Written by Betty Nguyen
We decided to take advantage of the off-season airfare prices to Mexico in July and booked Merida, Mexico spontaneously. I saw several enticing pictures of old colonial structures and 1950s buildings on Pinterest and was completely sold on the idea of visiting Merida.
GETTING THERE
It was an approximately 7-hour flight from LAX (including a Mexico City layover if flying on Aero Mexico). There are no blue waters or white sandy beaches here, but the architecture, people, and culture will definitely make up for it.
WHERE TO STAY
Las Escaleras, http://www.lasescalerasmerida.com/. Our personal favorite bed and breakfast in Merida. This 165 year old house will charm you with its Instagramm-able 3 guest rooms, colonial design with beautiful tiles and decor, and a pool. Inquire us for rates.
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA, https://www.rosasandxocolate.com/. Colorful Spanish Colonial–style mansion on the vibrant Paseo de Montejo, this sophisticated boutique hotel makes us happy with its spa facilities (chocolate massage, anyone), pink decor, and the pool. Don’t forget the pool. Inquire us for rates.
WHERE TO EAT
Chilakiller’s, https://www.yelp.com/biz/chilakillers-m%C3%A9rida. Had no idea what proper chilaquiles taste like was until I stopped by here. They have a very simple menu with different varieties of sauces, toppings and protein. Beautiful texture of crunchy, yet saucy soft. I strongly recommend their fresh fruit juices as well. Love the small but cute ambiance here; clean, bright, and minimalist chic.
When + Where: Best for breakfast or lunch, address is entre y, Calle 57 & Calle 58, Centro, Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
La Chaya Maya, http://www.lachayamaya.com/. Nice place for awesome margaritas and their traditional Yucatecan food. Be sure to try the poc-chuc, lime soup or tikin xic, to accompany an order or panuchos salbutes. Oooh, those fresh tortillas!
When + Where: Good for lunch or dinner, favorite location is at Calle 62 por 57, Centro, 97000 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
Apoala, https://www.apoala.mx/. Apola is definitely considered one of the best restaurants in Merida. It’s a nice location in parque Santa Lucia with outdoor seating. Apoala gives a contemporary spin on Mexican cuisine rather than traditional Yucatecan, and actually seems to lean more towards Oaxacan style cooking. We love their cocktails and we had mezcal tastings here. Friendly service. Not cheap, but ideal for dates.
When + Where: Best for dinner time and in parque Santa Lucia, address is 97000, Calle 60 #471 x 55 Local 2, Portales de Santa Lucía, Centro, 97000 Centro, Mexico
La Lupita (food stall). One of the best versions of cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork) is at La Lupita, inside Mercado Santiago (The main municipal market in Santiago Park). The restaurant has blue table cloths, it’s right in the center of the market, about 50 meters from any entrance. Afor your Lechon “Con Cuarrito” – which includes the dark roasted fat, rather than the re-fried chicharron. The meat is served in your choice of corn tortillas, panuchos or salbutes. Super delicious.
Where & When: La Lupita, Mercado Santiago. 7am – 1pm. Sunday morning is super busy and when the most stalls at the market are set up.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Discover hidden cenotes.
- See Chichen Itza Ruins without the crowds.
- Explore the Uxmal Ruins.
- Visit the Mayapan Ruins.
- Visit Ruta Puuc Ruins & Kabah.
- Visit the closest Mayan Ruins — Dzibilchaltun Ruins.
Contact us if you’d like for us to plan and design your trip to Merida! We partner with the best tour operators and hotel accommodations for the most memorable experiences.
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