Top 10 Places to Visit in Mérida and the Yucatán Peninsula in 2025

My Top 10 Mérida Picks

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If you’re planning a trip to Mérida, here’s my personal list of Top 10 places you really shouldn’t miss – it’s a little bit of everything: some culture, some food, some chill time, and a few hidden gems.

 

Let’s start right in the heart of the city at Plaza Grande, where you’ll find not only a beautiful square but also several major attractions like the Cathedral, the Museo Casa de Montejo, and the Palacio de Gobierno.

 

From there, take a walk along Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s grand boulevard with stunning colonial mansions, little shops, and great cafés – it’s especially nice in the early morning or around sunset.

 

One of my absolute favorite spots is Parque La Plancha, Mérida’s newest and biggest park with playgrounds, food stands, open-air spaces, museums, and even restored train cars – it’s great for a relaxed afternoon.

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For a more local experience, head to Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, a loud, colorful market full of life, fresh fruit, tacos, crafts, and everyday hustle – definitely go hungry.

 

I also really love Parque de Santa Lucía, but especially when there’s live Yucatecan music in the evening – the atmosphere is amazing, and there’s dancing, food, and just a great local vibe.

 

If you’re into art or just curious, check out Caracol Púrpura, a beautiful gallery in a colonial house with unique jewelry, paintings, and sculpture by local artists.

 

For something more stylish and modern, Casa T'ho is a fantastic concept space in an old mansion that combines fashion, design, art, and a great café – everything is super curated and visually stunning.

 

Speaking of cafés, Pan & Kof.feé is one of my favorite places to slow down with a great pastry and a really good cappuccino – it’s a calm, modern little spot to catch your breath.

 

To dive into the local culture and history, make sure to visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which not only looks impressive from the outside but also offers deep insight into the fascinating world of the ancient Maya.

 

And finally, my last tip isn’t really a place – it’s more of a mindset:

 

Be open to the unexpected. Some of the most amazing places I’ve come across in Mérida were spots I didn’t plan for – a tucked-away courtyard, a quiet gallery, a colorful wall of street art – so stay curious and take your time to wander.​

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My Top 10 Yucatán Picks

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If you're exploring the Yucatán Peninsula, these are my personal top picks – a mix of history, nature, fun, and relaxation. Some places are absolute bucket-list material, while others are hidden gems you might not hear about unless a local points them out.

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Let’s start with the classics: Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Both are iconic and absolutely worth seeing – Chichén Itzá for its impressive scale and history, and Tulum for the unique coastal setting that makes the ruins feel extra magical.

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That said, if you’re starting from Mérida, I highly recommend visiting Uxmal. It’s much closer, less crowded, and every bit as stunning – the architecture is amazing, and you can really take your time to soak it all in.

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Another must-do in the region is visiting the Cenotes of Santa Bárbara – crystal-clear water, open and cave-style cenotes, and even a fun little rail cart to get around. You can explore four cenotes in one place, all well organized and easy to access.

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If you're into that hacienda-meets-nature vibe, two places really stand out. Hacienda Mucuyché combines a beautifully restored estate with two great cenotes you can swim in – one of them is actually my personal favorite.

 

Or visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, where you get a full tour of how henequén was traditionally produced, plus a refreshing dip in a cenote at the end.

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For some beach time, Progreso is the go-to spot near Mérida – laid-back, easy to reach, and great for a few hours of sun and seafood.

 

On the other hand, Celestún is perfect if you're looking for nature – the biosphere reserve there is home to flamingos, mangroves, and boat rides that make you feel like you're in another world.

 

If you’re heading further out, Isla Mujeres is always worth the trip – especially the southern tip, which is quieter and full of charm. The Gulf side of Yucatán doesn’t have the soft white sand or bright turquoise water you’ll find here, making Isla Mujeres the perfect Caribbean escape.

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And for families or anyone looking for fun and nature combined, check out Xel-Há Park or Xcaret Park. Both are full-on eco-adventures – snorkeling, wildlife, underground rivers, shows, and more – a bit touristy, sure, but super well done and packed with things to do.