If you have never experienced Merida, then you are missing one of Mexico’s most fascinating cities. Three sovereign states make up the Yucatan Peninsula, and they are Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan. Merida, which resides in Yucatan, is the largest city on the Peninsula and is home to the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s Palace). Merida is an administrative division of Mexico’s Federal Government. It has jurisdiction over all three sovereign states that make up the Peninsula.Â
Merida’s city has a far different lifestyle and demographical structure from other well-known towns on the Peninsula like Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Most of these cities rely on tourism to support their local economy. This doesn’t mean that Merida waves off tourism and, actually, it welcomed over 3.2 million visitors in 2019. Merida has other supporting industries like manufacturing, construction, and medical healthcare to support its thriving economy.Â
Everyday Life in Merida
During the morning hours, Merida’s inner-city thoroughfares are filled with people shuffling off to work. The rush-hour crowds give Merida a similar look to many other major metropolitan cities throughout the world. There are people who dress for casual business, medical wear, and other occupational attire. These working-class people live, work, and play in neighborhoods spread in and around downtown Merida.Â
Getting to know the city of Merida is to explore it. There are a variety of plazas with an assortment of shops, restaurants, and local attractions. There are parks where friends and families can visit with one another or enjoy strolling the open-air bazaars. The Mayan, Spanish, and colonial influences are everywhere you look. From the 16th century cathedrals and narrow cobblestone streets, the horse-drawn carriages will reflect several eras of times past.
Things to do in Merida
When visiting Merida for either business or pleasure, there is never a lack of things to do. Spend time seeing some of the sights and points of interest that make this international city an iconic destination. These and many more exciting attractions are only minutes away by either foot, personal, or public transportation.
- The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya translated means “The Great Museum of The Mayan World,” presents the indigenous history. The contemporary-style building exhibits thousands of ancient Mayan artifacts. It holds a wealth of information, which tells how ancient Mayans lived on the Peninsula.
- The Cathedral of Merida is the oldest known Cathedral in the Americas. This 16th-century structure was completed in the late 1500s and was the seat for the Yucatan’s Bishopric. It took 37 years to complete this historic landmark, and it is still standing today. Â
- The Paseo de Montejo is a tree-lined boulevard named after Merida’s founding father – Francisco de Montejo. Spend the day strolling down one of Merida’s most beautiful streets. This authentic thoroughfare was specially designed to mirror a Parisian Avenue.Â
- The Plaza Grande is situated in the center of Merida’s historic district. It is surrounded by many historic buildings, which include the Palacio de Gobierno, Museo Casa Montejo, and Casa del Alguacil. There are also several plazas and nearby eateries.
Things to do around Merida
- Dzibilchaltun is a Mayan archeological site that dates back to 1500 BC. Explore this ancient city, which historians estimate had over 40,000 inhabitants. The attraction includes 8,400 structures, a freshwater cenote, and a museum filled with artifacts.
- Celestun Wildlife Refuge is a great way to spend a day. Take a guided boat tour through this beautiful preserve filled with exotic birds, mangrove channels, and secluded lagoons. Experience pink flamingos, sea turtles, iguanas, and crocodiles in the wild.
- Chichen Itza is the number one attraction on the Yucatan Peninsula. which is also one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of The World. This iconic civilization dates back between 750 – 1200 AD. Freshwater cenotes and sinkholes surround Chichen Itza.
If you visit Merida, you can experience these fabulous adventures. Public and private transportation are easily accessible and very affordable. Plan an exciting day trip or venture out a little farther and enjoy a long weekend getaway.Â
Merida’s Cultural Lifestyle
When getting to know Merida’s city and its lifestyle, you have to get familiar with the people who live there. Merida has a diverse population, credited to its indigenous origin, past settlements, and present attributes. The Mayans migrated to the Yucatan Peninsula around 2500 B.C. When Spain settled Merida in 1542, it became a playground for Europe’s royalty and ultra-elite. The perfect year-round climate, flourishing city, ideal location, and welcoming culture attracts people from all 4-corners of the world.
What’s not to like?
On any given day you can tour around this big beautiful city. Start out by choosing from a variety of shopping venues. Browse through one of many local boutiques that offer handwoven clothing, crafted jewelry, and local artwork. Several open air-markets offer fresh produce, locally caught seafood, and farm-raised meats. If you want to shop for the latest trends in today’s name-brand stores, try one of the various malls scattered throughout the city. Merida is a shopper’s paradise!
Sampling all the traditional and international cuisines Merida has to offer can be a foodie’s fantasy. If you crave Italian, French, Asian, Mexican, or any other international food, you can find them all in Merida. There is an abundance of restaurants and grills to choose from. They all offer different vibes, personal flair, and unique ambiances. Choose to dine curbside under an umbrella or in a cozy corner in a small café. If wanting a simple but freshly prepared meal, try one of the many curbside vendors.
Another great attribute to Merida is its proximity to everything the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer. Take a forty-five-minute drive straight north to enjoy the city of Progreso and the Gulf of Mexico. In less than 4-hours, you could be soaking up some rays on one of Cancun’s white-sand beaches or the Riviera Maya’s palm tree-lined Caribbean shoreline. What’s not to like about Merida? Paradise is only a short plane ride away!Â
If you want to purchase property in Merida, please let us know! We have a variety of properties for sale in this beautiful city and we can provide you further information about the real estate market in this city.
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… we make it happen!