The Ultimate Mérida Weekend Guide
Where to Stay, Eat, Explore, and Unwind in the Yucatán’s Cultural Capital
Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida is a city that blends colonial charm, Mayan heritage, and a thriving creative scene. With daily direct flights from Mexico City, Houston, and Miami, it’s an easy and rewarding destination for a long weekend escape. Whether you’re strolling down the grand boulevard of Paseo de Montejo, hopping between restored haciendas and underground cenotes, or diving into a plate of cochinita pibil at a local market, Mérida offers a rich mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Here’s your curated guide to spending a perfect three-day weekend in Mérida—what to do, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time in this colorful colonial gem.
Where to Stay
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa
If you’re looking for a hotel that blends historic architecture with bold design, Rosas & Xocolate is a standout. Located on Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s most elegant avenue, this boutique hotel is housed in two restored pink mansions and features an award-winning spa (think body scrubs and massages using locally ground cacao). Rooms are spacious and stylish, many with private outdoor bathtubs and high ceilings. The on-site restaurant and rooftop bar are excellent for late-night cocktails and people-watching.
📍 Paseo de Montejo 480, Centro
Where to Eat & Drink
Taquería La Lupita
A no-frills gem inside Mercado de Santiago, this taquería is beloved for its cochinita pibil—Yucatán’s iconic slow-roasted pork. Try the lechón tortas topped with crunchy chicharrones and a side of agua de chaya, a refreshing drink made from a regional leafy green. Arrive early; they often sell out before 1 PM.
📍 Mercado de Santiago, Calle 59 & 70, Centro
Márago Coffee
Start your morning here with a perfectly pulled espresso or cold brew. It’s a quiet, modern café that’s become a local favorite for breakfast meetings and digital nomads.
📍 Paseo de Montejo 481, Centro
Dulcería y Sorbetería Colón
This beloved ice cream parlor, operating since 1907, serves up tropical sorbets in regional flavors like mamey, guanábana (soursop), coconut, and tamarind. Order the champola—sorbet topped with chilled milk—for a sweet, nostalgic treat.
📍 Paseo de Montejo & Calle 39
Hacienda Teya
Located just 20 minutes outside the city, this restored 17th-century hacienda is known for its traditional Yucatecan cuisine served in an elegant setting. The sprawling grounds and historic charm make it a perfect dinner destination. Try the papadzules and poc chuc, and don’t miss the house margaritas.
📍 Carretera Mérida-Cancún, Km 12, Teya
What to Do: Weekend Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Stroll, Shop, and Settle In
- Check in to your hotel and take a leisurely stroll along Paseo de Montejo, admiring the French-inspired mansions and boutique shops.
- Pop into Casa T’hó, a beautifully restored house-turned-design market with handcrafted clothing, home goods, and local art.
- Dine at Rosas & Xocolate or head to Apoala on Parque Santa Lucía for modern Oaxacan cuisine with a mezcal pairing.
Day 2: Cenotes & Mayan Ruins
- Head out on a day trip to Uxmal, a less-touristy but incredibly preserved Mayan archaeological site just over an hour away. Its Pyramid of the Magician and Governor’s Palace are architectural marvels.
- On the way back, stop for a cenote swim—there are dozens scattered across the region. Try Cenote X’batun or Cenote San Antonio Mulix for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Wrap up the day with dinner at Hacienda Teya.
Day 3: Haciendas, Culture & Ice Cream
End your evening with sorbets at Dulcería Colón and drinks at a local rooftop bar.
Spend your morning exploring a historic hacienda. Hacienda San Pedro Ochil offers beautiful grounds and a small museum—call ahead to arrange lunch and a guided visit.
If you’re up for a longer outing, drive to Hacienda Santa Rosa, now a Luxury Collection property, for a tour or even a spa treatment.
Return to Mérida for a sunset walk through Plaza Grande, the city’s main square. Catch live music, dance performances, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Why Mérida Is Worth the Trip
Mérida isn’t just beautiful—it’s safe, welcoming, and incredibly livable. Its proximity to cenotes, haciendas, beaches (like Progreso), and UNESCO World Heritage sites makes it the perfect base for exploring the Yucatán. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or pure relaxation, this colonial capital delivers.
Expect a slower pace than Mexico City or Tulum — but with no shortage of inspiration, flavor, or photo-worthy moments.
Want to Plan Your Own Mérida Escape?
Let Nomoon Travel help you plan the perfect weekend (or week!) in Mérida. From boutique hotel bookings and private cenote tours to hacienda dining and local experiences, we craft curated itineraries that blend culture, comfort, and connection.
