every site on this list of instagrammable things to see in Merida is FREE to visit and photograph! In fact, you can think of the map of Merida in this article as your very own FREE Walking Tour of Merida!
If you’d like to supplement what’s in this blog, the Merida Tourism Office offers free, one-hour, daily walking tours as well. Guides are all bi- or multi-lingual, and do speak English. Tours start at 9:30am, but try to show up by 9:15am. Meet your guide on the first floor of the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace), the pretty pink building on the west side of Plaza Grande.
NOTE: It is customary to tip as payment for these types of city walking tours. Please consider tipping your guide $100-200 pesos (about $5-10) per person.
Best Places to Stay in Merida
As the saying goes — Location, location, location! Your lodging’s location can often make or break a trip. For first time visitors to Merida, you can’t go wrong with staying in Centro (Downtown Merida) or as close as you can to Paseo de Montejo.
Best Airbnbs in Merida Mexico
Located just a few blocks from famous Paseo de Montejo, the Airbnb I stayed in helped make my first trip to Merida… right before I decided on moving to Merida.
It is located just a short walk from the historic city center, and has everything you’d need for a comfortable stay — Great location, comfy bed, good water pressure, hot water (sometimes an issue in Mexico), and a full kitchen (rare for small/medium-sized Mexico Airbnbs). If this apartment won’t work for you, check out all the options Merida has to offer in the box below!
As a Merida local, I went ahead and compiled a list of the best Airbnbs in Merida for you 💖 These are all located in the best parts of town, highly-rated, affordable, and managed by Airbnb’s vetted Super Hosts… so all you have to do is book and enjoy.
🏡 Never used Airbnb before?
Try it out using my discount code, and get up to $65 OFF.
Best Hotels in Merida Mexico
Prefer hotels and resorts to Airbnbs?! Just use the search box below to book an amazing Merida Mexico hotel. When searching on the map below, stick to the areas marked Zona Paseo Montejo, Parque Santa Ana and Barrio de Santiago — the best neighborhoods in Merida — and where you’ll want to spend the majority of time during your travels.
Booking.comKnow of any instagrammable things to see in Merida not mentioned here?
Please let me know in the comments down below.
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- Is Playa del Carmen Open for Travel Right Now? [Updated Jan. 2021]
OMG What stunning photos and pins. I neeeeeed to go back to Mexico!
I have heard so much buzz around Merida and I love your in-depth guide through photos. Hidden gems are the best and this definitely looks like one! P.S.I travel for food, too, so love your bonus info!!
@Megan Anderson Merida seems to be on more & more travel radars with each passing month! The food here is probably a part of that lol.
@Jyotsna I can’t recommend that idea enough!
The title really says it all – these are gorgeous spots! Makes me want to plan a trip now.
🧡 Merida really is such a photogenic city! I hope you do plan that trip.
Beautiful photos! We had kind of a disaster of a trip to Mexico City on our last trip to the country, so would love to give things another shot with beautiful Merida. Saving this for later!
I am so sorry for the disaster! Hopefully the next trip to Mx will be nothing like that 🤞
All of these spots look absolutely beautiful! I need to go back to Mexico and visit Merida. It truly looks like a fairytale! I will be keeping this blog post handy for the future. 🙂
I hope you do visit… I’ve never referred to Merida a “fairy tale” before, but I think you are totally right about that.
I love Instagram too lol. You’ve really inspired the wanderlust in me with all of these beautiful photos! I’ll be adding Merida to my list for sure. You’ve found the best spots!
Funny enough, I was never into photos until I moved to Mexico 2+ years ago. This is just such a beautiful country though, so it’s easy to find instagrammable palces.
I enjoyed scrolling through your post! Great shots and nice places. Hope I could visit someday to take photos too
I hope you do! If you’re into photography, you’d really enjoy Merida.
Love the beautiful architecture that shows many layers of Merida’s history! My wife & I have been wanting to visit Merida, and I will definitely save this post. Always love a map for help planning out our routes for the day. Thanks!
I’m glad you like the map! I hope you & your wife get the chance to use it when you do visit.
I was there such a long time ago and it had such an authentic feeling. I wonder how I might feel if I visit it now. I love all the colorful pictures. You’ve made me want to go back to Mexico so thanks for that!
I have lived in Merida just about 1 year now & I hear from locals how much it’s changed with the increases in tourism from just 2-3 years ago. It’s still considered up & coming for Mexico, but I think it will be a destination in less than 2 years.
Merida is soooo beautiful! I was only there for 24 hours when I went so we just gawked at the incredible architecture on Paseo Montejo, ate some cochinita pibil, and wandered around centro. I’d love to go back one day!
….as long as you ate cochinita, you did well 😋
Wow the El Pinar Palace looks like something out of my childhood dreams! I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico and this list makes me want it even more haha
It’s such a cute house (well, mansion!) ….and it’s currently for sale. I believe they’re asking $7M USD.
I love your pictures! Mexico looks amazing. Hopefully I’ll get there one day 🥰
🤞🤞🤞
What absolutely stunning places! You’ve really made an in-depth guide of the best photo spots. I’ll have to get to some of these when I return! I really love the Fundación de Artistas – it’s gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing these great tips!
That place is stunning!! I only know about it from living here. I doubt it would be on too many other (if any) Merida guides.
I’ve never heard of Merida before but it looks so beautiful in your photos that I want to go there now!
It’s still considered off the beaten path, but it seems to get more & more popular each year… it’s located about 3 hours from Cancun & Tulum, so tour companies are starting to do day trips over here from those cities.
Wow!! So beautiful! I’m definitely pinning this for later, Mexico’s high on my list 🙂
I am admittedly biased, but Mexico really is such an amazing & often underrated destination.
Hot damn your Mexico photos are awesome. I’ve travelled a fair bit around central America but i’ve never been to Mexico, for shame right? I definitely need to add it to my bucket list once restrictions are lifted. 🙂
PRETTY PLEASE add it to your list!!!
Looks incredible, need to get to Mexico one of these days. Your pics are really beautiful.
Yes, please do visit 🇲🇽
What a thorough blog! And the photos look great! I just got back from a work trip to Mexico, didn’t get to see much that time so will make sure I visit as a tourist as soon as I can and when I do I’ll put Merida on the list!
Thank you for the compliment. I’m glad that at least the work trip made enough of a good impression that you want to return. It’s such a beautiful, lively, colorful & friendly country.
I haven’t visited Mexico YET. But when I go, I will make sure to visit Merida! It looks really amazing and you included so many extra tips! Thank you!
lol I love the “YET” …and you are very welcome. I hope you make it to Mexico SOON!
Great photos! It’s definitely a place I would like to visit, especially after reading your post. I’ll bookmark this for when I get the chance to travel there.
So glad you found value & use in the post!!
Damn girl ! You actually gave me enough places to have a whole photo album filled with pictures !
Loved this so much. Never had Merida in mind because I have never heard of it, but after this blog I won’t be waiting to plan a trip there. Maybe you can be my guide!
I would love to be your guide 💜
All of these look absolutely stunning! Your photos are so beautiful too! Would love to walk down the Calle 47 Street.
It’s such a pretty street!
WOW all of these buildings are absolutely stunning! I live in Playa del Carmen and have been dying to get to Merida! Hope I can visit soon!
Oh cool, I lived there for a while. I miss the beach!!! But Merida is so pretty it makes up for it. I hope you make it over here soon, you’ll love it.
The map is super helpful, but also love how easily this guide is laid out as a walking tour. And the places there all are definitely instagrammable. I’m craving some travel right now but this is helping. Mexico is probably my next trip
Thank you for your kind words! Mexico would be a wonderful next trip.
Hey Shelley! This looks amazing – I am planning on moving to Mexico for a few months once I leave Europe and I’ve heard a lot about Merida – your photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing!
It’s a great place to be in Mexico! You can explore a lot of the Yucatan with Merida as a home base… and also, we have a lotttt of European expats here, so you’d be very comfortable.
All of the pictures are so beautiful that it makes me wanna go here.
Thank you!! Merida is even prettier in person, so I hope you make it here.
How come I’ve never heard of Merida?? This place is so beautiful!
Also, your photography is amazing! I’m new to the field so I don’t have a lot of beautiful photos yet. Hope to learn a bit from your skills!
I appreciate the kind words! And yes, your photography skill will improve over time. Everyone starts where they are, and only gets better ❤️📸
Your photos are so gorgeous and I’m saving this for when I finally get to Mexico! I’ve never been but it’s a dream of mine to go!
I hope you make it soon! It’s an amazing country.
Such a beautiful city. I hadn’t heard of it until now. Thank you for sharing! Mexico is such a diverse and colorful country. So many places on my bucket list!
Thank you for your kind words, Lekha! And, yes… it is a huge country. I’ve only been to half of the states (so far!), but with that many alone I feel like I’ve been to at least 3 different countries.
These places are adorable! I’ve never been to Mexico, but it looks so fun.
💚🇲🇽❤️I can’t recommend Mexico enough!
Oh, all these spots look really beautiful and photogenic! Saving this for our next Mexico trip in the future! 🙂
I hope you can use it! You’re going to enjoy Mérida 🇲🇽
Wow, love all these spots! I would love to visit Merida!
I hope you get the chance to! It’s an amazing city & a great home base to explore much of the Yucatan Peninsula.