Merida City Guide

Merida's food reflects Mayan and Yucatecan cuisine with dishes like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima. There’s also growing international variety and better vegetarian and vegan options. Street food stalls and some restaurants stay open late, especially weekends.

Nightlife is relaxed but lively with bars, live music (especially trova), and clubs. Popular spots include Paseo de Montejo and Santa Lucía park.

Developing scene with traditional and specialty shops focusing on local beans. Not as extensive as bigger cities but growing.

Tipping is expected, 10-15% at restaurants (20% for great service). Taxi tips aren’t usual unless extra help is provided. Baggers appreciate 5-10 MXN. Tour guides expect 10-20%. Hotel staff usually get 20-50 MXN.

Buy SIM cards at Telcel, AT&T, or Movistar stores and OXXO convenience stores. Telcel has the best coverage, especially outside the city. eSIM options are available depending on your phone. Registration requires an ID or passport.

Known for cleanliness especially in historic and tourist areas. Regular waste pickup with some recycling efforts.

City center has 24/7 OXXO stores, some 24-hour pharmacies and private hospitals with night emergency services. Some food stalls and restaurants open late on weekends.

Supermarkets like Chedraui, Walmart, Soriana, and Super Aki offer a range of products including international items. Local markets like Mercado Lucas de Galvez provide fresh produce. Supermarkets open roughly 7-8 AM to 10-11 PM daily.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in big supermarkets, hotels, and many restaurants. Small shops and local markets usually prefer cash, so carry some with you.

ATMs from HSBC, Scotiabank, Banamex, and BBVA are common. Expect local fees of 30–50 MXN plus possible foreign transaction charges from your bank.

Merida has local and international schools offering bilingual and English instruction. Popular international schools include The American School Foundation of Yucatán and the International School of Merida. Apply early due to waitlists.

A growing community with meetups and events organized mainly via social media. Many find good apartments and use nomad-friendly cafes.

Good green spaces like Parque de las Américas and Parque Santa Lucía with shaded walking and relaxation areas.

Popular routes include Paseo de Montejo and Parque de las Américas. The city is safe and air quality is good.

Several gyms offer varied facilities including pools and CrossFit.

Tennis courts exist mainly at private clubs and sports centers with varied access rules.

Padel courts are available at some clubs with rental options.

Several yoga studios offer different styles and drop-in classes, some with English instructors.

Offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, and Karate with active communities and some English-speaking instructors.

No skiing available due to tropical climate.

Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are available in Progreso. Rentals and guided tours are common.

The Gulf Coast near Progreso is calm with no surfing waves.

Cenote diving and snorkeling are popular around Merida with good visibility and several certification centers.

Several hospitals and clinics offer services with English-speaking staff, mainly private ones like Star Médica and Centro Médico de las Américas. Pharmacies such as Farmacias Similares and Farmacias del Ahorro are common and often have onsite doctors.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink directly. Use bottled or filtered water instead.

The city has many family-friendly parks, cafés, and attractions like the Merida Zoo and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. Baby supplies are easy to find.

One of Mexico’s more LGBTQ+ friendly cities with good acceptance, inclusive venues, and annual pride events. Legal protections exist at state level.

Pet-friendly with many accommodations, restaurants, vet services, and parks. Check pet import requirements before arrival.