Your Best Weekender Guide to Mérida, Mexico
We usually spend a few days in Tulum before making our way inland to Mérida. You could say we’re a little adventurous —we don’t mind hopping on the ADO bus from Tulum to Mérida, even though some of my clients prefer to take the quick flight.
Mérida is the perfect size for a relaxed weekend getaway and makes a great base for exploring the region’s gems: beautifully restored haciendas, mystical underground cenotes, ancient Mayan ruins, and more. The city itself is a joy to wander, with its vibrant street life, colonial architecture, and a super chill, unhurried vibe that’s easy to fall in love with.
STAY
Las Escaleras, http://www.lasescalerasmerida.com/.
Our personal favorite B&B in Mérida. This charming 165-year-old colonial home features just three uniquely styled, Instagram-worthy guest rooms, gorgeous tilework and decor, and a serene pool perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. Inquire us for rates.
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA, https://www.rosasandxocolate.com/.
Located on the iconic Paseo de Montejo, this vibrant Spanish Colonial–style mansion checks all the boxes: luxurious spa treatments (yes, they offer a chocolate massage), dreamy pink accents, and a fabulous pool you won’t want to leave. Inquire us for rates.
EAT
Chilakiller’s – Yelp – I had no clue what real chilaquiles tasted like until I came here—and now I’m hooked. Their menu is refreshingly simple, offering a variety of sauces, toppings, and proteins to customize your plate. The texture is perfection: crunchy yet saucy in all the right ways. Don’t skip their fresh fruit juices—they’re just as impressive. The space is small but super cute—clean, bright, and minimalist chic. A total gem.
When + Where: Best for breakfast or lunch, address is entre y, Calle 57 & Calle 58, Centro, Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Dulceria y Sorbeteria Colon, http://www.elcolon.mx/. This ice cream shop, founded in 1907, offers sorbets and ice creams regional tropical flavors like soursop, mamey, coconut, mango. Try the champola, a tall sundae glass filled with the sorbet of your choice and topped with cold milk. It’s simple, nostalgic, and so satisfying.
La Chaya Maya, http://www.lachayamaya.com/.
One of the best spots in town for traditional Yucatecan cuisine and some seriously good margaritas. Be sure to try local favorites like poc chuc, lime soup, or tikin xic, alongside an order of panuchos or salbutes. And yes—the handmade tortillas are as fresh and delicious as they sound.
When + Where: Good for lunch or dinner, favorite location is at Calle 62 por 57, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
Apoala – apoala.mx
Widely regarded as one of Mérida’s top restaurants, Apoala brings a modern, elevated twist to Mexican cuisine—with strong influences from Oaxaca rather than traditional Yucatecan fare. Located in the charming Parque Santa Lucía, the restaurant offers lovely outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching and romantic evenings. We especially loved their creative cocktails and mezcal tastings. Service is warm and attentive. It’s not the cheapest spot in town, but absolutely worth it for a special night out.
When & Where: Best enjoyed at dinner. Find it at Calle 60 #471 x 55 Local 2, Portales de Santa Lucía, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Mexico.
La Lupita (Food Stall)
If you’re on the hunt for the best cochinita pibil in town, head to La Lupita inside Mercado Santiago. This no-frills food stall is legendary for its slow-roasted pork, served with rich, dark roasted fat (con cuerito) that adds so much depth to the flavor. You can order your meat wrapped in fresh corn tortillas, panuchos, or salbutes—each bite is unbelievably good. Look for the stall with blue tablecloths right in the center of the market—about 50 meters from any entrance.
When & Where: Open daily from 7am to 1pm, inside Mercado Santiago. Sunday mornings are especially lively, with the market at its busiest and best.
PLAY
Ruins
Venture into the lush rainforest and explore ancient Mayan ruins—our personal favorite is Uxmal, often considered the Yucatán Peninsula’s best-kept secret. It’s far less crowded than Chichén Itzá and, honestly, even more awe-inspiring. For more off-the-beaten-path discoveries, check out Mayapán, Ruta Puuc & Kabah, or Dzibilchaltún—each with its own unique story and stunning architecture.
Cenotes
After wandering ancient ruins, cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the region’s many cenotes—natural sinkholes formed by underground rivers. The Yucatán is dotted with hundreds of them (yes, even one under Mérida’s Costco!). These magical swimming holes are a must-experience.
Getting There
Rent a car for a flexible day trip, or make it effortless by booking a private tour with Nomoon—we’ll coordinate everything so you can sit back and enjoy. Most sites are just an hour’s drive from Mérida.
Evening Vibes
As the sun sets, take a stroll to Parque Francisco Cantón, where the square comes alive with music, dancing, and street food. Watch local couples sway to live bands and soak in the joy. It’s a heartwarming way to wrap up your day.
Want help planning your Mérida adventure? Let Nomoon design your dream itinerary! We partner with top local guides and boutique stays to craft meaningful, memorable experiences.
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