Great Places to Visit in Mérida That You Can Walk To
Mérida has a lot to offer those who enjoy discovering new destinations on foot. Founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors, much of the city’s historic center with its centuries-old architecture is walkable and easy to navigate thanks to its having been laid out in a grid-fashion with streets that intersect at right angles.
The fact that many of the top tourist attractions in Mérida are centered around the city’s historic heart, Plaza Grande, is another big plus. Not only can you incorporate multiple tourist sites without working up too much of a sweat (depending on the season, of course), but you can also enjoy a break or two at one of the many cafés or eateries close by. Better still, some of the best places to stay in Mérida – whether it’s one of the city’s charming boutique hotels or a classy 5-star joint – are located within easy walking distance to Plaza Grande, too.
To help you navigate your way around Yucatán’s colonial capital on foot, have a read of our list of the best places to visit in Mérida. While by no means exhaustive, each of the top attractions we’ve included is within easy walking distance of the centrally located Plaza Grande, the original town square. So, ditch the car, put on those walking shoes, and go for a stroll.
The Best Places to Visit in Mérida’s Historic Center on Foot
Start Your Centro Walking Tour in Plaza Grande
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the Plaza Grande should be your first stop as you explore. Dating back to the 16th century, this public square remains pretty much the epicenter of the city, not just in geographic terms but also in terms of the city’s cultural and commercial fabric. Being placed next to the city’s cathedral and important buildings like the Governor’s Palace and the Museo Casa Montejo also helped cement Plaza Grande’s importance as the city’s epicenter.
Covering an entire city block, the Plaza Grande is as popular a gathering place for locals as it is for expats and tourists. Not just because it’s a beautiful space rich in historical significance but also because it’s a great place to get a taste of colonial-era Mexico. This is especially true if you time a visit to coincide with events like Mérida Fest, a colorful December festival commemorating the founding of the city in 1542 that sees the plaza busy with traditional dances and musical performances.
Speaking of dancing, you’ll also want to visit nearby Santa Lucia Park for its weekly Yucatecan Serenade. Just a few minutes’ walk north of Plaza Grande, this fun outdoor dance event has been going since 1965 (it’s also fun if you simply like to watch and listen to great music).
Pay Your Respects at Mérida’s Cathedral
On the east side of the Plaza Grande, occupying the site of an earlier Maya temple, stands the La Catedral de Yucatán. Built between 1561 and 1598, it’s not only the oldest cathedral in North America but ranks as the largest church in Yucatán. And don’t be fooled by the building’s rather blunt façade. Inside, there’s plenty to look at, including rich decorative flourishes with references to the town’s colonial and Mayan histories.
One of the most impressive artworks here is a painting depicting the Maya ruler Titul-Kiú visiting conquistador Francisco Montejo in Tihó. It’s an evocative image that serves as a reminder of the complex history and cultural exchange between the Maya civilization and Spanish settlers.
The Chapel of the Christ of the Blisters (Capilla del Cristo de las Ampollas) is another must-see for its late 16th-century Indian woodcarvings. Named after the “blisters” that formed on the wood after it was charred in a fire, this unique relic has inspired local legend and reverence. A part of the cathedral since 1645, it and other important relics are the focus of special celebrations held every October.
Journey into Mexico’s Colonial Past at Museo Casa Montejo
Dominating the south side of Plaza Grande, Museo Casa Montejo stands as a magnificent testament to Spanish colonial architecture in Mexico. With a rich history spanning centuries, the building’s origins date back to 1549, when it was constructed as the residence of the wealthy and influential Montejo family. The family’s patriarch, Francisco de Montejo, was a prominent conquistador who played a significant role in the conquest and colonization of the Yucatán Peninsula. The house remained in the Montejo family’s possession until 1978, an astonishing span of over four centuries.
The palace’s façade is a stunning example of Plateresque architecture, known for its intricate ornamentation resembling the detailed work of silversmiths, or plateros. Although somewhat reduced in size today, the original façade once extended along the entire south side of the square, making it a truly grand presence, and its intricate stonework, elegant arches, and detailed carvings showcased the skilled craftsmanship of the era.
Stepping inside is like being transported back in time. Highlights include exploring the property’s large and handsome rooms laid out around two courtyards, each furnished with antique furniture imported from Europe, reflecting the sophisticated taste and affluent lifestyle the Montejo family would have enjoyed. Also worth seeing is the family’s coat of arms, symbolizing their noble lineage and social standing.
Museo Casa Montejo is not only one of the best places to visit in Mérida for sightseeing, but it also offers visitors a variety of engaging experiences, including guided tours and special evening events such as concerts and lectures. The museum also curates temporary exhibitions that explore various facets of colonial life, art, and culture.
Explore the Governor’s Palace
Mérida’s magnificent Governor’s Palace (Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán) is another must-visit. Constructed in 1892, this architectural gem is adorned with 31 fascinating murals by the Campeche artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, painted between 1971 and 1974. Little wonder, then, that this remarkable building with its stunning central courtyard is regarded as a masterpiece of design and artistry.
Primarily housed in the History Room, these historically significant artworks vividly depict significant moments in Yucatán’s history, from the Spanish invasion to the harsh treatment of the Maya, creating a powerful visual narrative of the region’s tumultuous past. In addition to Pacheco’s murals, the palace features a large collection of paintings by other prominent Mexican artists, making it a cultural treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
After admiring the murals, allow time to explore the rest of the building. A highlight is stepping onto the building’s balcony, which offers superb views over the Cathedral and Plaza Grande, a perfect vantage point for some great holiday photos.
The palace also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, showcasing different aspects of Yucatán’s heritage and contemporary artistic endeavors. You can enhance your experience with guided tours that offer detailed explanations of the murals and the historical events they represent.
The Museum of the City of Mérida
Situated in the city’s old post office building and just a seven-minute walk from Plaza Grande, the Museum of the City of Mérida (Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida) is one of the best places to visit places to visit in Mérida to learn more about local history. This must-visit attraction provides a comprehensive look at the city’s past, from its pre-Hispanic roots to its modern-day status as a cultural hub. Highlights include exhibits on locally produced textiles, especially henequen.
Known as “green gold” for the immense prosperity it brought to Mérida in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you can explore the intricate processes involved in its production as well as its significant economic impact on the region. Interesting exhibits also include historical photographs, machinery, and examples of products made from henequen.
The museum also features displays related to the pre-historical period and the years before Spanish colonization, including artifacts from ancient Maya settlements.
Buy Local at Mercado Lucas de Galvéz
The Municipal Market (Mercado Lucas de Galvéz) is another great place to sample local culture, this time with a healthy dose of commerce added to the mix. Just a short stroll south of Plaza Grande, it was established in the early 20th century and has grown into one of the city’s most important commercial centers.
Here you’ll find handcrafted items worth purchasing as souvenirs and mementos, many made from locally produced sisal, a plant fiber renowned for its strength and versatility. These include durable hammocks, perfect for an afternoon siesta, and those iconic Panama hats. Crafted using locally produced sisal, they offer both style and handy protection from the sun as you stroll about.
The market is also a great spot to pick up a huipil, the traditional Maya-style dress featuring brightly colored embroidery around the neck, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. For men, check out the guayabera shirts, known for their crisp lines and breathable fabric, a perfect choice for staying cool in the city’s tropical climate.
In addition to textiles, the market offers plenty of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and spices. Traditional foods, such as cochinita pibil, a tasty traditional dish of slow-roasted pork, and panuchos, a refried tortilla stuffed with refried black beans and pulled chicken, can be enjoyed at the market’s food stalls. The Municipal Market is open daily from early morning until late afternoon, providing ample opportunity to explore its numerous stalls and engage with local vendors.
Visit Parque Parque a la Maternidad and the Church of Jesús
Less than a three-minute walk north of Plaza Grande, you’ll find yourself in picturesque Parque a la Maternidad. Here, you’ll see the charming Church of Jesús, also known as the Church of the Third Order (Iglesia de la Tercera Orden). A popular wedding venue, it was constructed in the 17th century as part of a convent that later became a Jesuit seminary and is a much-photographed attraction.
After strolling through the park and admiring the church’s beautiful façade, step inside to marvel at its fine high altar. This exquisite altarpiece, crafted in the Plateresque style, features intricate carvings and gilded woodwork, reflecting the artistic talents of the community’s skilled silversmiths.
The nearby Parque de los Hidalgos, also known as Parque Manuel Cepeda Peraza, is also worthy of a visit (you will have passed it on the right as you walk up the road from the plaza). Here, you can take a ride on one of the fun calesas, horse-drawn carriages that offer a leisurely tour of some of Mérida’s most intriguing colonial architecture.
Explore the World of Mexican Art at the MACAY
Directly across the street from Plaza Grande is another of the city’s top attractions: The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Ateneo de Yucatán). Known locally as the “MACAY” and one of the state’s most important museums, it’s housed in a beautifully restored colonial building and is well-known for its permanent and temporary exhibits of both modern and contemporary art.
Among the highlights of its permanent collection are works by renowned Mexican artists such as Gabriel Ramirez Aznar, Fernando Castro Pacheco, and Fernando García Ponce, each celebrated for their contributions to modern art with works that reflect Mexico’s dynamic cultural landscape.
English-language guided tours and audio guides, which provide in-depth insights into the artworks and their creators, are available. Workshops and programs designed to engage and foster an appreciation for contemporary art are also frequently held. In addition to its impressive art collections, the MACAY has no admission to the main floor, making a visit one of the top free things to do in Mérida.
In addition to the MACAY, art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Museum of Popular Art (Museo Regional de Arte Popular de Yucatán). An easy 13-minute walk from here, this museum boasts fine collections of textiles and costumes, pottery, jewelry, toys, and musical instruments, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional crafts and cultural heritage of the Yucatán region.
