Merida is the capital of the beautiful state of Yucatan. It has a rich Mayan cultural heritage and is known as “The White City” due to its beautiful and clean white architecture. The architecture found in Merida is a mixture of Italian and French as well as Yucatec architecture, which makes this city very interesting! Merida is considered to have the highest percentage of indigenous people than any other city in Mexico. About 60% of the inhabitants in Merida are of Mayan ethnicity and till today many people speak Mayan and Spanish here. I believe this contributes to the culture found in Merida as well as the food, music, art and architecture, which are heavily influenced by the Mayans. As I was visiting Merida I noticed that it is a very peaceful city and also provides affordable living, which is why there are many foreigners living here now. Besides how affordable it is to live in Merida what else attracts people to visit this city? Today I am going to share with you some of the best things that Merida has to offer as well as the things that attract people to move and live in “The White City”.
What to Do in Merida?
- Paseo Montejo
- Mayan Ruins
- Merida Cathedral
- Plaza Grande
- Museums and art galleries
- Restaurants
- Cenote X Batun
Paseo Montejo
Paseo Montejo is the most famous boulevard in Merida. It is a very elegant boulevard filled with beautiful trees and serves as the main area for the fashion district in Merida. It used to be a residential area before the 19th century , but then this area converted to a commercial area full of shops, restaurants, hotels, museums and much more. A main attraction to Paseo Montejo is Monumento a la Bandera or Flag Monument as well as the Regional Anthropology Museum and Palacio Canton, which is the greatest mansions here. You can walk the Paseo Montejo or if you get too tired you can also take a horse carriage, which resembles the colonial aspect. Paseo Montejo is used to host festivals as well throughout the year, it is simply just a very active and beautiful boulevard.
Mayan Ruins
There are several Mayan ruins to explore in Merida without having to go as far as Chichen Itza. Some of the ruins include Mayapan, Dzibilchltun and also the Zona Arqueological Uxmal. If you like ruins and temples you can take a look at these archeological ruins. Not only are these closer than Chichen Itza is also less crowded and more intimate. You are able to get a grasp of what the ancient Mayan city looked like and see stone carvings as well as learn more about the history and culture of the Mayans.
Merida Cathedral
The Merida Cathedral is one if the oldest Roman Catholic cathedrals. It was built in 1598 and till today is well preserved. It serves as a focal point and main attraction to the city.
Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande is another main attraction in Merida. It is practically the downtown of Merida. Every major city and towns in Mexico have a plaza. I think this is an essential thing for cities and also resembles the colonial aspect. This is where people can just come for a walk and since there are many vendors you can buy things from food to arts, crafts, street fairs and carnivals. This spot is very crowded on the weekends when people come to enjoy Plaza Grande and just spend a relaxing day with family and friends.
Museums and Art Galleries
If you like museums and art, Merida is great place to visit! Merida has many museums and art galleries that you can visit. You have many choices as well from anthropology , to popular art to a Mayan museum and even a planetarium you can visit. There are also so many art galleries locate throughout Merida from the Plaza Grande to Palacio del Gobernador to the museums which showcase art as well. With so many choices I am convinced there is one for you!
Restaurants
This was one of the things I enjoyed the most when I visited Merida! I can honestly say that the food from Yucantan is my favorite Mexican food. It is not like the traditional food that most people know. It has many I influences from the mayans, Spanish, French , Caribbean and middle eastern that make the food so delicious! Merida is definitely a place you need to come in for the food! One of my favorite places to eat here is Chaya Maya. This restaurant offered traditional food form Yucatán and you even saw the ladies in the Mayan dresses making fresh tortillas through the window, which grabs people's attentions and gets you to go in the restaurant! Some of the dishes I tried and recommend are cochinita pibil, papatzules, panuchos, salbutes and sopa de lima! This restaurant is very famous and popular in the city so everyone knows it! Highly recommended!
Cenote X Batun
Cenote X Batun is located about 49 km from Merida. This is a beautiful cenote that is open air. The water in this cenote flows down a natural slope. There are tours you can take from Merida to this cenote or you can also drive as it is close by. There are also water activities you can do form diving as it it 20 meters deep to snorkeling. Whatever you choose to do this is beautiful place to enjoy and take many pictures!
Live and Retire in Merida
Many foreigners have moved to Merida to live and retire due to the cost of living. It has been said that the cost of living is about 66% cheaper in Merida than the cost of living in New York. If you like a tropical lifestyle, rich culture, plenty of entertainment, nice beaches Merida is a good option. It is not for everyone, but definitely for someone with an open mind and someone who wants to live an exotic life at a lower cost. The people living here have said that they never wake up bored as there's is always something to do and the best thing at a low cost. You don't have to have a lot of money to do things in Merida or love a comfortable life. They also said that they like to not have to worry about the government as much and worrying about law suits like in the US. What they liked the most is the culture, easy lifestyle, quality of life, food, entertainment and beaches as there are several close ones even cenotes Bear by. Houses can are found in Merida under $100k for reconstructed houses and between $100-$300 for newer or houses in the center of the town. Houses can also be rented for as low as $500 a month. As you can see there are many things Merida has to offer and all at an affordable price, which is why many are attracted to come and live or retire in Merida.
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