My Recommendations
Here are my suggestions for places to go, things to do and a little advice. We have lived here only 4 years and have not tried all the restaurants, so just because something is not on my list does not mean it’s not good. But the following places are ones I have tried and can recommend with confidence.
99. Convenience store - Six - Just 2 doors down from our house is the corner of Calle 52 and Calle 55. Turn right on Calle 55 and walk just a little bit and you will se a Cervi Frio store. It is labeled 99 on the map. There they sell beer, wine, cokes, water and ice among other things. It is very convenient to the house.
GROCERY STORES
100. Isste -There are numerous places to get groceries some basic groceries at Mom and Pop tiendas that are on every corner. However, if you want a nice size grocery story go down Calle 55 to 60 and make a right. 3 and a half blocks down there will be a Tienda Istte on the right. It is labeled 100 on the map. There is also a parking garage behind it on 58 if you have a car and want to drive. Number 100 on the map.
101. Soriana - If you are going to the big market downtown or Lucas de Galvas Market, Soriana is on the way. It is on Calle 56 about mid block on the left between Calle 63 and Calle 65. Like the main market it is usually quite busy. But they have a pretty good selection of things. Number 101 on map
NEARBY MARKETS
63. Lucas de Galves Market - This market is bustling with people and culture. It can be a bit intimidating for the newbie, but it is worth the experience. I love markets all over the world, but this one took me a little getting used to. It is best to go in the morning before it gets hot and the crowds are smaller. They have beautiful produce, fruits, spices, local dulces (sweets), handicrafts, flowers, pet supplies and just about anything else you need. AS I mentioned earlier they also have a fish market where you can buy fish and ceviche. Number 63
102. Santa Ana Market - This market is very small, but the few fruit vendors there have very good produce. And it is a little bit faster if you aren’t in the frame of mind to brave the big market. Also the little loncheria at this market are very nice and a fun place to experience a little bit of Mexican culture. You can get fresh squeezed fruit juices, or try some of the agua de pina or some creme de coco.
Restaurants
109. Ponchos - $$ - This restaurant has a beautiful garden patio area that is great for a romantic dinner or a break from the hot streets.
Calle 59-a No. 509, Merida 97000, Mexico
+52 999 923 0942
6:00 pm - 2:00 am
93. Apoala -$$ This restaurant is my favorite. Located on Santa Lucia Park at Calle 55 and 60, Apoala is wonderful Mexican food with a Oaxacan flair. The food is the highest quality and perfectly prepared. I love dining outside in the evenings since it is right on the park. Number 93 http://www.apoala.mx
31. Chaya Maya - $$This is a popular restaurant to try authentic Yucatecan Cuisine. Food in the Yucatan is very distinct from food in other regions of Mexico. Discover something new and try it while you are here. There are 2 locations down town. My favorite dish is the Tres Mosqueteros (Three Musketeers)
24. Trattos - $$ Also located on Santa Lucia Park this restaurant is good for a cocktail and Mediterranean food. Their gourmet pizzas are vey good - think caramelized onions, gourmet cheeses and truffle oil. Number 24 on the map.
83. kiXOCOLATL - This is not really a restaurant but it’s also on Santa Lucia Park so I thought I would mention it. This very small artisan chocolate store is garnering international acclaim. . Made from locally grown cocoa these mouthwatering chocolates makes wonderful gifts to take home in your suit case. I love their little boxes of assorted filled chocolates. It’s 83 on the map, but it is right on Santa Lucia Park now and not on 55.
95. Oliva - $$ This restaurant became so popular they had to expand. Located at the corner of 54 and 47, Oliva is a wonderful Italian restaurant for the pasta lover in your group. 95 on the map. olivamerida.com
107. M60 - This is actually a collection of eateries that is casual and fun. It is located on Calle 60 between Santa Lucia Park and Santa Ana. They have Mexican, Lebanese, Asian, Italian, Argentinian food, burgers, pizza, French pastries, a wine bar and more. I recommend a little stall called Flautas. They make the best flautas I have ever had. Try the frijole sauce or if you like mole try the Salsa Negra. Also the French pastries right next to Flautas are great!
For Breakfast or Lunch
108. Manjar Blanco - $$ I really like this restaurant for a great breakfast or lunch. They have a great breakfast paquete that includes coffee, a fruit plate and an breakfast entree cooked to perfection. Try the motulenos for a local specialty. I actually like the Yucatan food here better than the highly touted Chaya Maya. The food quality is great and even chef, Rick Bayless, made a stop there. Located on Calle 47 # 496 por 58 y 60 | Centro, Merida, Yucatan. In front of park & mercado Santa Ana, Merida, Mexico
+52 999 923 0003
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
103. Wayane - $ This taco joint is an institution in Merida. There are several location, but the closest to our house is on the corner of calle 59 & calle 46. With tacos as cheap as 11 pesos, you can't beat the price. They are only open for lunch. My favorite is the chorizo verde tacos.
97. El Templo -$ This little restaurant serves lunch and caters to the architecture students that go to school nearby, but it is a great place for a cheap lunch that is fantastic! We ate there so much when we first moved here that our daughter got sick of it. They offer 3 different entrees everyday and about 3 different side dishes to choose from. They serve things like Pollo Relleno . It is a pounded chicken breast rolled and breaded and stuffed with cream cheese and roasted plantains, steamed vegetables ala dente and rice with quinoa and get this -- it is only 41 pesos! 97 on the map. They are only open for lunch so get there early while the selection is good (before 1 or 2.)
102. Santa Ana Marcado (market) - $This little market is great to have a cheap lunch in an authentic Mexican loncheria. Located at Calle 60 and Calle 47. You’ll see line after line of little food stalls. I like the one at the end that sells fresh fruit juices, but you can order food there too. I recommend trying panuchos, salutes, and sopa lima. Also try some of the fresh fruit juices. If you like green drinks try the jugo de naranja y chaya (orange juice and chaya) Chaya is a green similar to spinach that is very good for you.
105 - Pita - This little Middle Eastern restaurant is very close to the house and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their pitas are really good. It is on Calle 55 right before you get to Santa Lucia Park.
34. Trompos - $$This restaurant is a popular chain in Mexico. I am not a fan of chain restaurants, but sometimes I have to go there for a potato stuffed with cheese and arrachera (steak) or stuffed with pastor (marinated shredded pork). Located on Calle 60 about half way between Santa Lucia and the zocalo (main square) on the right hand side. It’s 34 on the map
108 Gorditos - $ This is Mexican fast food, but it is good if you just want a little snack that is small, fast, cheap and tasty.
They are fat little tortilla like pitas stuffed with various meats and stews. It is located on the corner of 60 and 61 there at the main square. Be warned it is not a very clean place, but the little gorditas are tasty.
98 & 99. Colon Sorbeteria - This sorbet shop is a Merida institution it has been around so long. It is sorbet, not ice cream. It is very refreshing on a hot Meirda day or just for a treat at night. My favorite flavors are the coco (coconut) or the mamey (a local fruit that is velvety sweet. The are two locations - one in the middle of the walk way with all the arches on the main square and one on Paseo Montejo. The one on Pasejo is my favorite. It is not far after Roasa and Chocolat Hotel.
106. Delphin’s -$ Located in the fish market at the main mercado this is for the brave, Mexican culture warrior. I usually get ceviche. It is like a long diner bar in the middle of the fish market. Yes it is a stinky fish market. You can eat there or sometimes I get it to go and eat it by the pool at the house. If you follow calle 56 until it runs into the market and don’t go into the market but go to your right and go around it you will see the fish market around the corner on the left.
102. Kuuk - $$$ This restaurant is becoming a Foodie’s travel destination. It is a dining experience you will not forget. For an over the top splurge do the tasting menu.
Avenida Romulo Rozo #488 por calle 27 y 27A Col. Itzimná
Nota - Note: En frente al Monumento a la patria, Paseo de Montejo. / In front of the Monumento a la Patria in the amazing Paseo de montejo.
C.P. - Zip Code 97100
+ 52-999-9443377
104. Nectar - $$$ Néctar Food + Wine
Owner and chef Roberto Solis has captured international attention. After working at some of the finest restaurants in the world like Noma in Denmark, and training underside of the best chefs, Roberto uses his creativity and expertise to put a new twist to the cuisine of the Yucatan.
Address: Av. Andrés García Lavín 32, San Antonio Cucul, 97116 Mérida, Yuc.
Phone:01 999 938 0838
Hours: Open today · 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
http://www.nectarmerida.com.mx/nosotros_eng.html
108. Cafe Alameda - This is a great little middle eastern hole in the wall that has been around Merida for decades. It is not fancy and only open from 8 - 5 but it is a great place close to the house to get fresh, authentic Middle-eastern food should you tire of panuchos and tacos.
BARS & Coffee Shops
As far as bars, (both these bars are walking distance, but the Fundacion Mezcaleria is only 2 blocks away.)
I have not been to any, but I hear that La Negrita is a neat bar.
20. La Negrita
https://www.facebook.com/LaNegritaMerida
http://www.yucatanliving.com/merida-restaurants/la-negrita
and then we once had a house across the street from the 109 . Fundacion Mezcaleria and they were always pack and had live music.
107. Bengala Kaffehaus - For excellent coffee visit this shop located on Calle 60 right across from Santa Lucia Park. They have coffee made with all the latest and trendiest apparatuses. I buy my chocolate across the street at Kixocolatl and eat it with my coffee!
SERVICES:
In House Massage - If you would like an in-house massage, a gentleman named Emiliano can come to the house and give you an 1 hour massage for only 500 pesos or a 90 minute massage for 700 pesos.. He speaks good English and Spanish. He will do Swedish massage, deep tissue massage or a combination of both. He needs 24 hour notice, so if you would like to use this service just let me know and I will arrange it for you. U.S. 417 894-2440 or email at magiazulcaribe@gmail.com
Money Changers - There is a casa de cambia to change money for pesos on Calle 60 by Santa Lucia Park. There are also some on Calle 60 on your way to the Main Square.
ATM - There are several banks on Calle 59 between 52 and 56 that have ATMs. There are also several on Paseo Montejo also.
THINGS TO DO
First go to yucatanliving.com and look at their interactive calendar of events. You will find many things that are going on in Merida during your dates.
Here are a few weekly events that I like
Free Walking tour every morning at 10 - at Casa Montejo on the main Square, Calle 63 between 60 and 62 Look for the Green Umbrella.
Mondays - Vaqueria
Performances by the Ballet Folklorico de Merida, accompanied by the Orchestra Jaranera. This celebration has its roots in the 18th century, when cattle ranching was the main source of wealth on the Yucatan Peninsula. Ranchers held huge fiestas to show off their wealth during branding time. The dances were adapted by the wives of the cowboys and soon developed into the signature dances of Yucatan.
Preview: Monday's Vaqueria
Location: In front of the Municipal Palace (the building with the clock), Calle 62 x 63
Time: The first note of “Aires Yucatecos” begins at 9:00 PM, every Monday
Admission: Free
Tuesday- Musical Memories
This weekly dance has been held every Tuesday night since Valentine's Day, 1984. Come out and enjoy the Big Band sounds of the 1940's, performed by members of the wonderful Jaranera Orchestra. Best of all, this is a great place to practice your chachacha and your mambo, or just sit and watch others enjoy dancing under the stars. You can even have dinner at a cocina economica while you watch!
Preview: A Salsa Night in Parque de Santiago
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 x 59
Time: 8:30 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: Free
Thursday - Serenata Yucateca (Yucatecan Serenade)
This is the defining serenade of Merida and has been performed every Thursday night for over 40 years. Parque Santa Lucia, home to the Altar to Trova is the center of Merida's romantic heart. If you are a visitor, make sure to see this particular serenade. It is well worth becoming a part of your first memory of Merida.
Preview: Trova and Merida with Los Juglares
Location: Parque de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 x 55
Time: 9:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: Free
Saturday - Tours of the Cathedral in English
The tour includes the choir loft, the north belltower, parts of the roof and more! This news is very exciting because these spaces were previously off limits. We often forget that we live with the second oldest Cathedral in the New World, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso. Merida’s cathedral is built on top of the Mayan city of T’ho. Many of the stones used in the construction of the cathedral and other old structures in Merida were taken from the temples of this ancient city. Some of us pass the Cathedral every day and hardly take notice of it anymore. These tours will be a way for English speakers to learn more about the Cathedral and better appreciate its role in the history of Yucatan.
Time: The tour in English is on Saturdays at 10:00 AM. The tour in Spanish is on Saturdays at 4:00 PM.
Admission: $50 pesos per person with tickets available inside the main doors of the Cathedral.
Operas at the Movies
Operas are presented on the first Saturday of every month. This has become one of the most well attended events in the City and we hope to see everyone there!
Location: Movie theatre at the Mundo Maya Museum by Siglo XXI
Time: Brief opera talk 11:30 AM, Opera begins 12:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Slow Foods Farmer’s Market
Organic produce, organic eggs, organic coffee, miscellaneous organic goods, cut flowers and potted plants, artisanal cheeses, ethnic foods homemade baked goods, homemade pasta, sauces, dips, preserves, organic honey, organic meats and much more! A great place to meet fellow expatriates as well.
Location: Avenida Reforma (Calle 72) x Avenida Colon, García Ginéres
Time: 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Noche Mexicana
Each Saturday night, there is a performance on an outdoor stage at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, often from a musical or dance group from another part of Mexico. Chairs are set up for the audience, but there is often standing room only. Booths selling food and handicrafts are set up in the park. The purpose of this performance is to bring all of Mexico to Merida and to our tourists from all over the world.
Location: At the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, at the Remate (corner of Calle 47)
Time: 8:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free]
En El Corazón de Mérida (In the Heart of Merida)
Live music, including jazz, salsa and trova, held on various stages around the Plaza Grande. Many of the streets leading to the Plaza are closed to all but foot traffic, and the restaurants and bars put their chairs and tables outside in the streets. This is a night designed for that Saturday night date, but they’ve got all of the shops open for business too.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Sunday (Domingo)
Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta begins early, at 8:00 AM, though we see them setting up as early as 7:00 AM. It ends at 12:30 PM. The route usually begins at Ermita de Santa Isabel, with stops at Monumento a la Patria, Paseo de Montejo x 33 y Ave. Cupules, Paseo de Montejo x 29, Paseo de Montejo x Ave. del deportista, and Paseo de Montejo x 42. Along the way, participants can participate in health education programs, music and dancing, art and sculpture classes, soccer games and more. If anyone wants to pick up a chess game, one can be found on the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo de Montejo at 9:00 AM. There is a complete listing of activities (they change weekly) on the Bici-Ruta website.
Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, runs through the Plaza Grande and ends at the glorietta on Prolongacion Paseo de Montejo (by Burger King), also in Ciudad Caucel around Animaya/
Time: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
Merida En Domingo
Sunday downtown is a spectacular tradition in Merida. Start at the center of the city, where booths are set up all the Plaza Grande. Inside the plaza, you can find huipiles, guayaberas, honey, dolls, bags, tee-shirts and more. Everything is made for sale by the local people of Yucatan. The outer ring of booths sell food, such as marquesitas, tacos, cochinita, ice cream (try the coconut), fruit, drinks, etc. If the crowd starts to get to you, wander up Calle 60 to Santa Lucia Park, at Calle 55, where you can also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. At that lovely park, there is also live music, lots of dancing, and more great food.
Location: in the Centro Historico: Plaza Grande, Parque Santa Lucia (Cale 60 x 55) and MACAY Museum (Calle 60 x 61 y 63).
Time: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
Sunday Art on Paseo de Montejo
Every Sunday there are artists displaying and selling their fine art along Paseo Montejo. There are usually 20 or more artists showing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and more. This is your chance to meet the artists, see what’s new and maybe pick up something great for those big empty walls in your new renovated home in Merida or that house by the beach.
Location: Paseo de Montejo in front of VIPS (on the southeast corner of Avenida Colon, across from WalMart)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
The Yucatan Symphony - Every Friday evening at 9pm & Sunday afternoon at 12. The symphony here is really good and ridiculously cheap 80 to 150 pesos for tickets. If you have never been to a symphony here is your chance to hear beautiful music in a pretty historic theater. They get visiting musicians from all over the world and the resident members of the symphony are also international. http://www.sinfonicadeyucatan.com.mx/inicio.php#
Things to See.
Haciendas - Here’s a good article about haciendas in the area. http://www.yucatanliving.com/print.php?article=164
Cenotes - if you have not swam in a cenote then you MUST swim in one while you are here. They are magical. There are various tours you can book. I like going to Satuto de Peon because you get a Hacienda and a cenote all in one. They have a tour office on Calle 55 between a Printer (on the corner of 58 &55) and an Artisan Shop. There is no sign on the door yet.
Ruins -
Chicen Itza and Uxmal Most my clients like Uxmal the best.
Celestun - During tithe season you can see thousands of flamingos, but off season there are still a lot there. You can read about this in the Yucatan Today Magazine.
Both Cathedrals - The smaller Cathedral is on Calle 60 about halfway between Santa Lucia Park and the main square or zocalo. If the doors are open look inside. There is beautiful baroque architecture and artwork.
The Governors Palace - tells the interesting and brutal history of the area through 27 beautiful murals. If you like art and history you will want to see this. Most of the murals are on the second floor. Be sure to go to the 2nd floor front ballroom. It is the prettiest room with the most murals and it is a great location to get photo of the zocalo. The green building on the Corner of 60 and 61. Free.
Macay Modern Art Museum - nice museum on 2 levels. The exhibits change. Located on the main square next to main Cathedral. The entrance in in the glass domed walkway.
Casa Montejo - Today it houses a bank and museum with a permanent exhibition of renovated Victorian, neorococo and neorenaissance furnishings of the historic building.
Free. Located right on the zocalo on Calle 63 #506 Hours Mon - Fri 10 -7 Sat. 10 to 2
Quinta Molinas - http://www.laquintamm.com This a a beautiful mansion on Paseo Montejo you can tour in the afternoons. Check website for times.
House and Garden Tour - http://www.meridaenglishlibrary.com/house-garden-tour/ Every Tuesday 9 - 12 between Nov. and March.
SHOPPING:
Coqui Coqui - Spa & Perfumery This is a luxury spa that is gorgeous and also a wonderful place to pick up a custom perfume. 96
The gift Shop at Media Mundo Hotel - Ring the bell and they will let you in. They have cute things at a reasonable price.
The gift shop at the corner of 55 y 60 across the intersection from Santa Lucia Park.
The cheapest place to get Mexican tops is from the Indians on the street. If you go into any go the shops on 60 or on 62 if the items are not priced do not pay what they are asking. It is probably at least double what they would take for the item.
There are cute shoes on Calle 55 after the park.
El Studio - On Paseo Montejo has some cute housewares and gifts.
100% Mexicano at the San Angel Boutique Hotel at the Remate of Paseo Montejo. This store has nice examples of handicrafts from all over Mexico.
The gift shop in the Museum of Popular Art just a block and a half from the house has really good prices on some cute things. They don’t have a huge selection but good prices and the museum is worth seeing. Go down 52 and turn left on 57. go one block and it is on the corner of Mejorada Park.
On Sunday mornings and afternoons there are all kinds of both of handicrafts on the main square until about 2. There are also some both at Santa Lucia Park.