Merida
Mérida is the biggest city in Yucatán and also the capital of the state. It's a lively place with a mix of Mayan and colonial history. The downtown area is bustling with shops, markets, and lovely squares. The vibe in Mérida is vibrant and welcoming, just like you'd expect from a capital city! It's a fantastic spot to spend a day or two soaking up the atmosphere.
You can reach Mérida in 2 hours from Valladolid and about 2.5 hours from Campeche.
Plaza de la Independencia, also called Plaza Grande, is the heart of the city. With its shady trees and a pretty fountain, it's a perfect spot to relax and grab a coffee from one of the street vendors or nearby coffee shops.
Surrounding the plaza are landmarks like the grand San Ildefonso Cathedral, government buildings, the Olimpo Cultural Center, the Macay Museum, and lots of shops and restaurants.
The area north of the plaza is bustling with shops, making it a great place to spend the day wandering around!
Here's a cool fact: Plaza de la Independencia is even older than the city itself!
Mercado Lucas de Galvez is a big local market right in downtown Merida where you can find pretty much anything you need, from food to animals to electronics and clothes! Don't miss out on trying some delicious street food while you're there.
Remember, it's totally okay to haggle over prices! Since you're a tourist, they might try to charge you more, so negotiating can save you some money.
And if you're up for more market fun, check out Mercado San Benito too! It's another cool spot worth exploring.
Just 40 kilometers north of the city is Progreso, a little port town. It's a popular stop for cruise ships because it's got the longest pier in the world, stretching out 6.5 kilometers into the Gulf of Mexico!
Right along the beach is the Malecón, a walkway lined with bars and restaurants. It's the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat with your toes in the sand! Don't miss out on trying some of the local fish dishes—they're delicious!
At the far end of the Malecón, you'll find some local shops selling crafts and souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up a unique keepsake from your trip.
The Mayan Pub, or Mayan Beer Garden, is hands down one of the coziest bars I've found in Mexico. At the front, you can shoot some pool or play other fun bar games. But the real gem is out back—a big backyard with a bar smack dab in the middle.
Keep an eye out for their happy hour deals; they're seriously a steal! And if you're lucky, you might catch a live band jamming out in the backyard. It's the perfect spot to chill with friends and enjoy some great drinks and music.
Hotel tip: Hostal la Ermita is a small hostel in a calm area, located 10 min walk from the downtown area. It is clean, good breakfast and has a small pool. The rooms are good and you can safely park your car in a guarded area!