From Wikitravel

Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatan in Mexico. It has a population of about 750,000. The ambiance is colonial and the climate is tropical. The daytime temperature varies; in January, it is about 25 and in June, about 35 degrees Celsius. To beat the heat, most people are busiest in the mornings. They have lunch and siesta, then go back to work for a few hours in the late afternoon. The cool breezes from the Gulf of Mexico drift into Mérida in the evenings and this is when many of the residents spend their time outdoors. You can see them visiting and talking as they stroll along the streets, sit in the plazas or dine in the many sidewalk restaurants.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Buy 7 Eat 8 Drink 9 Sleep 10 Get out

Understand

Merida is a city of contrasts. You will find elegant hotels, restaurants and malls in the northern part of the city. Downtown, there are hotels and restaurants to suit every budget. A large central market and numerous small shops are found all around the main plaza. Merida has a rich cultural life which also reflects its diversity. Many free concerts, performances and other events are held daily.

From Merida, it is easy to take day trips to a vast array of destinations: archaeological sites, ecological parks, typical villages, caves, beaches, colonial missions and more. Take your time and really explore the Maya sites… walk for miles along the Gulf of Mexico… attend a village festival… photograph the wildlife… crawl through a cave or swim in a cenote...

International visitors to Merida find many commodities that are familiar: an English language library Merida English Library  ; a large international community Yucatan Living and Merida Insider , familiar franchise stores and restaurants, movies and music in English and plentiful entertainment. Those who have time to spend several months in Merida, will also encounter many opportunities to become a volunteer — helping women, children, the disabled, the elderly, the sick and the illiterate.

If you are interested in learning Spanish, learning about Latin America and learning more about yourself in the process, Merida is an excellent place to do so.

Get in

The most popular ways to travel to Merida are by car or plane. Merida has an international airport (MID) with direct flights to Mexico City, Houston, Miami, Las Vegas and Europe. Travelers can also get to Merida by flying into Cancun and driving west on the carretera for 3 hours.

Get around

See

El Paseo Montejo is a beautiful, tree-lined street that was developed by the henican-industry barons. Make sure to go to the bakery at the circle. It's great!!!

Do

The 'Ayuntamiento de Merida' (City Hall) sponsors many cultural events during the week, free of charge. Almost every night visitors and residents alike can enjoy outdoor concerts or dances in one of the many downtown parks and squares.

Buy

• Merida is a great place to pick up a good quality hammock.

Eat

Las Palomas Bistro is a great place to have romantic dinners in downtown. The restaurant is located within the hotel "Casa del Balam", near the Peon Contreras Opera House just two blocks from the Main Plaza. The menu offers international and regional cooking with some very creative choices of the chef. Perfect romantic ambiance at night in an open terrace where embraced by lush tropical plants.

La Parilla on Paseo Montejo is a great outdoor restaurant. Be sure to have the Sopa de Lima, which is a chicken soup flavored with lime.

Villa Maria on Calle 59 at the corner of Calle 68 is an elegant restaurant with a relaxed attitude. The restaurant is inside an elegantly restored colonial building with a full bar and European menu. The ambiance is quiet and authentically Yucatecan. The most beautiful place to eat downtown. No need to dress up or make reservations. Villa Maria

Drink

Sleep

• Hotel Las Arecas is a small 5-room bed and breakfast. Modest, clean and run by a local Yucatecan. Economical and well-located in the historical center. Las Arecas
• B&B Cascadas de Merida is a unique and private bed and breakfast. Four casitas built for maximum privacy around waterfalls and a filtered swimming pool. Known for their hospitality and modern conveniences. Cascadas de Merida
• Hotel Casa del Balam is an elegant Colonial boutique hotel, located across the Peon Contreras Opera House in downtown. For reservations call 1 800 624 8451 Casa del Balam
• Hotel Luz en Yucatan urban retreat, Calle 55 #499 x 60 y 58 (three blocks from the Zocalo), +11-52-999-924-0035, Luz En Yucatan has quaint fully furnished apartments, complete with kitchen and private bath, in a former nunnery. In addition, Spanish language lessons, salsa dance lessons, yoga lessons and water aerobics classes are available. The rates vary from 300–800 pesos, depending on facilities and also how "successful" you rate yourself to be.
• Hotel Los Aluxes is a great, clean, and friendly place to stay that is only a few blocks to the main plaza. Off-street, secured parking is a big help if you have a rental car. Make sure to have the cafe con leche in the cafe.
• Hotel Posada Santiago Guesthouse Calle 57 No. 552, x 66 y68 Centro +11 52 999 928 42 58 Posada Santiago a 4 room guest house featuring an international blend of the culture of the Yucatan with North American ambiance. You will experience sophisticated elegance within a friendly atmosphere in this newly renovated 19th century colonial house. Its small size assures personalized service. Guest rooms are separated from the main house, providing both privacy and quiet surroundings.

Get out

• Uxmal
• Chichen Itza
• Cuzamá

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