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, or Playa Del Carmen
Maya Train from Cancun
Found Tip: Combine your visit with a Yucatan road trip or use Merida as a home base for day trips to nearby areas of interest.
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 called the “kissing 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. We highly suggest visiting the Taquería La Lupita.
Where to Eat & Drink Part One

El Lagarto de Oro - A popular cantina for locals and visitors, featuring tapas-style Mexican cuisine with a wide selection of beverages and live music on weekends.
Taqueria La Lupita - This bustling taqueria in Mercado de Santiago is a culinary landmark in the city. Simplicity, combined with fresh ingredients and quick service, is why this is a place we could eat every meal. The entire menu is worth trying, but the Cochinita Pibil tacos are a must-try.
Micaela Mar y Leña – Opening in 2018, this restaurant has quickly become a standout in the city's culinary scene. Specializing in wood-fired meats and seafood, as well as the region’s first oyster bar, they blend Yucatecan flavors with modern techniques—2024 winner of Best Restaurant in Mexico by the Mexico Gastronomic Guide.
Manifesto: Casa Tostadora Calabrese - A specialty coffee roastery founded by two Italian brothers, combining Italian passion with Mexican coffee excellence. Offering artisanal coffee, sourced from various regions of Mexico, and light breakfast options like croissants, paninis, and pastries. Located in the heart of Barrio de Santiago, this spot fills up quickly, so arrive early.
La Chaya Maya Casona - Authentic Yucatecan dining experience offering a variety of traditional dishes in a picturesque courtyard.
Manjar Blanco - Modern take on traditional Yucatecan dishes served in both an open-air garden and an indoor setting.
Tinco Cafe - Prized for its excellent coffee and thoughtful brunch menu in a cozy, stylish space, perfect for casual work sessions.
SOCO Merida - Locals’ favorite, this artisanal bakery, along with baked goods, serves specialty coffee and juices as well as all-day breakfast and brunch cocktails.
Where to Eat & Drink Part Two

Pizza Neo -New York style pizzas complete with sourdough crust and lactofermented tomato sauce for depth of flavors. The pies are fired in an Italian wood-burning oven and are absolutely incredible.
La Cubanita - Family-run restaurant serving authentic and generous portions of traditional Cuban food in a homey setting. The menu rotates daily, and the service is always spot on.
El Lucero - Classic Yucatecan cantina with a rustic palapa courtyard, this spot offers affordable Yucatecan small plates, botanas, a curated cocktail program, and daily live music.
Barretto - Merida’s first espresso bar, a local favorite for flat whites, exceptional coffees, and pastries in a rustic space.
La He Quatro Sette - European style charm at this chic cafe in Santa Ana serving illy coffee, Mexican teas, and vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch dishes.
Oliva Enoteca - Upscale Italian dining offering an ever-changing menu of artisan pastas, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes. The wine list is impressive and curated by the chef, offering over 200 labels.
Catrin - Contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, the dining room adorned with vibrant murals depicting Mexican culture and a bar program that pushes the boundaries of traditional mixology.
Where to Eat & Drink Part Three

Anima - Farm-to-table restaurant known for its custom-designed offset smoker and wood-fired grill, producing unique Yucatecan flavors. Adjacent to the main dining area, a listening bar offers a curated selection of music to enjoy while enjoying crafted cocktails and fine wines.
Wayan’E - Beloved by locals, a go-to spot for Yucatecan tacos and tortas.
Salon Gallos - Located inside a repurposed and restored oatmeal factory, prepare for a unique experience with both the food, a fusion of Yucatecan and Lebanese flavors, and the space that features a wine bar, cinema, and art gallery.
Sempere - Founded and operated by three women, this cafe is a cultural hub fostering a sense of community. The concept here blends the pleasure of literature and coffee. Grab a coffee and head up to the curated bookstore on the second floor to explore a diverse range of books.
Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca- MUGY - This museum/restaurant serves authentic Yucatecan food in a colonial-style courtyard with live regional music on the weekends. The museum showcases and celebrates the history of Yucatecan cuisine through various exhibits. MUGY hosts cultural events, cooking demonstrations, and themed dinners that allow you to engage with local culture and culinary traditions.
Ixi’ im - Distinguished fine dining establishment of Chable Yucatan. Ixi’im, which in Maya means corn, symbolizes its connection to local traditions and ingredients. Under Executive Chef Luis Ronzon (Noma and Quintonil), both à la carte and seasonal tasting menus are offered. Guests can enjoy curated tequila tastings from the world’s most extensive tequila collection, including rare and vintage labels.
Where to Eat & Drink Part Four

Marmalade Centro - Charming breakfast/brunch spot offering a combination of Mexican and French-style dishes.
El Cardenal Cantina - a 100-year-old cantina that has maintained its timeless ambiance and rustic charm. With live nightly music showcasing emerging local artists, Cardenal remains a key part of the local culture scene.
La Negrita Cantina - Merida’s first bar, opened in 1917, blends tradition, live music, and Yucatecan nightlife. We at Found believe you must visit to experience Merida’s vibrant social culture. Here, old world charm meets contemporary design, and an impressive bar program, live music, encouraging patrons to get up and dance.
Cuerno de Toro Taproom - Small, family-founded and run brewery, offering a rotating lineup of craft beers paired with excellent foods and live music. — (no site found)
El Dzalbay Cantina - Known as Merida’s “house of live music”, features nightly jazz and blues performances in a colonial-era corner building with a small courtyard and rooftop. They have a diverse and strong beer and cocktail program, serving casual fare.
Mezcalaria La Fundación - Bohemian vibes, eclectic and stylish decor, offering over 50 mezcal varieties and a robust cocktail program. Hosting live music, DJs, and salsa dance classes, the energy here is infectious and spills onto the dancefloor.
Mayan Pub - Shaded beer garden vibe, featuring diverse music from reggae to jazz, pool table, great drinks, and pub-friendly staples.
Pipiripau Bar - Outdoor courtyard with lively atmosphere, with live music on the weekends and classic cocktails and bar bites all week.
Patio Petanca - Social bar blending live music, classic yard games, with excellent drinks 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, and available in town
Bring your bug spray— it is often not available at your hotel
Bring good walking shoes; the entire city is super walkable and best see on foot