Things to do in Mérida

Merida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state, is a sun-soaked city home to Spanish-style streets and ancient Mayan magic. Locals call it La Ciudad Blanca – the White City –thanks to its gleaming limestone buildings. But don’t let the name fool you, it’s anything but plain. Picture colourful markets, music drifting through the air and food so good you’ll be going back for seconds – and probably thirds. The city’s signature plate is cochinita pibil, AKA slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground. It’s smoky, tender, and usually served with pickled red onions and a fiery salsa. Merida also makes a great launchpad for visiting nearby ruins, with sites like Dzibilchaltún and the world-famous Chichén Itzá just a short trip away.Top three things to do in Merida:1. Wander through Plaza GrandeRight in the heart of Merida, you’ll find Plaza Grande – the city’s lively central square. It’s surrounded by pastel-painted buildings and the leafy trees surrounding it offer plenty of shade, making it an ideal spot to chill out, people-watch or catch a street performance. If you’re up for a bit of sightseeing, Merida Cathedral is on the edge of the plaza and is worth a look.2. Pop into the Mayan World MuseumIf you want to learn more about the Mayans, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a great starting point. It’s home to over 1,100 artefacts. We’re talking everything from delicate jade jewellery to ancient ceramics and even life-size replicas of Mayan temples. Plus, the museum’s packed with interactive exhibits, multimedia displays and even animatronics that bring the stories of ancient Mayan life to life, including depictions of rituals, daily activities, and mythological stories.3. Take a trip to the Uxmal ruinsYou’ll find the UNESCO-listed Uxmal ruins just an hour’s drive from Merida. They’re a bit quieter than Chichen Itza, but equally as intricate, with detailed stone carvings and structures like the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace. It’s ideal for learning about ancient history without the usual crowds.