Unique Points of Interest in Mérida Mexico

An Overview of Mérida 

Known as the “White City” in reference to the white-stone buildings found along Paseo Montejo, Mérida is the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, with a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. The city’s focal point is the Plaza de la Independencia, bordered by the fortress-like Mérida Cathedral and white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. Both are colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. With ancient temples, crumbling ruins, numerous cenotes, colorful streets and many museums, there are many unique points of interest in Mérida.

Unique Points of Interest in Mérida 

Confidant Chairs (Also known as Conversation Chairs)

These white, curve-backed chairs face one another in an “S” shape, normally allowing pedestrians to sit while facing their partner.  They’re scattered across the city’s green spaces, including a giant set in Parque de Santa Lucia

Monumeno A la Patria

This is the incredibly intricate monument located on the main road of the access point to Old Town. This unique structure depicts the history of the region with stylized friezes, bold lines and interesting artworks.

Remate de Paseo de Montejo

This is one of several park spaces interspaced throughout the city.  Remate de Paseo de Montejo is best known for its large Christmas displays and other holiday decorations.

Parque de Santa Ana

This is a slightly hidden park space tucked away from the main roads which is surrounded by various tourist shops and some decent food stalls.

Parque de Santa Lucia

This is a pretty, well-shaded park space with the largest examples of Merida’s Confidant Chairs.

Parque Principal de Mérida Plaza Grande

This large, bustling park space next to the main colonial structures, restaurants and museums in the city. The area is used for various events and effectively serves as the town’s center.

MACAY, Museum of Contemporary Art

MACAY is an impressively strange and diverse modern art museum with a heavy focus on sculptures and local art culture.

Iglesia El Jesus

This is a large, old church in the center part of town known for its long history and ornate interior.

Mayan World Museum of Mexico

This is a striking modern art and culture museum with heavy roots and historical artifacts regarding the regional Mayan native culture.

Restaurante Abandonado Ciudad Maya

This is a large, totally abandoned restaurant close to the zoo area of town.  This building is completely abandoned, half drowned in rain water, but retains many of the miniature pyramids and impressive wall arts from its heyday.

Reserva Ecologica Cuxtal

Despite a rather battered entrance area, this is a pretty outdoor nature preserve with a very active animal population.  Various species of birds, coati, lizards and anteaters live here.  There are various cenotes hidden throughout the zone.

Dzibilchaltun

These are a small series of complexes containing beautifully preserved Mayan ruins with nearby cenotes. The site is located just north of the city.

C’est Pantastic

This is an unobtrusive coffee shop near a park which has incredible chocolate coconut cookies and splendid coffee. It’s located somewhat far outside the city center.

Parque de las Americas

Located in a residential district of the city, this surprisingly pleasant park is decorated with Mayan-calligraphy columns, a large half-dome amphitheater, walkways of ivy and several small walking paths.

Panaderia Melazza

This is an excellent, if somewhat tiny, toasted sandwich shop.

Lucas de Galvez Market

This is a large streetside market catering to locals which sells everything imaginable, from mounds of dried chilies to boxes of herbs to live animals to delectable taco stalls.

Pok Ta Pok

Pok Ta Pok is a traditional Mayan ballgame where players use their hips to shoot balls through a sideways stone hoop elevated on a wall. There are regular Pok Ta Pok events in Mérida which can be attended for free. The games usually run on Saturdays from 8 PM to 9 PM, though arriving early is wise, as the stadium often fills up quickly.

Grand Paseo de Montejo

This is a spectacular avenue cutting through the center of Mérida, named for the city’s founder, Francisco de Montejo, a Spanish conquistador. The avenue is filled with grand houses which are beautifully preserved from the last century. It’s an excellent area to enjoy a walk.

Read more about unique points of interest in Mérida and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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