About Merida
Mérida is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. The city is also the seat of the eponymous municipality. It is located slightly inland from the northwest corner of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 35 km (22 mi) from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. In 2020, it had a population of 921,770, making it Mexico’s 12th most-populous city. Its metropolitan area, which also includes the cities of Kanasín and Umán, had a population of 1,316,090, making it Mexico’s 11th most-populous.
Places to visit in Merida
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Merida Cathedral
ReligiousOne of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built from stones of an ancient Maya city. It faces the Plaza Grande, so visit both together in the cooler morning hours.
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Plaza Grande
LandmarkThe main square of Mérida, surrounded by the cathedral, government palace and Casa de Montejo. It is liveliest in the evening, and on Sunday the surrounding streets close for a street fair.
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Paseo de Montejo
NeighborhoodA wide boulevard lined with grand mansions built during the city's henequen boom. Walk or cycle along it on a Sunday morning, when it closes to cars.
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Uxmal
Historic · 43 mi from centreA major Maya city south of Mérida, known for its Pyramid of the Magician and detailed stone carvings. Arrive early to avoid heat, and stay for the evening light show if you can.
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Dzibilchaltun
Historic · 9 mi from centreA Maya archaeological site north of the city with a temple and a natural swimming pool called a cenote. Bring a swimsuit to cool off after exploring the ruins.
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Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
MuseumA modern museum about the Maya culture of the Yucatan, with artifacts and interactive exhibits. It is on the north side of the city, so pair it with a drive along Paseo de Montejo.
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Celestun
Nature · 51 mi from centreA coastal village and biosphere reserve west of Mérida, known for its flamingo colonies. Take a boat tour through the mangroves, ideally in the winter months when flamingos are most common.
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Progreso
Beach · 22 mi from centreA port town north of Mérida with a long beach and seaside promenade. It makes an easy day trip by bus, and the long pier is good for walks.
Top experiences in Merida
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 29 available.
Cenote Santa Barbara
From $35 per adult
Uncover the Historical Culture of Yucatan by Mayan Train - Full-Day Tour
From $180 per adult
Discover Merida - Panoramic City Tour
From $35 per adult
Discover Progreso and Xcambo - Full-Day Tour
From $124 per adult
Excursion to Chichen Itza, Izamal and Xcajum Cenote
From $124 per adult
Chichen Itza Luz y Sonido - Show with Transfers
From $163 per adult
Turibus Mérida Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $10 per adult
Celestun and Sisal - Full-Day Tour
From $103 per adult
Discover Campeche from Mérida- Full-Day Tour
From $184 per adult
Tour Isla Columpios
From $98 per adult
Explore Flamingos and Celestun - Full-Day Tour
From $196 per adult
Cenote Hubiku Admission with Tequila Museum with Lunch Option
From $13 per adult
Where to stay in Merida
Popular hotels in Merida, out of 296 properties you can book.
NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo
From $125 per night
Las Brisas Merida
From $184 per night
Residence Inn by Marriott Merida
From $73 per night
Extended Suites Merida Siglo XXI
From $64 per night
City Express Merida
From $47 per night
Wyndham Merida
From $78 per night
ibis Styles Merida Galerias
From $55 per night
Hampton Inn By Hilton Merida
From $59 per night
Colonial
From $44 per night
Misión Express Mérida Altabrisa
From $66 per night
City Express Junior By Marriott Merida Altabrisa
From $51 per night
City Plus Merida
From $98 per night
Best time to visit Merida
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Merida is December, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Merida weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 88° 74° 94%
- Thu 12 Nov 85° 73° 88%
- Fri 13 Nov 81° 72° 77%
- Sat 14 Nov 81° 70° 41%
- Sun 15 Nov 85° 71° 35%
- Mon 16 Nov 89° 72° 24%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.6
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/MeridaUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Merida
These are the airports closest to central Merida. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MID Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Merida
If staying in the older central part of town, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance for those who don't much mind walking in the tropical climate.
By e-hailing
Uber may be difficult to use if you pay by credit card, drivers do not like this payment method. If you switch to cash payment you'll be picked up a lot sooner.
By bus
The Yucatán government established a modern public bus system in Mérida in the early 2020s, Va y Ven (Come and Go), and the city is now served by both public Va y Ven and private buses. To find a ride to your destination, both Moovit and Google Maps cover the city.
Va y Ven
Va y Ven.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] operates a network of traditional (though quite modern) buses as well as electric buses (which look like trams without the rails) called the IE-TRAM. Route maps for the buses[dead link] and the IE-TRAMs[dead link] are available online. Va y Ven buses do not take cash. Instead, you must purchase a rechargeable Va-y-Ven Card for M$25 at one of these locations:
Merida travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Merida?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Merida is December, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Merida?
May is usually the warmest month in Merida, with average highs of 103°F (39°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 68°F (20°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 203 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Merida?
Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Merida.
What currency is used in Merida?
Merida uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.6.
What time zone is Merida in?
Merida uses the America/Merida time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Merida?
If staying in the older central part of town, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance for those who don't much mind walking in the tropical climate.
What are the best places to visit in Merida?
Top sights in Merida include Merida Cathedral, Plaza Grande, Paseo de Montejo and Uxmal. One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built from stones of an ancient Maya city. It faces the Plaza Grande, so visit both together in the cooler morning hours.
What are the top things to do in Merida?
Popular experiences you can book in Merida include Cenote Santa Barbara, Uncover the Historical Culture of Yucatan by Mayan Train - Full-Day Tour and Discover Merida - Panoramic City Tour. Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Merida?
Popular areas for hotels in Merida include Merida. Well-reviewed options include NH Collection Mérida Paseo Montejo and Las Brisas Merida.
How many hotels can I book in Merida?
Destina Holidays currently lists 296 properties in and around Merida, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
