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20+ Weekly Events in Mérida – Things to Do in 2025
Top Weekly Events in Mérida You Shouldn’t Miss
Mérida offers more than 20 weekly events in 2025 – from folkloric dance shows and concerts to artisan markets and cultural performances. Many of them are free to attend.
These weekly highlights are a great way to enjoy Yucatán’s culture any day of the week. Schedules may vary, so it’s best to check with the Mérida Tourism Office at Palacio Municipal.
More Things to Do
Looking for more things to do in Mérida? Don’t miss our month-by-month guide to All Festivals in Mérida – from cultural celebrations to street parades and food fairs.
If you’re ready to explore beyond the city, check out the Best Day Trips, including Maya ruins, colonial towns, and hidden cenotes and plan your trip to make the most of it.
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Mérida Vacation Rentals
Rent our wonderful restored 19th-century colonial house in the historic city center of Mérida for up to 14 guests. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a unique and beautiful place to stay!
Get ready to be blown away by a unique blend of colonial heritage and modern architecture and dive straight into the vibrant life of the city!
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Monday Events in Mérida
Traditional Dances
One of the "must have" experiences in Mérida is attending a dance performance of the maya culture. Every Monday night from about 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (and also every Sunday at 1:00 pm) there is a traditional dance performance in front of the Palacio Municipal at Mérida's city center, Plaza Grande (Calle 62, between 61 and 63). The so-called Vaquería Dance is one of the most deeply rooted traditions of Yucatán.
The Vaquería is a historical dance tradition that is exclusive to the Yucatán people. Vaquerias are a religious and economic celebration honoring the patron saint of either a Hacienda or a Yucatán village. The Vaquería dance consists of three celebrations: it begins with a mass, then comes a symbolic bullfight and it ends with the famous "Jarana" - a yucatecan tap dance without fixed steps.
I was truly captivated by the traditional Maya clothing - the women’s vibrant, colorful outfits and intricate headpieces are absolutely stunning, while the men’s traditional simple white attire adds a nice contrast. In Mérida, these and other traditions are also performed to protect the tradition, to pass them on to the next generation and preserve them from the changes they have undergone over the time.
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Location: Palacio Municipal (Calle 62)
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Time 1: Mondays, 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Time 2: Sundays, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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Cost: Free
Jarana Dance at the Plaza Grande
Image Source: © Спасимир, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
The picture was modified (resized, image improvements)
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Palacio de Mérida at the Plaza Grande
Tuesday Events in Mérida
Local Trovadors
Today it's "Trova Tuesday". Culture has always been a fundamental part of Mérida and every Tuesday at 8:00 pm local Trovador trios and groups perform in the "Silvio Zavala Vallado" Auditorium at the Olimpo Cultural Center (Calle 62x61).
Trovadores, originating in the Yucatán Peninsula in the early 20th century, are musicians known for performing traditional trova songs, often in trios, typically wearing guayaberas and focusing on themes of love and regional pride. They are the Yucatecan alternative to Mariachis, and they bring a special charm to the music scene. You’ll get to enjoy a set of timeless Yucatecan and Mexican classics.
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Location: Olimpo (Calle 62x61)
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Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 pm
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Cost: Free
Musical Remembrances
There is no better accompaniment to a night out than live music, and Mérida is known for it. You can enjoy live music and dancing every Tuesday at 8:30 pm at Santiago Park (Calle 59 at Calle 72) in a light and very friendly atmosphere. It's called "Musical Remembrances".
The Municipal Orchestra plays Latin and American big-band music from the 1940s. And that’s your clue right there - the crowd is definitely a bit on the older side, so don’t go expecting an open-air disco party! You can also come back for your shopping at the local market every morning or for breakfast at one of the various cafes on Santiago square.
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Location: Santiago Park (Calle 59 at Calle 72)
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Time: Tuesdays, 8:30 pm
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Cost: Free
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Olimpo Cultural Center at Plaza Grande
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Musical Rembrances at the Parque de Santiago
Wednesday Events in Mérida
MEL House and Garden Tour
Got a thing for architecture and secretly dream of sneaking a peek inside some private homes? Well, you might want to keep your Wednesday wide open! The popular "House and Garden Tour" from Mérida English Library (MEL) take place every Wednesday beginning November and continuing through the end of March.
The walking tour starts with an informative talk about Mérida's history, architecture, geography & culture. Then small groups, led by guides from the English Library, visit three or four houses from a variety of eras, styles, sizes, and ages in one of Centro's neighbourhoods.
The weekly cost is MX$400 for MEL members and MX$500 for non-members. Meetings usually take place at the library, but certain tours start from a neighborhood park.
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Location: MEL (Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68)
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Time: Tuesdays, 9:00 am - noon
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Cost: MX$500 for non-members
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Further info: Mérida English Library
Dialogues With the Conqueror
The Dialogues with the Conqueror is an event that has been held every Wednesday since April 2022. The event starts at 8:00 pm and takes place in the Museo Casa Montejo (Calle 63, No. 506).
The performance is divided into three parts. It begins with a video mapping projection that explains the sculpted elements on the façade, introduces the characters, and reveals their significance. Next is a brief dialogue between Francisco de Montejo and an indigenous man, where they discuss the events leading to the conquest of Yucatán and the founding of Mérida.
The show concludes with a folkloric tableau featuring traditional sounds and dances, bringing the performance to a lively close. The event lasts about 45 minutes and is free.
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Location: Casa Montejo (Calle 63, No. 506)
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Time: Wednesdays, 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm
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Cost: Free
Guided Cemetery Tour
The main cemetery ("Cementario General") is a very different experience. The burial sites, crafted from stone, mirror the architectural style of the homes the deceased once lived in, blending life and death in a unique harmony.
Every Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm, a 50-minute guided tour of this fascinating cemetery is offered - though only in Spanish. It’s an incredible opportunity to delve into Mérida’s rich history and uncover burial rites spanning from pre-Hispanic times to the present day, weaving a story of culture, tradition, and timeless reverence.
At this point you should also know that there are countless stories about ghosts and haunted places in Mérida. If you’re brave enough to uncover the spookiest legends, don’t miss our guide to the Haunted Places in Mérida - but be warned, some stories might just keep you up at night...
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Location: Cemetery (Calle 66 or Calle 81a)
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Time: Wednesday, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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Cost: Free
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Museo Casa Montejo
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Plaza Grande
Thursday Events in Mérida
Open-Air Dance Event
The first time I was in Mérida, I somehow managed to stumble right into the dance event by pure chance - and I was hooked from the very first moment! The open-air dance event “Yucatecan Serenade” is probably the most popular night of the week in Mérida.
It takes place every Thursday at 9:00 pm at Parque de Santa Lucía and lasts about an hour. This is also one of the reasons why this charming little park is a favorite among both locals and visitors in Mérida. And the real magic happens when there's live music, making it an irresistible hotspot for everyone!
Try grabbing a table at one of the many fabulous restaurants on the square and enjoy different bands, singers and dancers. The event lasts about a hour. Parque de Santa Lucía (Santa Lucia Park) is a place located in the historic center. Already since 1965, the event takes place every week. If you want a seat, you should come as early as possible (best two hours before the start of the show) or make a reservation.
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Location: Parque de Santa Lucía (Calle 60x55)
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Time: Thursday, 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Cost: Free
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Parque de Santa Lucía
Cementario General in Mérida
Friday Events in Mérida
Yucatan Symphony Orchestra
The elegant Teatro Jose Peon Contreras (Calle 60, near Calle 57), built over one hundred years ago between 1900 and 1908, is a worthwhile visit, even if you only want to have a look around.
Typically, the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra performs at the theatre on most (not all) Fridays at 9:00 pm (and Sundays at noon). At this time performances have been paused while restorations are in at the teatro and are still being at the same time at Museo Palacio de la Musica (Calle 58x59). Ticket prices vary depending on seat category and event. Tickets can be purchased online through the orchestra’s official website.
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Location: Palacio de la Musica (Calle 58x59)
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Time 1: Fridays, 9:00 pm
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Time 2: Sundays, at noon
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Cost: MX$ 80-150
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Further info: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras
Light Show ("Sacred Stones")
The Catedral de San Ildefonso (Plaza Grande, Calle 60 s/n) is the oldest cathedral on the mainland of the Americas. Every Friday, there is a video mapping on the exterior of the cathedral. The light show is the main cultural event of the Friday evenings in Mérida. During this event - known as "Sacred Stones" - the Cathedral is lit up with images and animations about Yucatán's history.
The show is presented twice, starting at 8:00 pm, and lasts just over 20 minutes. A poem in the Mayan language, introduced in 2022, is recited at the beginning. The music, text, and images are original creations by Luis Ramírez.
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Location: (Plaza Grande, Calle 60 s/n)
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Time: Fridays, 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Cost: Free
Isla de Luz (Videomapping)
If you're in Mérida on a Friday night, I recommend checking out the "Isla de Luz" videomapping show at the Monumento a la Patria, one of Mérida’s most recognizable landmarks. This free event starts at 8:00 pm and lasts about an hour.
It's a 360-degree projection that brings the monument to life with lights and colors, showcasing the history carved into this masterpiece by artist Rómulo Rozo. Since it's free, it's perfect for travelers on a budget.
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Location: Monumento a la Patria
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Time: Fridays, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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Cost: Free
Fiestas on Calle 60
While on Sundays Paseo de Montejo and other streets are closed to traffic for La Biciruta Mérida, on Fridays Calle 60 is often closed to traffic for fiestas, so you can also take a relaxing stroll along the shopping street.
The street fiestas on Calle 60 are known in Mérida as “Corazón de Mérida.” They take place every Friday from around 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. During this time, Calle 60 between Calle 61 and Calle 57 is closed to traffic.
Additionally, Calle 60 is one of the streets with the highest number of restaurants in Mérida.
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Location: Calle 60
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Time: Fridays, 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
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Cost: Free
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Teatro Jose Peon Contreras
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Catedral de Mérida
Saturday Events in Mérida
Free Cathedral Tour
On Saturdays, 10:00 am, there is an English speaking tour at Mérida’s Catedral San Ildefonso at Plaza Grande (Calle 60 s/n, just inside the south door). It is - of course - a must-see attraction in the heart of Mérida. As the oldest cathedral on the mainland of the Americas (built between 1562 and 1598), it combines architectural grandeur with fascinating history.
The tour typically runs for about 45 minutes to an hour and takes you into exclusive areas not always open to the public. I personally loved exploring the organ level and the bell tower (seriously, how often do you get to do that?). And, of course, you’ll be treated to an absolutely amazing view over Mérida - talk about a cherry on top!
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Location: Catedral San Ildefonso
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Time: Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Cost: Free
Mexican Night ("Noche Méxicana")
On Saturdays, from 8:00 pm (sometimes even a little earlier) to 10:00 pm, the "Noche Méxicana" (Mexican Night) takes place at the Paseo de Montejo Remate with folk dances from different states of the Mexican Republic. There are also artisanal market stands and food stalls. Tickets are available at Centro Cultural Olimpo (Calle 62x61) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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Location: Paseo de Montejo Remate (Calle 47 x Paseo de Montejo)
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Time: Saturdays, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Cost: MX$200
MACAY Workshops for Kids
Museo de Arte Contempoáneo Ateneo de Yucatán (MACAY) is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of modern and contemporary. MACAY (at Pasaje de la Revolución, between Calle 58 & 60) hosts various activities, including free painting and drawing workshops for children that take place on the last Saturdays of each month.
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Location: MACAY (Plaza Grande)
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Time: Last Saturday of each month
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Cost: Free
Guided Tours at Mayan World Museum
The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya offers various regular guided tours and workshops. There are museum tours that take place every Saturday and every Sunday at 11:00 am (in English) and 12:00 pm (in Spanish).
For children, there are free activities in the reading room every Saturday at 10:00 am. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, children can participate in educational workshops in the museum.
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Location: Museum (Calle 60 Norte No. 299)
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Time 1: Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Time 2: Sundays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Cost: Depending on the event
Mayan Ball Game Pok Ta Pok
The tradition of the ancient Mayan Ball Game Pok Ta Pok is kept alive during a weekly event on Saturdays between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm in front of the Catedral de Mérida. Pok ta Pok is a ritual ball game that is over 3,000 years old. Watch the players battle it out while traditional live music accompanies the spectacle.
To score a goal, the ball must be shot through a ring with the hips. Does that sound complicated? Yes, scoring is quite rare, because it is extremely difficult, especially in the short playing time. The Ball Game is a free event and one of the popular things to do in Merida at night. It is advisable to come early enough if you want to get a seat.
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Location: Catedral de Mérida
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Time: Saturdays, 8:00 am - 9:00 am
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Cost: Free
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Catedral de Mérida
Pok Ta Pok in front of Catedral de Mérida
Image Source: © AramBobba, wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link (resized)
Sunday Events in Mérida
Mérida Bike Ride (La Biciruta)
Since 2006 every Sunday one lane of the main street, Paseo de Montejo, is closed for car traffic and "La Biciruta" - the bike ride in Mérida - takes place from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. It is most active around 11:00 am.
The roads (5km in total) are blocked from La Ermita de Santa Isabel (Calle 77 at 64) to Plaza Grande, then north to the end of Paseo de Montejo just past the Monumento a la Patria. The exact starting and ending points of the Biciruta in Mérida may vary, as the route is occasionally adjusted. However, there are helpers at all intersections who will show you the way.
If you don't have a bike: All varieties of bicycles are also available for rental along the Paseo de Montejo. If you don't have a bike: All varieties of bicycles are also available for rental along the Paseo de Montejo. For example, there is a larger bike rental shop on the Paseo de Montejo, between Calles 47 and 45 and a smaller one on Calle 43 between Calle 56 and Calle 54.
Sometimes bike rentals from sponsors are even free of charge if you arrive early enough. The Mérida City Council is also offering a free bike-sharing program through August. To do this, you need to scan the QR code at the bike stations or through the app "En Bici - Muévete por Mérida".
Find more information at the City Administration of Mérida. The app is available for Android (En Bici in the Google Play Store) as well as for Apple (En Bici in the Apple Store). You can also have a look at our photo blog Biciruta Mérida to get some impressions of the event.
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Location: Paseo de Montejo
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Time: Sundays, 8:00 am - noon
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Cost: Free
Mérida en Domingo
Mérida on Sunday (Mérida en Domingo) It’s an all-day event and beautiful Sunday tradition that compliments the Sunday bike ride. Plaza Grande and a section of Calle 60 extending to Parque Santa Lucía close to traffic and transforms into a big street market (incl. Mercado Domingo). Here, you’ll find food stalls, craft vendors, and street performers creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Besides the craft stands, there are also many food booths. At 1:00 pm there is a dance performance at Plaza Grande, the Vaquería Traditional Dance. As night approaches, more and more bands begin to play and people start to dance.
But Mérida en Domingo isn’t just about the Plaza Grande or Calle 60. It’s a citywide celebration that brings Mérida to life every Sunday with events and activities in multiple locations.
Parque Santa Lucía is known for its live music performances and additional space for artisans and food vendors. But other parks across Mérida also frequently take part in the festivities, such as Parque de Santiago, Parque de San Juan, and Parque de las Américas.
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Location: Plaza Grande and Calle 60
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Time: Sundays, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Cost: Free
Guided Tours at Mayan World Museum
The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya offers regular guided tours and workshops. There are tours that take place every Saturday and every Sunday at 11:00 am (in English) and 12:00 pm (in Spanish).
For children, there are free activities in the reading room every Saturday at 10:00 am. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, children can participate in educational workshops in the museum.
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Location: Museum (Calle 60 Norte No. 299)
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Time 1: Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Time 2: Sundays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Cost: Depending on the event
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Mérida Bike Ride (La Biciruta)
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Plaza Grande at Mérida en Domingo
Daily Events in Mérida
Music and Dance Performances
Not every day, but most evenings, there are music and dance performances at Centro Cultural Olimpio (Calle 62x61, s/n). Information about upcoming events is available in the entrance area.
These events are very popular in Mérida, so you should come early if you want to have a seat. Already the beautiful building is worth a visit. In addition, there are also frequent exhibitions.
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Location: Centro Olimpio (Calle 62x61)
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Time: Varies
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Cost: Free
Free Mérida Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Mérida is walking by its streets. Every morning from Monday to Saturday there is a free Mérida walking tour that departs at 9:30 am from Plaza Grande. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers the main highlights of Mérida’s historic center.
The walking tour is a great way to learn more about the city. Although free, you should make a reservation at the Tourist Information Center. However, this is also possible up to 15 minutes beforehand if there are still places available. The meeting point is at the tourism office located beneath the arches of the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) on Plaza Grande.
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Location: Tourism office (Calle 62 between 61 & 63)
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Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
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Cost: Free
Olimpo Cultural Center at Plaza Grande
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Plaza Grande
Mérida Vacation Rentals
Rent our wonderful restored 19th-century colonial house in the historic city center of Mérida for up to 14 guests. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a unique and beautiful place to stay!
Get ready to be blown away by a unique blend of colonial heritage and modern architecture and dive straight into the vibrant life of the city!
Best Mérida City Tours
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