Merida, FOUND: Mexico’s Cultural Gem with Colonial Charm

Merida is colorful in every sense of the word. The vibrant capital of Yucatan blends colonial charm, Mayan heritage, and contemporary culture. Often referred to as the “White City” due to its pristine white limestone buildings, the facades of which are painted in rich pastels. From its historic center to the vibrant street life pulsing through each plaza, this city hums with warmth and heritage. Often overlooked in favor of its coastal neighbors, Merida is where culture takes center stage and time slows just enough for you to savor every moment.

We love Merida for its walkability, rich traditions, and the way it bridges old-world elegance with a modern creative spirit. It's perfect for couples, families, and anyone craving a less touristy, more soulful Mexico experience.

Getting There

Fly to Merida International Airport (MID) or drive from Cancun (~3.5 hours)
Private air charter from Cancun, Holbox, Playa Del Carmen
Maya Train from Cancun
Found Tip: Combine with a Yucatan road trip or use Merida as a home base for day trips.
Where to Stay

Casa Lecanda – 7-room adults-only boutique hotel in a restored colonial casona. Courtyard pool, gardens, balconies, and personalized service.
Coqui Coqui Merida “L’Epicerie” – One-suite residence in a 1903 Belle Epoque townhome. The hotel also houses Coqui Coqui Perfumeria apothecary and features a fantastic rooftop with a terrace, private pool, and plush décor.
Decu Downtown – 8-room boutique retreat in a 19th-century mansion. Colonial design meets modern luxury with pool, spa, and 24-hour concierge.
Chablé Yucatán – Award-winning hacienda resort on 750 acres. Casitas with plunge pools, cenote spa, golf, and fine dining at Ixi’im led by Michelin-starred chef Jorge Vallejo.
The Diplomat Hotel – Owner-run 5-suite hotel in Santiago. Walkable, heartfelt, and boutique colonial charm.
Casa Loreto – Historic 1893 quinta restored into three luxury suites with gym, pool, gardens, and spa services.
Rosas & Xocolate – Iconic pink façade on Paseo Montejo. 17 suites, rooftop jazz bar, tequila bar, and chocolate-based spa treatments.
Cigno Hotel – Adults-only 1930s restored mansion in La Ermita: restaurant, bar, library, and two pools.
Hotel Sureño – Michelin Key 1920s mansion in Centro. 17 rooms, rooftop pool, and terrace with live jazz.
TreeHouse Boutique Hotel – 15-room adults-only retreat in Santa Ana. Michelin Key recognition, pool, garden, café, and bakery.
Adoro Hotel – 14-suite adults-only boutique. Each room is themed after Yucatecan songs—colonial luxury with modern touches.
Hacienda Santa Cruz – Restored 19th-century henequen plantation in Cuxtal Ecological Reserve. 25 rooms, spa, pools, and dining.
Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana – 18th-century sisal plantation turned luxury boutique: spa, yoga deck, restaurant, and suites blending history and modern design.
Private Rental – Mérida offers many stunning private villas and casonas behind colorful doors. Perfect for vacations, retreats, and events. (Custom inquiry only)
Things to Do

Visit Centro Histórico – Colorful colonial architecture, plazas, markets. Sundays feature “Mérida en Domingo” with performances and food vendors.
Catedral de San Ildefonso – Built in 1562, the oldest cathedral in continental America.
Paseo de Montejo – Grand boulevard of neoclassical mansions, museums, boutiques, and cafés.
Casas Gemelas / Casas Cámara – Twin Beaux-Arts mansions on Paseo Montejo. One is still private, the other is open for tours.
Day trip to Izamal – Pueblo Mágico, known as the Yellow City. Visit Convento de San Antonio de Padua (1561) and climb pyramids like Kinich Kakmó.
Explore Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Mayan ruins, just an hour south. Highlights include Pyramid of the Magician, Governor’s Palace, and House of Turtles.
Mezcal tastings – Try Curatodo Botico de Vino y Mezcal or Acervo Mezcalero.
Boutique shopping – Visit Taller Maya, Casa T’HO, Xinu Perfumes, Coqui Coqui Perfumeria, and Vernáculo Studio.
Regional Anthropology Museum – Located in Palacio Cantón, showcasing Mayan civilization.
Sit in the Sillas Confidentes – Iconic white double chairs perfect for photos.
Cenotes Santa Bárbara – 4 beautiful cenotes 45 minutes from Mérida. Lockers, showers, and restrooms are available.
Mercado de Santiago – Local market with fresh goods and home to Taquería La Lupita.
Where to Eat & Drink Part One

El Lagarto de Oro – Local cantina with tapas-style food and weekend music.
Taquería La Lupita – Legendary cochinita pibil tacos inside Mercado de Santiago.
Micaela Mar y Leña – Award-winning seafood, meats, and oyster bar.
Manifesto: Casa Tostadora Calabrese – Specialty coffee roastery and café run by Italian brothers.
La Chaya Maya – Iconic Yucatecan restaurant with courtyard dining.
Manjar Blanco – Contemporary Yucatecan cuisine in a garden setting.
Tinoco Café – Coffee and brunch in Barrio de Santiago.
SOCO Mérida – Beloved bakery and café with fresh breads and coffee.
Pizza Neo – New York-style pizzas with sourdough crust.
La Cubanita – Family-run spot for authentic Cuban food.
El Lucero – Classic cantina with botanas and live music.
Barretto – First-ever espresso bar in Mérida.
Oliva Enoteca – Upscale Italian restaurant with 200+ wines.
Catrin – Mexican cuisine with bold murals and cocktails.
Wayan’E – Iconic taco spot beloved by locals.
Where to Eat & Drink Part Two

Salon Gallos – Yucatecan-Lebanese fusion in a restored factory with cinema/art.
Sempere– Café and bookstore fostering community.
MUGY (Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca)– Restaurant-museum celebrating regional cuisine.
Ixi’im – Fine dining at Chablé Yucatán with Mexico’s most extensive tequila collection.
Marmalade Centro – Cozy brunch spot with French-Mexican dishes.
El Cardenal Cantina – 100-year-old cantina with live music.
La Negrita Cantina – Mérida’s first bar (1917), vibrant and lively.
Cuerno de Toro Taproom – Family-run craft brewery with live music.
El Dzalbay Cantina – Known for live jazz and blues.
Mezcalería La Fundación – Bohemian mezcal bar with 50+ varieties and salsa nights.
Mayan Pub – Laid-back beer garden with live music.
Pipiripau Bar – Outdoor courtyard bar with cocktails and live music.
Patio Petanca – Social bar with yard games and tacos.
Found Travel Tips

The weather is hot year-round; pack light layers
Sunday is the best day for street markets + local vibes
Bring cash/pesos for smaller shops + tips
Uber is easy + safe in town
Bring your bug spray—often available at your hotel
Bring walking shoes, the entire city is super walkable