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YUCATAN

Things to do in Mérida
by Ron Mader

MEXICO FORUM

MEXICO -- There are many things to do in Mérida.

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PHOTO GALLERY: Merida


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Curiously, despite its tropical atmosphere, Mérida is actually located north of Mexico City.


EAT AND DRINK

TRY THE LOCAL FLAVOR
Mérida has great local food and drink, resulting from the fusion of European, Mexican, and Mayan cultures. Mayan dishes such as pollo pibil, poc chuc, and papadzules are a great introduction to the spices and cooking techniques of the region. Botanas, free appetizers somehat like the Spanish tapas, go great with a michelada, a spicy concoction of beer with lime and peppery seasoning.

EAT IN THE MARKET
Mérida has terrific markets. ‘Merida en Domingo’ features outdoor handcraft markets and food festivals in the Main Plaza, Hidalgo Park, and Santa Lucia Park.

VISIT A CITY PARK
Every evening the city sponsors cultural activities in the public plazas and parks. Thursdays, for example, you can listen to traditional Yucatecan serenades in Santa Lucia Park. On Mondays regional dances are performed at the City Hall.

CULTURE

VISIT A MUSEUM
Mérida has numerous cultural attractions that spotlight regional history and culture. The Regional Museum of Anthropology is housed in a giant white mansion on the corner of Paseo de Montejo and Calle 43.

WALK
The English Library, #524 Calle 53, sponsors walking tours of homes and gardens. Take a free walking tour of the Historical Center - Tours are in English and Spanish and leave from the tourism office of the Municipal Building in the main plaza, 9:30 AM weekdays. Along the beautiful Paseo de Montejo -- the 'Champs Elysees of Mexico' -- a free sculpture show can be enjoyed. The exhibits change each year.

DIAMOND NOTES
The Leones play baseball in Kukulcán Stadium.

FOLK ART
The Casa de las Artesanías, Calle 63 #503 (between 64 and 66, offers a great introduction to local handicrafts, including palm hats and hammocks. Check out our regional craft guide.

LEARN

LEARN SPANISH
Mérida is a great center for learning. There are at least a dozen schools. For tips, consult our Language School FAQ.

INSIDER TIPS

CHANGE THE WORLD
When making a purchase that involves change, bring a few coins and small bills.

CHANGE THE WORLD, PART 2
Left over change? Take it downtown and give it to the musicians. Support the arts!

WIRELESS
Looking for wireless internet? There are plenty of cybercafes.


VISITING?

LOCATION -- Mérida is located 315 kilometers (195 miles) from Cancún, 92 kilometers from Celestun, 165 kilometers from Campeche City.

Travel!

AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.


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